Behind the scenes at the Shoalwater Bay Heritage Museum.
Cultural Specialist and Shoalwater Bay Tribal Member Kristine Torset, (L) and tribal relative Winona Mail Weber (R). They hold oil paintings by Sharon and Eugene Landry. Painted in1965; reunited in 2021.
Art Exhibit to Open at Shoalwater Bay Tribe Heritage Museum
Tokeland, Washington- The Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe is proud to present Eugene Landry; An Artist, A Time and a Tribe, at the Nahms-chahts Heritage Museum. The exhibit will open September 17th.
The display will include 30 oil paintings by Eugene Landry, (1937-1988) an enrolled Shoalwater Bay artist with Hoh and Quileute descent also. Eugene painted the world around him, and the people in it. His paintings tell a powerful story of mid-twentieth century life on the Shoalwater Bay reservation. Paralyzed at the age of 18, he dedicated his life to perfecting his craft from a wheelchair.
Much of his work was lost after his death.
Twenty-five years later, the collection was found in an attic by Tokeland artist Judith Altruda. She has since dedicated herself to restoring Eugene’s artistic legacy and is writing a book about his life and work.
The Heritage Museum is located on the former site of Landry’s studio. It’s only fitting that the art created here, fifty years ago, is coming home.
“Eugene’s art is so much more than just one man’s view of the world,” says Earl Davis, cultural director of the Shoalwater Bay museum. “It is an important index point that highlights a turning point in tribal history. During Eugene’s time, the people were at a crossroads of struggling and recovery. We have come a long way since then but it is important to remember the effort that went into getting us here. Many of our elders when viewing Eugene’s work reflect upon those times and begin sharing those stories with us. I doubt that he ever intended his work to be such important cultural cues, but that’s exactly what they have become.”
A 2019 Humanities Washington Storyteller’s grant recipient.
The opening reception will take place on September 17th from 3:00-6:00. The exhibit will be on display during regular museum hours; Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-6:00 Admission Free. Masks required. 4115 State Route 105 Tokeland, WA (360) 267-8130