Woolworth Windows: An Artscape by Kenya Shakoor

Happy New Year! I hope you are finding beauty where you can and cultivating community. I’m excited to share my latest art installation at the Woolworth Windows in Downtown Tacoma! This installation is a retrospective of my photography, featuring works I’ve created from 2017 to 2023. As a visual artist and photographer, I think of my work as a labor of love—a way to tend to my love of self and my community. This installation is part of Spaceworks’ ArtScape program, which showcases the power of visual art in storefront windows, outdoor spaces, and an outdoor video gallery to enliven public areas.

About the Woolworth Windows

The Woolworth Windows provides a unique space where art meets the public. These iconic display windows are a canvas for artists to share their work with everyone who passes by, adding vibrancy and whimsy to Downtown Tacoma.

My Vision for This Installation

This installation is deeply personal to me, as it is a retrospective showcasing photographs I’ve taken from 2017 to 2023. Each piece reflects moments of care that have shaped my journey as an artist and individual. At this time seeing my work displayed in a public setting feels especially tender, and I hope you will find delight in discovering an image that reminds you of yourself or your loved ones.

The ArtScape Program by Spaceworks

Spaceworks’ ArtScape program is an initiative that transforms underused spaces into showcases for local art. Programs like these highlight how artists and communities need one another. Art thrives with an audience, and there are so many underutilized spaces that can bring people together to appreciate the beauty and joy of creativity.

Plan Your Visit

I invite you to come and experience my installation at the Woolworth Windows. Whether you’re a lifelong Tacoman or just visiting, this display offers a glimpse into Tacoma’s thriving creative scene. Stop by and take a look—you won’t want to miss it! My artwork is on display until March 15th, 2025. Let me know you’ve visited —I’d love to hear your thoughts and connect with you.

Washington State Artist Opportunities: Grants & Exhibitions Fall 2023

Aside from photo work for clients, exhibiting my photography and receiving grants to fund said photography has been important part of my artistic journey. If sharing your work with the public and receiving funding is in alignment with your desires right now, I present two opportunities for artists in Washington State.

Opportunity 1:

Description: The 2nd Annual Black Artists Exhibition is an expanded opportunity for Black artists to share their work with the public and to dialogue with members of the community about their inspiration and how it is manifested in their artistry.

Opportunity Type: Exhibition

Paid or Unpaid: Unpaid

Organization: Tacoma Community College | Tacoma, WA

Application Deadline: October 25th, 2023

Guidelines: Open to Black artists who reside in South Puget Sound or who have a connection with the South Sound. See the full guidelines > here

Kenya’s tip / lived experience: I took part in this opportunity this year, and overall, it was a positive experience. As for whether I would apply again in the future, I have some reservations. Currently, engaging in unpaid exhibition opportunities doesn't align with my sustainability goals.

However, if I were to consider applying and participating again, I would approach it strategically. Specifically, I would use the exhibition as an integral component of a broader public relations campaign, either to promote a paid product available on my website or to support the promotion of a self-curated or artist-driven ticketed exhibition shortly after the TCC exhibition. This way, I can ensure that my participation contributes to my short and long-term goals.

Opportunity 2:

Description: The Bothell Arts Commission provides funding and support for the arts through a vision of connecting, supporting, and inspiring the community through arts and culture. The 2023/2024 Creative Arts Grant Program is a new program of work.

Opportunity Type: Reimbursement grant funding

Organization: City of Bothell | Bothell, WA

Application Deadline: September 15th, 2023 & April 12th, 2024

Guidelines: See the full guidelines > here

Kenya’s tip / lived experience: This marks the first round of funding from the Bothell Arts Commission, so I haven't had prior experience with this specific award. However, in the past, I had the chance to curate and participate in my inaugural exhibition thanks to a grant provided by the City of Tacoma Arts Commission. With reimbursement grants, thorough record-keeping is important.

What has been your own experience with unpaid exhibition opportunities and reimbursement grants? I believe there is a need for more forums where artists can engage in conversations with one another about the intricacies of building a liberating and sustainable artistic practice. Please feel free to share your thoughts with me by sending an email or commenting below. I would be genuinely delighted to hear your perspective.

