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Sneak Peek at MoPOP’s New Marvel Exhibit, Opening April 21

Transport yourself into the Marvel Universe at MoPOP

SpiderMan

One of the most anticipated MoPOP exhibits is finally opening its doors to comic and pop culture fans. Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes opens to the public this weekend with a two-floor, 10,000 square foot exhibit, the largest to date at MoPOP.

The exhibit uniquely tells the story of Marvel, from the very first comic (Human Torch!), printed in 1939, to the most recent Marvel movies and Netflix shows. The chief curator, Benjamin Saunders, a University of Oregon professor who founded an undergraduate minor program in Comics and Cartoon Studies, wanted to both showcase original art and to tell a multifaceted story that has is 80 years in the making

According to Saunders, no art institution invested in preserving comic art in the 20th century. As a result, many of the items–comic panels, sketches, and comics– in the exhibit are from private collectors who have generously lended their pieces. However, there is one piece that is loaned from the Library of Congress which is a page showing the first appearance of Spider-Man’s iconic costume and web shooters, from 1967.

One original sketch, shows the development of characters, such as The Punisher, who had other equally deadly name options during the first phases of his creation: The Executioner and The Grim Reaper. Other pieces show the power of storytelling through design of comic book panels themselves.

Aside from the art, the exhibit features an interactive digital video feature where you get to be outfitted as Iron Man (I’m sure there will be a line a mile long for this). Plus, original costumes from blockbuster hits Black Panther, The Avengers, Doctor Strange and Captain America and more are sprinkled throughout the exhibit.

Throughout the exhibit there are interactive touchscreens that let you jump in even deeper into the Marvel universe and spend hours reading about artists, various characters and how the Marvel world mirrors ours. Speaking of mirrors, you won’t want to miss the Dr. Strange where an old carnival trick brilliantly brings the movie’s scenery bending moments to life.

Saunders wants the exhibit to appeal to both die hard comics fans and casual Marvel movie watchers. Based on the topic alone, there’s no doubt this exhibit will be packed for the months to come.

Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes opens Friday April 20 to members and Saturday April 21 to the public and runs through January 6, 2019. For tickets visit mopop.org

Rearview Mirror: Wedding Bells, A Furniture Launch, and the Symphony’s New Look 

Rearview Mirror: Wedding Bells, A Furniture Launch, and the Symphony’s New Look 

Things I did, saw, ate, learned, or read in the past week (or so).

WEDDING BELLS I’ve been a bit absent from this column lately, but I think I have a pretty good excuse: I got married! It’s already been three weeks since my September 19 wedding, but I’m still reflecting on the magic of the day. My fiancé, well husband now (I can’t get used to saying it!),…

Get Blown Away: Seattle’s Glass Art Scene Takes Center Stage

Get Blown Away: Seattle’s Glass Art Scene Takes Center Stage

Now in its 8th year, Refract Seattle is the region’s premier celebration of glassblowing—arguably the most famous visual art genre in the Pacific Northwest. Pioneered by names like Dale Chihuly, Ginny Ruffner, Lino Tagliapietra, and Preston Singletary, glassblowing has remained among the area’s most prolific creative outputs, with contemporary talents such as John Hogan, Julie…

Kishi Bashi Is Ready to Feel Everything

Kishi Bashi Is Ready to Feel Everything

Ten years after Sonderlust pushed his music in a new direction, he’s bringing the pivotal album to The Crocodile—and playing it in full for the first time.

Back in March of 2012, I snagged a last-minute ticket to see Of Montreal at the Showbox. As amazing as Kevin Barnes and company were, along with tourmates Deerhoof, the biggest impression made on me was the opener, Kishi Bashi. Armed with little more than a violin, a loop pedal, and a pristine voice, Kishi…

Seattle’s Artists of Color Expo Offers an Inside Look at the Creative Life

Seattle’s Artists of Color Expo Offers an Inside Look at the Creative Life

The October 9-11 gathering features live art-making and hands-on workshops, with Seattle artist Damon Brown delivering the keynote.

More than 100 artists participate each year in Seattle’s Artists of Color Expo & Symposium (ACES), which brings exhibitions, artist talks, live art-making, and workshops under one roof. Visitors can learn a technique from an artist or hear how a childhood memory became the starting point for a piece. This year’s event takes place October…