The entrancing multimedia artworks of Seattle-based, Chinese-born artist and University of Washington graduate Jia Jia don’t look appealing, exactly — at least not in the way some depictions of food do. Jia’s more interested in what happens when our bodies interact with food. Her organic squiggles, ceramics made from recycled terra-cotta clay, are literally and figuratively gutsy. Her work, which contemplates — as she puts it — “cultural digestion,” is one of the highlights in this varied show that explores food as a connection to personal and cultural history and identity.
Through April 13; Side Rail Collective, 5511 1/2 Airport Way S., Seattle; free; siderailcollective.com
“The Candy Show”
Let’s live a little and go for dessert first. Perhaps you feel like a hot pink papier-mâché pretzel. Or how about a holographic ice cream? If not, you should try the ceramic “Turkish delights.” Either way, you’ll feel like a kid in a candy store in this playful mixed-media exhibit featuring beloved local artists like Mary Anne Carter, Brandon Vosika, Sonja Peterson and Debi Boyette.
Through May 5; Niche Market Storefront at AMcE Creative Arts, 612 19th Ave. E., Seattle; free; 206-518-1046, amcecreativearts.com
“Butter party”
This one-night-only art show is spreading the love of butter — literally. Whipped up by local curator Jeremy Buben, the event promises locally made butter tastings, a butter fountain, plates of baguettes and a selection of butter-inspired cocktails. Local artists, including Amanda Ringstad, Becky Bacsik and Meat Sweats, are dishing out new, on-theme artworks. Also on view will be a collection of “locally sourced” ceramic butter dishes and a sculpture made from the yellow goodness itself. Oh, and a disc jockey playing tunes as smooth as — well, you guessed it.
7 p.m. April 11; The Hideout, 1005 Boren Ave., Seattle; free; hideoutseattle.com
“On the Hunt”
A sea foam green salmon, its pellucid glass skin reflecting the light, swims upstream across the white wall. A shiny brown halibut carved with bright red formline floats nearby. But, careful: Bears, wolves and eagles lurk on prints, serigraphs and drums close at hand. This group exhibit weaves together artwork exploring Pacific Northwest Indigenous hunting and fishing techniques. And while the show — featuring work by famed local artists like Dan Friday (Lummi), Raven Skyriver (Tlingit) and Preston Singletary (Tlingit) — homes in on the hunt, these animals represent so much more than sustenance. Tanned hides of elk and deer are stretched onto drums, for example, and animals like the killer whale are revered symbols of the hunt itself.
Apr. 4-27; Stonington Gallery, 125 S. Jackson St., Seattle; free; stoningtongallery.com
Also don’t miss:
There are plenty more delectable (if not food-related) art shows happening this spring — so let’s indulge:
In “never leave without saying goodbye,” Seattle self-portraitist barry johnson examines the weight of grief. Through April 13; Winston Wächter Fine Art, 203 Dexter Ave. N., Seattle; free; 206-652-5855, winstonwachter.com
Barbie who? In “PINK, UNPACKED,” Seattle printmakers explore the color pink and its cultural baggage. Through May 1; M. Rosetta Hunter Art Gallery, 1701 Broadway, Seattle; free; artgallery.seattlecentral.edu
Artists Mia Imani Harrison and Mayola Tikaka envision “DREAM TEMPLE (for Octavia)” as a space for Black rest and contemplation, plus an altar for the celebrated writer Octavia Butler. Through May 23; ARTS at King Street Station, 303 S. Jackson St. (top floor), Seattle; free; seattle.gov
An exciting selection of Pacific Northwest artists explores the art of photo collage in “Alterations.” March 28-June 2; Photographic Center Northwest, 900 12th Ave., Seattle; free; 206-720-7222, pcnw.org
Through photos and anecdotes, “As Many Weirdos As Possible” celebrates the vibrant music culture of the Pacific Northwest from 1985 to 1995. April 4-May 11; Base Camp Studios, 2407 First Ave., Seattle; free; basecamp206.com
The exuberant work of the late Pacific Northwest painter Alden Mason rarely leaves people lukewarm. “The Last Shaman” shows some of his figural paintings from 1990 to 2010. April 4-20; Foster/White Gallery, 220 Third Ave. S., #100, Seattle; free; 206-622-2833, fosterwhite.com
In this yet-unnamed show, local artists Gretchen Frances Bennett and Mel Carter take over a house gutted after a fire last summer. April 21-May 5; Double Garage Gallery (use the website’s contact form to obtain the address); free; doublegaragegallery.com
