We Are the Ones We’ve Been Waiting For
We Are the Ones We’ve Been Waiting For
Join the Seattle Women’s Commission for We Are The Ones We’ve Been Waiting For, a community art show honoring survivors of domestic violence, uplifting artists, and building a safer, more resilient Seattle together. The exhibition will open with an artist reception on October 2, and everyone is welcome to attend. The art will remain on display at Vermillion Art Gallery through October.
Opening night reception: October 2, 2025 from 5:00–8:00 PM
Capitol Hill Art Walk showcase: October 9, 2025 from 5:00–8:00 PM
Location: Vermillion Art Gallery & Bar, 1508 11th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
Admission: Free and open to all. Accessible venue.
Seattle Women’s Commission to Host Community Art Show Spotlighting Healing and Resilience for Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Exhibition Opens October 2 in Capitol Hill
SEATTLE (September 24, 2025)—The Seattle Women’s Commission (SWC) invites the public to experience We Are the Ones We’ve Been Waiting For, a moving community art show in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Opening October 2, and featured during the Capitol Hill Art Walk on October 9, the exhibition creates space for healing, reflection, and solidarity through the power of art.
“For me, this show is about resilience, courage, and community. It’s about saying: we see you, we believe you, and we are in this together. My hope is that visitors leave feeling a sense of connection, hope, and possibility,” said Talley Mills, Gender-Based Violence Co-Chair of the Seattle Women’s Commission.
According to the World Health Organization, domestic violence continues to impact one in three women across the United States. The Seattle Women’s Commission prioritizes elevating survivor voices, advocating for safety and justice, and supporting opportunities for healing. This art show is part of that ongoing commitment—centering creativity, connection, and collective care.
The exhibition features local and immigrant artists whose work explores survival, resilience, and hope across a range of mediums, from painting and photography to mixed media. By spotlighting artists with lived experience, the show amplifies stories too often left unheard. Participating artists include:
- Audineh Asaf
- Crystal Barbre
- Kierstan Craft
- Jamie Curtismith
- Jenny Danger
- Girlspit
- Jennifer Leigh Harrison
- Jody Joldersma
- Holly Ballard Martz
- Shab Ottaviani
- Kattypak
- Samaneh Sarchami
- Lynn Schirmer
“Survivors find power by coming together in support groups where they may engage in art as they rebuild their lives. In doing so, they strengthen their voices and help create safety in our communities. The team at Domestic Abuse Women’s Network (DAWN) is very grateful for the Seattle Women’s Commission’s partnership through this event as we work to support, empower, and shelter survivors of domestic abuse across King County,” said Gina Finley, Executive Director of DAWN.
“Partnerships like this expand the conversation beyond a single community,” added Naseem Ghazanfari, Co-Founder of the Iranian Women’s Institute for Life and Liberty (I-WILL) and member of the Seattle Women’s Commission. “Together, we honor survival and resilience across cultures and remind our city that gender-based violence and gender apartheid are global struggles that require collective healing and solidarity.”
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Washington State Arts Commission.