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A Sacred Baton in Action: Jack & Jill Mothers Find Rest, Art, and Sisterhood at Colman Commons
Where Pioneer Square meets the Seattle waterfront, Colman Commons became a living sanctuary yesterday as it opened its doors to roughly 20 mothers from the Jack & Jill of America Seattle Chapter.
Full Hearts & Flowers: A Weekend of Black Excellence and Beautiful Gatherings with NAAM and Byrd Barr Place
By Ashleigh McCurdy - From Friday night at the Northwest African American Museum’s (NAAM) Unity Benefit to Saturday’s retirement celebration at Colman Commons and Byrd Barr Place’s Legacy in Motion Gala, I spent the weekend surrounded by friends, family, and colleagues.
Colman Commons and Terrain: Making Room for Art, Making Room for Each Other
By Ashleigh McCurdy - My time at Terrain 17 in Spokane, Washington earlier this month was truly amazing and inspiring. Being there and experiencing the Inland Northwest’s premier art festival firsthand gave me a chance to see what is possible when we create space for art and the people who bring it to life.
Water for Elephants: A Solo Date, a Little Wonder, and One of My Top Five Shows
By Ashleigh McCurdy - I love a good solo date. There is something beautiful about making time for yourself, choosing an experience simply because it interests you, and fully enjoying it. On Tuesday night, I treated myself to Water for Elephants at Seattle’s Paramount Theatre, and let me tell you, this theater girly left absolutely amazed.
Reflecting On Terrain 17 Preview Night: Art, Inspiration, and Connecting Spokane to Seattle
Last night in Spokane, Washington, Colman Commons Executive Director Ashleigh McCurdy and the Converge Media team stepped into the creative whirlwind of Terrain 17 Preview Night ahead of tonight’s Main Terrain event.
Converge On The Road: Pit Stops, Stories, and Scenic Vistas on the Way to Terrain 17
Like clockwork, the first weekend of October means that the Converge Media and Colman Commons team is on the road again for our sixth annual trek across Washington State to Terrain 17, the inland Northwest’s largest multimedia art festival in Spokane.
At Our Table: My Afternoon with Lewis Rudd at Colman Commons
By Ashleigh McCurdy - Some afternoons remind me exactly why we opened the doors to Colman Commons. Recently, Lewis Rudd, co-founder and CEO of Ezell’s Famous Chicken, joined host Keisha Credit here for an exclusive interview on The Pop-Up! at the Colman Commons Backstage.
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.
Bloodworks Northwest Works to Normalize Blood Donation in the Black Community
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sierra Jones Explains The Radical Act of Rest at the Colman Commons Grand Opening
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.
Ashleigh McCurdy Reflects on the Colman Commons Grand Opening Rooted in Black Art, Wellness, and Community
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.
A Seat at the Table: Urban Connoisseurs’ Men, Wine & Spirits Dinner Celebrates Wine Culture and Community
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.
Inside the World of Chihuly: A Conversation with Leslie Chihuly Ahead of Venice 2026
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.
Opening Night at Les Misérables: When Masterful Storytelling and High Art Become One
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.
We Rise Together: Inside the Seattle Wine Bar Elevating Underrepresented Makers
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.
An Enchanting Evening at the Ballet: Opening Night of ‘Firebird’ with Pacific Northwest Ballet
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.
Exploring ‘Beyond Mysticism:’ Art, History, and a Journey Through the Creative Spirit of the Pacific Northwest
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.
