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Welcome to The Seattle Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• WeWork to assume 5 more Seattle-area leases as it restructures.

• Upcoming Seattle Mariners match

• A deep-dive into the life of Morris Graves

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change."

— Charles Darwin

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Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which island, accessible by ferry from Seattle, is known for its quaint towns and beautiful landscapes?

A) Whidbey Island

B) Bainbridge Island

C) Mercer Island

D) Vashon Island

Answer to Week 16's Trivia:

The iconic Seattle food item traditionally thrown by vendors at Pike Place Market is B) Fish.

News

💼 Business

Pacific Place sold for just a quarter of its value a decade ago, records show. (Link)

WeWork to assume 5 more Seattle-area leases as it restructures. (Link)

JPMorgan Chase puts First Republic insights into action with affluent customers. (Link)

🏒 Sports

WSU men get commitment from Icelandic guard, add 2 assistant coaches. (Link)

Hockey’s globalization lessening impact of Canada’s Stanley Cup drought. (Link)

Jaden McDaniels’ rise to NBA prominence surprising many — especially UW fans. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Easy Metrics, a maker of labor analytics software, lands $31 million. (Link)

The remote work landscape is shifting, but a critical metric remains stubborn. (Link)

US rental market continues to cool as record amount of new supply delivers. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚾ Los Angeles Angels at Seattle Mariners
T-Mobile Park, Seattle
Sunday, May 31st to Tuesday, June 2nd | (More info)

⚾ Houston Astros at Seattle Mariners
T-Mobile Park, Seattle
Tuesday, May 28th to Thursday, May 30th | (More info)

⚽ Real Salt Lake at Seattle Sounders FC
Lumen Field, Seattle
Wednesday, May 29th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Holly Humberstone
Neumos, Seattle
Tuesday, May 28 | (More info)

🎵 Kings Kaleidoscope
The Triple Door, Seattle
Thursday, May 30 | (More info)

🎧 Sango
Q Nightclub, Seattle
Saturday, June 1 | (More info)

Family Friendly events:

🎩 Family Magic Show at the Seattle Center
305 Harrison Street, Seattle
Saturday, June 1 | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Futuristic sports arena in Seattle hosting a new, invented sport” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Seattle Historical Events

Great Depression and Seattle (1930s) - Economic hardships lead to significant federal projects and labor movements.

During the 1930s, Seattle, like much of the United States, was deeply impacted by the Great Depression, an economic downturn that caused widespread hardship, unemployment, and financial instability across the nation. The once-thriving timber and shipbuilding industries that had fueled the city's growth sputtered as demand plummeted, leaving thousands without work and exacerbating the economic woes faced by Seattle's residents. The city's economy, heavily reliant on these sectors, suffered greatly, casting a shadow of uncertainty and hardship over the community.

In response to the crippling effects of the Depression, the federal government, under President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal, embarked on a series of ambitious projects aimed at revitalizing the economy and providing relief to those in need. Seattle benefited from significant federal investment in public works projects designed to spur employment and rebuild the nation's infrastructure. Notable among these was the construction of the Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River, a colossal endeavor that not only provided thousands of jobs to Washington State but also went on to play a crucial role in the Pacific Northwest's energy production and irrigation efforts.

The economic hardships of the 1930s also served as a catalyst for labor movements in Seattle, a city with a storied history of labor activism. The struggles of the unemployed and the working poor galvanized unions and workers to rally for better wages, working conditions, and job security. Strikes and protests became more frequent, with one of the most significant being the 1934 waterfront strike that paralyzed West Coast shipping and echoed the broader national struggle for workers' rights. These movements not only underscored the dire economic circumstances of the time but also laid the groundwork for future labor protections and the establishment of a more robust social safety net, leaving a lasting impact on Seattle's social and economic fabric.

Famous People From Seattle

Morris Graves (1910–2001):

Morris Graves was a visionary American artist, whose mystical and introspective works placed him at the heart of the Northwest School of artists. His lifetime spanned nearly a century of change, yet his focus remained deeply rooted in the natural world and its transcendent qualities.

