Jun 13 Saturday
Supported by KNKX. Gutsy and nuanced as a vocalist, and an accomplished songwriter, arranger, and pianist as well, Judith Hill is likely the only musician who can cite Elton John, Spike Lee, Prince, and Michael Jackson among those who have sought out her talent. One of the highest-profile background singers of her generation, she got her start in the early 2000s, and in the next decade established a solo career with the soundtrack to Lee's Red Hook Summer (2012). Since making these strides, she has built a discography of increasingly refined and creative albums that includes the Prince-produced Back in Time (2015), followed by Golden Child (2018) and Baby, I'm Hollywood! (2021), all while continuing her work in support of other artists. Hill starred in the Academy Award- and Grammy-winning 20 Feet from Stardom, the documentary film showcasing the under-acknowledged work of backup singers.
The daughter of musicians Michiko Hill and Pee Wee Hill, Judith Hill earned a degree in music composition from Biola University, near her native Los Angeles. During the 2000s, she stockpiled background vocalist credits on releases by the likes of Anastacia, Robbie Williams, Evelyn "Champagne" King, and Rod Stewart. In 2009, she was selected to duet with Michael Jackson on "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" during the This Is It concerts, and performed at the King of Pop's memorial service, where she took the spotlight for "Heal the World." During the next few years, Hill continued to work in a background capacity for Elton John, Gregg Allman, and Barry Manilow, to name only a fraction of her connections. Hill saw her profile rise significantly in 2012 and 2013. Earlier in the year, she recorded stirring material for Spike Lee's Red Hook Summer. The following year, she competed on The Voice, appeared on Josh Groban's All That Echoes, and even more notably was featured in 20 Feet from Stardom, which went on to win an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature and a Grammy for Best Music Film.
This endurance cycling event is designed for those who wish to challenge their physical abilities to the maximum while enjoying the lushness of Olympic National Forest. Participants can ride short (25-35 miles), medium (45-55 miles), or long (65-80 miles) distances on a combination of paved and unpaved surfaces, while enjoying towering evergreens and vivid green moss and ferns. There are both competitive and non-competitive Gran Fondo style divisions, all are welcome to give the Gravel Unravel a try on their own terms. Swag and post-race hot food included, plus awards and beer garden. A portion of event proceeds will support local non-profit organizations.
Grab your galoshes and get ready to discover art where you least expect it in BIMA’s Treasure Trek: A Glass Float Seek & Keep!
This summer, 200 hand-blown glass orbs will be hidden on public lands across Kitsap County just waiting to be discovered and treasured by intrepid art lovers like yourself. The rules are simple: you find it, you keep it! (Please only take one per person so more people can enjoy the hunt.)
The orbs will be hidden in parks, on trails and beaches, and throughout public lands across Kitsap County. Never quite in plain sight, the floats could be behind a log, in a tree, in a hollowed-out stump, under a bush, or other spots that help camouflage the grapefruit-sized artworks. But there’s no need to go tromping around off-trail, these translucent treasures will always be about an arm’s reach from marked pathways.
These glass orbs stamped with BIMA’s logo are created by Hilltop Artists, a Tacoma-based youth development arts non-profit. These young glassblowers will create 200 unique “floats” inspired by the glass fishing net floats used by Japanese fisherman.
Found one? It’s yours to keep! Keep just one, but continue to hunt and share photos if you’d like—post your find on social media with the hashtag #BIMATreasureTrek and be entered to win one of five prize packages. Plus, tag us at @bimuseum.of.art so we can reshare your photos!
Our first float drop will be June 1, 2026 and more will be hidden over the next two weeks, so don’t give up if you don’t find one on your first outing.
In celebration of its 30th anniversary, the Washington State Historical Society invites you to explore the history of building the State History Museum. 30 Years and Counting: The Making of the Washington State History Museum is a special exhibition that uncovers the vision, effort, and community spirit that brought this iconic Tacoma landmark to life.
Discover the bold ideas and architectural ingenuity that shaped the museum’s distinctive look. From early sketches to final blueprints, see how the building’s design reflects both innovation and reverence for Washington’s past. Go behind the scenes of the museum’s construction. Through photographs and artifacts from the building process, witness how a dream took shape—brick by brick, beam by beam.
Staff Picks: 30 Objects for 30 Years
In a special feature area, museum staff share their favorite objects from the collection—each one a personal reflection on the power of history to inspire, surprise, and connect us.
Never Turn Back: Echoes of African American Music unveils the profound legacy of Gospel, Blues, Jazz, and Soul artists who shaped the soundscape of American culture and used their music as instruments of resistance, identity, and representation.
