From the Blog

“Susan Fried has been capturing local history and events through photography for decades. She’s touched to have her historical photos on display at NAAM,” said LaNesha DeBardelaben, president and CEO of the Northwest African American Museum. “This was a point of celebration to show her photos that capture the community’s feelings and hopes.”

The exhibit “A Long Walk to Hope” embodies a variety of framed signs once held by march participants along with photos of community leaders and families, and a mural chronicling Seattle’s Martin Luther King, Jr. annual march.

The museum approached Susan about using her work and determined the pieces they wanted to show along with the sizes, and how to light and paint the space.

“Our exhibit acknowledges what MLK wanted for the present and future generations,” Eric D. Salisbury Sr., exhibit curator said. “Exhibit visitors see photos of people they know, knew, or even of themselves. It’s incredible to witness that and the vast amount of people of all colors marching for civil rights. It’s like a historical photo album.”

Eric stopped at a particular photo of four men at the King Day celebration. We asked him about it.

“I know Larry (Gossett),” Eric said smiling and pointing at the man to the far right. “He’s an active leader in our community, a politician and activist. There is lot of civil rights support in these photos.”

Eddie Rye Jr. (far left), Tony Orange (middle left), Oscar Eason (middle right). Larry Gossett (far right) served as a member of the nonpartisan King County Council, from 2006 to 2020.

Susan’s photos were enlarged and customized by Capitol Hill Frame Central for the exhibit in NAAM’s Paccar Gallery.

Capitol Hill Frame Central worked with NAAM to print and frame the photos and march signs. The photos were enlarged and printed as chromaprints, a process where the images are infused into hi-gloss polished aluminum. These high-definition metal prints feature rounded corners and are scratch, UV and water resistant. The photos are baked on metal which allows color and light to pop off the wall.

“NAAM has been working with Capitol Hill Frame Central for years,” LaNesha said. “We always find the service and outcomes exceptional when we work with their designers.”

“The reaction to the exhibit has been very positive,” Eric said. “It’s an interactive experience with inspirational music, sounds of the march, and the powerful faces on the walls.”

The photos were staggered on the wall intentionally in a configuration to honor and portray the march itself.