Almost forgotten Tacoma artist exhibiting in Edmonds

Beulah Loomis Hyde, a once-celebrated Tacoma painter, is now the focus of a significant retrospective at the Cascadia Art Museum, featuring over 50 of her works that capture the city's industrial spirit. The exhibition showcases a variety of paintings depicting Tacoma's factories, shipyards, and shantytowns, contrasting the idyllic landscapes often favored by her contemporaries. Hyde's artistic career spanned from the early 1900s until about 1960, during which she developed a modernist style influenced by the vibrant yet gritty environment around her. Despite her initial acclaim, her works were largely forgotten after her passing in 1983, leaving a gap in the recognition of female artists from the Pacific Northwest. Curator David Martin is passionate about elevating these overlooked voices and praises the quality of Hyde's work, stating he was 'bowled over' upon rediscovering her pieces.

The retrospective not only highlights Hyde's talent but also serves as a commentary on the challenges faced by women artists in the early 20th century. This exhibition is a vital step in restoring Hyde’s legacy and connecting contemporary audiences to Tacoma's rich artistic history. The show is open until February, inviting the public to engage with and appreciate Hyde's contributions to the art world.