In honor of Blakely History Month, the Blakely Hall Gallery will host an exhibition titled “Black Artists of Change” from Feb. 17-28. This exhibition will showcase 28 works from 13 artists from the Onyx Fine Arts Collective.
“[The gallery show] offers a unique opportunity to see how Black visual arts challenge the perspective of historic American cultures, and how Black artists distinguish their creativity in showing what American cultures can become,” said Robert Horton, a board member of the Onyx Fine Arts Collective and a featured artist in the exhibit.
The community is invited to a public reception hosted by Highlands Council and the City of Issaquah on Thursday, Feb. 27, from 5-8 p.m. In addition to meeting many of the artists displaying works in the gallery, attendees will also be able to enjoy two “Living Voices” performances of “Fly for Freedom” at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Living Voices brings history to life through dynamic performances combined with archival film to transform history into a moving, personal journey.
“Fly For Freedom” is a brand-new program celebrating the little-known contributions of Black women in World War II aviation, as one trailblazing young pilot flies for Double Victory – championing democracy at home and abroad.
Artists featured in the gallery include:
Anena Metoyer
“Half Moon Cay”
“Ville Francais”
“Serenity Lagoon”
Anena started painting in 2012. She is an engineering manager during the day and started painting at night to relax and enjoy the creative process. She showed her work for the first time with Onyx Fine Arts in 2013. Her style is still evolving but she works primarily in oil. She prefers to paint items or scenes that show the beauty of the world. Mixing the colors and capturing the beauty in the simple things is what she enjoys the most.
Ben Ruffins
Untitled sculpture
“Portals”
Ben’s artistic roots run deep, with a background and education steeped in the arts and design. His art is a testament to the rich tapestry of his life, from the corporate world’s structured confines to the boundless freedom of artistic expression. His work reflects the unique perspective of an artist who has walked a path less traveled, infusing his creations with a profound sense of depth and introspection.
Bonnie Hopper
“Butterflies Are Free”
“What’s Your Sign?”
“The Man Who Would Be King”
Bonnie’s work tends to be tactile. She has always been drawn to the idea of creating art that people can experience through sight as well as touch. Although art has always played an important role in Bonnie’s life, she didn’t pursue her dream of becoming a professional artist until 2008 when she was commissioned to do a portrait by a friend of the family.
Carol Rashawnna Williams
“The Sun”
“Tribal”
Carol’s artwork follows a strong conceptual path, with elements intertwining across her paintings, public sculptures and large-scale installations—reflecting the organic essence of the Pacific Northwest. Having grown up both overseas and in the PNW, her deep connection to nature informs her work, addressing themes of social, environmental and racial justice. Her imagery, both genderless and spiritual, evokes a balance of tragedy and hope.
Earline Alston
“Dual Realities”
Earline became a prolific self-taught impressionist landscape and abstract artist after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke in 2014. She practices a meditative art process to render impressionistic landscapes informed by the Pacific Northwest. Her works are stylized, anthropomorphic and ethereal. She uses chalk pastel, oil pastel and acrylic to create colors, shapes, detailed patterns and textures which continuously morph, creating movement and multiple perspectives.
Earnest Thomas
“Space-Time Continuum”
“Bird of Freedom”
Earnest shares stories through his abstract fine art and mixed media paintings. With each new piece, he finds satisfaction in the creative process, incorporating paint and found objects into his work. His 2D and 3D artworks reflect a background in engineering and industrial design as well as a passion for repurposing unconventional materials. His pieces integrate texture, color and shadow through the use of metal rods, sheets and plates.
Jay Taylor
“Dreamscape”
“Maputo”
Jay works with digital photography and traditional printmaking, in a range of subjects. He is currently focusing on concert photography, digital art, bird photography, printmaking and woodworking. Additionally, Jay works full-time as an architect in Seattle.
Jonarra Swanson
“The Threshold”
Jonarra is a contemporary artist whose work is shaped by her experiences and resources, offering a powerful perspective as a Black American single mother. Her art explores American culture, psychology and the power of transformation. She uses her creativity to add value, solve problems and emphasize community.
Kyle Melendez Daigre
“Resilience”
“Night Watch”
“Dragon No. 2”
Kyle’s artwork often features animals and mythical creatures, driven by a fascination with their forms and the mechanics of their movement. While primarily working in drawing and painting, Kyle has recently begun exploring three-dimensional media to further develop storytelling techniques. His passion for art was sparked by a love of cartoons, comics and admiration for his older sister’s drawing skills.
Lo Mar Metoyer
“Where Are We Going? To That Magical Place?”
Lo Mar (also known as Lo Metoyer) is an abstract artist who lives her life outside of the box and follows her heart with passion, courage and unconditional love. She not only creates products that highlight self-love and appreciation, but Lo is also loved for her interactive workshops with youth (ranging from those in juvenile detention, on probation or involved in S.T.E.A.M programs) as well as fun bonding activities for adults.
Maya Milton
“A Heart’s A Heavy Burden”
“Free Will”
Maya has embraced art as a powerful and transformative force throughout her journey as a professional multimedia artist. As a Black woman living with a chronic illness, she found that art became more than just a creative outlet—it became a way to build meaningful connections. Driven by a passion for unity and self-discovery, Maya’s work seeks to bridge societal divides and, most importantly, uplift and empower Women of Color. Through her art, she amplifies stories of resilience, fosters spaces for empowerment, and inspires unity and change.
Pamelagrace Beatty
“Birds on the Wire”
“Mood Meandering”
Pamelagrace’s love for color, movement and music is evident in her work. Her paintings are often bright and bold, featuring primary colors, with a particular fondness for yellow. She enjoys incorporating unexpected elements to surprise and engage the viewer. Her personal motto, “Dreams have no expiration date,” is reflected in her journey—embracing her identity as an artist later in life.
Robert Horton
“Chunk Ir’on, That Rails Gone…”
“The Soul Searchers”
Robert Horton has over 30 years of experience as a professional artist, working in a variety of mediums including pen and ink, watercolors, acrylics and more. He’s been involved in community projects like murals and theater set design, and his work often celebrates Black culture and history.
