Gauguin & Polynesia Archives

Your Last Chance to See Gauguin & Polynesia!

Seattle Art Museum on Apr 23 2012

The landmark show Gauguin & Polynesia: An Elusive Paradise at the Seattle Art Museum closes Sunday, April 29! SAM will be open extended hours the final week of the show, April 23-29 from 10 am – 9 pm. The museum will also host the following events:

April 24: A Night at the Museum with KING 5
Enjoy a cash bar, photo booth, giveaways and the chance to meet KING 5 personalities, including Jesse Jones, Jim Dever and Tracy Taylor. This fun event is free and open to the public! RSVP>>
April 27: South Seas Dreams: Tahiti as a Cinematic Paradise
In Oviri (The Wolf at the Door), Donald Sutherland gives a passionate portrayal of Gauguin. Get ticket info>>
April 28 & 29: Tahitian Dancing and Drumming
Enjoy Tahitian dancing and drumming brought to you by Te Fare O Tamatoa and their performance group Te’a rama. Be prepared to experience a Marquesan haka (a Polynesian traditional welcome) followed by additional performances. Watch a preview>>

On April 28 and April 29 at the Seattle Art Museum, enjoy Tahitian dancing and drumming brought to you by Te Fare O Tamatoa and their performance group Te’a rama.

Photo by Dan Bennett

Gauguin & Polynesia at the Seattle Art Museum is the only U.S. stop for the exhibition. Don’t miss your chance to see Gauguin’s brilliantly hued paintings, sculptures and works on paper, which are displayed alongside major examples of Polynesian art. Reserve your tickets online now>>

-Madeline Moy, Digital Media Manager

Top photo: Reclining Tahitian Women (The Amusement of the Evil Spirit) Arearea no varua ino, 1894, Paul Gauguin, French, 1848-1903, oil on canvas, 23 5/8 x 38 9/16 in., Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen, Photo: Ole Haupt

TASTE-ing Gauguin & Polynesia

Seattle Art Museum on Mar 28 2012

TASTE Restaurant at SAM has translated the vibrancy of Gauguin & Polynesia: An Elusive Paradise into flavors! The modern, fresh and artistic restaurant is furthering the experience of the exhibition with their new exhibition-inspired menu.

In designing the menu, Executive Chef Craig Hetherington sought to evoke bold, individual flavors while upholding TASTE’s mission of using the best local ingredients. With no more than five or six ingredients per dish, each choice reflects the vivid yet simplistic character of Gauguin’s work. Instead of simply serving Hawaiian food, Hetherington added Polynesian flair to fine local ingredients for a refined interpretation of island cuisine.

The Gauguin-inspired dinner experience begins with a selection of small plates. The St. Jude Albacore Poke is a traditional Tahitian dish highlighting flavors of soy, vinegar and ginger. Another excellent choice is the House Made Spam, crafted from locally raised pork loin and shoulder. The plate offers a sophisticated twist on musubi, a traditional island treat.

The Seared Qualicum Beach Scallops is the perfect entrée to complement the exhibition. In designing this dish, Hetherington drew inspiration from Gauguin’s French roots as well as his travels in Polynesia. A distinctly European chevre potato purée meets the tropical taste of pickled ginger on the plate. TASTE offers special menu choices based on seasonal offerings. Hetherington creates flavors with fresh market fare; a recent special was Mahi Mahi with Spicy Pineapple and Browned Butter.

The Rum Cake is the perfect sweet ending to a Gauguin-inspired dinner. Made with fresh pineapple, mango, kiwi and papaya, and topped with mascarpone cream, this dessert is tantalizing and tropical. Bring your GO! Gauguin coupon to get a free Rum Cake!

If you can’t make it to TASTE for dinner, stop by for lunch or happy hour! The Lunch menu offers Grilled St. Jude Albacore. Like the scallops, this selection combines French and Polynesian fare with a soy and truffle reduction. Kahlua Pork Sliders are featured for happy hour and are served with a green papaya slaw.

At the TASTE bar, Lead Bartender Duncan Chase works for hints of Gauguin in his exhibition-inspired cocktails. Chase explained that Gauguin would have been drinking absinthe in Paris during his life. However, serving absinthe would have resulted in “a lot of very drunk guests” he points out with a smile. Instead, TASTE hand crafted a double-infused pepper vodka for their Special Exhibit Gauguin & Polynesia drink “Hiva Oa.”

“Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good,” said Chase, admitting that the special vodka was simply a delicious experiment. He mixes the liquor with mango puree and basil. The cooling effects of the fresh ingredients make the cocktail drinkable for people who don’t necessarily like heat in their drinks. The initial spice of the pepper vodka dissipates with the sweet mango and crisp basil. Chase calls the cocktail “the fire and the extinguisher all in one glass!”

Chase invites you to come try the drink; he is very proud of the creation. “Of all the bartenders in this city, I have the biggest license to be pretentious,” he jests, “after all, this is an art museum.”

Visit TASTE to extend your Gauguin & Polynesia experience and taste the flavors of the exhibition. Visit www.tastesam.com for more information.

TASTE

Open Tuesday – Sunday

Tuesday | 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. – Lunch & Happy Hour

Wednesday – Saturday | 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Lunch, Happy Hour & Dinner

Sunday | 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Brunch

Closed Monday

Located at 1300 1st Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101
Reservations | 206.903.5291 | GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE!

– Sean C. Fraser, Public Relations Intern

GO! Gauguin Restaurant Deals

Seattle Art Museum on Mar 7 2012

On Thursdays and Fridays, SAM is open until 9 pm. So spend a night at the museum and have dinner before or after your visit to Gauguin & Polynesia: An Elusive Paradise. A variety of Seattle restaurants are offering special menu items and discounts. To take advantage of these deals, simply print out your GO! Gauguin coupon.

SAM is hiding two Gauguin & Polynesia tickets at one of these partner locations. At noon today on Facebook and Twitter, we will reveal a clue for the location of this hidden pair of tickets. The first person to reach the location and say, “Go Gauguin!” wins the tickets.

TASTE Restaurant
At SAM Downtown, 1300 First Ave.

If you’re already at the museum, present your GO! Gauguin coupon while dining at TASTE to receive a complimentary exhibit inspired dessert. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts.

Andaluca
407 Olive Way
Please present your GO! Gauguin coupon for dinner and enjoy 15% discount on your entire food purchase. Offer cannot be combined with any another discounts or promotions.

Fonté Café & Wine Bar
1321 First Avenue
Come see Gauguin & Polynesia at the Seattle Art Museum and present your ticket stub or GO! Gauguin coupon to enjoy 15% off your bill at Fonté Café & Wine Bar located just across the street from the museum. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts, not available at happy hour.

Gordon Biersch
600 Pine Street
GO! Gauguin and save at Gordon Biersch, conveniently located in the heart of downtown at the Pacific Place Shopping Center. Present your GO! Gauguin coupon to enjoy 20% off your entire bill.

Harried and Hungry
1415 Third Avenue
Hungry? Short on time? Hurry on in with your GO! Gauguin coupon and treat yourself to a scrumptious Curried Chicken Salad or a delightful Hawaiian Pizza for a special art-lovers price of just $4.95. Open Monday–Friday from 11 am–2 pm. In honor of the exhibition, Harried and Hungry will be presenting Polynesian-inspired works by local artists on their walls starting in February, so you can bask in the ambience of the tropics while enjoying lunch.

Il Fornaio
600 Pine Street
Present your GO! Gauguin coupon at Il Fornaio at the Pacific Place Shopping Center for a complimentary appetizer or dessert with the purchase of an entree. Offer valid in the Cucina or Risotteria during the exhibition period. Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount.

Japonessa
1400 First Avenue
Just a hop and a skip away from SAM, at the corner of First Avenue and Union Street, Japonessa offers a 20% discount off your next bill when you present your GO! Gauguin coupon. Not eligible for happy hour items. Cannot be combined with other offers, discounts or promotions.

Lecosho
89 University
Come on down to Lecosho – just a stroll away from SAM on the Harbor Steps – and receive 15% off your bill with your GO! Gauguin coupon. You may also enjoy The Gauguin, a special Polynesian-inspired cocktail, for only $5. Not valid with other offers, discounts or during happy hour.

