Gustavus Sohon was born in Tilsit, Germany on December 10, 1825. After emigrating to America, he enlisted as a private in the United States Army at the age of 26. He was ordered West for service on the Pacific Coast. A gifted linguist (he spoke English, French, and German), Sohon quickly learned the Salishan languages of the Flathead and Pend d’Oreille Indians. He also made drawings of the country and important landmarks while working on expeditions. At the request of Washington Governor Stevens, Sohon was transferred to his command. Stevens had been very impressed with Sohon’s work. On later expeditions Sohon worked as map maker … » More …
In June 1937 art students and instructors from Washington State College descended on Nespelem on the Colville Reservation.’ They painted portraits of Chief Kamiakin’s children and grandchildren, along with scenes of life among the Confederated Tribes. Images and captions from Indian Summers: Washington State College and the Nespelem Art Colony, 1937–41 by J.J. Creighton and published by Washington State University Press, 2000.
Gallery: Artworks by Worth Griffin (Sketches and watercolors, including a portrait of student and colleague Clyfford Still, courtesy the Fitzsimmons family)
Read more at “An art history.” (Washington State Magazine Spring 2011)
Forty years ago, on a fateful day in May, a volcanic eruption—unprecedented in modern times—etched itself on the memories of Washingtonians from Vancouver to Pullman. » More ...
When the ash fell on May 18, 1980, faculty and students at WSU gathered it, bagged it, and placed it in barrels. The volcanic ash still waits for examination four decades later. » More ...
