events & exhibitions
Check out events at Onyx and around town. Follow us on Instagram @onyxfineartscollective to see move events.
We STILL Dream a Future: Reclaiming Our Humanity
Image courtesy of Seattle Office of Arts and Cultured
This exhibition is framed through a chronological time line. The museum is a multi-sensory, interdisciplinary approach that uses authentic artifacts (primary resources), storyboards, and the ancient art of storytelling. The museum is framed through four segments: Mother Africa, U.S. Chattel Slavery, the Jim Crow Era, and Still, We Rise (focusing on African American inventors and inventions). Mr. Richardson believes that the connection with the past can guide ones’ present and future.
Celebrating Success
Join us for “Celebrating Success,” our 4th annual women’s exhibit! See a variety of works by talented Black women artists in the PNW.
This year, 36 artworks by 23 artists are on display for your viewing and purchase.
Please stop by to see these wonderful works, which reflect the experiences of these artists from ages 16 to 99.
Artist Reception April 12: 2 - 5 PM.
Artist Talk April 26: 1 - 4 PM.
Luther Vandross Exhibit
Experience Luther Vandross: Artistry and Elegance at NAAM, a special exhibition curated by the Grammy Museum® celebrating the voice, style, and legacy of one of music’s most beloved artists. Explore iconic stagewear, handwritten lyrics, Grammy Awards, and more.
At NAAM, now on view through July 19.
Saturday's Benjamin Banneker Math Room
Step into the Benjamin Banneker Math Room at NAAM, an interactive space where children and families explore math through hands-on play, puzzles, and creative problem-solving. Inspired by the legacy of Benjamin Banneker, this experience makes math engaging, accessible, and rooted in curiosity and discovery. Join us every Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM and learn through play together. Learn more here!
A Roundtable Discussion
Join us at NAAM on May 16 from 12 PM to 2 PM for A Roundtable Discussion, featuring Dr. Carver Gayton, author of Odyssey of a Seattle Native Son; Dr. Emile Pitre, author of Revolution to Evolution; James Donaldson, author of Celebrating Your Gift of Life; and Arif Khatib, author of Remember Their Sacrifice
Stories of Unheralded Athletes of Color. During the program, Dr. Carver Gayton will also be presented with the Trailblazer Award by the Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame. The event includes a live discussion, audience Q&A, book sales, and signings. RSVP here!
Journey of Artist + AAWA Poetry + Ethiopian Coffee
Join us as the African American Writers Association (AAWA) will share poetry inspired by the art in our exhibit and our newest board member, Tsewone, is the lead person for the Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Hear from artists in the, ‘Celebrating Success” annual women’s exhibit and their journey through their art.
Black Graduation
Black Graduation is a two-day art fair and cultural gathering celebrating Black artists across the diaspora. Presented by Wa Na Wari in partnership with NAAM, this inaugural event brings together artists, collectors, and community for a curated marketplace, live music, film, conversations, portfolio reviews, and more. Join us at the Northwest African American Museum. General admission for Black Graduation on May 30 is free and open to the public. VIP Early Access on May 30, along with the Cinemetheque Soundtrack program on May 31 are ticketed.
Eyewitness to Greatness
This year, we’re celebrating Juneteenth with a special gallery exhibition, “Eyewitness to Greatness,” featuring local artists of African descent from the Onyx Fine Arts Collective. Meet the artists and enjoy refreshments and live music from acclaimed Pacific Northwest guitarist and vocalist Michael Powers. This event is free to attend!
The gallery will be available for viewing from June 1-25.
Artist Reception June 18, 7 - 9 PM at Blakely Hall.
Artist Talk - Celebrating Success
Join us for “Celebrating Success,” our 4th annual women’s exhibit! See a variety of works by talented Black women artists in the PNW.
This year, 36 artworks by 23 artists are on display for your viewing and purchase.
Please stop by to see these wonderful works, which reflect the experiences of these artists from ages 16 to 99.
Artist Reception April 12: 2 - 5 PM.
Artist Talk April 26: 1 - 4 PM.
More information coming soon!
Between Places and Memory
Come see fellow artists Angelena and Douglas McQuarter at Slip Gallery.
Learn more about hours and viewing here.
Scribes of the African Diaspora - Closing Reception
Join us for our closing reception with a special reading from the African American Writers Alliance, who will share their powerful poetry inspired by the art in the gallery.
Scribes of the African Diaspora is a vibrant celebration of Black voices, visions, and storytelling across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. This expansive exhibition brings together a dynamic range of artists whose works document joy, resistance, memory, imagination, and the everyday brilliance of Black life.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Image from STG and Alvin Aiely American Dance Theater
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater embarks on its next era under the leadership of new Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack, guided as ever by Alvin Ailey’s pioneering legacy. Audiences will be treated to classic works from the Ailey repertory that have inspired and uplifted fans for decades—including the touchstone of inspiration Revelations, the ultimate anthem to resilience and joy.
Celebrate Our Liberation
Join us at the Kirkland Arts Center for Celebrate Our Liberation a showcasing of Black art in the Pacific Northwest.
