[A picture containing font, graphics, screenshot, design Description automatically generated]MEDIA ALERT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 15, 2024 MEDIA CONTACT: Derek Nguyen, Marketing and Communications Director, Washington State Historical Society, 253-317-1273 derek.nguyen@wshs.wa.gov<mailto:derek.nguyen@wshs.wa.gov> Join us for IN THE SPIRIT Contemporary Native Arts Opening Reception & Artist Awards [A sign with text and images Description automatically generated]<https://www.washingtonhistory.org/event/in-the-spirit-artist-awards-2024/> What: – Guests are invited to gain first access to the 19th Annual IN THE SPIRIT Contemporary Native Arts Exhibition<https://www.washingtonhistory.org/exhibit/in-the-spirit-2024/> at the Washington State History Museum. Tour the exhibition, enjoy light refreshments and an awards ceremony with contributing artists. The awards categories include Best in Show, Spirit of the Northwest, Honoring Innovation, Honoring the Ancestors, and the Purchase Prize. Throughout the run of the exhibition, guests will have the opportunity to cast a vote for the People’s Choice Award. This event is free with registration<https://49882.blackbaudhosting.com/49882/IN-THE-SPIRIT-Contemporary-Native-Arts-Artist-Awards>. Who: The Washington State History Museum and contributing artists. When: Opening reception: Saturday, July 20, 2024. 5:30 to 7:00 PM. Exhibition on view July 20 through September 29, 2024. Where: The Washington State History Museum – 1911 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402. Additional Information: More information at: https://bit.ly/ArtistAwards24 ### About The Washington State Historical Society The Washington State Historical Society partners with our communities to explore how history connects us all. The Society's most visible activity, the Washington State History Museum, is located in downtown Tacoma on Pacific Avenue among a thriving cultural scene. The museum features interactive permanent exhibitions about Washington's past in the Great Hall, unique rotating exhibitions highlighting the Society's collections, and dynamic feature exhibitions. It hosts events and programs on a wide range of historical topics. The WSHS also offers curricula for teachers and statewide educational support, as well as consultation, support, and resources for museums and heritage organizations across the state. Derek Bradfield Nguyen Director of Marketing & Communications He/Him Washington State Historical Society 1911 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402 253-317-1273 Become a member! WashingtonHistory.org [signature_2110928103]<https://www.facebook.com/historymuseum>[signature_410049561]<https://twitter.com/HistoryMuseum>[signature_4257932963]<https://www.instagram.com/washingtonhistory/>[signature_3549118552]<https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZRXAl-JqixtE7toeX4BTrg/videos?view_as=subscriber>