text: In a period of political and social upheaval we turn to artists and their art to ground us, connect us, and to shed new light on the dominant issues of our time. In his newest exhibition, Seattle-based Tlingit artist, Preston Singletary does just that. The show, Premonitions of Water, is a poignant reaction to the battles that are being waged over a most vital resource: water. The works included in this exhibition are based largely on specific Tlingit myths about water but the meaning they convey is universal: our human connection to water is essential.
  Singletary says of this new body of work, “this show is a tribute to the water protectors, the Native people and everyone who stood up against the Dakota pipeline; to all those who have added their voice to the fight. Water is life. This is not an exclusively Native perspective, every­one knows this, yet it seems that those who currently have access to power are willing to manipulate the laws and rights of Native people and their lands for the purposes of making money. This year I felt compelled to create new works that reflect beauty and inspiration in the face of the negativity our community is facing. This provides me with a spiritual focus that connects me to my ancestors, family and community. Native people have persevered throughout history; opposition and persecution is something that many Indigenous people experience on an everyday basis. I’m grateful for the teachings of Patience, Endurance, Courage and Alertness. I was taught that this is where the best human qualities come from.”
  Now recognized internationally, Singletary’s artworks are included in museum collections such as The British Museum (London, UK), The Museum of Fine Arts (Boston, MA), The Seattle Art Museum (Seattle WA), the Corning Museum of Glass (Corning, NY), the Mint Museum of Art and Design (Charlotte, NC), the Heard Museum (Phoenix, AZ), and the Smithsonian Institution (Washington, DC). Singletary maintains an active schedule by teaching and lecturing internationally. In 2009, the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, WA, launched a major mid-career survey of his work, entitled Preston Singletary: Echoes, Fire, and Shadows. This exhibition featured Clan House, his largest commission to date, and traveled to venues across North America.
  Mark your calendar for the following events:
  Thursday, April 6, 5-8pm:
  FIRST THURSDAY OPENING & ART WALK
  Join us at Traver Gallery as we celebrate the public opening of the exhibition.
  Saturday, April 22, 11:00am -12:30pm:
  ARTIST TALK at Traver Gallery
  Join Preston for a walk through of the exhibition and artist talk. This is a unique opportunity to learn more about the stories that inspired this new body of work and connect with the artist. Afterwards, view a collection of Preston’s smaller works in Vetri’s space.
  Traver Gallery is located around the corner from Vetri. They are at 110 Union on the 2nd floor above Caffe Ladro.