Artist Reception March 6, 5 - 8 PM.
Exhibit Hours: Tues - Friday 11 AM - 4 PM.
Saturdays 11 AM - 2 PM.
Featuring the work of 15 talented artists:
Adetola Abatan
Nita Coby
Clifford Crawford
Di Faria
Bonnie Hopper
Robert L. Horton
Nashon Joshua
Nia Kent
Aschenaki Lulu
Angelena McQuarter
Kyle Melendez
Bryon Stewart
Earnest Thomas
Nova Thomas
Valerie Washington
American 250: The Verdict Is?
America stands accountable at the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. We rise as the governed, with high expectations that our judiciary must uphold the rule of law in that all people have the right to due process.
Join the Black Heritage Society of Washington State as we honor the trailblazing legacies of Washington State Black judges who commit themselves to interpreting the law, and we also recognize those who continue to advocate for fair and just treatment. Where do we stand in the court of public opinion these 250 years later?
Learn More
Living Voices: Fly for Freedom
Experience a new historical multimedia program featuring the little-known stories and contributions of working women in the World War II aeronautics industry, amplifying the experiences of Black women through the Rosie the Riveters who built planes in Boeing’s factories, the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs), the Tuskegee Airmen, and the Double Victory campaign.
Artists Reception Scribes of the African Diaspora
Come enjoy art and light refreshments at our artists reception for Scribes of the African Diaspora.
Scribes of the African Diaspora is a vibrant celebration of Black voices, visions, and storytelling across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. This expansive exhibition brings together a dynamic range of artists whose works document joy, resistance, memory, imagination, and the everyday brilliance of Black life.
Come experience a chorus of perspectives that honor the past, speak to the present, and boldly shape the future of the African Diaspora.
Live Music by Edimbo playing the conga drums
Art in image by Bilonda Mireille Rommel
Call To Conscience
A month-long celebration of Black history through immersive installations, performances, and community programs. The historic Columbia City Theater will transform into a curated Black History Month museum honoring the legacy, resilience, and contributions of Black communities in Seattle, Tacoma, and beyond.
A wide variety of events are happening all month long, learn more here.
Melodies of the Diaspora
In celebration of Black History Month 2026, the City of Bellevue is working with community partners to present "Melodies of the Diaspora: Celebrating 100 Years of Black History Month," an art exhibition featuring the work of Pacific Northwest Black artists on display at the Bellevue Arts Museum and Bellevue City Hall and is designed to take visitors on a chronological journey of Black art through downtown Bellevue.
The exhibition will feature paintings, photography, sculptures, textiles, and fashion and is curated by Jay Taylor, Fancy Vargas, and Jerry Lee.
Viewing Dates
February 1 - 3:00 - 6:00 PM Artists Reception
February 2 - 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
February 5 - 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
February 7 - 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
February 14 - 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
February 21 - 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
More on the Artists Reception
PARKING INFORMATION
Free parking is available all day in both the North and South Tower parking garages located on Bellevue Way NE.
Both garages are approximately a 2-minute walk to the museum from either direction.
North Tower Parking Garage
500 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004
South Tower Parking Garage
500 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004
Once parked, simply walk toward the former Bellevue Arts Museum entrance.
EVENT DETAILS
Time: 3:00–6:00 PM
Location: Former Bellevue Arts Museum
Complimentary light bites and beverages
Live performances
Remarks from community leaders and project partners
This is a family-friendly community celebration, and we encourage you to come early, take your time, and enjoy the exhibition.
We look forward to celebrating Black history through the arts with you
Art in poster by Bryon Stewart and Rajaa Gharbi
Scribes of the African Diaspora
Scribes of the African Diaspora is a vibrant celebration of Black voices, visions, and storytelling across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. This expansive exhibition brings together a dynamic range of artists whose works document joy, resistance, memory, imagination, and the everyday brilliance of Black life.
Come experience a chorus of perspectives that honor the past, speak to the present, and boldly shape the future of the African Diaspora.
Artists Reception Feb 1, 2 - 5 PM
Art in image by Bilonda Mireille Rommel
Holiday Season Reception
Come see our Holiday Season exhibit. Talk with artists, enjoy refreshments, and view wonderful art!
We requested artwork from artists priced $600 or less. The objective of lower-priced artwork (lower-priced is not synonymous with lower quality) is to make original art more affordable and allow both seasoned collectors to add more wonderful artwork to their collections and first-time collectors to enter the collecting arena.
Truth and Purpose Teach-In
A National Teach-in Honoring Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley live on Zoom from the Mississippi Delta.
TRUTH + PURPOSE IN AMERICA:
A NATIONAL TEACH-IN HONORING EMMETT TILL AND MAMIE TILL-MOBLEY
On zoom live from the Mississippi Delta
Sunday, November 23, 1 to 5 pm ET // 10 am to 2 pm PT
Hosted by the Emmett Till Interpretive Center and The Institute for Common Power
Sponsors: Emmett Till Interpretive Center, The Institute for Common Power, Maryland Lynching Memorial Project
Featuring:
Patrick Weems, the Executive Director of the Emmett Till Interpretive Center
Dr. Terry Anne Scott, Director of the Institute for Common Power
Many other guests!
