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.

While blood donation is a cornerstone of modern healthcare, its availability is deeply unequal. According to a study conducted by Bloodworks Northwest, only 1% of Black Americans donate blood annually, compared to roughly 3% of the general U.S. population.

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. 

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.

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.

Earlier this month, the Colman Commons Grand Opening celebrated the launch of a new community space and honored incredible Black women in Seattle’s creative community. Among these women was Sierra Jones, who made it clear we cannot build sustainable sanctuaries for others if we are running ourselves into the ground.

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.

By Ashleigh McCurdy - Last week, I experienced a night chock-full of intention and good vibes: the Men, Wine & Spirits Dinner, hosted by Urban Connoisseurs. Every detail was curated to perfection, every conversation meaningful, and every moment layered with purpose.

By Ashleigh McCurdy - There are moments in my work that feel less like assignments and more like access to legacy, brilliance, and a whole new world. My recent visit to the private boathouse gallery of legendary glass artist Dale Chihuly was exactly that.

By Ashleigh McCurdy - There are productions you attend, and then there are productions that stay with you. Last night, I experienced the opening night of Les Misérables at the historic Paramount Theatre in Seattle, and what unfolded was nothing short of breathtaking. 

By Ashleigh McCurdy - Last month, a few of my fellow Converge colleagues and I were invited to WeRise Wines in downtown Seattle for a private tasting of the new menu and wine pairings. What unfolded was an experience rooted in hospitality, thoughtful curation, and a larger mission centered on visibility and community. 

By Ashleigh McCurdy - Thursday night, I had the pleasure of attending the opening performance of Firebird presented by the Pacific Northwest Ballet. Surrounded by friends and fellow arts enthusiasts, the evening quickly became one of those experiences that reminds you why supporting the arts matters so deeply.

There's something special about walking into a museum and feeling as if you've stepped into a completely different world, where history, creativity, and storytelling intersect. Recently, I had the wonderful opportunity to experience exactly that during a private tour of Beyond Mysticism at the Seattle Art Museum, thanks to my partnership with Converge Media.

By Ashleigh McCurdy - My 38th birthday recently passed, and instead of celebrating loudly, I chose to celebrate intentionally. This year, I checked into The State Hotel alone. Not because I didn’t have people to celebrate with, or because I was running from anything, but because I wanted space. Space to reflect, listen, and honor the woman I’ve become.

My grandmother is from Louisiana, and with her came Creole heritage, Southern tradition, and lessons that shaped the woman I am today. She taught me how to cook real food, the kind that feeds your soul as much as your stomach. She taught me how to bake with patience, season with intention, and move through the kitchen like it’s a sacred space.