This exhibit closed January 30, 2012
Klee Wyk: Artists on the Nisqually Flats (1953-1961)
Founded by Del McBride (Cowlitz/Quinault) in 1953, the Klee Wyk artists used Northwest
Coast Indian motifs in design work that was sold in galleries and installed in public
buildings. McBride (1920-1998) was lead designer. The other partners were Oliver
Tiedeman, Richard Schneider, and Del’s brother, Bud.
Bud built the studio, operated the printing press and later produced ceramics. Oliver
Tiedeman of Tacoma painted and handled finances for the group. Richard Schneider
joined them later focusing on ceramics.
Del and Bud were born in the Olympia area and grew up hearing stories about their
Indian ancestors. Del’s modern design sensibility made good use of his understanding
of regional Indian history and art.
Klee Wyk’s design legacy is still evident in the recently restored West Seattle
High School mural in Seattle. Several Seattle apartment buildings still have Klee
Wyk tile murals with Indian themes installed on the outside. Local collectors have
coffee tables, fountains, fireplaces and back splashes designed specifically for
their homes. Bread-and-butter items like wind chimes and pendants were also designed
and sold to tourists and visitors to the gallery.
The construction of I-5 eventually ended the cooperative. Del McBride went on to
a career as a curator of the State Capital Museum in Olympia. Bud McBride and Richard
Schneider ran Crow Valley Pottery on Orcas Island until their retirement in 1995.
The artifacts on display include Klee Wyk mid-century ceramics, textiles, furniture,
prints, and sculpture. Most of the work on exhibit is on loan from Bud McBride and
Richard Schneider.
Klee Wyk: Artists on the Nisqually Flats (1953-1961) runs from February
17, 2011 through January 30, 2012. Organized by the Washington State History Museum.