Library Bistro and Bookstore Bar
92 Madison Street
Present your GO! Gauguin coupon during happy hour from 4–7 pm for a Polynesian-inspired cocktail at the Bookstore Bar or take 10% off your food bill in the Library Bistro Monday–Friday, 11:30 am–2:00 pm. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts.

Marché
86 Pine Street
Dine at Marché located in Pike Place Market and delight in their special Gauguin-inspired menu items. Enjoy the Pousee au Crime cocktail, which means “the drink made me do it,” an intoxicating blend of French agricole rhum shot with cane sugar and lime juice for $8. Or try the Tahitian vanilla bean pot de crème with huckleberry conserve for $7.

Mexico Cantina y Cocina
600 Pine Street
At Mexico Cantina y Cocina, located in Pacific Place, you can redeem your GO! Gauguin coupon to enjoy a complimentary appetizer or dessert of your choice with the purchase of one entrée. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts.

Pike Brewing Company
1415 First Avenue
Present your GO! Gauguin coupon at the Pike Pub for your choice of $2 off of a Pike Pint, $4 off of a Pike Pitcher, or 15% off of their merchandise. The Pike Brewing Company is a gravity flow brewery, brewing fine ales and serving a local and sustainable menu. Located on the corner of First Avenue and Union Street, right across the street from SAM. Enjoy a beer before or after the museum. Offer not available during Hoppy Hour, Monday–Friday, 4–6 pm.

The Triple Door
216 Union Street
GO! Gauguin at the Musicquarium Lounge when you present your coupon and receive 15% off your bill during Gauguin & Polynesia. Named for its stunning 1,900 gallon freshwater aquarium, the Musicquarium features live music and entertainment most nights of the week. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts, not valid during happy hour. Located at The Triple Door on the corner of Third Avenue and Union Street.

Wild Ginger Asian Restaurant & Satay Bar
1401 Third Avenue
Satisfy your taste palette with a discounted, special Polynesian-themed appetizer and cocktail when you present your GO! Gauguin coupon at Wild Ginger Asian Restaurant & Satay Bar. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. No substitutions.

-Madeline Moy, Digital Media Manager

Experience the Art and Culture of French Polynesia at Community Day on March 10

Seattle Art Museum on Mar 7 2012

Join us at SAM Downtown on Saturday, March 10 for a fun-filled celebration of French Polynesian art and culture that the whole family can enjoy.

The first 400 people in line at Hammering Man at 10 am will receive free tickets to Gauguin & Polynesia: An Elusive Paradise! These are timed tickets, which means that they are for various time slots throughout the day. Please proceed to the Gauguin & Polynesia gallery entrance on the 4th floor 10–15 minutes prior to the time listed on your ticket.

Community Day activities include art making, tours, dancing and live music.

Experience the power and beauty of Tahitian dancing and drumming performances by Te’a rama, including a Marquesan haka (a Polynesian traditional welcome) with performances at 10:30 am and 1:45 pm in South Hall, and 11 am and 2 pm in the Plestcheef Auditorium.

Enjoy French café music by Rouge in South Hall at 12:30 pm.

Take French lessons from the French Immersion School of Washington and the French American School of Puget Sound.

Participate in all day art making activities will include: paper leis, Polynesian-inspired printmaking, tiki masks, mixed media postcards, and landscape pastels.

Learn Polynesian dances with a lesson from Na Hanu `O Ku`uleialoha at 12 pm in the Arnold Board Room.

-Madeline Moy, Digital Media Manager

Photo Credit: Dan Bennett

GO! Gauguin Deals for Performing Arts

Seattle Art Museum on Mar 7 2012

It’s day three of GO! Gauguin Week and we’re highlighting deals that allow you continue exploring your inner artist through music and theatre. Act soon to take advantage of these deals which provide an opportunity to explore French culture and modern art with specific performances in March and April.

Don’t forget that you’ll need to print your coupon, available here, in order to take advantage of these awesome deals. At noon today on Facebook and Twitter, we’ll be releasing a clue for the location of the hidden pair of tickets for Gauguin & Polynesia: An Elusive Paradise. The first person to reach the secret location and say, “Go Gauguin!” receives these tickets.

