For two decades, Cornish College of the Arts’ Art Department has partnered with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, at their International Headquarters in South Lake Union, Seattle.

This collaboration, which began as a bold new experiment in 2005, when the Robert Arnold Building at Fred Hutch first opened, has blossomed into a much anticipated annual tradition, with recent Cornish Art Alumni showcasing their work in the halls of Fred Hutch each year.

The annual exhibition has become more than just a display of art; it’s a conversation between the artists and the community of researchers, staff, & all the employees at Fred Hutch. Visitors & staff have found inspiration in the diverse range of works presented by Cornish Art Alumni, with each piece offering a unique perspective on the world. Many look forward to every new exhibition and have expressed the idea that the rotating exhibitions feel like part of their employee benefits.

Pictured left Gizelle Hadeed. Pictured right Isabella Rinald

Bonnie Biggs, Cornish Professor, Interdisciplinary Studios, Fred Hutch Exhibition Curator & Co-Founder of CORNISH at FRED HUTCH Exhibition, reflects on the enduring impact of this collaboration, “This partnership has opened not just doors, but many opportunities for growth and discovery all-round. Our most recent Alums are given the freedom and good fortune to engage with an audience that values the power of art in unexpected ways. It’s a mutual exchange, where the artists learn as much from the environment at Fred Hutch as the staff and visitors do from the art.”

This year’s exhibition continues the tradition of mutual exchange by showcasing selected artwork from two years of BFA graduates, representing the classes of 2023 and 2024. The pieces range from elaborate installations and performances, to paintings, prints, drawings, videos and sculptures – all speaking to deeply personal narratives, abject humor, and any other innovative forms needed to highlight the diversity of their artistic expression.

Pictured left: Kaitlynn Zupnik. Pictured Right: Sydney Milan Roberts

The 20th Anniversary Exhibition serves as a testament to the unique relationship between Cornish College of the Arts and the Fred Hutch. Each year, our young emerging artists rise to the occasion, exhibiting work that resonates with the diverse audience at Fred Hutch and reflects their growth as artists in this inspiring environment.

The experience of exhibiting their work in such a meaningful setting is invaluable. As one recent graduate, Kaitlynn E. Zupnik shared, “My Thesis Exhibition at Cornish really helped me understand how to install artwork as a whole. It was my most hands-on experience installing my sculpture, allowing me to see how expressive my art can be as it comes to life. Overall, the way my body of work developed helped me figure out how to install a cohesive presentation.”

As Cornish College of the Arts celebrates its 110th anniversary, the partnership with Fred Hutch stands as a shining example of how art can transcend traditional boundaries, bringing light and life into spaces where it’s needed most. This collaboration is a testament to the belief that art, in all its forms, has the power to connect and inspire.

Opening Reception:  Friday, October 25,  4 – 7PM

Robert Arnold Building, 1100 Fairview Ave N,  Seattle, WA

Exhibit from October 2024 – May 2025

Photo by Winnifred Westergard

Written by Marvin Henderson