In honor of Black History Month, the Governor’s Mansion Foundation will feature large-scale prints of the George Bush series by acclaimed Black artist Jacob Lawrence as part of the tours of the Mansion on February 4 and 11.
The original art is in the collection of the Washington State Historical Society. The prints are courtesy of the Washington State Supreme Court, copyright 2025, The Jacob and Gwendolyn Knight Lawrence Foundation, Seattle/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. The five panels depict, in Lawrence’s iconic style, the western journey of George and Isabella Bush and their family from Missouri to what is now Tumwater in 1845. George Bush, a man of mixed race, became one of the territory’s most noted farmers, and the Bush family was known for their generosity.
Visitors to the Mansion will also enjoy a new temporary exhibit by the Foundation in honor of America’s 250th Anniversary in 2026, commemorating the “Power of Place.” The exhibit features artwork by contemporary artists from around the state, complemented by pieces from the Foundation’s permanent collection on the theme. The Power of Place exhibit will be on display throughout 2026.
Reservations – Visit the Department of Enterprise Services’ website to complete an online reservation https://capitol.wa.gov/tours/governors-mansion-tours at least 24 hours in advance. Adult tour guests must show photo identification, and all visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The Mansion is accessible to wheelchairs and walkers. Visitors must walk a 200-yard incline up to the Mansion.
