Foster/White Gallery in Pioneer Square has taken a bold step this month, changing its familiar white walls into a vibrant living experience with the exhibition titled ‘Make Yourself at Home.’
This innovative show invites visitors to perceive art in a brand new light, as it integrates elements of home and lifestyle into the gallery space, designed not just for viewing art but for experiencing it.
The exhibition is a collaborative effort co-created by Reflection Marketing founders Danica Bernabe and Roisy Rickel, alongside Foster/White Gallery.
They brought together three renowned Seattle design studios—Mutuus Studio, Memento Interior Design, and The Residency Bureau—for this unique venture.
Each designer was given a distinct section of the gallery to interpret the concept of “home,” resulting in a blend of art and design that explores their intertwined relationship.
Amy Vroom, the founder of The Residency Bureau, centers her installation titled ‘In Good Company’ around themes of shared connection and easy camaraderie.
In her space, she seeks to recreate the inviting atmosphere of gatherings with friends where conversation flows naturally, fostering a sense of belonging.
Vroom reflects, “There was a space I was in with a group of friends where everyone would gather later in the day to meet up, make cocktails, tell stories, and laugh a lot.”
Her design approach involved covering the walls with patterned wallpaper and showcasing lively pieces from Foster/White’s collection.
She emphasizes that art and decoration can harmonize instead of competing for attention, suggesting that visitors can appreciate both with careful consideration of scale.
Paige Smith, the principal designer of Memento Interior Design, takes a different approach with her installation, ‘The Art of Play,’ which embodies joy and vibrancy.
Inspired by the artwork ‘Pyre’ by Ilana Zweski, Smith’s space celebrates color and sound, sidestepping the usual functional constraints of interior design.
According to her, “The only purpose or function was joy.”
Her custom table, inspired by the multigenerational game Mahjong, became a piece that symbolizes heritage and human connection.
Eileen Xu, a local maker, collaborated with Smith to craft the table, intertwining personal stories of family and play.
Smith stated, “It was a great way for me to spend time with my mom, who loves to play games, and also enjoy the design element of these colorful pieces while being with people I care about.”
Kristen Becker, cofounder of Mutuus Studio, contributes her ‘Conversation Room,’ focusing on stillness and the power of storytelling through design.
The space is a blend of natural materials—such as stone, wood, and leather—and contemporary art, aiming to create a lived-in feel that encourages dialogue.
Becker, who has a background in dance and theater, imagined a fictional client who integrates art into everyday life, appreciating the nuances of design.
She emphasizes that her space is more about creating a cozy sanctuary rather than striving for aesthetic perfection.
“The room we created is a true collaboration,” Becker explains, recognizing the contributions of various artists and designers in shaping the atmosphere of her room.
Each installation tells a distinct story while collectively prompting a discussion about living with art.
Vroom notes that even though their approaches vary, each room allows the artwork to shine and be experienced in unique ways.
“We’ve each taken different approaches, but every interpretation allows the artwork to shine in unique and interesting ways,” she comments.
The dialogue between art and design is at the heart of this exhibition, as emphasized by Foster/White gallerist Zoë Hensley.
She underscores the value of having a personal touch in the exhibition, making art less about mere observation and more about integrating it into one’s personal stories and experiences.
“This show explores how art and design shape one another, and how both influence the way people experience a space,” Hensley states.
Visitors are encouraged to slow down and immerse themselves in each ‘home,’ exploring the varied atmospheres and reflections of life that each installation evokes.
Every detail, from a piece of art to the design of a chair, serves as both an expression of its creator and an invitation for viewers to connect with the narratives surrounding them.
‘In Make Yourself at Home,’ art transcends its traditional boundaries, inviting exploration and personalization that reflects the diverse experiences of those who occupy these intimate spaces.
image source from：seattlemag
