We Are the Ones We’ve Been Waiting For
2025-10-02 - 2025-10-31 | Vermillion Art Gallery & Bar, 1508 11th Ave, Seattle, WA, 98122, United States
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.

Renton Purple Light Nights Solidarity Walk
2025-10-06 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Clock Tower, S. 3 St. Burnett Ave S, Renton, WA, 98057, United States
A Walk in Her Steps Solidarity Walk from the Clock Tower at S. 3 St. Burnett Ave S. to Renton City Hall. Refreshments will be served to walkers at a City Council Conference Room, prior to City of Renton Mayoral Proclamation for DV Awareness Month.
Members of the Seahawks’ Blue Thunder Drum Line and Seahawks Dancers are stepping up at on October 6, 2025 to participate in A Walk in Her Steps Solidarity Walk, presented by DAWN (Domestic Abuse Women’s Network) with support from Renton Downtown Partnership, Renton Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Renton. The event starts at 4:30 PM with a rally and check in at the Clock Tower at S. 3 St. Burnett Ave S., brief remarks at 5:30 PM by DAWN Executive Director, Gina Finley, with the walk immediately following through Renton downtown on a route marked by purple Survivor Silhouettes, signage and purple lights, thanks to the support of local businesses. QR codes on the silhouettes, which will be hosted through the month of October by Renton businesses, lead to true stories from the journeys of real DV survivors (names changed to protect anonymity). The walk will end at Renton City Hall where Smoking Monkey Pizza sponsors refreshments and the City of Renton and DAWN offer nonalcoholic beverages to walkers at a City Council Conference Room, followed by a City of Renton Mayoral Proclamation for DV Awareness Month at the City Council Meeting which begins at 7 AM.
“The Seahawks are proud to support DAWN and the Purple Light Nights events to come together as a community and raise awareness through the power of our collective voices,” said Mario Bailey, Seahawks Vice President of Community Engagement and Legends.
“All of us at DAWN mourn with the entire Renton community the loss of three neighbors who recently lost their lived in a domestic violence incident,” said Gina Finley, Executive Director of DAWN. “We come together during Purple Light Nights® events to increase awareness and help communities learn to reduce the frequency of such tragedies.”

City of Renton Mayoral Proclamation for DV Awareness Month
2025-10-06 19:00 - 19:30 | Renton City Hall, 1055 S Grady Way, Renton, WA, 98057, United States
The Renton Solidarity Walk will conclude at City Hall with refreshments and a proclamation by Mayor Armondo Pavone, for DV Awareness Month at Renton City Hall, 7pm
