Camano Island artist Jack Gunter is enjoying a reprise of his popular 2000 Bumbershoot multi-media exhibit.
Yes, you can see the “Secrets of the Mount Vernon Culture” again. This time it’s at the Skagit County Historical Museum in La Conner through mid-May.
The “neolithic Pacific Northwest community” was “uncovered and documented” by Gunter, whose zany interpretation of early regional history is hilarious.
The catalog for the faux archaeological show includes detailed explanations of each exhibited object, “real math, outrageous references to obscure 15th century Chinese artists and, new for this exhibition, petroglyphs,” Gunter said. “Watch out, legitimate history!”
This roomful of “historical and artistic sleight of hand” includes a full-length documentary “on the discovery, its implications and uncanny resemblance to the present day,” along with five video screens that explain the artifacts, Gunter said.
About 15 years ago, the Skagit Valley Herald described Gunter and his “Secrets of the Mount Vernon Culture” as the place where science meets silliness. Was Mount Vernon once the center of intellectual thought and culture when it was buried by a glacier?
Check it out.
Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427; gfiege@heraldnet.com.
If you go
Jack Gunter’s “Secrets of the Mount Vernon Culture” — originally displayed at Bumbershoot in 2000 — is now installed at the Skagit County Historical Museum, 501 S. Fourth St., La Conner, through May 15. The museum is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Call 360-466-3365. Gunter plans to talk about his work from 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 21 at the museum. In addition, Cassera Arts Premiers gallery, 106 First St., La Conner, shows new works by Gunter in February and March.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