Seattle Symphony
200 University Street

Sights and sounds make for a profound experience and when you present your GO! Gauguin coupon at the Seattle Symphony Ticket Office you will receive 10% off the all French program Morlot Conducts Debussy & Ravel on March 15 and 16 at Benaroya Hall. Hurry in to buy your tickets for next week’s concert as the offer is good through March 16, 2012. This offer cannot be combined with other offers or discounts.

Taproot Theatre Company
204 N. 85^th Street

Receive 20% off tickets to Taproot Theatre’s Freud’s Last Session running from March 23 through April 21, 2012. In Freud’s Last Session C.S. Lewis and Freud meet for a stimulating exchange about life, love, and God. For tickets and more information visit their website. To receive the discount use IHEARTSAM online or call the box office at 206.781.9707 and present your coupon at Will Call. This offer is not valid with other offers or previously purchased tickets.

"Red" at the Seattle Repertory Theatre

Seattle Repertory Theatre
115 Mercer Street

Enjoy $5 off tickets to Red, playing at the Seattle Repertory Theatre until March 24, 2012. Winner of six Tony Awards, this sizzling 90-minute drama about famed abstract expressionist Mark Rothko is one of the most intellectually riveting shows to hit Broadway last season. The discount is available for any performance but not valid for D level seating. Use SAM when purchasing your tickets online to receive the offer and don’t forget to visit a real Rothko at SAM in the Modern and Contemporary Galleries when visiting Gauguin & Polynesia.

Return tomorrow for information regarding the GO! Gauguin partner restaurants and learn about the fabulous food deals from local restaurants!

-Sarah Lippai, Public Relations Intern

GO! Gauguin Travel and Tourism Deals

Seattle Art Museum on Mar 6 2012

Whether you live near or far from Seattle, consider taking an urban vacation and join the city in celebrating Gauguin & Polynesia: An Elusive Paradise while taking advantage of great deals from our GO! Gauguin travel and tourism partners. Just print your GO! Gauguin coupon.

Amtrak
Take advantage of great Amtrak savings on your way to see Gauguin & Polynesia: An Elusive Paradise. For those bound for Seattle, save 15% off your coach fare on Amtrak Cascades, Coast Starlight or Empire Builder routes. This special discount offer is valid from any station stop along the way between Los Angeles and Vancouver BC, Canada to Seattle. Along the route of the Empire Builder, valid for all stations in Montana, Idaho, or Washington state.

Seattle’s Convention and Visitors Bureau
SAM is proud to participate in the SCVB’s 2days in Seattle campaign where they are spreading the love about traveling to Seattle in Portland, Vancouver and San Francisco. The CVB also has two visitor information centers in Seattle to help visitors to our city plan their itineraries. One is at the Pike Place Market and the other is at the Convention Center.

Four Seasons Hotel Seattle
Our official hotel sponsor for Gauguin & Polynesia has put together a terrific package to celebrate. Stay in style at Four Seasons Hotel Seattle, located across the street from SAM, and enjoy VIP access for two to the exhibition. Perfect for art lovers, this package also includes a commemorative gift: a 400-page, full-color catalogue featuring more than 60 pieces of Gauguin’s work, including paintings, sketches and sculptures.

The Fairmont Olympic Hotel
The Georgian Restaurant at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel features the finest of Pacific Northwest Cuisine in one of downtown Seattle’s most historical settings. Join them for dinner every Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30-10:00 pm to enjoy a $49 three-course menu inspired by fresh seasonal flavors and regional ingredients.

Hotel Ändra
The sophisticated Hotel Ändra is the perfect complement to Gauguin’s elusive paradise. Guests who GO! Gauguin save 15% on their Seattle stay. Mention the Gauguin rate while making your reservation (online using rate code GAUGUIN or by calling 877.448.8600) and present your online coupon or SAM ticket at check-in to receive the discount. This offer is valid for new reservations only and cannot be combined with other offers. Subject to availability and blackout dates may apply.

Many other Gauguin & Polynesia hotel packages are also available from partners including, the Alexis Hotel, the Inn at the Market, the Mayflower Park Hotel, and the Seattle Bed and Breakfast Association.

Gauguin’s life was dominated by travel. Follow him to Seattle and experience your own paradise!

