PHOTOS: The Central District Art Walk Celebrates Black Love With ‘Noir Amor’ Vendor Market
The Central District Art Walk recently transformed the historic Seattle neighborhood into a self-guided celebration of local art, culture, and commerce. The monthly showcase adopted the meaningful theme of "Black Love" for its First Friday event in February. Converge co-founders Erik Kalligraphy and The Big O were on hand, experiencing the creative energy that permeated the district.
A centerpiece of the First Friday was the "Noir Amor" vendor market, curated by the Black arts non-profit Arte Noir. Located adjacent to the Arte Noir storefront, the market featured nine different Black vendors and makers, including eight-year-old Jaden of Jaden’s Munchie Bar, supported by his mother Jazz From Seattle. The market offered the community a direct opportunity to circulate their dollars locally and connect faces to the creative expression that defines Seattle’s Black community.
Arte Noir's Executive Director, Jazmyn Scott, explained that the theme aligns with the organization's mission to celebrate Blackness 365 days a year. Owner of Made Space Seattle, Stephanie Morales, highlighted that the event is fundamentally about preserving the neighborhood's rich heritage and showcasing the creative prowess of Seattle’s Black community.
Additionally, Presidential Transportation provided a party bus to offer rides throughout the Central District, with planned stops at Washington Hall, Métier Brewing, and QueenCare.
Photos curated by Erik Kalligraphy
Learn more about the Central District Art Walk here.
