Student Member Rohan Singh says The Frye is his happy place: “One of my favorite things to do on the weekend is to just walk over to the Frye, view some art, eat some food, and relax.” A few years ago, Rohan moved to Seattle from Michigan for work and fortuitously discovered the Frye when exploring the neighborhood. He recalls, “I live on Yesler Terrace and saw the sign for ‘Frye Art Museum’ while walking around. I went to check it out...and was very impressed both by the collection itself, as well as the fact that the museum was free.” Since then, Rohan has become a frequent visitor enjoying the dynamic exhibitions, programming, and events featured at the Frye.
Art has been a part of Rohan’s life since before he can remember, so it’s no surprise that the Frye speaks to him. “My mother is a painter, and I grew up in a home full of her canvases and murals. I grew up watching her paint, and even painting alongside her sometimes as a kid,” he shares.
He continues to explore his creative spirit through museum-going, photography, and making cosplay pieces. He is currently working on his first full cosplay for himself of a Shoretrooper from Star Wars. He describes that “it's all 3D-printed, sanded, and painted. The visor is a heat-molded COVID face shield with an automotive tint.”
Rohan recalls a particularly memorable encounter at the museum during the Fall 2023 Exhibitions Opening Reception, where he had the opportunity to speak directly with artist Rafael Soldi about his show, Soft Boy: “[Soldi’s] work reflected my exact experiences spending time in an all-boys boarding school. It was such a unique experience to be able to share that with the artist himself.” Rohan also remembers participating in a Frye in Focus gallery conversation, which highlighted for him “that art is often a social experience, not just limited to the relationship between a single viewer and a subject. I haven’t ever seen another museum tour art like that.”
Rohan has become an enthusiastic advocate for the Frye, supporting the museum as a member, sharing his experiences with others, and frequently bringing friends to visit. “As someone who is passionate about the arts and education, I appreciate that the Frye breaks down barriers for access to education and culture.” he says. “I think people are so used to museums and other cultural exhibits being exclusively behind pay walls, that the idea of a free museum seems almost too good to be true. When I bring my friends, they’re often amazed by the quality of work on display for free.”
Thank you for sharing your story, Rohan!
To learn more about becoming a supporter of the Frye, please contact donorservices@fryemuseum.org.