The City of Bellevue, in partnership with MG2, Onyx Fine Arts Collective, and Elevate, presents 'Melodies of the Diaspora: Celebrating 100 Years of Black History Month,' an exhibition featuring works by Pacific Northwest Black artists. The show runs throughout February at Bellevue Arts Museum and Bellevue City Hall, with an opening reception on Feb. 1. Curated by Jay Taylor, Fancy Vargas, and Jerry Lee, the exhibit includes paintings, photography, sculptures, textiles, and fashion, offering a chronological journey of Black art.
This exhibition matters because it marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Month and reflects Bellevue's commitment to cross-cultural understanding and celebrating its diverse communities. By placing art in both a civic building and a museum, the city makes Black artistic heritage accessible to a broad audience, reinforcing the role of visual art in fostering cultural identity and dialogue.