Wa Na Wari
Art center · Central Area ·
Black art & culture center, free meals, music, poetry, and film
Information
911 24th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122 Get directions
Black art & culture center, free meals, music, poetry, and film
911 24th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122 Get directions
"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."
"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 artists' to international pieces, hang around the living room and bedrooms of the converted house. The use of a 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. Friendly staff greet visitors from the porch, but do little more than a welcome. This is a must-stop for anyone who cares about how history, art, and urban geography converge." - Naomi Tomky, Jenna Scatena
"For its fourth anniversary, I’m highlighting Wa Na Wari’s Cake Dance, a fundraiser that draws on the Black history of cakewalks to showcase Black dancers and invite guests to take part in a traditional cakewalk; the event pairs performances with a participatory stroll around a numbered circle set to music by DJ Lady Coco, with winners receiving cakes baked by Seattle bakers." - Harry Cheadle
"Since February, Wa Na Wari, a Black art and culture center in the Central District, has been offering free meals made by Black and Indigenous chefs every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m.; the program is a partnership with the local Muslim American organization Wasat and is meant to promote the work of chefs of color while feeding the community." - Jade Yamazaki Stewart
"Central District Black art and community center Wa Na Wari is celebrating Black History Month with new exhibitions by Black artists, poetry and visual art events, and free African food for pickup from Black chefs. Food for pickup will be available every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m through March. The program is meant to serve the community and promote local Black chefs and their cuisines." - Jade Yamazaki Stewart