An Exhibition of Contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous Art and Culture
The title Shapeshifters embodies the Northwest Coast Indigenous peoples’ connection and respect for the cleverness of the Raven. It also reflects their diverse cultures’ ability to persevere and adapt to change for millennia.
With a focus on the four different Northwest Coast art styles, noted by guest curator Lee Brooks, Shapeshifters features selections from the San Juan Islands Museum of Art’s First Nation Artists collection, along with work by some of the Northwest Coast’s most renowned contemporary Indigenous artists, including Christian White, Robert Davidson, Dan Friday, Rande Cook, Susan Point, Tom Hunt, Greg Colfax, Tim Paul, Richard Hunt, Reg Davidson, Lionel Samuels, Moy Sutherland, Gordon Dick, Shaun Peterson, Norman Tait, Ernest Swanson and many more.
SJIMA - Summer 2025
“Wendy and the gang at the SJIMA were great to work with. Such a considerate presentation."
-Dan Friday
Co-curators Lee Brooks & Assistant Director Wendy Smith
Working alongside Lee Brooks as co-curator of Shapeshifters was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Lee brings deep knowledge and understanding of Northwest Coast Indigenous art, working with artists for 30 years as an art dealer and owner of Arctic Raven Gallery in Friday Harbor. Our collaboration resulted in a powerful, thought-provoking and visually stunning exhibition featuring the works of 32 renowned artists.
Truly a profound and rewarding experience. Deep gratitude. - Wendy Smith
