This year marks 100 years since the birth of Jacob Lawrence. Seattle became his home in 1970 when he arrived to teach at the University of Washington. The University and the city are celebrating him in many ways.
The Jacob Lawrence Gallery in the Art Building is hosting an exhibition titled Jacob Lawrence: The Legend of John Brown + Other Works through March 4.
Seattle Art Museum has Lawrence's The Migration Series on show through April 23. This is a rare opportunity to see the entire 60-panel series in one venue. Read an article about the exhibition by Emily Pothast (MFA 2005) in The Stranger. City Arts also has a review.
Step Afrika! has created a multi-media performance inspired by The Migration Series. They will have three full-length performances at Meany Center for the Performing Arts in mid-February. A one-hour version will be held at Seattle Art Museum; it is free, but they are requesting RSVPs.
There are other events at the Seattle Art Museum and around the city related to Jacob Lawrence and migrations. The museum has compiled a list in this press release (link downloads a PDF). Select events are highlighted in this Vanguard Seattle post.
Last, but definitely not least, Marcie Sillman of KUOW produced a story in January about the impact of Lawrence's teaching at the University of Washington.