Ethnic Heritage Gallery

The Blues Led Me Here

Stylized portrait of a woman from the shoulders up in a white dress and headdress, her skin and hair are blue and her neck is festooned with many necklaces. Her eyes are closed and she is facing up. The horizon is a light blue and the sky is the color of clay.

Skyward, Acrylic paint and gold oil pen on canvas, 30" x 40", 2025.

Jan. 14 - Apr. 13, 2026 -  The Blues Led Me Here by Jonarra Swanson is a story of strength and community as we navigate grief. Through the intentional use of blue monochrome, she creates contemporary portraits that explore the depth and dignity of marginalized communities, inviting viewers to engage with the shared humanity and resilience captured within every stroke.

Jonarra Swanson is a multidisciplinary Seattle based artist inspired by community. She started painting to aid her own mental health, selling art in the streets of Seattle during the pandemic. She started NARR to share artwork that empowers confidence and ambition. Jonarra is deeply inspired by the concept of mental wellness and its transformative effects. Through her carefully crafted artwork, she aims to promote mental well-being, encourage self-expression, and ignite a sense of hope and resilience within our community. She is also the founder of MUVA, a consignment retail space for other moms who are creative entrepreneurs, allowing moms to have a place to monetize their work and create more products for their business.

Location

Third Floor Arcade Level
Seattle Municipal Tower
700 Fifth Ave.
Seattle, WA 98104
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Gallery Hours

Monday - Friday
7 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Arts & Culture

Amy Nguyen, Acting Director
Address: 303 S. Jackson Street, Top Floor, Seattle, WA , 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 94748, Seattle, WA , 98124-4748
Phone: (206) 684-7171
Fax: (206) 684-7172
arts.culture@seattle.gov

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The Office of Arts & Culture promotes the value of arts and culture in, and of, communities throughout Seattle. It strives to ensure that a wide range of high-quality artistic experiences are available to everyone, encourage artist-friendly arts and cultural policy.