Holiday Season Exhibit
Come see our Holiday Season Exhibit.
We requested artwork from artists priced $600 or less. The objective of lower-priced artwork (lower-priced is not synonymous with lower quality) is to make original art more affordable and allow both seasoned collectors to add more wonderful artwork to their collections and first-time collectors to enter the collecting arena.
Holiday Season Reception Sunday November 23, learn more here.
African American Writers Alliance
Celebrate powerful voices and stories with readings and discussions by members of the African American Writers Alliance.
More information coming soon!
Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony
Experience the rich tradition of Ethiopian culture through an authentic coffee ceremony featuring freshly roasted beans and communal storytelling.
There will also be live Ethiopian music! Can’t wait to see you there.
Live Painting
Watch art come to life as talented artists create original works in real time before your eyes. This event coincides with the Downtown Art Walk!
Appreciation Celebration
Wow! Twenty years and counting. Onyx Fine Arts Collective has indeed reached the 20-year milestone. It seems like we started yesterday. Our objective has been to showcase the artwork of artists from the African diaspora, which has been unwavering, and the need to improve communication in our communities through art has never been more apparent.
Therefore, after 20 years, we're pausing. Pausing to celebrate this wonderful achievement. Pausing to celebrate growing our list of artists from seven to over 800. Pausing to celebrate Gallery Onyx and our exhibiting artists. Pausing to celebrate our patrons who keep us going through their financial support and continuous participation. Pausing to celebrate the production of two major books, which document our artists and their artwork.
We invite you to join us at our 20th milestone Appreciation Celebration as we pause to say thank you for your support. Space is limited, so please RSVP early. We look forward to celebrating with you soon.
Evening Program
A performance by the incomparable Josephine Howell, 6 - 7 PM
Northwest Tap Connection, changing the lives of youth through dance. Melba Ayco, founder and artistic director
Special reading by Dr. Georgia Stewart McDade, a charter member of the African American Writers Alliance
Gallery Onyx artists display
City of Seattle Proclamation
Food provided by Island Soul
Beverage/Champagne Toast
Free admission and evening attire required.
RSVP is now closed!
LOVE, reimagined: An Immersive Theater Experience
What if you could hold love in your hands? Love Reimagined is an immersive theatre performance where audience members don’t just watch, they participate. Through objects placed directly in your hands, you’re drawn into the unfolding stories of a mother’s love, a child exploring the concept for the first time, strangers on a beach dreaming of love’s promise, and a wallflower finding her bloom.
LOVE, reimagined: An Immersive Theater Experience
What if you could hold love in your hands? Love Reimagined is an immersive theatre performance where audience members don’t just watch, they participate. Through objects placed directly in your hands, you’re drawn into the unfolding stories of a mother’s love, a child exploring the concept for the first time, strangers on a beach dreaming of love’s promise, and a wallflower finding her bloom.
NAAM Unity Benefit
NAAM welcomes esteemed guests and museum supporters to enjoy an intimate cocktail affair with an inspirational program featuring members of the Pacific Northwest community.
Freedom Day
NAAM’s Freedom Day celebrates history, culture, equity, and freedom while highlighting the importance of sharing these ideals with ALL members of our community. Freedom Day is a FREE admission day at NAAM offered once a month that provides a variety of community activities, museum activations, and programs for individuals and families of all ages to enjoy at no cost. NAAM uses Freedom Day to spotlight significant and sometimes lesser known moments throughout history that have worked to advance freedom for all.
Umbrella Fringe Festival
The MOD is part of the Kirkland Arts Center's Umbrella Fringe Festival. A bold and exhilarating festival that celebrates the unconventional, the experimental, and the downright unexpected. But what exactly is Fringe? Fringe is raw, unfiltered, and immersive. A platform where artists push boundaries, challenge norms, and bring cutting-edge theater, dance, comedy, music, and multimedia art to life. It’s where emerging and established artists alike take creative risks, inviting audiences into worlds of imagination, innovation, and spontaneity.
Live Painting
Watch art come to life as talented artists create original works in real time before your eyes.
Live Painting
Watch art come to life as talented artists create original works in real time before your eyes.
Live Painting
Watch art come to life as talented artists create original works in real time before your eyes.
Live Painting
Watch art come to life as talented artists create original works in real time before your eyes.
After Midnight
Immerse yourself in the sultry, swingin’ Jazz Age of the Harlem Renaissance, where the Cotton Club is the place to be! Infused with the iconic tunes of Duke Ellington, Dorothy Fields, Harold Arlen, and more, After Midnight weaves groundbreaking jazz standards with rapturous dance and the rhythmic poetry of Langston Hughes in a jubilant production fit to blow the roof off the theater. Timeless songs like “Stormy Weather,” “On the Sunny Side of the Street,” and “It Don’t Mean a Thing” will have you leaping to your feet to join the fun.