Cathy Sarkowsky, Contain and Constrain (2011), acrylic ink, pencil, wax, and paper on panel, 24 by 36 inches.
  • Courtesy of the artist and Fetherston Gallery
  • Cathy Sarkowsky, Contain and Constrain (2011), acrylic ink, pencil, wax, and paper on panel, 24 by 36 inches.

The art-gallery closures keep on coming. Now it's Fetherston Gallery, hosting its final show, a solo for Fred Birchman up for one more week. Fetherston moved to Georgetown in 2012 after it was priced out of its 15-year home on Capitol Hill, showing artists including Robert Hardgrave, Elizabeth Jameson, and Melissa Stern. Betsy Fetherston e-mailed that it's "a personal choice (not health) and [due to] changes in the retail space market. It has been a good run and I am not going away..." Where do all the former art dealers go?

Fred Birchmans Valentines Day—YOU ARE HERE (2013), charcoal, graphite, and stains on paper, 27 1/2 by 65 1/2 inches framed. The last time I saw Birchmans work, it was at Francine Seders Gallery, another dearly departed Seattle space representing Seattle artists.
  • Courtesy of the artist and Fetherston Gallery
  • Fred Birchman's Valentine's Day—YOU ARE HERE (2013), charcoal, graphite, and stains on paper, 27 1/2 by 65 1/2 inches framed. The last time I saw Birchman's work, it was at Francine Seders Gallery, another dearly departed Seattle space representing Seattle artists.

I haven't done a big survey, but the handful of artists I've talked to who are losing representation through these closures seem sanguine. Artists are used to making their work regardless of whether anyone is paying attention or not. Makes me think the greatest loss is instead for those of us who love to pay attention.

Meanwhile, Davidson Galleries is phasing out sculpture and painting in order to rededicate itself to its core: works on paper. Presumably this means that unless, say, Mary Iverson makes prints, she's not going to be showing at Davidson anymore. I'll miss artists like her in the Occidental Square stalwart space, but Sam Davidson has been in business 40 years, Davidson Galleries is a fantastic place for prints, and I'm just glad this wasn't a closure notice. The next show at Davidson is by Nate Steigenga.

Davidson's entire announcement is on the jump, because he's an eloquent fellow.

Dear Gallery Artists, Clients, Consignors and fellow Dealers,

I am excited to announce a shift in the orientation of Davidson Galleries to a renewed commitment to works on paper - my first and abiding love. It does not mean that exhibitions will end or that I plan to move the gallery from Occidental. It does signal a gradual shift away from sculpture and painting.

In the course of presenting more than 800 exhibitions during the past 40 years, I have had the honor to exhibit and represent many wonderful and gifted artists working in all mediums. For the works they have shared and their loyalty and commitment to the gallery I am deeply thankful. Together we have strived to offer the public our best. Thank you for supporting these efforts. I wish each of those artists affected by this change continued success and plan to be helpful in any ways that may facilitate forming strong new relationships. Thank you for trusting me with a part of your careers.

Jeffery Kuiper, my very capable Director for the Painting and Sculpture Department these last few years, has been offered and accepted the directorship of Greg Kucera's Seattle ArtREsource.

For those already familiar with the two print departments, the changes I am making to these will be minimal by comparison. We will still be actively mounting new and varied exhibitions, producing semiannual inventory catalogues, hosting a robust website, and participating in fine print fairs around the nation. I invite you to keep in touch with Dillon Gisch, the Director of our Department of Antique and Modern works on paper, and Miranda K. Metcalf, director of our Department of Contemporary works on paper. For those who are not familiar with our diverse inventory in these departments, I would invite you to give Dillon, Miranda, and the recently returned Rebecca McDonald a chance to share their enthusiasm for and knowledge of the inventory with you.

Finally, I would like to thank all of you who have made the past four decades such an exciting and fulfilling journey. I too wish to thank my wife, Elizabeth Davidson for her unflagging support, patience and understanding. I look forward to exploring this new chapter and to continuing to be part of the Seattle art community.

Most sincerely,
Sam Davidson