Artwork copyright Gerald Bruce Miller (subiyay). Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Gerald Bruce Miller (subiyay). Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Artwork copyright Gerald Bruce Miller (subiyay). Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

hLukWali #1 and #2, 1995

Gerald Bruce Miller (subiyay)
American Skokomish (born 1944, died 2005)

Location: The Evergreen State College, Olympia

About the Artwork

hLukWali #1 and #2 are window panels created by Skokomish master artist Gerald Bruce Miller (subiyay) for the Longhouse at The Evergreen State College. The Longhouse was built in collaboration with many different Northwest Tribes as a gathering place for diverse cultures. The panels are composed of woven cedar bark and painted with symbolic figures.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with The Evergreen State College.

About the Artist

Elder, teacher, and artist Gerald Bruce Miller (subiyay) (Skokomish, 1944-2005) of the Skokomish Indian Tribe, near Shelton, Western Washington, played a key role in conserving and sustaining the Twana language (belonging to the Coast Salish languages) and culture of the Skokomish people. He was a master of traditional Skokomish weaving and carving, and led the revival of a number of traditional Twana spiritual and ceremonial practices. He became the tribe's cultural and educational director in 1971. He was honored with a Washington State Governor's Arts and Heritage Award in 1992, and a National Heritage Fellowship by the National Endowment for the Arts in 2004. He passed on tribal stories, traditions, and skills to many apprentices.