SEATTLE’S AUTUMNAL PALETTE gets a vibrant swirl of motion this year with the Seattle Art Museum’s (SAM) momentous exhibition, “Calder: In Motion,” generously presented by the Shirley Family Collection. As the leaves begin to turn, immerse yourself in the pioneering spirit of an artist who transformed air and metal into the ethereal dance of sculpture.

This November, SAM invites you to traverse the groundbreaking creativity of Alexander Calder (1898–1976), an innovator who redefined sculpture’s very essence. Opened on November 8, this exhibition is a multisensory spectacle, featuring over 45 seminal works spanning every vibrant decade of Calder’s career. Visitors are privy to an expansive collection, including Calder’s iconic standing mobiles, mesmerizing constellations, and dynamic wire sculptures.

As a focal point, “Calder: In Motion” celebrates the transformative gift of over 45 pieces from Jon and Kim Shirley’s personal trove. A visual dialogue across generations, this exhibition is the first comprehensive public display of the collection. Each piece echoes Calder’s philosophy of art in perpetual motion, inviting you to witness the evolution of his daring approach from his earliest to his latest works.

The exhibition unfolds across several galleries, each designed to accentuate a different aspect of Calder’s expansive oeuvre. Be awed by the early wooden sculpture “Femme assise” juxtaposed against the dramatic late work “Mountains” (1.5 intermediate maquette) — a visual testimony of Calder’s evolution.

Indulge in the interactive storytelling of Calder’s career through a central gallery, from the miniature to the monumental, including the large-scale “Red Curly Tail,” a piece that evokes both innovation and the universal language of art.

SAM extends the invitation beyond the gallery walls, urging visitors to explore the monumental “The Eagle” at the Olympic Sculpture Park. This 39-foot emblem of Calder’s genius aligns perfectly with Seattle’s vivid landscape and stands as a tribute to the artist’s impactful presence in the public domain.

An immersive experience, the exhibit is accompanied by a fully illustrated color catalog, “Calder: In Motion, The Shirley Family Collection.” It offers reflections on a 35-year journey of art appreciation by Jon Shirley and enlightening essays by prominent art historians, promising to enrich your understanding of Calder’s magnetic pull.

“Calder: In Motion” is not just an exhibition; it’s an experiential statement that marks the beginning of a multi-year initiative celebrating Calder’s work. As an impetus for community engagement, SAM, with the support of the Shirleys, pledges an annual gift of $250,000 to $500,000 to invigorate future programming, ensuring Calder’s artistic legacy continues to inspire and educate.

Seattleites and visitors alike, now is the time to engage with the master of kinetic sculpture. Purchase your tickets to “Calder: In Motion” today and be part of a historical moment at SAM. Embrace the dynamic beauty of Calder’s art in motion and let the sheer brilliance of innovation redefine your understanding of sculpture.

Join us at SAM to celebrate a pioneer who set art adrift on the winds of change. Secure your ticket today for an art experience that promises to move, engage, and uplift.

Installation views of Calder: In Motion, The Shirley Family Collection, Seattle Art Museum, 2023, © 2023 Calder Foundation, New York / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York, photo: Alborz Kamalizad