[A picture containing font, graphics, screenshot, design Description automatically generated]MEDIA ALERT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 1, 2025 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> [A poster of a group of people in a museum AI-generated content may be incorrect.]<https://www.washingtonhistory.org/event/in-the-spirit-artist-awards-2025/>Celebrate 20 Years of Contemporary Native Art at IN THE SPIRIT Opening Reception What: – All are invited to gain first access to the 20th Annual IN THE SPIRIT Contemporary Native Arts Exhibition<https://www.washingtonhistory.org/exhibit/in-the-spirit-2025/> 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. This year’s jury was organized by s’gʷi gʷi ʔ altxʷ: House of Welcome<https://www.evergreen.edu/houseofwelcome> at The Evergreen State College, a founding partner of IN THE SPIRIT. Guests will have the opportunity to cast a vote for the People’s Choice Award in the exhibition until the afternoon of August 9. This event is free with registration<https://49882.blackbaudhosting.com/49882/IN-THE-SPIRIT-Awards-Ceremony>. Who: The Washington State History Museum, House of Welcome at The Evergreen State College and contributing artists. When: Opening reception: Sunday, July 13, 2025. 2:00 to 4:00 PM. Exhibition on view July 12 through September 14, 2025. Where: The Washington State History Museum – 1911 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402. Additional Information: More information at: https://bit.ly/ITSawards ### About The Washington State Historical Society The Washington State Historical Society works with our communities to explore how history connects us all. Its most prominent activity is the Washington State History Museum, located in Tacoma's Museum District on Pacific Avenue. The museum features interactive core exhibitions about Washington in the Great Hall, rotating special exhibitions, and various public events and programs that cover a wide range of historical topics. The WSHS provides curriculum resources, downloadable exhibitions, and educational support across the state, as well as consultation and resources for museums and heritage organizations.