-Sarah Lippai, Public Relations Intern

Get Great Deals and Win Exhibition Tickets During GO! Gauguin Week

Seattle Art Museum on Mar 5 2012

As part of a city-wide celebration of the exhibition Gauguin & Polynesia: An Elusive Paradise, area businesses and arts and cultural organizations have created some wonderful special offers for visitors to the exhibition.

This week, SAM will be highlighting a select group of these GO! Gauguin partners each day to reveal great deals around the city. If you haven’t already, be sure to print your coupon here.

Today we would like to recognize our retail partners participating in the GO! Gauguin program. Be sure to visit them and take advantage of these discounts!

Baby & Co.
1936 First Avenue
Present your GO! Gauguin coupon for something fabulous! Treat yourself to 10% off any single item at Baby & Co. during their celebration of Gauguin & Polynesia. Does not apply to sale items; certain restrictions apply.

Fran’s Chocolates
1325 1st Avenue
After your visit to SAM, cross the street to enjoy Fran’s Gauguin Salted Caramel Box which includes seven pieces of Fran’s award-winning gray and smoked salt caramels for $15. Savor local artisan chocolate while you support SAM, 20% of the proceeds from the sale of each box will be donated to the Seattle Art Museum. Present your GO! Gauguin coupon and receive a complimentary Fran’s award-winning dark hot chocolate beverage with any $30 purchase. Limit one per customer.

FriendShop in The Seattle Public Library
1000 Fourth Avenue
Receive a 15% discount from the FriendShop when you present your GO! Gauguin coupon or a ticket from SAM to the exhibition. The FriendShop features cards, jewelry and gifts by local artists and all proceeds benefit The Seattle Public Library. Open 7 days a week.

Macy’s
1601 Third Avenue
As a supporter of the Seattle Art Museum, Macy’s is offering you a special 10% savings! Take your GO! Gauguin coupon to the Fine Jewelry or Furniture department of the downtown Seattle Macy’s store to receive a 10% off Visitors Pass. Certain exclusions apply.

sandylew
1408 First Avenue
Just walk up a half block north of SAM and present your GO! Gauguin coupon at sandylew for 10% off storewide anytime during the amazing run of the Gauguin exhibition, February 9–April 29, 2012. Not to be combined with other special offers or discounts. Sandylew is a women’s boutique proud to be a neighbor and support of our remarkable Seattle Art Museum!

Perennial Tea Room
1910 Post Alley
Warm up with a visit to the Perennial Tea Room, located between Stuart and Virginia Street in Pike Place Market. Present your GO! Gauguin coupon or mention Gauguin & Polynesia to receive 10% off any purchase. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Excludes tea to go.

Vetri Glass
1404 First Avenue
Founded in 1998, Vetri Glass is proud to be recognized by collectors and artists alike as an exhibitor of exciting and innovative new work in glass. The mission of Vetri is to offer innovative work of the highest caliber, at accessible prices. Present your GO! Gauguin coupon for 10% off any one purchase during the Gauguin & Polynesia exhibition at SAM. Offer cannot be combined with other specials or discounts.

White House/Black Market
Pacific Place
Just present your GO! Gauguin coupon and enjoy 10% off your entire purchase at White House/Black Market located in Pacific Place. Cannot be combined with any other coupon or offers and valid only at the Pacific Place location.

As if awesome specials and discounts weren’t enough, SAM will also be hiding two Gauguin & Polynesia tickets at a partner location each day. SAM will reveal the location of the pair of hidden tickets daily at noon on Facebook and Twitter. The first person to reach the location will win the tickets.

Stay tuned for the first clue which will be released at noon today, and take advantage of all our special partner offers throughout GO! Gauguin Week and for the run of the exhibition!

-Sean C. Fraser, Public Relations Intern

Gauguin Gray and Smoked Salt Caramels

Discounted Tickets for “Gauguin & Polynesia” and Extended Hours on First Thursday

Seattle Art Museum on Feb 29 2012

Ticket prices to Gauguin & Polynesia on March 1 will be $12 for adults, $9 for seniors (62+) and military (w/ID), and $8 for students (w/ID) and teens. SAM members and children 12 & under are free. Please note that if a timeslot is sold out online we hold back a limited number of tickets for day-of sales. Get tickets now>>

SAM Downtown will be open until midnight (last ticket sold at 11 pm).

