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Meet the newest artist to grace Fremont’s eclectic universe: Elissa Washuta

Elissa Washuta has one of the most unique writing studios this summer. She was selected by the Office of Arts & Culture (ARTS), in partnership with Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) to be the writer-in-residence in the northwest tower of the Fremont Bridge from June through August 2016.

Elissa Washuta headshotWashuta’s project will include an in-depth exploration of the historic bridge and will culminate in a unique literary work and public presentation this fall. In addition, she will engage the public through social media and community events.

Washuta is a member of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and a writer of personal essays and memoir. She is the author of two books, Starvation Mode and My Body Is a Book of Rules, named a finalist for the Washington State Book Award. Her work has appeared in Salon, The Chronicle of Higher Education, and BuzzFeed. Elissa holds an MFA from the University of Washington and currently serves as the undergraduate adviser for the Department of American Indian Studies at the University of Washington and a nonfiction faculty member in the MFA program at the Institute of American Indian Arts. She is a faculty advisor for Mud City Journal and Saturday editor for The Rumpus. Washuta has received fellowships and awards from Artist Trust, 4Culture, Potlatch Fund, and Hugo House. Born and raised in New Jersey, she now lives in Seattle.

Photo credit: Andrew J.S.