Recent Acquisitions
September 28, 2024 - June 08, 2025
Recent Acquisitions presents newly acquired artworks by artists with deep connections to the Pacific Northwest. Some artists were born here, others are transplants—all have meaningfully shaped our artistic community. Reflecting the artistic production in our region, the gathered artworks defy genre conventions, often pushing the boundaries of their mediums. Ellen Lesperance (born 1971, lives and works in Portland, Oregon) meticulously translates knitting patterns into paintings, and Gretchen Frances Bennett (born 1960, lives and works in Seattle) evokes the grain of lo-fi digital imagery through precise color pencil marks. Margie Livingston’s (born 1953, lives and works in Seattle) “paint object” employs acrylic paint as sculptural material, while Natalie Ball’s (born 1980, lives and works in Chiloquin, Oregon) assemblages incorporate the scents of their organic materials. The museum acquired many of the included artworks through its Local Ties initiative, which furthers the Frye’s commitment to championing local artists.
Recent Acquisitions is organized by Georgia Erger, Curator.
Generous support provided by Frye Members.
Installation view of Recent Acquisitions, Frye Art Museum, Seattle, September 28, 2024–June 8, 2025. Photo: Jueqian Fang
Ellen Lesperance. We are the Gentle Angry Women and We Are Singing for Our Lives, 2015. Gouache and graphite on tea-stained paper. 22 x 29 ½ in. Frye Art Museum, Gift of Cathy and Michael Casteel, 2024.006.02
Gretchen Frances Bennett. Ginkgo biloba, 2023. Colored pencil on paper. 35 x 49 in. Frye Art Museum, purchased with funds provided by Lucy and Stuart Williams, 2024.003. Photo: Jueqian Fang
Margie Livingston. Study for 2x4 with yellow fill, 2011. Acrylic with steel wall shelf. 1 1/4 x 24 x 3 in. Frye Art Museum, Gift of Cathy and Michael Casteel, 2024.006.03. Photo: Richard Nicol
Installation view of Recent Acquisitions, Frye Art Museum, Seattle, September 28, 2024–June 8, 2025. Photo: Jueqian Fang
Natalie Ball. Baby, 2018. Cotton cloth, twine, clay, leather, metal jingles, deer legs, shoes. 20 x 12 x 17 in. Frye Art Museum, Gift of Janice Niemi and Dennis Braddock, 2023.006.07. Photo: Jueqian Fang
Tracy + the Plastics. Frye, 2006/2014. Performance and digital video (color, sound); 9:08 min. Frye Art Museum, purchased with funds provided by Lucy and Stuart Williams, 2024.001