Take advantage of the Gauguin & Polynesia parking special at the 3rd & Stewart garage. You can also take a bus, ride your bike, or walk to the museum.

Go to the Plan Your Visit section on SAM’s website for more information on how to best enjoy your visit!

-Madeline Moy, Digital Media Manager

Photo credit: Dan Bennett

Get Ready for Remix!

Seattle Art Museum on Feb 22 2012

Erin Langner and Greg Sandoval

SAM’s quarterly late-night party Remix is right around the corner and preparations are underway here at SAM. The masterminds behind Remix, Greg Sandoval, Manager of Adult Public Programs, and Erin Langner, Assistant Program Manager in Education and Public Programs, are busy finalizing the exciting programs for this Friday’s festivities. In this interview, the two give a sneak peek of what you’ll find at this Remix!

Read More

Spend Your Mid-Winter Break at SAM!

Seattle Art Museum on Feb 15 2012

In honor of Presidents Day and Mid-Winter Break, SAM is open extended hours over the week of February 20-24. We hope you can take advantage of this time to visit Gauguin & Polynesia: An Elusive Paradise. Michael Church, arts writer at The Seattle Times, said, “Dazzling is the defining word for the extraordinary display of work by Paul Gauguin at the Seattle Art Museum.” Please note that tickets are reduced by $3 from 5-9 pm every day!

Monday, February 20: SAM is open 10 am – 9 pm.
Tuesday, February 21: SAM is open 10 am – 9 pm.
Wednesday, February 22: SAM is open 10 am – 9 pm. Check out a free exhibition talk by curator Pam McClusky at the Seattle Central Library.
Thursday, February 23: SAM is open 10 am – 9 pm. The François Truffaut film series continues with Two English Girls at 7:30 pm.
Friday, February 24: SAM is open 10 am – 6 pm. The late-night art explosion SAM Remix is 7:30 pm – 12:30 am.

Docent-led tours of the Gauguin & Polynesia exhibition are featured every day at 1 pm and 2 pm and are included with your admission ticket.

Drop-in art activities for kids are available in the Chase Open Studio. Visit the galleries and then make your own masterpiece to take home!

Everyone deserves a bit of paradise. Escape the gray of winter at the Seattle Art Museum!

For the Love of Art

Seattle Art Museum on Feb 14 2012

Valentine’s Day 2012

Like many couples looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day date, Gary and Dannie Bollinger-Smith came to the Seattle Art Museum this morning to see the Gauguin & Polynesia exhibition. However, what makes these two unique is that it’s their 26^thValentine’s Day together.

Gauguin & Polynesia Opening Weekend Activities

Seattle Art Museum on Feb 10 2012

Saturday, February 11
Celebrate the opening of Gauguin and Polynesia: An Elusive Paradise at SAM with Tahitian dancing and drumming brought to you by Te Fare O Tamatoa and their peformance group Te’a rama! Be prepared to experience a Marquesan haka (a Polynesian traditional welcome) followed by additional performances.

Contours will be onsite providing temporary Polynesian-inspired tatoos to kids, teens and adults.

Polynesian temporary tattoos, 11 am–3 pm
Te Fare O Tamatoa Presents: Tahitian Drumming and Dancing by the Te’a rama performance group
–Haka (welcome and call to performance) in Brotman Forum at 11:30 am & 3 pm
-Performance in Plestcheeff Auditorium at noon & 3:30 pm

Te’a rama in action!

Sunday, February 12
The excitement surrounding the arrival of Gauguin and Polynesia to SAM, the only U.S. stop, continues with a special Tahitian concert performance by Halau Hula O Napualani & Kohala. Get a Polynesian-inspired temporary tattoo from Contours, who will be onsite from 11 am–3 pm.

Polynesian temporary tattoos, 11 am–3 pm
Halau Hula O Napualani and Koahala (Polynesian dance performance), in Brotman Forum at 11:30 am & 1:30 pm

And be sure to check out the traditional Polynesian welcome flower arrangement in Sarkowsky Hall.

