Wa Na Wari
Art center · Central Area
911 24th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
Highlights
Black art, community hub, free meals, intimate exhibits
Black art, community hub, free meals, intimate exhibits
"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
"A Black art and culture center offering free meals made by Black and Indigenous chefs." - 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
"Pop-up chef and activist Tarik Abdullah is partnering with the nonprofit arts space Wa Na Wari on a Southern-influenced New Year’s Day vegan feast. Items include Black-eyed peas, greens, and cornbread, available for pickup at Coyote Central on East Cherry Street." - Gabe Guarente
