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News / Northwest

WA Gov. Jay Inslee’s portrait unveiled as 3rd term comes to an end

By Sofia Schwarzwalder, The Seattle Times
Published: January 14, 2025, 5:09pm
3 Photos
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee poses for a photo with wife Trudi, center, and portrait artist Grace Flott, right, during his official portrait unveiling at the Washington State Capitol, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, in Olympia, Wash.
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee poses for a photo with wife Trudi, center, and portrait artist Grace Flott, right, during his official portrait unveiling at the Washington State Capitol, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, in Olympia, Wash. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) Photo Gallery

OLYMPIA — Gov. Jay Inslee’s portrait was unveiled in the State Reception Room to thunderous applause Tuesday afternoon following the three-term governor’s final State of the State address.

The portrait, painted by artist Grace Flott, depicts Inslee standing, holding a folder labeled “The State of Washington.” Behind him is a background of blue hues with Mount Rainier in the distance.

The portrait will hang in the governor’s office between the reception desk and former Gov. Christine Gregoire’s portrait.

Inslee exits his role after 12 years, with Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson set to be sworn in at noon Wednesday. Many will remember the outgoing governor for his love for nature and his climate advocacy, a theme he worked with Flott to incorporate throughout the painting.

“Mount Rainier has glaciers and snow and it is my firm belief that because of what we are doing in Washington state, 100 years from now Washington state will continue to have glaciers and snow,” Inslee said.

Included in the portrait is the apple pin Inslee has worn on his lapel throughout his time as governor. On occasion, Inslee will award someone “Washingtonian of the Day” by removing his pin and giving it to “someone who inspires him.”

Inslee awarded what might be his final Washingtonian of the Day pin to Flott following the unveiling.

Flott, 34, was selected after a competitive national search. She grew up in Spokane and is the daughter of public employees — her mother a librarian and her father an urban forester for the city. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Washington.

After sustaining an injury from a fire, Flott became interested in “what it means to navigate the world with a visible difference.” She decided to return to school specifically for portraiture and figure training.

“The big idea is that, even in the age of social media, portraiture remains a medium that can bridge identities, differences and time,” Flott said.

Flott and Inslee began collaborating on the concept design in August. The creative process included several iterations before the seven-week oil painting process began in the fall. Inslee was “very involved” throughout, Flott said.

The portrait was completed in November and delivered to Olympia in December. According to Flott, Inslee didn’t want a portrait that “showed himself as sort of separate or apart from the rest of Washington,” or portrayed him as “overly regal.”

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