Taking Home Gauguin

Seattle Art Museum on Feb 9 2012

It’s difficult to leave the Gauguin & Polynesia: An Elusive Paradise galleries; the vibrancy and serenity of the island-inspired exhibition is an oasis where guests can escape the gloom of a dreary Seattle winter. Fortunately, SAM SHOP has made it possible for everyone who can’t bring themselves to leave the islands to take home the spirit of the exhibition.

10 Tips for Your Trip to “Gauguin & Polynesia”

Seattle Art Museum on Jan 31 2012

1. ADJUST TO ISLAND TIME
Starting February 9, SAM Downtown has extended open hours to make it easy to see Gauguin & Polynesia: An Elusive Paradise.

Tuesday–Sunday 10 am–5 pm
Thursday & Friday 10 am–9 pm
First Thursdays (March 1 & April 5) 10 am-midnight

Closed Mondays
(except Presidents Day & select Members-Only Mondays)

After the exhibition closes on April 29, the museum will resume Wednesday–Sunday open hours.

Want to avoid crowds?
It’s likely the museum will be busiest during First Thursdays (when ticket prices are reduced) and on Saturdays and Sundays. For a quieter experience, we encourage you to visit during the week after 2 pm (school groups tend to visit between 10 am and 2 pm), or on Thursday or Friday evenings.

2. BEAT THE LINES, BUY ONLINE
Online ticketing, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

Guaranteed admission for your reserved day and time.
No waiting in line. Just print your online ticket at home or show us on your phone as you enter and you can go immediately to the special exhibition galleries.
No online ticketing fee.

Okay, so that’s only three, but you have to admit, they’re pretty good!

Sold out online? Don’t worry!
If your preferred time is already sold out online, you may still be admitted by showing up in person. A limited number of day-of tickets will be available— first-come, first-served—at the Ticketing Desk.

Visit seattleartmuseum.org/gauguin to check ticket availability. SAM’s Facebook page and Twitter feed will also have updates about tickets, lines and other exhibition news.

3. SAVE SAVE SAVE
Regular-priced Gauguin & Polynesia tickets include entrance to the SAM Collection Galleries Downtown and FREE admission to the Seattle Asian Art Museum within one week. There are no extra fees for online orders.

SAM Members, Children (12 & under) FREE!
Adults            $23
Seniors (62+), Military (with ID)           $20
Students (with ID), Teens (13–17)        $18

Visit First Thursdays and Fridays & Save
Admission price discounts on First Thursdays and First Fridays will be available during Gauguin & Polynesia. Visit seattleartmuseum.org/gauguin for details.

Avoid the Crowds & Save
On Thursday and Friday nights, 5–9 pm, ticket prices are reduced by $3 for everyone and lines are likely to be shorter.

Bring your Friends & Save
Receive discounted ticket prices and group benefits when you purchase 10 or more tickets in advance. For more information call 206.344.5260 or email groups@seattleartmuseum.org.

Park at 3rd and Stewart Garage & Save
Discount parking is available at the Third and Stewart Parking Garage—entrance is located on Stewart between 2nd and 3rd Avenues. Ask for a voucher at the SAM Ticketing Desk and park for up to four hours for only $6.

4. GO! GAUGUIN & SAVE MORE
When you buy your tickets online, you’ll get a link in your confirmation email leading to an online coupon good for great discounts from participating retailers, restaurants, and art and cultural institutions. It’s a city-wide celebration of Gauguin & Polynesia which means fun offers and super savings for you.

5. ARRIVE EARLY AND STAY AS LONG AS YOU LIKE
Gauguin & Polynesia is in the Simonyi Special Exhibition Galleries on the Fourth Floor. Please arrive 10–15 minutes before the time listed on your ticket. You must enter the galleries no more than 20 minutes after your specified time, or your reservation will be released. There is no re-entry into Gauguin & Polynesia, but once admitted you may stay as long as you wish.

Don’t forget!
You are welcome to explore the 35 international SAM Collection Galleries before or after your visit to see Gauguin & Polynesia. And, remember to bring your special exhibition ticket within one week to the Seattle Asian Art Museum and enjoy FREE admission to our recognized Asian art collection.

6. DOWNLOAD FOR FREE
The Seattle Art Museum and Acoustiguide have developed an insightful audio guide with commentary about selected works in the exhibition. Download the podcast or iPhone/Android application to your digital device at seattleartmuseum.org/gauguin prior to your visit to the museum.

