Ashleigh McCurdy Reflects on the Colman Commons Grand Opening Rooted in Black Art, Wellness, and Community
Ashleigh McCurdy poses in Colman Commons next to an original painting. (Photo: Dejané Blakey)
One week after the grand opening of Colman Commons, Executive Director Ashleigh McCurdy is still absorbing the magnitude of what the night meant for the artists, for the community, and for the future of the space itself.
What was originally envisioned as a modest celebration quickly became a packed house, overflowing with love, support, and Black creative brilliance.
“It was an amazing night,” Ashleigh said. “The turnout was unexpected. It was refreshing and heartwarming to know that so many people were willing to support us in the grand opening.”
Ashleigh McCurdy sits in Colman Commons under an original painting. (Photo: Dejané Blakey)
Centering Black Women in the Arts
The evening brought together a lineup of artists and panelists, including Stephanie Morales, Takiyah Ward, Sierra Jones, Jazmyn Scott, and the legendary Barbara Earl Thomas, along with partner and mentor Veronica Very.
For Ashleigh, their presence was nothing short of profound. From the outset, she knew the grand opening had to make a statement about who Colman Commons is for.
“The art world isn’t a Black-dominated space,” she said. “For us as Black people, we are creative by nature, and a lot of the things that we do aren’t reflected and put on the pedestal that they need to be.”
As a Black woman leading a team of Black women at Colman Commons, Ashleigh was intentional about centering Black women artists at the heart of the event.
“I wanted the art to reflect us who are here building what we have,” she said. “I wanted to make sure that we showcased those women who have been striving and building in the art world.”
Hiawatha D., the Green Book Collection, and Black Travel
Guests walking into Colman Commons were immediately greeted by the work of Hiawatha D, a towering figure in Seattle’s art community.
“You can’t talk about art in Seattle and not mention Hiawatha,” Ashleigh said. “He’s created a lane and opened doors for so many other artists, and he’s a beacon of the community.”
The featured series, “Green Book Vacationing in Martha’s Vineyard,” was shown publicly for the first time at the grand opening. It’s an exclusive body of work honoring both Hiawatha’s travels and the deep legacy of Black presence in Martha’s Vineyard.
The timing was no accident: the grand opening was held in August, which Ashleigh pointed out is recognized as Black Travel Month, a time when many Black travelers flock to destinations like Martha’s Vineyard.
The connection to Colman Commons is both poetic and practical. Located on Seattle’s waterfront next to the ferry docks, the space is physically and symbolically linked to travel, movement, and passage.
“Our goal is to be a pit stop before travelers get on the ferry,” Ashleigh said. “We will create our own green book and have a guide so that when travelers come and get on the ferry, they’re able to go to the different places that are Black-owned or BIPOC-led on the islands.”
Ashleigh McCurdy poses in the Colman Commons entrance. (Photo: Dejané Blakey)
Colman Commons as a “Third Place” and Home Away from Home
As monumental as the grand opening was, Ashleigh was clear that it was only the beginning. Her deeper focus is on what Colman Commons will continue to mean to the community in the weeks, months, and years ahead.
“I see it for more than just an event venue,” she said. “I see it and want it to be a third place, a home away from home.”
For Ashleigh, that starts with how people feel the moment they walk through the door.
“Everybody who has come in has literally said the same thing: they feel at peace. They feel at ease when they come in, and that is the point,” she said. “I want people to be able to come in here, walk through the doors, and know that they’re welcomed.”
A key part of that vision is the WOW Wellness Center, designed by Veronica Very as a private refuge for anyone who needs a moment to breathe, cry, rest, or reset.
“I want people to know that they can come in and drop into our wellness room and just… have a moment to themselves to recalibrate and restore whatever it is that’s lost within them in the day, but also enjoy the beauty around them,” Ashleigh said.
At the same time, Colman Commons is absolutely a place to celebrate.
‘When you look back years from now, you can remember: ‘Oh my gosh, I had my party at Colman Commons and I had such a good time.’ That’s what I want,” she said.
Visit Colman Commons & Book Your Next Event
Ashleigh invited anyone in the community to reach out to Colman Commons to book their next event. Whether you’re looking for a warm, art-filled space to host your next celebration, panel, or gathering, a quiet room to pause, restore, and take care of your mental and emotional wellness, or simply a place where Black art, Black stories, and community are honored and uplifted, Colman Commons is ready to welcome you.
Swing by, explore the artwork, take in the energy of the space, and imagine your next event held in a place built with you in mind.
Book your upcoming events at colmancommons.com, stop by on your way to the ferry, and become part of the story this space is creating for Seattle and beyond.
