Seattle Art Museum explores Spain

In the gardens of the Alcazar de los Reyes in Cordoba, Spain, two statues – of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella – face a third.

Christopher Columbus’ expression pretty much says: “You want me to what?”

I’m sure that’s not how it happened, but if you’ve ever been to Spain, you really have to ask yourself why he would want to leave.

They have Manchego cheese and sangria there. They do that sexy flamenco dancing with the castanets. They take naps, for heaven’s sakes.

What’s not to like about that?

They also have a pretty impressive museum or two. Madrid’s Museo del Prado, along with the Patrimonio Nacional and 14 other Spanish and American lenders, have pitched in to help Seattle Art Museum mount an exhibit of Spanish art, armor, maps, botanical studies and other items related to exploration.

“Spain in the Age of Exploration, 1492-1819,” which runs through Jan. 2, is divided into four themes.

“The Image of Empire” addresses Spain’s international dominance with scientific documents from the New World and masterpieces by Bosch, Titian, Velázquez, Bernini, Rubens and Goya. Portraits of monarchs are paired with the actual suits of armor depicted.

“Spirituality and Worldliness” takes on the marriage of religion and politics during the period, with works including El Greco’s “Saint Ildefonso” and Zurbarán’s “The Savior Blessing.”

Spain’s response to the New World through art, science and public policy takes the stage in “Encounters Across Cultures,” which features a Spanish portrait of the Nootka chief Maquinna.

Lastly, instruments used for navigation, maps, botanical studies and ethnographic manuscripts make up “Science and the Court,” a refutation of sorts to the historic rap against the Spanish monarchy for its lack of interest in science.

A number of lectures round out the exhibition, including “Spanish Voyages to the Pacific Northwest,” a look at nine journeys to the waters of British Columbia and Alaska between 1774 and 1792, and “Great Spanish Collections from the Northwest Coast,” an examination of Native American art and objects collected by Spanish explorers. The talks are scheduled for Nov. 6 and Nov. 18, respectively.

Historian Howard Sachar will discuss one of the most fascinating aspects of Spanish history – the early coexistence of Christian, Jewish and Muslim populations and the eventual expulsion of the latter two in 1492 – in “Farewell España: The History of Sephardic Jews” on Dec. 2.

You can learn more about “Spain in the Age of Exploration” at www.seattleartmuseum.org or (206) 625-8900.

Step on in

On the other side of the street, the Inn at Harbor Steps is taking advantage of all the Iberian hullabaloo.

The hotel, which faces the museum, has a new “Art Across the Steps” package available through the end of the “Spain in the Age of Exploration” exhibition. It bundles a night at the inn, a $50 gift certificate toward dinner for two at Union Restaurant and two VIP tickets to the museum.

You also get a full breakfast, afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres, and homemade cookies.

Rooms start at $200. Each includes a sitting area, and most have garden views and a fireplace.

Live it up

While you’re in the neighborhood, head north to the charming waterfront town of La Conner – home of an annual spring tulip festival and some very nice cousins of mine – for Art’s Alive!

This three-day celebration of all things arty starts Nov. 5 at the opening night reception of the Invitational and Open Art Show.

Art’s Alive! jams the rest of the weekend with a youth art show, exhibits and artist’s demonstrations in many of the town’s shops, children’s activities at the La Conner Library, and more.

On the afternoon of Nov. 6, “Chowder by the Channel” serves up lunch prepared by local eateries at La Conner Middle School. Later, “Saturday Night Alive!” keeps the energy level high with strolling street musicians, young artists from Seattle Opera, a lighted sculpture walk and streetside hot mulled cider and doughnuts.

There are several inns and bed and breakfasts in and around La Conner. Check www.laconner.net/chamber.cfm for more information about accommodations and www.laconner.net/town.cfm for more information about Art’s Alive!

And no, you can’t stay with Beth and Ryan. They’re not that nice.

Old deal

Continue your historical and artistic tour of the state at the Yakima Valley Museum’s photographic exhibit, “WPA: Works Progress Administration in Washington State.”

The show, curated by the Washington State Historical Society, examines ways the federal government provided work relief to Washington’s unemployed during the 1930s. As did other states, Washington suffered through mortgage foreclosures, unpaid taxes and joblessness during that period.

Historian Carlos Schwantes wrote the text accompanying the 30 photographs in the exhibit, which continues through Dec. 23.

Learn more at www.yakimavalleymuseum.org or (509) 248-0747.

Regional events

• Winter Garden aGlow, Nov. 25-Jan. 1, Boise. The Idaho Botanical Garden’s holiday display includes hot refreshments, holiday music and roaring bonfires. (208-343-8649, www.idahobotanicalgarden.org)

• High Desert Holidays, Nov. 26-27, Bend, Ore. The High Desert Museum’s annual craft and art show offers handmade traditional holiday crafts, decorations, treats made by museum volunteers and fine art by regional artists. (541-382-4754, www.highdesertmuseum.org)