Jayapal Visits Local Art Museum After Helping Them Secure More Than $200,000

SEATTLE – U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) visited the Henry Art Gallery after helping to secure $204,415 for their Collections Storage and Access Upgrade Plan project. The new federal funding will help the museum install new equipment to allow for more efficient storage and ease of access for their art to guarantee its safety and preservation for years to come.

“The Henry was Washington State’s first art museum and has been a Seattle institution for almost 100 years,” said Congresswoman Jayapal. “This funding will help the museum continue their amazing efforts of caring for and preserving their artwork and ensuring the public’s access for academic research and viewing. I look forward to seeing the Henry continue to be a cultural gem in the Pacific Northwest for future generations.”

“I would like to congratulate Sylvia Wolf, who stepped down last spring after leading the Henry Art Gallery for 15 years, on a well-earned retirement. It was an honor to work alongside her to uplift the power of art and I am grateful for her work,” added Jayapal. “I would also like to congratulate Kris Lewis on her appointment as the new Director of the Henry and am looking forward to working with her to expand access to arts, culture, and education.”

This funding comes from the Institute of Museum and Library Services Museums for America grant program. The money will go toward assisting the Henry in caring for its collections, which include over 28,000 works spanning painting, photography, works on paper, ceramics, sculpture,  installation pieces, time-based media and costume and textiles. The project will involve reorganizing and rehousing hundreds of objects, ensuring the safety of art from seismic events, and updating their online inventory and catalog of resources for public research and study.

“Congresswoman Jayapal’s unwavering dedication to Seattle’s artistic and cultural landscape is unparalleled. Her steadfast support played a pivotal role in securing a substantial ‘Save America’s Treasures’ grant for the Henry, ensuring the preservation and enhancement of our museum’s collection for the enjoyment of future generations. Her visit today filled us with joy, and we were honored to showcase the compelling creations of esteemed contemporary artists Sophia Al-Maria, Kelly Akashi, and Raúl de Nieves, currently on view. The Congresswoman stands as a cherished asset to the Henry, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude for her enduring commitment to our great work,” said Kris Lewis the John S. Behnke director of the Henry Art Gallery.

Jayapal wrote letters of support for the Henry to receive funding from this project in 2020, 2021, and 2022.

Issues: Arts & Education