What is Pacific Northwest design? In an age of rapidly increasing globalization, can a regional design ethic exist? An upcoming exhibition, titled “Made Local: Products of the Pacific Northwest,” showcasing the recent work of exceptional designers from Western Washington, Oregon and British Columbia, seeks answers to these questions.
Now through Feb. 29, 2012, a collection of functional objects found in interior spaces, such as furniture, lighting, case work and even door bells that are constructed with a variety of materials will be featured in the exhibition organized by the Interior Design department of Bellevue College.
“This exhibition is a fascinating exploration of the ways designers in the Pacific Northwest are responding to the environment, and to various types of spaces, in very different ways. We wanted to show that there are lots of very talented people with new voices who are redefining what a ‘Northwest’ style means,” said Michael Culpepper, co-curator of the exhibition and chair of the department.
Those who attend can see established Northwest designers and furniture makers such as Seattle’s HenryBuilt and Vancouver’s Molo Design demonstrate the refined craftsmanship of the region. Emerging artists such as Portland’s von Tundra and Seattle’s Iacoli and McAllister will also challenge our assumptions about such refinements. This dialogue between tradition and innovation provides a unique insight into the identity of the Northwest and its design sensibility.
“Made Local: Products of the Pacific Northwest” will be showing at the Bellevue College Art Gallery, Building D, Room 271. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and, Friday 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, please contact Michael Culpepper, co-curator; (206) 914-0830 or michael.culpepper@bellevuecollege.edu