Skagit County Historical Museum, staff recognized

Though the Skagit County Historical Museum in La Conner is focused on the past, it finds itself very much in the public eye these days as well.

That’s because the local museum garnered a major statewide award this month and a member of its staff was tabbed to provide vocal solos at a recent Seattle Mariners game.

The museum is recipient of a Washington Museum Association Award of Excellence in Exhibits for its recent exhibit showcasing the work of late La Conner artist Jesus Guillen.

The exhibit, “Jesus Guillen: An Artistic Legacy of Love and Courage,” curated by artist Kris Ekstrand, was on view at the museum from January through May.

The subject of a Weekly News feature article this past spring, the exhibit marked the first comprehensive view of Guillen’s work. It included paintings, drawings, three-dimensional work and a diorama depiction of Guillen’s La Conner studio as it appeared at the time of his death in 1994.

Through his insightful work, Guillen provided vivid images that highlight the cultural and economic contributions of farm laborers who for decades have harvested the bounty of Skagit Valley’s rich agricultural acreage.

One of his daughters, farm labor advocate and La Conner resident Rosalinda Guillen, provided further context to the exhibit and her father’s legacy with special presentations at the museum to area leadership groups.

Museum Director Jo Wolfe lauded both Ekstrand and the Guillen family for the success of the exhibit.

“We would like to recognize our guest curator of the exhibit, Kris Ekstrand, for its design and production,” Wolfe said. “And many thanks to the Guillen family for putting their treasured collection in our care for this exhibit. This award belongs to them.”

Wolfe also paid tribute to education and outreach coordinator Tricia Scheer, who was enlisted to sing the National Anthem prior to the Mariners-Arizona Diamondbacks major league baseball game at T-Mobile Park in Seattle last Friday.

Scheer, a sergeant and vocalist with the Army National Guard, likewise sang during the seventh inning stretch of the Sept. 10 contest, which Seattle won 5-4.

She has previously sung at Seattle Seahawks games, various state events and Gov. Jay Inslee’s second inaugural.

Scheer is saluted on the museum’s social media page as an “extraordinary young woman who serves our country and our community with tireless loyalty and commitment to excellence.”

The post adds that “we are beyond grateful to have her as part of our museum family.”