Seattle Style: Fashion/Function Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI), 860 Terry Ave. N, Seattle
This fashion exhibition, curated by Clara Berg, MOHAI’s collections specialist for costumes and textiles, explores how practicality and elegance coexist within Seattle wardrobes, highlighting men’s and women’s pieces from the mid-1800s to today that address the city’s innovation and influences. (Through October 14; times and prices vary)
Liz Tran Solo Exhibition Phylogeny Contemporary, 2718 Elliott Ave., Seattle
Artist Liz Tran explores the shapes of nature with pulsating, psychedelic visuals, channeling such subjects as dream imagery, imagined landscapes, geodes, and outer space. (May 17-June 29; times and prices vary)
Janelle Abbott Trunkshow Sassafras, 2307 1st Ave., Seattle
Seattle fashion designer Janelle Abbott will unveil Brutal, Right?, a zero-waste summer clothing collection inspired by Brutalist architecture featuring reclaimed materials. Fete the new line with a designer reception at Belltown boutique Sassafras on Friday, May 17 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., then shop throughout the weekend. (May 17–19, times vary; free)
Photography Brown Bag Talk: Grace Weston Portland Art Museum, 1219 SW Park Ave., Portland
Portland-based photographer Grace Weston presents her works from the last several years, including detailed and staged miniature scenes as well as her first large-scale multimedia installation, and offers guests a glimpse into her creative process. (May 15, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.; prices vary)
Particles for the Built World Tour Surrey Art Gallery, 13750 88 Ave., Surrey, BC
Vancouver designer, sculptor, and Bocci Creative Director Omer Arbel teams up with architecture critic Trevor Boddy for a conversational tour of his experimental concrete exhibit Particles for the Built World. Expect a first-hand account of Arbel’s process from concept to completion and why concrete was his choice medium. (May 16, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; free)
The Design Datebook is GRAY’s weekly list of must-attend design and cultural events. For additional events, visit our calendar.