A Sunny Summer Afternoon at People's Pilates

It is not often that I stroll around and snap photos with my shoes off; however, last month, I was able to do precisely that! People's Pilates hired me to document the Pilates & Mimosas event in partnership with Tacoma Urban League. To be immersed in wellness amongst a welcoming community on a sunny afternoon makes for a beautiful day. The event offerings included mat pilates, reformer pilates, vinyasa yoga, a sound bath, meditation, a DJ, and more. See my photo documentation below.

Book pilates, yoga or a private event at People’s Pilates.

Learn more about the Tacoma Urban League.

Documenting Space Cowrie by Le'Ecia Farmer

Last month, to my delight, I was hired to document a stunning display of multidisciplinary magic from Le'Ecia Farmer, artist, birth worker, and co-owner of Parable Tacoma. Space Cowrie: The Prelude July 15th & 16th at Erickson Theater was a performance art exhibition incorporating experimental fashion and visual art. The event was a prelude to the ongoing exhibition at King Street Station, July 27, 2023 - October 7, 2023. Space Cowrie explores the theme of African diasporic desire - the whirring space of longing, grief, joy, and healing. The show examines both the fragmented and whole sites of individual and collective desire. The exhibition description is courtesy of the artist. 

One of my favorite things about my artistic journey is witnessing the brilliance of other creatives. I left feeling seen, embraced and inspired. I photographed one of the pieces of fashion in 2019, so when the piece came down the aisle of Erickson Theatre, I was grateful to see the culmination. 

Support Le'Ecia's artistry by experiencing Space Cowrie on exhibition at King Street Station until October 7, 2023. Support her bookstore and gift shop, Parable Tacoma. They host events that feel good and support local artists and artisans. Follow the multitalented Le'Ecia on Instagram. 

Exhibitions, Panel Discussions and Artist Talks

A photograph I took in 2017 entitled Reimagining Oshun is currently on display at The Gallery at Tacoma Community College until March 17th. Last week at the opening reception, the crowded gallery bustled with artists, arts advocates, and art enthusiasts in celebration of Black Imagination. TCC’s president Dr. Ivan Harrell, Mayor Victoria Woodards, Lyle Quasim, and Senator Twina Nobles all spoke to the abundance of artistic talent in the city and iterated the importance of championing artists. As a practicing artist in Tacoma that frequently mentions the vibrant creative community, it felt grounding to hear my sentiments echoed by the speakers and reverberate throughout the room in the smiles of the attendees.

I hope you will view the thoughtful works on display and engage with the programming surrounding the exhibition.

Thursday, March 2nd, from 7 to 8:30 pm at The Gallery, Dr. Linda Ashem hosts a panel discussion featuring artists from the exhibition, including JW Harrington, Gwen Jones, Sabreehna Essien, Jasmine Brown, Lauren Napier, Necashaw Montgomery, and myself.

Tuesday, March 7th, from 12:30 to 1 pm at The Gallery, I will speak about how my personal philosophy informs my artistry.

To see the complete list of programs and learn more, visit TCC Black Art and Black Artists. I hope to see you around enjoying our creative community!

Linked

I call this image ‘Linked’. It is one of seven images from my series ‘Moments Conjured’ that was exhibited last Saturday, 9/17 at Wa Na Wari’s art festival and fundraiser Walk the Block. The dimensions are 40’ by 26’ inches. When brainstorming imagery for the series, I imagined two models’ hair intertwined to represent the themes of self and community care.

Sarah and Jenei, who met for the first time at the shoot, instantly clicked. To see them find community in each other was gratifying and what I hoped for. Lavender, my favorite flower, adorns Sarah and Jenei’s puff ponytail. When the vision came together at the shoot, I exclaimed ‘I love you both’ and it was genuine. In awe of how effortlessly they styled their hair separately and then how seamlessly their hair linked on location, this moment reminded me of the magic of Black womanhood and our hair. I made a mental note to dedicate more care and creativity to my own hair.

In the time leading up to the photo shoot, I thought of ways I could invite more joy into the process, so I harvested the lavender decorating their hair while walking to unwind a few days prior to the shoot. Foraging for flowers and arranging a bouquet was grounding during an eventful week for me. It felt satisfying to see the flowers I lovingly picked taking on another purpose to beautify two women entrusting me with their image.