Michael Spafford: Mythic Themes

An exhibition of paintings, drawings, and woodcuts by Seattle artist Michael Spafford opens Saturday, January 31, 1987. The exhibition, entitled The Mythic Themes of Michael Spafford, is being presented by Western Gallery and the Whatcom Museum of History and Art, co-curated by Thomas Johnston and George Thomas.

The collaborative effort between the two exhibiting institutions provides a unique opportunity to view major works from several of the series of mythological subjects that have provided inspiration for the artist. This exhibition presents current as well as earlier works from these series, giving the viewer insights into the development of visual ideas and the working method of the artist. Western Gallery will exhibit paintings and woodcuts from the Labors of Hercules series and Europa and the Bull, which range in date from 1970 to 1986. The Whatcom Museum will exhibit works from the themes of Leda and the Swan, Perseus and Medusa, the Chimera series, and the Mexican myth of Coatlicue. This exhibition is supported in part by grants from the Washington State Arts Commission and the Western Foundation.