Clymer Museum and CWU to celebrate First Friday Art Walk

The Clymer Museum of Art in downtown Ellensburg is proud to host a special exhibition featuring the work of Central Washington University Department of Art + Design alumni and one current student on Friday, October 2, during the First Friday Art Walk. 

The group exhibition, titled “Storytellers,” will feature works by Grace Goetz, Rita Tumbusch, and Christine Dunlap.

To further celebrate its ongoing partnership with the CWU Department of Art + Design, the Clymer Museum will also be unveiling two recent Clymer acquisitions for public viewing: Couple in Living Room, acquired from a private collector in Toronto; and Winsome Win, depicting a World War II B-17 Flying Fortress crew readying for a mission. Winsome Win was recently acquired from a Jackson Hole, Wyoming, auction house.

Also, for the first time in decades, visitors to the museum can view a unique exhibition of John Clymer's Spanish-American Western-themed paintings including Man With A Sack; Green Spanish Couple; Men Singing; Blue Spanish Couple; and Men Panning For Gold. 

The Clymer Museum’s two strikingly different new acquisitions and Spanish-American exhibition of the artist’s early works from the 1930s further demonstrate the depth and breadth of his many styles and subjects. 

This new John Clymer exhibition is a fitting tribute to the three talented artists from the CWU Department of Art + Design whose artwork will on display at the museum through November 15. 

• Grace Goetz’s works are inspired by nature and the concept of time. She draws ideas from the world around her, capturing memorable experiences that are rooted in observation. Grace is currently pursuing a degree in Art Education.
• Rita Tumbusch’s paintings investigate the complex nature of self-identity and mental health. The figure in their work is the vessel that contains stories and memories. They work with traditional oil media and ceramics. Rita graduated with their BFA in Studio Art in 2026.
• Christine Dunlap explores 19th century literary works to address the concept of the “hidden self,” and, as she writes in her artist statement, “Give voice to the voiceless.” Her paintings are layered with symbolism and mystery. Christine graduated with her BFA in Studio Art in 2020.

The Clymer Museum of Art is located at 416 N. Pearl Street in Ellensburg, and is open Thursdays and Fridays from noon to 4 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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CWU student and alumni images:

• Top: Grace Goetz: “Broken Top” oil on canvas, 23.5” x 35.5”; 2024
• Inset 1: Rita Tumbusch: “Two Ritas” oil on canvas, 24” x 36”; 2026
• Inset 2: Christine Dunlap: “Let Go” oil on canvas, 40” x 24”; 2019