Discovering new artists of African descent in the Pacific Northwest
When Seattle-based artist Bonnie Hopper’s son-in-law happened upon Gallery Onyx in 2016, he was immediately excited to find a gallery that showcases and promotes artists of African descent. Although Hopper, who has been painting since she was a child, has formal training in both fine arts and advertising, she was working on her craft out of her garage and giving the artwork to friends and family.
During his visit, Hopper’s son-in-law spoke with Earnest Thomas, president of Onyx Fine Arts Collective, and Ashby Reed, Onyx vice president, and told them about her artwork. Thomas and Reed said they’d love to take a look at Hopper’s art and several weeks later she came to the gallery with several examples of her paintings.
“I opened up her portfolio with four or five samples of work and I was floored,” Reed says. “I asked her, ‘Where have you been and would you consider showing with us?’ ” Hopper’s answer was yes and she has been featured in every Onyx show for the past five years.
