A Fossil and a Seahawk at the Burke

2/11/15 Eurhinosaurus fossil

The Burke Museum held a Behind-the-Scenes Night for members last evening. They opened up many of their collections that are generally not accessible to the public or are simply not on view right now. While I found them fascinating, especially the rare and old textiles and baskets, the viewing spaces were crowded and tight – not very conducive to sketching. After getting my fill of that, I wandered out to the regular exhibits, where I never run out of things to sketch.

2/11/15 Kwakwaka'wakw transformation mask

My first stop was the fossil of a huge Eurhinosaurus, a 185-million-year-old marine reptile. After sketching it from a distance, I walked up to it to get a closer look and spotted (relatively) tiny fossilized nautilus shells around the reptile.

Next I saw “Here and Now: Native Artists Inspired,” an exhibit of the work of contemporary artists who have been influenced by their ancestors. On temporary loan to the museum in this exhibit is a Kwakwaka’wakw transformation mask that was carved in the late 19^th century on Vancouver Island. The original inspiration for the Seahawks logo, the mask will be on view through July 27. 

This is a good time to make a pitch for the Seattle Urban Sketchers outing on March 15, which will be at the Burke! I hope you’ll be able to make it – the Burke is full of amazing things to sketch! Details coming soon.