Elizabeth Sandvig

This month, Traver Gallery presents two related exhibitions opening on March 7 from 2–4 pm. Once Upon a Plate features collaborative painted ceramic plates by Elizabeth Sandvig, Dick Weiss, and Joe Max Emminger. Alongside this presentation, I Surprise Myself* brings together paintings, prints, and ceramics by Elizabeth Sandvig (1937–2024).

I Surprise Myself presents independent works by Sandvig that offer a fuller view of her life in the studio. Born in Seattle in 1937, she remained deeply connected to the region throughout her career and was widely respected as an artist, teacher, and mentor. Much of her work explored fragility, change, and the shifting qualities of nature. Animals, light, and landscape functioned as a structure for metaphor as she worked across materials, including painting, ceramics, monoprints, and even resins and aluminum screens.

Throughout her career, Sandvig approached each project with curiosity and independence, allowing surprise to remain part of the process. She passed away in 2024 at the age of 87 at her home of sixty years, surrounded by family and the art she and her husband, Michael Spafford, created and collected.

We are honored to share these two exhibitions and hope you’ll join us in the gallery this month to immerse yourself in the brilliant life and work of Elizabeth Sandvig, and to find joy in the exuberant collaborations of Emminger, Sandvig, and Weiss.

*Sandvig’s exhibition title is a reference to the book The Art of Elizabeth Sandvig (2007) by Regina Hackett, which was produced by her long-time gallerist and friend, Francine Seders.