Richard Hedreen sits next to “Bring Me the Sunset in a Teacup” by Cecily Brown. | Photo via Yoseh Kalinko + Seattle University
Let us paint you a picture: Seattle University recently received its most colorful donation in campus history — an art collection worth $300 million.
The donor? Seattle native, hotel developer, art collector, and philanthropist Richard “Dick” Hedreen. We’ve curated the top things you should know about this “unprecedented gift” of art.
The collection
According to Seattle University, the Hedreen Collection boasts 200+ paintings, sculptures, etchings, photographs, and other works spanning the 15th century to present day from artists including:
Italian Renaissance painter Titian
Dutch-American abstract artist Willem de Kooning
Italian painter Jacopo da Pontormo
French painter Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun
Photography icon Andy Warhol
Contemporary British painter Cecily Brown
Contemporary artist Rashid Johnson
In the art world, Dick Hedreen and his late wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Ann Petri Hedreen, have long been known for having one of the top private art collections in the US. This donation includes the Hedreens’ entire collection.
An extra gift
Along with the masterpieces, Dick Hedreen is donating $25 million in seed funding for the university to develop a museum to house the collection. It’s expected to be named the Seattle University Museum of Art, built on 12th Avenue near the Lee Center for the Arts.
The museum will be designed to support students and their curricula. Seattle University President Eduardo Peñalver said it “will serve as a bridge between our campus and the city.”
The muse
OK, but why such a big gift? Dick Hedreen said the donation honors his beloved late wife — a Seattle U alumna. He wants the art pieces to stay together, all housed in one museum.
This isn’t the Hedreens first time offering their support to Seattle University. They were the main donors for the campus’ Chapel of St. Ignatius and co-chaired the campaign to fund Lee Center for the Arts. They’ve also gifted several art pieces displayed across campus.
PaperSpace: Come Craft, Collage, and Create! | Wednesday, March 20 | 6-8 p.m. | Slip Gallery, 2301 First Ave., Seattle | Free | Tap into your creative side at this monthly gathering and make cool stuff with some new friends; supplies provided and donations welcome.
Cocktail Masterclass: Build Your Own Old Fashioned | Wednesday, March 20 | 6:15 p.m. | W Bellevue, 10455 NE Fifth Place, Bellevue | $70 | Learn how to make your own fancy cocktail using Woodinville Whiskey Co.'s spirits as your base.
Thursday, March 21
Fun Intended Pun Slam | Thursday, March 21 | 7-9 p.m. | Comedy/Bar, 210 Broadway E., Seattle | $10-$15 | Enjoy the eye-rolling humor and bring some idioms you’d like to hear incorrectly explained.
Friday, March 22
Downtown Art Walk | Friday, March 22 | 5-8 p.m. | Hotel Monaco, 1101 Fourth Ave., Seattle | Free | Cruise 10+ stops around downtown Seattle and gaze upon the artistic talents of locals.
Swing into Spring: Dance Social & Fundraiser | Friday, March 22 | 6-10 p.m. | Filipino Community Center, 5740 Martin Luther King Junior Way S., Seattle | $15+ | Learn ballroom basics while raising funds for youth services and programs in South Seattle.
Saturday, March 23
Alkaline Trio | Saturday, March 23 | 7 p.m. | Showbox SoDo, 1700 First Ave. S., Seattle | $36 | The longtime punk rockers are back on the road after releasing their 10th album, “Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs.”
Tacoma Stars vs. Empire Strykers | Saturday, March 23 | 7:05 p.m. | accesso ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St., Kent | $29-$46 | Kick it with the MASL team as they face a California rival.
The Seattle Preschool Program (SPP) is expanding with 16 new classrooms opening across the city for the 2024-2025 school year. Seattle families with children ages 3-4 can apply. Tuition is designed to eliminate cost barriers and is based on household income + family size. SPP hopes to serve 2,500 kids by 2026.
Outdoors
We see you, cherry blossoms. Thanks to the recent warm weather, the annual peak bloom has arrived for cherry trees across Seattle — including at the University of Washington. Oh, and we know of a few more spots to enjoy the beautiful blossoms over the next couple of weeks. (MSN)
Tech
Join that Zoom meeting — but make it bigger. AMC is partnering with Zoom to offer “Zoom rooms” at theaters in eight US markets, including at the AMC Pacific Place 11 in downtown Seattle. The idea is that companies rent out theater spaces for “cohesive hybrid events and meeting experiences.” (Puget Sound Business Journal)
Transit
Beep, beep. King County Metro Transit has signed a framework agreement with bus manufacturer Gillig to bring 395 battery-electric buses to greater Seattle. The agency — on its path to becoming 100% zero-emission — has already ordered 89 buses, with an option to add the other 306 over the next five years. (Electrive)
Sports
Potential high caliber recruits and an impressive coaching staff — things are looking mighty good for the Washington Huskies. Hear from the local experts on the Huskies with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Try This
Historic Seattle has launched a series of events exploring meaningful places in Emerald City. The nonprofit will offer a tour of the Egan House — the 1958 residence designed by mid-century architect Robert Reichert and Willard + Mary Egan — on Saturday, April 6, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Register to save your spot.
Finance
Pro tip: Consolidate debt to lower your payments. Pay off credit cards, medical debt, and more. Calculate your monthly payments.*
We know spring just arrived, but we’re already tuned into summer and upcoming local festivals. Check out these newly announced lineups:
Capitol Hill Block Party | July 19-21 | Pike/Pine + Broadway | $235+ | This year’s fest includes Kaytranada, Still Woozy, Chappell Roan, The Beaches, and many more cool acts.
Chateau Ste Michelle Summer Concert Series | Chateau Ste Michelle Amphitheatre | May 25-Sept. 28, select dates | $50.50+ | The star-studded 2024 schedule features 26 headliners including Sarah McLachlan (May 25 + May 26); Maren Morris (June 1); Beck (July 3); Harry Connick Jr. (July 12 + July 13); John Legend (July 20 + July 21); and Indigo Girls + Amos Lee (Sept. 28). Tickets go on sale Monday, March 25 at 10 a.m.
Bumbershoot | Labor Day weekend | Seattle Center | $70-$350 | This year’s fun and quirky visual arts programming includes a music video competition, breakdancing, a Bigfoot deep fake competition, and even a cat circus. We’ll know more about the musical lineup soon.
Hi, Seattle. My name is Monica — I’m a senior editor with 6AM City and happily hanging out with Alina this week. And let me just tell you, I am loving your beautiful city — especially your incredible coffee scene. You’re absolutely right, coffee is totally your thing.
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