Echoes of the 2023 Bumbershoot

In my just previous post I mentioned that I had a few prints in the photography show co-sponsored by Photography Center NW and A/NT Gallery in the latter’s space across from the International Fountain.  It was a big show — something over 90 prints — all of which were printed for the show at PCNW from the jpegs that were submitted for judging. In sizes from 16x20 or so to likely 36x48 (big).  I had five prints in the show — I suspect mostly because mine were black and white (of course) and from way back in the lifespan of Bumbershoot.  Only one other photographer had more (six prints) in the show.

Time passes.

The curator at PCNW decided that the show was too much work to only have it up for only a weekend. 

Background:  PCNW recently (like early this year) negotiated with a developer to build them a new facility in the street-level floor of a mixed used building.  When complete it will cover both the existing footprint of their building (in serious need of repair) and the parking lot to the rear of it., also owned by PCNW.  The developer’s plan was to begin demolition early in 2024 so the gallery would be idle until the new building is done. 

Back to the Bumbershoot show.  Facing closure of the gallery starting that soon she decided to host a replay of the show in the last month of 2023, which they did and the gallery and auditorium were barely big enough to wedge nearly all the prints in.  The show came down last week and the photographers were invited to pick up their prints (for free) which I did.

I’m pleased and more than a bit flattered that my five prints were among the largest prints in the show.   Now what?  My usual prints are small and these are big.  One of them, my favorite, looks spectacular big but what am I going to do with them?  I don’t have a shelf or closet space big enough to hold them.

In the interim the schedule for redevelopment of the PCNW property has (big surprise) slipped to demolition beginning January 2025.  I presume that there is a mad scramble in progress to plan next year’s shows.  When I picked up my prints the curator wistfully noted  that she hopes there will be on further delay.  (optimistic?)