Review of ‘The Barn Shows’

“The Barn Shows: 1987–2003, In Their Own Words,” cuts deep and indelible swaths, like a glacier, forever marks on our shared cultural history. Lavone Newell-Reim and Cathy Pearson Stevens have beautifully documented this major Skagit Valley legacy – seventeen years of Barn Shows on Fir Island. Initially inspired by an exhibition titled “Summer Harvest” organized by artist John Simon, the Barn Shows were led by artists’ visions forming a shared cultural mandate and fueled by the ethereal yet undeniable spirit of Northwest School artists.

Dogged determination combined with farmland histories, one large sturdy structure, plenty of parking and devoted and creative photo documentation provide a reliable orbit within this expanding universe of artists and arts lovers. The book, several years in the making, weaves factual and heart-warming observations about each artist by Newell-Reim, contributions from the artists or their family members and friends and documentary photographs, primarily from Stevens.

Newell-Reim notes that thirteen of the forty-plus artists have passed away since 1996. But this book project is not just one slice – or, more aptly stated – deep dish pie in time. The shows featured a core group, plus others, to ensure a fluid mix over time. Also, in the spirit of the inextinguishable torch, the authors offer three “next generation” artists to follow.

This book is a must read for all Pacific Northwest arts lovers and cultural history buffs. Don’t miss the companion exhibition, “The Barn Show,” at the Museum of Northwest Art in La Conner. Susan Parke, MoNA’s director emeritus, curated a visual feast and timely testament to these incredible artists, a compelling reminder that the answer to many things may be in your own backyard.

I cannot think of a better way to come out of COVID-19 hibernation, to be paired with a visit to Bainbridge Island Museum of Art. Peregrine O’Gormley, one of the three artists noted “to follow,” is featured at BIMA in his first solo art museum exhibition, titled “Old Tree.” And so, it flows …

Greg Robinson

Chief Curator, Bainbridge Island Museum of Art

Former Executive Director,

Museum of Northwest Art