Art meets history at the SJCC
Published 10:19 am Tuesday, August 11, 2015
There’s a new painting at the Stroum Jewish Community Center (SJCC) by artist Joanne Shellan.
The painting is a collage of some of the images included in the Washington State Jewish Historical Society’s “Shalom! Open for Business” 2014 exhibit at the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI). The exhibit explored the lives of Jewish merchants in Seattle at the turn of the century. Shellan’s parents were Jewish immigrant shopkeepers.
The focal point of the painting is two people at the Queen City Market Florist: merchant Samuel “Frenchy” Nahmias and his daughter, Margie Angel, who is now 91 and lives in Bellevue.
“The image I found of Margie and her father really spoke to me and their painted image with the rest of the images peeking through is what made this painting compelling,” Shellan said. “They looked happy but tired, proud, hardworking and humble.”
Michele and Stan Rosen donated the artwork, which is accompanied by an interactive kiosk.
“It seems only fitting that the SJCC have something special to showcase the rich history of early Jewish life in Seattle,” said Sarah Tobis, SJCC marketing and communications Manager.
Since Jewish Community Centers were first established in the United States in the late 1800s to provide support for Jewish immigrants, help ensure Jewish continuity, and provide a place for celebration, “it seems only fitting that the SJCC have something special to showcase the rich history of early Jewish life in Seattle,” Tobis said.
“So far, every single aspect of this painting has been one big plus from creating it to the support of the community,” Shellan said.
Shellan, born in Bremerton, has studied and painted full-time for over 15 years in Kirkland. Her website is www.joanneshellan.com, and her work can be found at Alki Arts, a local fine art gallery on 1st and Seneca in Seattle.
