Artwork copyright Dan Friday. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Dan Friday. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2019.

Artwork copyright Dan Friday. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2019.

Blanket Bear, 2018

Dan Friday
(American | Lummi Nation, born 1975)

Location: Peninsula College, Port Angeles

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Blanket Bear is a blown glass sculpture created by Lummi artist Dan Friday. It reflects one end of the spectrum of Northwest art, with artist Jake Seniuk's installation 'Eyes of the Lord' reflecting the other (found on the second floor, west windows). Blanket Bear shows influence from Friday's Indigenous roots, while European art history informed the artwork by Jake Seniuk.

Friday notes “My family and relations are the ‘Children of the Setting Sun’. We are the descendants of Xa-Tel-Ek, also known as Frank Hillaire. Frank signed the Point Elliott Treaty of 1855, effectively removing our people from the San Juan Island chain in Washington State and establishing the Lummi Nation Reservation near Bellingham, Northwestern Washington. Xa-Tel-Ek was the Bear. I am the Bear.” The Bear can be seen throughout Friday's artworks.

Curator Kathleen Garrett selected this artwork as part of a curated collection for Peninsula College in Port Angeles. The artworks installed in Keegan Hall reflect the Pacific Northwest and the many subjects taught in the building. These include Aquaculture, Physics, Biology, and Information Technology.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Peninsula College.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Dan Friday (Lummi) is a Seattle-based glass artist. The themes and images of Friday’s work are often drawn from his Coast Salish heritage and are solidified in the world of glass art.

Friday studied at Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Northwestern Washington, and at South Seattle Community College. He has spent the last twenty-five years creating his own work, and also working with artists such as Dale Chihuly, Paul Marioni, and Preston Singletary. He has taught at the University of Washington, Pilchuck Glass School, and the Haystack Craft Center in Maine. He is a member of the Lummi Nation.