INTRO
What we are about...
The Northwest Figurative Artists' Alliance is an organization of artists dedicated to advocating for, promoting, and fostering discussion about figuration in the visual arts, particularly painting and sculpture. We understand figuration in its broadest sense: representation grounded in the observation of the visible world. We favor the term because of its flexibility and inclusiveness.
Although "Figurative Art" and "Contemporary Figuration" are relatively recent categories, they are rooted in long historical traditions. They are often defined in relation to abstraction, non-objective art, and other contemporary artistic genres. The dialogue and tension between these approaches have played a central role in the development of modern art-historical narratives.
The Northwest Figurative Artists' Alliance was inspired by the Figurative Artists Alliance of New York, an organization active from the 1960s through the 1980s. Two members of both the original Northwest Figurative Artists' Alliance and its current revival attended meetings of the New York alliance during the 1970s, providing a direct historical connection between the two organizations.
Who we are about...
The Northwest Figurative Artists' Alliance brings together professional artists, educators, and scholars. Its membership includes artists from the original organization founded in 1992, as well as those who joined after the group's revival in 2010, reflecting a continuity of purpose across generations of practitioners.
Inclusivity
Membership in the Northwest Figurative Artists' Alliance (NFAA3) is by nomination from existing members. The nomination process is open and democratic. Candidates are evaluated primarily on their professionalism, the artwork they produce and their relationship to the broad tradition of figurative art.
For the purposes of membership, the Northwest includes Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and portions of British Columbia.
NFAA3 does not exclude individuals on the basis of ethnicity, religion, race, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or gender identity. On the contrary, the Alliance values and actively seeks diversity among its members.
Outreach
The Northwest Figurative Artists' Alliance v3 is dedicated to shaping the regional artistic discourse and historical narratives that provide the context within which art is created, exhibited, and experienced.
To further this mission, the Alliance will offer public programs free of charge, including lectures, panel discussions, educational events, and other forms of community outreach.
While the organization was not founded primarily as an exhibition venue for member artwork, exhibitions may occasionally serve as an important component of its educational and public engagement activities.
Narrative
A central aim of the NFAA3 mission is to contribute to the narratives that define the relationship between art and the regional communities in which it is produced. Within the art historical narratives of the 20th century, figuration has occupied a contested position and has at times been actively marginalized. Since the mid-to-late 20th century, however, figuration has played a vital role in the evolution of both artistic practice and arts education. The rise of the Contemporary Atelier Movement, the global resurgence of plein air painting, and the emergence of diverse new forms of Realism have significantly transformed the cultural and historical context. Artists need a platform from which to help shape these narratives, because artistic production itself is their central locus. Providing this platform is central aim of the NFAA3.
STEERING COMMITTEE
The Steering Committee
The NFAA3 Steering Committee was formed at the same lunch at Bangrak Market where the revival of the Northwest Figurative Artists’ Alliance was discussed. Present were William Elston, Kevin Furiya, Ann Cronin, Julie Stonebraker, Brenno Kenji, and Peter Malarkey. William Elston and Peter Malarkey, both founding members of the original Northwest Figurative Artists’ Alliance, had been discussing its possible revival for several months. A visit to the ArtLove Salon and witnessing the attention given to representational art by the Conru Art Foundation further fueled the need to establish an organization where figurative artists could shape the narratives within which their art is practiced. David Martin, the Curator at Cascadia Art Museum and the foremost historian of the art of the Northwest, graciously accepted our request to serve as our advisor. Ray Munger was added due to his extensive experience as an arts facilitator, and Ann Cronin accepted the position of Treasurer.
The Steering Committee’s primary responsibilities include scheduling and organizing meetings, arranging venues, mediating membership nominations, and other tasks that ensure the smooth operation of the alliance. While meeting agenda items are submitted by the general membership, the Steering Committee is responsible for presenting them in an organized manner. Additionally, they handle various matters related to events, excursions and other activities.
Ann Cronin
Treasurer, Artist
David Martin
Advisor, Author, Art Historian, Curator
Keven Furiya
Steering Committee, Artist, Educator
Ray Munger
Steering Committee, Artist, Teacher, Arts Facilitator
Julie Stonebraker
Steering Committee, Artist, Collector
Brenno Kenji
Steering Committee, Artist, Educator
Peter Malarkey
Steering Committee, Artist, Painting Conservator
