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Governor Jay Inslee’s official portrait by Grace Athena Flott unveiled at State Arts event
Summary
Seattle artist Grace Athena Flott’s official portrait of Governor Jay Inslee was unveiled by the State Arts Commission; Flott discussed representation and process, and the governor named her Washingtonian of the Day and linked the work to his climate goals.
The State Arts Commission on Feb. 21, 2026, unveiled the official portrait of Governor Jay Inslee, a ceremonial painting by Seattle-based artist Grace Athena Flott that the commission and the governor’s office selected for display in the governor’s portrait suite.
Karen Hennen, director of the State Arts Commission, opened the event and said the portrait ‘‘is a significant addition to our state's cultural heritage’’ and that the commission worked with the governor’s office and ArtsWA on the selection. Hennen introduced staff who supported the project, including the public art program manager, Mike Sweeney, and the commission’s communications manager.
Flott, who said she was raised in Spokane and is based in Seattle, described the portrait as intended to humanize and connect viewers to the subject. "I'm also a little nervous because I understand that the governor hasn't seen the portrait in person yet," Flott said, thanking the governor’s staff, ArtsWA and the State Arts Commission for an open call and a collaborative process that encouraged artists from diverse backgrounds.
At the unveiling, Governor Jay Inslee spoke about the mountain motif in the painting and linked it to the state's environmental work. "Because of what we're doing in Washington state, 100 years from now, Mount Rainier is gonna continue to have that glacier and snow on it," he said, framing the image as emblematic of the state’s commitment to conservation and climate action.
The governor also used the occasion to give a ceremonial recognition: he named Flott "Washingtonian of the Day," affixed a Washington apple pin and presented a certificate honoring her contribution. Attendees applauded as the artist and the team were acknowledged.
The portrait was produced after a public selection process involving ArtsWA and the governor’s office; organizers said the open call and collaborative review were intended to broaden opportunities for historically marginalized artists. No formal policy actions or votes took place at the event. The program concluded with brief acknowledgements of staff and project partners.
What’s next: the portrait will join the state’s suite of gubernatorial portraits and be accessible according to the governor’s office and State Arts Commission display policies.
