Wa Na Wari — Gallery Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"So, what’s this place about? Wa Na Wari features Black art as part of the organization's mission to promote Black ownership (of land, culture, and joy) in Seattle 's historically red-lined Central District. Works of all types, from local to international pieces, hang around the living room and bedrooms of the converted house that serves as Wa Na Wari. How’s the space? The use of the house as a gallery means the downstairs exhibits in the main rooms offer plenty of space for grand ideas, while the smaller bedroom exhibits upstairs give an intimate feel. Bright lights and a multi-space setup makes it easy to explore at your own pace. The art’s the main thing, of course. How is it? The art is precisely curated to demonstrate the exact missions of the organization: It shows off Black joy in a variety of mediums, though often tinged with the realities of history or present-day hardships. Did you meet anyone on staff? Did they make an impression? Friendly staff greet visitors from the porch, but do little more than a welcome. At the end of the day, what—or who—is this place best for? Wa Na Wari is a must-stop for anyone who cares about how history, art, and today's geographies interact."