Gospel, Blues, Jazz, and Soul embody the profound influence of African American music on culture and history. From the spiritual foundations and transformative movements of Gospel hymns to the revolutionary improvisations of Jazz, the Blues’ Southern roots rising from the Mississippi Delta, and Soul’s powerful amplification of the Civil Rights and Black Power Movements, these genres have defined the unique sound and undying spirit of a nation that continues to echo through contemporary Black music today.
This is a permanent exhibition. Since time immemorial, Tribal nations have existed in this place we call Washington. This Is Native Land invites visitors to understand Washington State through the lived experiences and voices of its Native people.
Tribal nations are sovereign nations. Today, Native history, culture, and community thrive in our state. Through everyday acts of sovereignty – big and small – Indigenous peoples demonstrate they are still here, they have persevered, and they will always be here.
This Is Native Land is guided by three teachings:We are of the land and watersWith knowledge comes responsibilitySovereignty protects people, lands, and waters
These teachings are shared through multimedia, artwork, and interactive objects designed for guest engagement. They represent a contemporary continuation of Tribal stories and traditions.
Over 100 Native contributors from more than 60 Tribes shaped the exhibition’s stories and content. We thank the Native Advisory Committee and all community participants for their contributions.
LeMay – America’s Car Museum proudly presents The Birth of the American Supercar, a groundbreaking exhibition guest curated by renowned automotive innovator Steve Saleen. This one-of-a-kind display invites guests on an exhilarating journey through the evolution of American supercars. From early speed pioneers to cutting-edge modern marvels, visitors will experience a stunning lineup of vehicles that have redefined engineering, speed, and style, built by a wide range of American automotive manufacturers like Ford, Chevy, Dodge, Saleen himself, and even some more obscure ones like Vector, Cunningham, and Hennessey. From roaring V8s to sleek carbon-fiber bodies, discover how American automakers pushed boundaries, challenged European rivals, and redefined what a supercar could be. This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to see some of the most thrilling and historically significant American-made performance vehicles ever built—all under one roof.
Indigenous People Festival is a free, in-person event featuring music, art, goods, and food in celebration of Native cultures. Enjoy live performances of dancing, drumming, music, and singing. You can also discover unique artworks, meet new friends and celebrate with old friends and family. Over 70 Native vendors will be selling jewelry, art, food, and more!
Indigenous People Festival is part of the cultural Festal series at Seattle Center. It is held in partnership with the Center and in collaboration with our community.
“Every piece I create, from the humblest tumbler to the most baroque sculpture, makes a statement about isolation, striving, access, perseverance, boundary pushing, and the pursuit of excellence. I believe my presence in the field as a working-class Black man, striving and excelling in a field occupied chiefly by society’s most privileged (whitest), is a powerful artistic and political gesture. “—Jason McDonald
Glass vessels evocative of the highly ornamented Baroque style, black silhouettes embedded in scenes on ancient pottery vessels, and medallion reliefs of Black figures all abide in the deliberate, expansive practice of Jason McDonald. McDonald’s visual language is deeply rooted in research of ancient histories, traditional techniques, and race. Here, contemporary ideas blend and transform tradition with caring attention to detail, precision in thought, and beauty. Motivated by glass—with its magical properties, myriads of endless possibilities and potential—McDonald’s devotion lies in the desire to refine the craft, making his hands more familiar and knowledgeable with each replication. Through his repetition and re-imagination of these historical forms, the objects transform into sculptures and vessels of time, carrying with them the essence of centuries-old traditions, as well as McDonald’s commitment and insertion of the representation and notions of Black identity. With a commitment to the craft that transcends his own work, McDonald diligently carves out space for those who will follow him through mentoring and the creation of his own glass studio, which he has named Ideal Conditions.
Organized by Tacoma Art Museum and curated by Victoria Miles.
Discover the beauty of rosemaling with our popular painting class!
Enhance your design skills by exploring the rich tradition of Norwegian folk art. This class covers a variety of regional styles, including Telemark, Hallingdal, and Gudbrandsdal. Students will have the opportunity to paint on both decorative and practical objects.
Supplies:Bring your own, or purchase on the day of the program using cash or check!You will need a basic acrylic paint set and small flat and round paint brushes (see a supply guide here(Opens an external site)). Please note that supply fees must be paid in cash or by check if you are purchasing on the day of your class.
Class Details:Classes will be held on Friday/Saturday of each weekend during this three week period. Styles Covered: Telemark, Hallingdal, Gudbrandsdal, and more.Skill Levels: All levels are welcome, from beginners to advanced artists.Class Recommendations: Drop in to a single class or join them all! We recommend registering for at least three classes for the best experience.