Early Life in the Pacific Northwest (1910-1929)

Born in Fox Valley, Oregon, in 1910, Morris Graves was the fifth of twelve children. His early exposure to the lush landscapes of the Pacific Northwest deeply influenced his artistic vision. The family moved to Seattle when Graves was a teenager, which further exposed him to a vibrant cultural environment. His fascination with nature and a penchant for solitude were evident from a young age, setting the stage for his later works.

Self-Taught Beginnings and First Inspirations (1930-1939)

Graves was largely self-taught, drawing inspiration from East Asian art and philosophy, particularly Zen Buddhism, which heavily influenced his approach to both life and art. In the early 1930s, despite the economic challenges of the Great Depression, Graves began experimenting with painting, using materials and subjects found in his immediate environment.

Rise to Prominence and the War Years (1940-1949)

The 1940s were a transformative decade for Graves. His participation in the seminal 1942 exhibition Americans 1942: 18 Artists from 9 States at the Museum of Modern Art in New York marked his emergence on the national art scene. However, World War II interrupted his burgeoning career. Graves served briefly in the military but was discharged due to health issues, allowing him to return to his art with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper commitment to pacifism.

Exploring the Mystical and Nature (1950-1959)

Post-war, Graves's work delved deeper into the mystical aspects of nature. He sought to capture the invisible dimensions of existence, blending physical landscapes with spiritual insights. His paintings from this era, characterized by ethereal birds, luminous moons, and spectral ponds, resonated with both the fragility and majesty of life.

Connection to Seattle and the Northwest School (1940s-1950s)

Graves's connection to Seattle was profound. Along with Mark Tobey, Kenneth Callahan, and Guy Anderson, he became known as a member of the Northwest School, a loosely associated group of artists who shared a common interest in the spiritual and metaphysical dimensions of art, heavily inspired by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Though Graves later moved to more isolated locales, his early years in Seattle were crucial to his development as a key figure in this artistic movement.

Achieving National and International Acclaim (1960-1969)

Throughout the 1960s, Graves's reputation continued to grow, both in the United States and internationally. His participation in the Venice Biennale and other major exhibitions cemented his status as an artist of significant depth and originality. His works from this period continue to explore the synthesis of nature and spirit, using a refined palette and an increasingly symbolic language.

Retreat to Nature and Continued Innovation (1970-1989)

In his later years, Graves expressed a desire to retreat from public life, choosing to live in remote areas, first in Ireland and then in Northern California. This period was marked by a deepened commitment to environmental issues and a continued evolution of his artistic practices. Despite his withdrawal from the commercial art world, Graves remained prolific, exploring new materials and techniques.

Legacy and Influence (1990-2001)

Morris Graves passed away in 2001, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire and challenge. His unique vision, deeply rooted in the natural world and infused with a spiritual dimension, has cemented his place as a critical figure in American art history. The last decade of his life was marked by increasing recognition of his contributions, including major retrospectives and the continued study of his influence on contemporary art.

Key Achievements of Morris Graves:

• Emerged as a key figure in the Northwest School of artists, known for their mystical and nature-inspired works.

• Participated in the Americans 1942: 18 Artists from 9 States at the Museum of Modern Art, marking his national recognition.

• Exhibited in the Venice Biennale, expanding his influence and recognition internationally.

• Dedicated his life and art to exploring the spiritual dimensions of the natural world, inspiring subsequent generations of artists.

• Received major retrospectives at esteemed institutions, underlining his significant contribution to American and international art.

Morris Graves's legacy as a visionary artist stems from his profound connection to nature and his exploration of its mystical dimensions. His work, characterized by a deeply personal and introspective approach, has left an indelible mark on the American art scene. Graves's life, though marked by periods of solitude and retreat, was devoted to a ceaseless inquiry into the essence of existence, making him a pivotal figure in the evolution of modern art.

Connect With Me

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

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