BELLEVUE, WA.- The third edition of the Bellevue Arts Museum Biennial debuted this past October. Entitled BAM Biennial 2014: Knock on Wood, the exhibition focuses on the versatile medium of wood. For each edition of the Biennial, the Museum designates a new focus of exploration, be it a specific medium, technique, process, or theme in art, craft, and design. This year BAM celebrates the long standing connection of wood to the Pacific Northwest. From First Nations’ art to the logging industry, along with present concerns for creative sustainability, wood holds a special significance to the region.

Building on the success of the Biennial series, including: Clay Throwdown! in the fall of 2010, and High Fiber Diet in the fall of 2012, Knock on Wood promotes Northwest artists, designers, and craftsmen. The exhibition features 39 local artists selected from more than 180 applications by a jury of museum professionals. The majority of the participating artists created new or site-specific work. Featuring a variety of different styles and approaches, the work on display stretches the artistic possibilities of the medium.

During the run of BAM Biennial 2014: Knock on Wood, two awards including cash prizes of $5,000 will be announced. The John & Joyce Price Award of Excellence was selected by BAM’s curatorial team, and includes the opportunity for the winning artist to hold a solo exhibition at the Museum. This prestigious award was presented during the Museum’s Fall Members Celebration on October 30. The Samuel and Patricia Smith Peoples’ Choice Award invites the public to choose their favorite work. Ballot boxes in the gallery will encourage visitors to cast their vote. The Museum will announce the winner at a special ceremony held towards the close of the exhibition.

Selected artists include: Humaira Abid, Rick Araluce, Laura Buchan, Christian Burchard, Morse Clary, Todd Coglon, Michael de Forest, Curtis Erpelding, David French, Erik Geschke, John Grade, Julia Haack, Elaine Hanowell, Julia Harrison, Todd Jannausch, Aaron Levine, Kiki MacInnis, Amie McNeel, Drew Michael, Peter Millett, Taiji Miyasaka, Shawn Nordfors, Michael Peterson, Peter Pierobon, Jim Piper, Mike Rathbun, Seth Rolland, June Sekiguchi, Matt Sellars, John Shrader, Garric Simonsen, Whiting Tennis, W. Scott Trimble, Kimberly Trowbridge, Brian Watson, Mark Wedekind, William J. Whipple, Ed Wicklander, and Helga Winter.