Michael Spafford

Russo Lee Gallery is excited to exhibit Mythic Figures, a collection of paintings by Seattle artist Michael Spafford. Spafford’s bold, expressive compositions walk a line between the abstract and the figurative, using classic myths are a launch pad and touchstone for vibrant, often monumental work. The exhibition features paintings on canvas and paper, as well as a small collection of etchings.

A graduate of Pomona College and Harvard University, he is a Professor Emeritus of the University of Washington School of Art. During his career as a painter and printmaker he has received numerous awards, including a Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundation grant, the first Behnke Foundation “Neddy” award and a Flintridge Foundation Award. In 1967 he was given the Rome Prize and was honored in 1983 with an art award from The American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters, NYC. His work includes mural commissions at the Kingdome, The Washington State House of Representatives Chamber, and the Seattle Opera House.