Kenneth Callahan

Kenneth Callahan served as a catalyst for Seattle artists in the mid-twentieth century through his own painting, his work as assistant director of the Seattle Art Museum, and his writings about contemporary art. Born in Spokane and largely self-taught as an artist, Callahan was committed to an art which went beyond the merely illustrative. He enrolled at the University of Washington in 1924 but did not complete a degree. After leaving the university he traveled widely absorbing influences from the different countries and cultures he experienced. His talent was recognized early; his work was included in the first Whitney Biennial exhibition in 1933 and he went on to forge a distinguished painting career. Callahan is identified as one of the Northwest Mystics, four Seattle painter-friends who shared a muted palette and strong interest in Asian aesthetics.