Colman Commons as Canvas: Takiyah “T-Dub” Ward Redefines Art Spaces on The Pop-Up!
Takiyah “T-Dub” Ward joined Omari Salisbury and Ashleigh McCurdy on “The Pop-Up” on Converge Media where she revealed that her very first gallery show will occur at Colman Commons in late August.
At Colman Commons, we think of ourselves as more than a building. We’re a living canvas for Black art, culture, and community – a place where our stories don’t just get told, they’re honored.
That’s why seeing Takiyah “T-Dub” Ward on The Pop-Up! on Converge Media felt like a full-circle moment for us. She’s not only a powerhouse multidisciplinary artist and curator, she’s also one of the creative forces helping shape the artistic vision of Colman Commons itself.
In her interview with Omari Salisbury and Ashleigh McCurdy, Takiyah put language to everything we hope this space can be: intentional, people-centered, and rooted in legacy.
“I Was Put on This Earth to Create”
When Omari asked Takiyah to share more about herself, she didn’t talk about accolades first – she talked about purpose.
“I think I was put on this earth to create… whether it be art, whether it be dance, whether it be curation… And of course, at the end of the day, it’s always about people, it’s always about collaboration, and it’s always about us seeing ourselves reflected in the history and in our surroundings.”
That philosophy is exactly what we want Colman Commons to embody.
We’re not just hanging art on walls. We’re making room for reflection, recognition, and reverence – for artists and for the communities that raised them.
Why Centering Our Art Matters
During the conversation, Omari asked a crucial question:
“Why is it important to intentionally create spaces to celebrate art, and especially our art?”
Takiyah’s answer speaks to the heart of why Colman Commons exists:
“It is the marker of history. It is the physical, tangible piece of history that we all get to see and reflect on… when it comes to Seattle, when it comes to our curation galleries, the whole institution… can look a very particular way.” [0:26:02]
In other words:
Our communities have always created world-class art, but we haven’t always controlled the rooms, the walls, or the narratives.
At Colman Commons, we’re working with artists like Takiyah and Executive Director & Event Coordinator Ashleigh McCurdy to flip that script:
Artists first.
Fair, thoughtful curation that respects artists’ time, labor, and value.Community-centered experiences.
Not sterile galleries, but warm spaces full of color, story, and connection.Black presence at the core, not the margin.
We want our people to walk in and immediately feel: this was created with us in mind.
A Long Hallway, a Big Vision
Takiyah shared a glimpse of what she envisions for Colman Commons:
“The big picture… is to eventually have a permanent collection, as well as a rotating gallery… We want to make sure that we're getting artists in there who are wanting to show large bodies of work… people who have been looking for spaces… or maybe the place is charging you 60% of your commission… we're going to bring something a little bit different.”
Our long hallway and flexible rooms aren’t just architecture – they’re opportunity:
Permanent collection featuring artists whose work speaks to the history and future of Seattle’s Black communities.
Rotating exhibitions that highlight emerging and established artists, especially those who haven’t always been welcomed or prioritized in traditional institutions.
Curated experiences that feel like home: warm lighting, rich tones, and intentional design that says, “You belong here.”
Ashleigh echoed this beautifully:
“We just want to create a space that is identified as us… everything is curated with intention, everything is there on purpose, with purpose… we want it to feel like a sanctuary of such.”
Colman Commons is that sanctuary – for artists, for guests, for anyone who needs a moment to breathe and see themselves reflected on the walls.
After Hours, Art Walk, and a New Rhythm for Pioneer Square
One of the most exciting moments in the interview was when Takiyah shared details about our very first Thursday after-hours Art Walk event:
“Coleman Commons is hosting its very first Thursday art walk event… an after hours event… inviting the who's who of Seattle's cultural and creative scene… where we get to center the artists, center the people making the art.”
This is the beginning of a new rhythm for Pioneer Square:
Enjoy First Thursday Art Walk in the neighborhood.
Then slide through Colman Commons After Hours to unwind, connect, and talk about what you just saw.
Engage directly with artists. Hear the stories behind the work. Build relationships, not just photo ops.
As Takiyah put it:
“We’re going to ensure that the artist is put first… that their people have a good experience… that when they leave there… they feel good about what that was, and they want to come back time and time again.”
That’s the standard we’re holding ourselves to.
Freedom, Trust, and Black Women Leading
One of the most powerful parts of the conversation was Takiyah reflecting on what it means to be trusted with creative freedom at Colman Commons – and to be in true collaboration with Ashleigh:
“It's an artist's dream, honestly… The beauty of having an opportunity to curate work is to be able to show the mindset and vision that I have… it's not just white walls… the whole space is like reds and browns… the lighting is warm…
Sometimes people give you creative freedom because they don't know how to manage or treat you – but she also has skills… Now we're in collaboration here… we’re going to figure out a way for our visions to merge and make something really beautiful.”
This is what we want Colman Commons to stand for:
Black women leading with vision and expertise.
Collaboration instead of control.
Art and mental health in the same sentence.
Takiyah reminded us:
“This is about art, this is about creativity, this is about human connection, this is about mental health… It changed a lot of people's lives for them to see murals on the streets during 2020… To have a space yet again to be able to share in that way, I think it’s going to be very impactful.”
We agree. And we’re honored to be that space.
What’s Next: A First-Ever Gallery Show
In true T-Dub fashion, she closed her segment with breaking news:
“I'm also going to be working on my very first gallery show as well… this is the first, this is breaking news… My very first show, and I, you know, had to bring it to the home team. So Colman Commons – it’s going down very, very soon.”
From curating other artists to building her own body of work, Takiyah is stepping into a new chapter – and we’re proud that Colman Commons will be the home for that debut.
Stay tuned. When we say you don’t want to miss this, we mean it.
How You Can Tap In
If Takiyah’s interview on The Pop-Up! spoke to you, here are a few ways to connect with what we’re building at Colman Commons:
Follow Colman Commons on Instagram to stay updated on:
After Hours Art Walk events
Gallery openings and artist talks
Wellness and community gatherings
Join our email list at
colemancommons@whereweconverge.com
for invitations, announcements, and behind-the-scenes updates.Pull up in person.
Come experience the space, feel the energy, and support the artists whose work is shaping our city’s cultural memory.
At Colman Commons, we’re committed to being a physical sanctuary for creativity, care, and community – and Takiyah “T-Dub” Ward’s vision is a big part of that heartbeat.
We’re just getting started.
