Bellevue, WA—The fourth edition of the Bellevue Arts Museum Biennial, BAM Biennial 2016: Metalmorphosis, will focus on the transformative and elemental medium of metal, which has captivated makers and thinkers alike for over 10,000 years. For each edition of the Biennial, the Museum designates a new focus of exploration, be it a medium, technique, process, or theme in art, craft, and design. The first three biennials have all focused on specific mediums—clay, fiber, and wood respectively—and BAM Biennial 2016 follows this trend.

BAM Biennial is a juried exhibition occurring every two years which focuses on the work of established and emerging Northwest artists, craftspeople, and designers living and working in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska, Montana, and British Columbia. The Museum received a record-breaking 330 applications for this year’s biennial. From this talented and vast pool of applicants, 49 artists were chosen to participate.

The broad range of technique, tradition, and functionality that the material offers—from wearable
objects that represent the legacy of the region’s many metalsmiths, to large-scale works that respond to architecture or landscape—will be represented in the exhibition, which serves as a testament to the inspirational potential and longevity of metal in the Northwest.

Proposals were reviewed by a panel of four esteemed jurors comprising Lloyd E. Herman, Founding Director and Director Emeritus, Renwick Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; Jennifer-Navva Milliken, Curator of Craft, Bellevue Arts Museum, Bellevue, WA; Suzanne Ramljak, Editor of Metalsmith magazine and curator at the American Federation of Arts, New York, NY; and Cindi Strauss, Assistant Director, Programming and Curator for Modern and Contemporary Decorative Arts and Design, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, TX.

During the run of BAM Biennial 2016: Metalmorphosis, two awards including cash prizes of $5,000 will be announced. The John & Joyce Price Award of Excellence will be selected by BAM’s curatorial team, and includes the opportunity for the winning artist to hold a solo exhibition at the Museum. This prestigious award will be presented during the BAM Biennial Preview Party on September 1. The Samuel and Patricia Smith Peoples’ Choice Award invites the public to choose their favorite work. Ballot boxes in the gallery will encourage visitors to cast their vote. The Museum will announce the winner at a special ceremony held towards the close of the exhibition.

BAM Biennial 2016: Metalmorphosis artists:

BAM Biennial 2016: Metalmorphosis is organized by Bellevue Arts Museum and curated by Jennifer-Navva Milliken.

ABOUT BELLEVUE ARTS MUSEUM
Bellevue Arts Museum is a leading destination in the Pacific Northwest to experience art, craft, and design. BAM engages the community through exhibitions, programs, and publications, featuring regional, national, and international artists. bellevuearts.org.

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