Public Art
The Seattle Convention Center’s public art program, one of the first of its kind in the nation, was established to provide an environment that enriches the experience of all who visit the meeting facility. Founded by Phyllis Lamphere, the art program has been a popular feature since the Center opened in 1988 and features over 100 works. Initially, art was incorporated into the building design as part of the State’s Percent for the Arts program. Since then, SCC has developed an ever-changing collection, readily accessible in the Arch building at no charge to the public.
The SCC collection expanded with the Summit building. The collection at Summit further promotes SCC’s connection to communities, neighborhoods, and draws inspiration from the Pacific Northwest’s diverse cultures.
The Summit art program includes several key components, including a variety of free-standing artworks which were commissioned for the project, artistic elements have been integrated into the architecture of the building, and dozens of existing studio works were purchased for exhibition. In the longer term, the Center will continue to enhance Summit with artwork loans and Art Foundation donations.
PERMANENT COLLECTION
Our notable permanent collection in the Arch building consists of gifts and long-term loans from artists, galleries, other governmental entities, corporations, foundations and private collectors. Well-known artists represented include Alfredo Arreguin, Hilda Morris, Alden Mason, Jenny Holzer, James Washington, Jr., Tony Angell, Margaret Tomkins, Kenneth Callahan, Michael Spafford, Richard Gilkey, Guy Anderson, Ron Hilbert, Paul Horiuchi and Nancy Mee. Some of the most popular works include Lebeg (Ann Gardner), Games (Jacob Lawrence), The Spirits Within (Alfredo Arreguin) and “A” Procession (Patty Warashina).
The Summit collection features 23 commissioned artists selected based on open, invitational, or limited call processes. The commissioned artists include: Maikoiyo Alley-Barnes, Romson Regarde Bustillo, Kate Clark, Claire Cowie, Kimberly Deriana, RYAN! Feddersen, John Feodorov, Malynn Foster, Robert Hardgrave, Lauren Iida, Christopher Paul Jordan, Kenji Stoll, Satpreet Kahlon, Sheila Klein, Ulises Mariscal, Christian Moeller, Cathy McClure, Danielle Morsette, Joseph Steininger, Maki Tamura, Dan Webb, Andrea M. Wilbur-Sigo and Jennifer Angaiak Wood. In addition to these commissioned artists, 37 artists are featured in the Studio Works sub-set of the collection.
ROTATING EXHIBITIONS on ARCH LEVEL 2
Rotating exhibitions provide a diverse array of local artists’ works, creating an ever-changing tapestry of talent. These shows are booked approximately two years in advance, following a screening process with the SCC’s Art Advisors. Since 1991, nearly 200 exhibitions have been featured in the Phyllis Lamphere Gallery on Level 2 of the Arch building.
Korean American Artists Association of Washington State
August 19, 2025 - December 4, 2025
The Korean American Artists Association of Washington State (KAAW) is proud to showcase the artwork of organization members. The distinguished nonprofit was established in 1989 by Korean immigrants to advance the work of Korean American artists while enriching the wider community.
2025 KAAW: The Charm of Korea (한국의 매력) invites audiences to
experience the quiet beauty, living traditions, and everyday warmth of Korean culture, and to consider how those qualities evolve through the immigrant journey. Centered on themes of memory, language, and belonging across two worlds, the exhibition brings together member artists’ perspectives to foster understanding of the Korean American experience and to celebrate the resilience and creativity that continue to shape our shared cultural landscape.