Fall Arts Take Center Stage in SLU

From thought-provoking museum exhibitions and contemporary art to live music and artist lectures, there’s plenty happening around the neighborhood’s vibrant art scene this fall. Whether you’re looking to discover something new or revisit a favorite cultural destination, here are seven events worth adding to your calendar.

Through October 17
Michael Schultheis: “Coherence in Chaos”
Winston Wächter Fine Art
203 Dexter Ave N

Seattle artist Michael Schultheis returns to Winston Wächter Fine Art with a new exhibition exploring the connections between mathematics, art, and human relationships. Using geometric forms called epicycloids, Schultheis creates works that reflect the changing dynamics between individuals, families, and communities. The exhibition marks 20 years of the artist showing with the gallery and invites viewers to consider what holds us together in an increasingly complex world.

Through October 18
Reframing Seattle’s Southeast Asian Histories
MOHAI
860 Terry Ave N

Seattle’s Southeast Asian communities are the focus of this exhibition at MOHAI, which explores how refugee experiences have been documented and represented in the museum’s collections. Drawing on research by Curator’s Fellow Than Tan, the exhibition highlights stories that have often been overlooked in the city’s historical record. Visitors can discover new perspectives on Seattle’s past and the communities that continue to shape its identity.

Through November 15
For Which It Stands: The Many Threads of the American Flag
MOHAI
860 Terry Ave N

What does the American flag mean to you? This exhibition at MOHAI explores the flag’s changing symbolism throughout American history, from moments of national unity to protest and social change. Featuring historical flags, photographs, and contributions from community partners, the exhibition examines how different generations have embraced and challenged this familiar symbol. An interactive artwork also invites visitors to share their own perspectives.

October 23, 11:30am–12:30pm
Visiting Artist Lecture: Samantha Yun Wall
Raisbeck Auditorium, Cornish College of the Arts
2017 Boren Ave

Cornish College of the Arts welcomes Portland-based visual artist Samantha Yun Wall for the second lecture in its 2026–27 Visiting Artist series. Born in Seoul, Wall creates drawings and mixed-media works exploring identity, cultural experiences, and the emotional complexities of belonging. Her work places particular emphasis on feminine perspectives within diasporic communities. The free lecture offers an opportunity to learn more about her artistic practice and creative influences.

October 23, 5–7pm
Open Rehearsal: Inside the Freddy Fuego Orchestra
Seattle JazzED
380 Boren Ave N

Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes before an orchestra takes the stage? Seattle JazzED invites visitors to watch composer, conductor, and trombonist Freddy Fuego lead his 15-piece orchestra through an open rehearsal ahead of its album release performances. Guests can observe the musicians’ creative process, learn about collaboration and improvisation, and ask questions. Presented in partnership with Earshot Jazz, the event is open to everyone.

October 30, 7:30pm
Fall Music Student Showcase
Raisbeck Auditorium, Cornish College of the Arts
2017 Boren Ave

Get a glimpse of Seattle’s next generation of musicians at the annual Fall Music Student Showcase. Students from Cornish College of the Arts at Seattle University take the stage to perform a mix of original compositions and covers, highlighting the creativity and musical talent developing within the school’s music program. The free concert offers a chance to support emerging artists and enjoy an evening of live music in South Lake Union.

November 13, 7:30pm
Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas
Emerald City Music
415 Westlake Ave N

Emerald City Music welcomes acclaimed pianist Gilles Vonsattel for an evening celebrating the music of Ludwig van Beethoven. The performance features five piano sonatas spanning the composer’s early and middle periods, including The Tempest, Pastoral, and Appassionata. Part of Vonsattel’s ambitious project to perform all 32 Beethoven piano sonatas, the concert offers an intimate look at the composer’s evolving style. A pre-concert talk begins at 7pm.