Curatorial Statement: “In ancient times, revolutionaries and creatives were held at highest esteem. As contemporary artists, we have the ability to interpret what we deem as royalty in our communities. This exhibit allows African and African American artists to tell the tale of our past and future thru a different lenses.” - Soulma Ayers

​

Join us in celebrating Black History Month by engaging original artworks by local black artists. Reflecting upon what it means to be black in America from past to present, African-American/African diasporan local artists exhibit artworks celebrating Black History Month curated by an Art Vault selected local black artist, Soulma Ayers. She currently works in administration at Wa Na Nari. A recent study from Williams College found that just 1.2% of art in collections at major U.S. museums were made by black artists.  Empowering under-represented/resourced artists to increase representation and resonate their artworks, proceeds support featured artists 50%, Art Vault 20%, a black-owned nonprofit Art Vault exists to support BIPOC artists and strengthen their community in Seattle and the greater Pacific Northwest, and 10% each; Black Lives Matter Seattle + 501(c)3 public charity aRRRt + Julian Peña Gallery