PORT ANGELES — Jake Seniuk, former longtime executive director of the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center, has died in Seattle.
Seniuk, 66, was diagnosed with duodenal cancer in 2014, and was with his partner, Donna James of Seattle, until his death Friday.
Retired in 2012
He was director of the Fine Arts Center for 23 years, from 1989 until his retirement in 2012.
He was curator for all the exhibits at the Fine Arts Center during his tenure, and in 2000, Seniuk established Webster’s Woods Art Park, an outdoor sculpture exhibition on a forested trail outside of the arts center building on East Lauridsen Boulevard.
No information was available Monday regarding a memorial for Seniuk.
While the Fine Arts Center was closed Monday, its board of directors released a statement Monday regarding his death.
“With deep gratitude we reflect on the life of Jake Seniuk, former executive director of the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center. He was a visionary, and a driving force in the success of the Fine Arts Center for more than 23 years,” the statement said.
‘Art Ranger’
The board said Seniuk had a passion for fostering art’s role in the Port Angeles community and took on the role of administrator, fundraiser, curator and as the “Art Ranger,” leading tours of Webster’s Woods Art Park.
“Port Angeles, the Olympic Peninsula, and the entire region will miss his energy, artistry, intelligence and wit,” the statement said.
Seniuk’s influence was also felt statewide.
Before he was hired to manage the arts center, Seniuk worked as program manager for Art in Public Places at ArtsWA, which acquires, places and cares for artwork in state-funded building projects statewide.
“Jake leaves behind a vast legacy as an artist and arts supporter and our thoughts are with his friends and family,” the Washington State Arts Commission said Monday.
The Washington State Art Collection contains several of his artworks, the commission noted.
Seniuk’s lightbox display, “Ten Archetypes: Shadow: Select/Suspect Theodore Bundy/Joseph McCarthy,” was included in an exhibition at the The Washington Center for the Performing Arts in Olympia.
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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56250, or at arice@peninsuladaily
news.com.
