CURRENT EXHIBIT • COMMUNITY LIVING ROOM
Freedom of Expression
Art provided by artists from Onyx Fine Arts Collective.
These works challenge any misconceptions of what “Black” art is and is not.
In "Freedom of Expression”, the Northwest African American Museum features a variety of rotating talented artists. Black art is often pigeonholed as “ethnic”. This exhibit showcases the strength and range of visual artistic expression produced by artists of African descent residing in the Pacific Northwest.
About the Exhibit + Artist’s Statements
Pamela Beatty
I paint what catches my attention. I love being able to express my creativity through something I can see and touch. I paint abstracts to relaxing jazz music for fun. My portraits have been commissioned and I enjoy the challenge of telling the story of the people in the photo. Behind each portrait there is a something they want to say. It may be about love, loss, family or even fun. Those who have asked me to paint them or their families have given me the honor of creative interpretation. I allow the winds of heaven to dance between me and my paint brush. What a painting looks like, at the end is always a welcome surprise (well almost always). Even when I am not happy with the outcome, I have always learned something from the process that makes me do better the next time.
I like experimenting with different approaches and love painting with acrylics on canvas. Sometimes I play around with different ideas on my Ipad before committing the work to canvas. That way I take more chances. Still, the actual painting remains a surprise when it is done. Painting has taught me patience, faith in the process and the joy of experimentation. It is my passion.
Nita Coby
My inspiration comes from things that impact me. I paint what inspires positive energy in acrylic and mixed media. Hidden images can be seen in the work that should provide enlightenment of the message. Satisfaction for me is when the viewer sees what was envisioned and gets positive inspiration.
Brenda Ezell
I am a native of Seattle, WA, but I have spent over half my life living in other parts of the country and the world. Since childhood, I have always had a love for art. Attending various workshops and online classes throughout the years, my interest in art was furthered. My work tends to focus on the theme of love- love between people, animals, and even plants! Depictions of love and happiness in abstract forms are my favorite topics. Though I love working with oils and acrylics, I’ve always been drawn to more tactile art forms like clay works. Forming, firing, and hand painting each piece gives me great pleasure. For many years I made and sold ceramic figurines to supplement the family income. Now, I create for the sheer joy of it! Recently, I discovered mosaics and it was instant love. Instead of using oils or acrylics, I use hand-cut clay and glass tiles to form pictures. I find a more personal creativeness when I can take blank tiles and turn them into abstract creations. Though many, many hours are involved in creating each piece of artwork, I thoroughly enjoy the creativity involved. My mosaic pieces continue to revolve around the theme of love.
Susan Mask
Originally born and raised in New York City where museums abound, I have been captivated by art all my life. Museums have been a place where I’ve drawn inspiration. They have contributed to and nurtured my love of art.
As a largely self-taught artist, I am inspired by the human figure as an artistic subject. In my work, you’ll see figure and portraiture often in the gestural style. I strive to capture the spirit of the figure as it moves in space, expressing emotion in the line and choice of color.
Much of my inspiration comes from black and white photographs of African American families. I’ve found my own family’s genealogy compelling for the lessons in resilience it provides. Whether it’s a county fair or a family gathering, I enjoy seeing the togetherness and belonging that the photos capture. I strive to reflect that joy in my art.
Jacquline (Jaye) Ware
Art for many helps to shape, mold, and fulfill their creative cravings. Inspired thought, skill, innovation, and imagination influence powerful music, dance, painting, gardening, writing, theatre, film, along with other forms of compelling artistic expression.
I am drawn to the power of the written word as a poet, spoken word artist, and playwright. Language shaped by an intentional fresh look designed to entertain, educate, and inspire using original approaches and content, encourages me to think outside a traditional cube.
I am thrilled to have my art on display at a museum for the first time. As a gallery artist, I am influenced by the development of Abstract, mixed-media art. My pieces seek to depict, not objective reality, but subjective emotions that are thought-provoking and authentic. Pieces are influenced by films and documentaries that educate the public concerning rarely addressed issues yet have a direct impact on the lives of millions.
A QR code accompanies the work allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the documentary/film that influenced the development of the art piece. As an artist, I feel a deep responsibility to create work that has not only aesthetic value, but tells an impactful story designed to broaden our world view, inspire conversation, and encourage a deeper dive into what is often hidden from our experiences.