Inspire

Educate

Showcase

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Who We Are

MISSION
Onyx Fine Arts Collective is a voluntary, non-profit organization, based in Seattle, whose mission is to educate, inspire, cultivate, and showcase the artwork of artists of African descent from our Pacific Northwest communities.
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VISION
​ONYX will serve as the primary catalyst for elevating the presence of Pacific Northwest visual artists of African descent throughout our region, nation, and the world. To accomplish our vision, we will:

• Advocate for the exhibition, recognition, funding, promotion of artists of African descent in the PNW
• Build a community of PNW artists of African descent that is consciously placed in relationship with artist of African descent around the world
• Explore regional and national opportunities to showcase the work of Onyx artists.
• Celebrate the history and legacy of Pacific Northwest artist of African descent
• Become a resource for artists to grow and develop their skills, knowledge and experience
• Create a space where artists of African descent can display and sell their work to individuals, organizations, corporations, and in the public space
• Increase the representation of artists of African descent in public art
• Counteract the prevailing under-representation and exclusion of art by artists of African descent

• 2015 - Opened Gallery Onyx in Seattle’s most densely populated Belltown neighborhood. Exhibited at Jacob Lawrence Gallery at the UW, Washington Historical Museum in Tacoma for Black History Month. Exhibited at the Seattle African American museum showcasing Onyx award winning artists.
• 2013 - Launched first website (www.onyxarts.org). 
• 2010 - Became an official non-profit organization with officers.
• 2006 – Seven members organized as a group to exhibit art among ourselves and friends.

• 2018 – Opened Gallery Onyx in the Pacific Place Mall, a 3,000 square foot gallery hosting exhibits every 2 months and party events. Produced and published a hardcover 95-page book commemorating the 2017 exhibit called “Truth B Told”.  This book documented the largest ever exhibit in the history of the Pacific Northwest for arts of African descent. Officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the state of Washington. Gallery Onyx recorded a one-year total attendance of 6,000.
• 2017 – Produced and presented the 12th Annual juried exhibit titled “Truth B Told” in the famous Seattle King Street Station in Pioneer Square. Exhibit attendance recorded was over 2500 visitors. Increased Associate Artists Master List to 235 in 11 years of operation.

• 2022  – Successfully operated Gallery Onyx for 5 years downtown Seattle exhibiting the artwork of 120 artists. Current list of artists totals 527.
• ​2021 – Exhibited the 16th Annual juried exhibit “Renaissance Unmasked The Rebirth Of Black Brillence“ at Gallery Onyx. Board has increased to 12 members and volunteers to 7. Master Artists List totals increased to 427. Received Grant from Seattle Times for Editorials and Display Ads. Produced the 2nd Truth B Told II hardcover 150-page book recording the works of 74 PNW artists of African descent. Successfully conducted the first virtual fundraiser.
• 2020 – Documentary filmed about Onyx by Seattle Channel 21 was nominated for the Northwest Regional Emmy Award in the arts/entertainment category. 

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Onyx Logo

The properties of the Onyx logo, a black gem stone that represents positive energy, guards against negativity, fortifies self-confidence and sharpens the senses, further inspiring us to develop and grow professionally. Our logo serves to further enhance our increasing presence and brand in the Northwest and beyond.

Notes for E - Came from Al Daggett, created logo. Need updated language.
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