Published January 16 2026

Show at City Hall and Bellevue Arts Museum throughout February

In celebration of Black History Month, "Melodies of the Diaspora: Celebrating 100 Years of Black History Month," an exhibit featuring the work of Pacific Northwest Black artists, will be on display at the Bellevue Arts Museum and Bellevue City Hall starting Feb. 1. The show will be presented across the two locations, taking visitors on a chronological journey of Black art through downtown Bellevue.

Curated by Jay Taylor and Fancy Vargas, and organized by the City of Bellevue in partnership with MG2, Onyx Fine Arts Collective and Elevate, the exhibit will include paintings, photography, sculptures, textiles and fashion.

All are invited to an opening reception at the museum on Sunday, Feb. 1, 3-6 p.m. The event will also feature live performances, city leaders and light refreshments. Registration is requested.

"We are proud to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Black History Month with this special exhibit," said Mayor Mo Malakoutian. "Art allows us to appreciate and connect to cultural identity and history in a deeply personal way. This exhibit is part of the city's ongoing commitment to building cross-cultural understanding and celebrating Bellevue's diverse communities."

Community members can view the artwork at City Hall during the building's open hours and at the museum on Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. throughout February.

For alternate formats, interpreters or reasonable accommodations please phone at least 48 hours in advance 425-452-7881 (voice) or email [email protected]. For complaints regarding accommodations, contact Bellevue's ADA/Title VI administrator at 425-452-6168 (voice). If you are deaf or hard of hearing, dial 711.