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Issaquah proclaims February 2025 Black History Month; Onyx Fine Arts Collective honored
Summary
Mayor Mary Lou Pauli proclaimed February 2025 as Black History Month in Issaquah and invited Onyx Fine Arts Collective representatives to speak; Onyx leaders described two decades of exhibits and community outreach.
Mayor Mary Lou Pauli proclaimed February 2025 Black History Month in Issaquah and invited members of the Onyx Fine Arts Collective to the podium for remarks and a photo.
In a formal proclamation the mayor recalled Black History Month's origin and urged residents to celebrate the contributions of African Americans. Ernest, identified as president of the Onyx Fine Arts Collective, described the collective's mission of using art to "close the gap from heart to heart, from soul to soul" and noted Onyx is marking its 20th year as an all-volunteer nonprofit.
Ernest described early impressions from out-of-state exhibits that helped inspire Onyx, noted the organization's role in showcasing Northwest African American artists, and invited support for the nonprofit. Annie, identified in remarks as an Onyx founder and secretary, recounted organizing early exhibits and helping grow the collective; she said Onyx has hosted more than 800 artists over 20 years and highlighted recent Issaquah exhibitions, including use of Issaquah Community Center and Blakely Hall gallery space.
Council members and the mayor thanked the Onyx representatives for bringing the exhibit and for their work in the region. A short photo was taken after the proclamation.
