“Saiyare has been a committed community artist for many years now in Tacoma—their collaborations and their work are a vital part of our city’s arts landscape.”

“She is tireless in bringing music and joy to Tacoma through these programs and is always looking for more and better ways to bring us, as a community, closer together.”

“Her work continually bridges geographic and cultural divides, making Tacoma a vital part of the regional creative conversation.”

“She is an example of an open-hearted, community-minded, talented, and creative businesswoman.”

“Her work creates connections, friendships, opportunities to share knowledge, and opportunities to support both people and the planet.”

“She has helped initiate a trauma-informed community art space for communities of diverse ages, abilities, backgrounds, and orientations to connect and restore their spirits by making art together.”

“Kristen’s efforts to generate third spaces focused on creativity, and to connect artists in Tacoma and surrounding areas, inspires community engagement from all involved.”

“He’s worked extremely hard this year to make Ruston the active, vibrant arts hub that it should be!”

“Remakery is a truly unifying force in our community; people from all walks of life gather at Remakery activities to create and engage in low-barrier socializing and creative work.”

“TYSA uses music as a vehicle for healing, inclusion, and joy.”

“The tour, led by specialized docents, includes tactile images, 3D prints, and hands-on experiences to make glass art accessible, inclusive, and immersive for the Blind and Low-Vision community.”

“Spaceworks does so much for art and the community—they are an incredible organization!”

“What started with five artists has grown to a community of over 60 artists who share their expertise, build friendships, and meet twice weekly to draw at the Merlino Art Center.”

“They are catalysts giving artists access to new audiences and providing Tacoma with safe and culturally relevant spaces to create and consume art.”

“The Tacoma Queer Lifedrawing group has created regular safe spaces for queer people in Tacoma to develop their figure drawing practice and build community connection.”

“Stars for Peace installations and workshops have now become a distinct, long-standing regional tradition uniting families of diverse walks of life with the common cause of restoring our waterways and empowering marginalized youth.”

“Tacoma Public Library has been a long-time collaborator with artists and cultural organizations—providing exhibit and workshop space, staff support, and community outreach.”