Herndon Gallery proudly presents “Mia Zapata: A Place Within,” an exclusive exhibition featuring a collection of paintings, prints, and sculptures by Mia Zapata, an esteemed alumna from the 1980s. During her time at Antioch College in the mid-eighties, Mia crafted many of the stunning pieces showcased in this exhibition. Notably, Mia was also the frontwoman for the influential band, The Gits. The band originated in Antioch in 1986 and later relocated to Seattle, with Mia leading the charge alongside fellow band members guitarist Joe Spleen, bass player Matt Dresdner, and drummer Steve Moriarty, all classmates of Mia’s at Antioch.

“As The Gits flourished in the Pacific Northwest, they became the focal point of a thriving music and social sub-scene, attracting a host of talented musicians, artists, and unique individuals, including a few notable and eccentric billionaires.” (https://www.thegits.com) Over their four-year tenure in Seattle, The Gits’ unwavering dedication to their music deepened, and their electrifying live performances garnered a fiercely loyal fan base across the United States and Europe.

Within this remarkable exhibition, you’ll find  images capturing Mia and her bandmates in the throes of their magnetic performances, vividly portraying the essence of their energetic stage presence in Seattle. We owe our heartfelt gratitude to the Zapata family, whose generous support allowed the gallery to borrow these cherished works that have been integral to their lives for many years.  We would also like to thank photographers Julianne Andersen and Charles Peterson for agreeing to provide the photos that are included in this show.

In my role as the curator of the exhibit, this is more than a collection of images presented for a gallery visitor, it is a labor of love considering Mia’s profound impact on my life. We first crossed paths as students at Antioch, and our friendship endured for many years. This exhibition serves as a poignant celebration of Mia’s rich creative legacy, a legacy tragically cut short by her untimely passing in 1993.

michael casselli-Creative Director of the Herndon Gallery