WOW: The Work of the Work
Roy McMakin: A Door Meant as Adornment
HEEL!
James Turrell: Knowing Light
Light Reign, James Turrell SkyspaceThe Inspired Legacy of Elizabeth Bayley Willis
North Galleries
September 26, 2003 – January 4, 2004
Bainbridge Island resident Elizabeth Bayley Willis died in June of 2003 at the age of 101 after an important career as a collector, curator, consultant, and art historian. In tribute to her extraordinary collection of Indian textiles and Japanese ceramics, much of which resides with the Henry, a small exhibition about her legacy was presented on the Henry’s mezzanine. Mrs. Willis was a curator at the Henry from 1946-48, and acting assistant director at the California Palace of the Legion of Honor in San Francisco, where she organized the first retrospectives of Morris Graves and Mark Tobey. Credited with introducing contemporary Japanese folk art to the western world, she organized a 1951 exhibition of such work that circulated for six years. While a UN adviser to the Indian government form 1955-57, she worked on developing the handloom industry. During that time she amassed the majority of her outstanding textile collection, nearly 1,400 costumes, textiles, and decorative works from most of the states of India.
The family asked that remembrances in Elizabeth Bayley Willis’ honor be sent to the Henry Art Gallery. Donations are used to support the collection.