Don’t have your own digital device?
FREE audio wands are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Audio guides for no and low vision visitors are also available.

7. SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP
Want to pick up a bit of the Pacific Islands? Or maybe find that special gift? Expect the unexpected at SAM SHOP, where playful, modern and worldly wares are the norm.

8. FEED & WATER REGULARLY
Don’t forget to fill up beforehand—food and beverages are not allowed in the galleries. May we suggest TASTE Restaurant? TASTE features artistic, locally-focused food, including menu items inspired by Pacific Island cuisine. Reserve your table to coincide with your gallery visit at opentable.com.

9. VISIT AGAIN FOR FREE
Become a member today and visit as many times as you like for free. Enjoy members-only benefits including exclusive access times for Gauguin & Polynesia, free admission at all SAM sites for a year and discounts at SAM SHOP and TASTE Restaurant.

Already purchased your ticket?
Stop by the Ticketing Desk to apply the price of your Gauguin & Polynesia ticket towards a membership!

10. SNEAK A PEEK
See a preview of the works and learn more about Gauguin’s life, his art and his search for the exotic at seattleartmuseum.org/gauguin

Photo credit: Madeline Moy

Communications Team Preps for Gauguin & Polynesia Opening!

Seattle Art Museum on Jan 24 2012

Everybody at SAM is in a flurry to get the Gauguin & Polynesia exhibition ready to open to the public on February 9. Of course you know that we must hang paintings on walls, but what else is there to do? The answer is, lots! The Communications department is responsible for all printed materials at the museum (from the quarterly members newsletter SAMconnects, to invitations sent to 50,000 households, to the Map & Guide that get when you arrive), advertising and museum signage, so there’s no lack of things to do! Below you’ll see a big sign going up on the outside of the building, the tools we use for selecting the perfect color for our billboards, and one of our designers working away at her desk. What other behind-the-scenes images do you want to see?

-Calandra Childers, Communications Manager

Photo credits: Carlos Garcia

This is a gigantic PMS color chart, printed onto billboard material. Because colors can print differently on different material, our billboard rep provided us with this huge print out. We used it to make sure the two main colors of the campaign would match across all mediums.

Here you can see one of our graphic designers, Michele Bury, busily working on a new design. She’s creating the wall signage for the special Gauguin & Polynesia shop that will be located outside of the exhibition.

Top photo: Here you can see the special lift that is required to install this huge sign on the outside of the building at 1st Ave and Union St. The sign is 45′ x 36′ when it is complete! The image is of Gauguin’s Three Tahitians, a stunning work that’s become the signature piece for the exhibition promotion.

SAM SHOP: Great for Holiday Shopping

Chelsea Werner-Jatzke on Dec 9 2011

The goal of any holiday shopping excursion is to find something for your friends, family or significant other that is genuinely special and will surprise them. Whether it is an amusing novelty item or an exquisite hand-made mask, it is important to find a gift that will bring a smile to the receiver’s face.

Normally, I wouldn’t go to a museum shop to buy my Christmas gifts, I’ll admit, but I decided to give it a try and it was a good thing I did. I always had it in my mind that SAM SHOP sold only museum paraphernalia, a place to sell catalogues and books on the featured artists and not a place to do my holiday shopping. Instead, I landed on a shop that I immediately knew housed items that my friends and family would love. As I walked around the shop, the first thing I noticed was a common theme. Everything I looked at was unlike anything I’d seen before. It seems clichéd to say, but it is true. Many of the pieces in SAM’s Shop are actually one-of-a-kind pieces made by local artists. Most of the hats and scarves are made locally and about 85% of the jewelry artists live in the area, setting this shop apart from other stores.

After my initial walk-through, I doubled back to the three things that caught my eye. First, there were the Whisky Stones. They were next to the graffiti cocktail shakers, which are fun in their own right but the stones seemed both useful and original. I spent a semester abroad in Scotland and if there is one thing that the Scottish take pride in, it’s the quality of their whisky, so these little guys immediately caught my eye.

In short, these are stones that keep your whisky cold without diluting the taste. You can buy an entire set with tumblers included or just the stones by themselves. Personally, I thought the idea was ingenious.