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A Letter from Colman Commons: The Art of Gathering Well
By Ashleigh McCurdy - Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about what makes a space feel special. Not just beautiful, not just well-designed, but the kind of place that makes you want to stay a little longer. I think it has something to do with how we gather.
PHOTOS: Scope Screenings Lights Up Langston with CINEMACON
Film Commissioner Lex Scope’s monthly film festival returned to the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute on Tuesday, August 25. Embracing a CINEMACON theme, attendees pulled up in their best cosplay, expertly captured by photographer Jaden Martenson.
Opera’s Most Scandalous Spectacle is Back: Salome Returns to Seattle After 24 Years
Seattle Opera is kicking off its 2026-27 season with a massive splash by bringing back Richard Strauss and Oscar Wilde’s masterpiece, Salome.
Eugenie Jones Harmonizes Music, Community, and the Jackson Street Jazz Festival on The Day With Trae
On a recent episode of The Day With Trae, guest host Alicia Crank sat down with celebrated singer, songwriter, producer, and festival organizer Eugenie Jones. Jones shared her journey from her early days in the Seattle music scene to her extensive logistical efforts directing the upcoming Jackson Street Jazz Festival.
Teia Burton-Green To Take Over Seattle with Women on the Waterfront and Dead End Block Party
Seattle artist, lyricist, and performer Teia Burton-Green recently appeared on The Day With Trae with guest host Alicia Crank where she shared an extensive look at her roots in the city's music scene, her ongoing community mentorship, and her transition into major creative leadership roles.
Celebrating a 35-Year Legacy: Rajnii Eddins Talks the Power of Black Creativity on The Day With Trae
Blending legacy, art, and community, prolific writer and poet Rajnii Eddins recently stepped into the Black Media Matters studio for a conversation on The Day With Trae, hosted by Trae Holiday.
Spokane’s Largest Multimedia Art Event Returns: Celebrate Terrain 17 This October
Terrain, a grassroots nonprofit organization that has championed the local art scene since 2008, is preparing to host its 17th annual Flagship Event on October 2nd, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Solitude, Swag, and Sisterhood: Symonne Larison Exhibits Vivid Portraits and Cultural Rituals at Colman Commons
Artist Symonne Larison brought high saturation, deep contrast, and blunt honesty to the Seattle waterfront with her latest exhibition at Colman Commons.
Nate Alexander Brings Custom Fashion to Colman Commons
Colman Commons never goes out of style. Fashion designer Nate Alexander recently stopped by Colman Commons to showcase his original, one-of-one custom designs from his brand Mainly Razedebar.
Colman Commons Captures Black Joy at Pioneer Square Art Walk Afters
At the Colman Commons Grand Opening, The Elite Collective partnered with The Smile Patrol to bring the ultimate 360 photobooth experience, capturing every smile, every dance move, and every moment of pure Black joy.
Passing the Sacred Baton: Veronica Very, Colman Commons, and a New Era of Well-Being
Last month, the Seattle community gathered to witness the Grand Opening of Colman Commons. For Veronica Very, the founder and visionary of Wonder of Women (WOW) International, this momentous event was a milestone in her lifelong dedication to healing, art, and community.
Claiming Colman Commons: Takiyah Ward on Black Art and Divine Audacity
The Colman Commons Grand Opening recently honored a panel of Black women in the arts. Taking center stage was Takiyah "TDUB" Ward, the newly appointed Creative Director of Colman Commons and the owner of The Re-Sole 206.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Cast Talks Resilience and Magic on The Day With Trae
On a special edition of The Day With Trae, host Trae Holiday sat down with cast members Nadia Brown and Rachel Leslie to discuss the touring production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, currently captivating audiences at the Paramount Theatre.
Jazmyn Scott Talks Redefining Power in Seattle Arts at Colman Commons
The recent Colman Commons Grand Opening featured a historic panel of Black women in Seattle arts. Among the visionaries honored was Jazmyn Scott, the force behind cultural hub and fine art gallery ARTE NOIR, who shared her truths about resilience, community, and what it truly means to fund Black creativity.
Jwavy Talks ‘Northern Flow,’ Community Advocacy, and Staying Authentic on The Pop-Up!
The Seattle music and cultural landscape is witnessing the rise of a multi-talented force. On a recent episode of The Pop-Up! with host The Big O, artist Jwavy stopped by the Black Media Matters studios to discuss her unique artistry, community initiatives, and the philosophy driving her success.
Isiah Anderson Jr. Pulls Back the Curtain on Peter Pan: Ready to Rise on The Day With Trae
When Isiah Anderson Jr. steps onto a stage or walks into a room, you can always count on a few things: an unyielding dedication to Seattle’s youth, a respect for the cultural architects who came before him, and, as host Trae Holiday fondly pointed out, a razor-sharp Midwest crease.
Ready to Rise: Jamie-Michelle Charles Delivers Breathtaking Wendy Solo at Colman Commons
The Seattle waterfront was recently flooded with pure musical magic as Jamie-Michelle Charles, starring as Wendy in Acts on Stage's Teen Summer Musical production Peter Pan: Ready to Rise, delivered a breathtaking sneak-peek performance of the show, happening this weekend.
Cameron Lavi-Jones Talks Black and Loud Fest on The Day With Trae
Cameron Lavi-Jones, the frontman for rock outfit King Young Blood and co-founder of Black and Loud Fest, recently joined The Day With Trae to discuss the upcoming iteration of the music festival, his personal ethos, and his recent star-turn in musical theater.
Seattle Office of Arts & Culture Opens Applications for 2027 King Street Station Exhibitions
The Seattle Office of Arts & Culture (OAC) has officially begun accepting applications for 2027 exhibitions at its premiere cultural space and gallery, ARTS at King Street Station.
Honoring Giants: Barbara Earl Thomas Inspires at Colman Commons Grand Opening Celebration
At the Colman Commons Grand Opening Celebration earlier this month, the atmosphere was charged with reflection, gratitude, and artistic excellence. Among the esteemed honorees was legendary Seattle artist Barbara Earl Thomas, whose insights into her lifelong creative journey left a lasting impression.