The Fishbowl: Participant Spotlight on Rya Wu
Meet the owner of The Fishbowl, Rya Wu! The Fishbowl is a gallery and event space in Uptown designed specifically for QTBIPOC (Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) artists, creatives, and community members. They’re on a mission to create a safe and nurturing environment where underrepresented voices in the art world can flourish, connect, and co-create.
Q: Hi Rya! Tell us about your business/artistic focus.
A: The Fishbowl is a community art space that serves as a sanctuary for artists. Our aim is to embrace and uplift queer, trans, and BIPOC voices through art, workshops, and events that turn mere acquaintances into a supportive family.
Q: What’s a project you’re working on, and how can your Seattle Restored participation help you with it?
A: Our quarterly fundraiser, White Elephant: a communal group show, democratizes the art-making process, inviting community members from all walks of life to contribute. It’s about making art accessible and fostering a shared sense of belonging and creativity in Seattle’s art scene. Seattle Restored’s support amplifies this initiative, extending our reach and reinforcing the inclusive ethos we champion.
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of your business pursuits?
A: Seeing baby artists have their very first gallery show, surrounded by friends and family, and new fans. I was that baby artist just a few years ago, and I wouldn’t be here without my incredible support network, so The Fishbowl is me paying it forward and creating a place my younger self would have really loved to have grown in.
Q: What are you looking forward to this year?
A: I am actually really excited for next month’s White Elephant exhibit. This will be the first show with direct input from the community, and with such a playful twist. I’m also really looking forward to our Friendsgiving Potluck on Wednesday the 22nd of November from 6-9pm. You’re invited!
Q: What brings you most alive about working or living in Seattle?
A: Seattle has always been my home. It’s breathtakingly beautiful and, through its diversity and progressiveness, it provides a nurturing environment for artists. Seattle Restored is unique—it’s something special we have, that I think other cities could benefit from too.
Q: If you could give any one piece of advice to locals, what would it be?
A: Your dream is valid, and not only that, it is possible and attainable. You just need to ask for help, and share it with the world, even if it’s just quietly to your inner circle at first. They’ll have your back, share it with more people, brainstorm with you, send opportunities to you. People that want to see your dream become a reality will show up and ask, “How can I help?” It’s magic and it all starts with you.
Q: What’s your favorite Seattle Restored pop-up or art installation and why?
A: I love SO MANY of the projects that have been brought to life through Seattle Restored and I haven’t even seen or visited as many as I would like to. And the artists on display are just mad talented. I would love to have anyone who’s ever participated in one room and meet everybody!
Q: What’s your favorite Seattle memory?
A: There are too many, but I always love First Thursday art walks in Pioneer Square and Second Friday’s in Belltown. (We’ve been trying to revive the Uptown/ Queen Anne art walk, so I’m also hoping that one day someone’s answer will be Third Thursdays in Uptown!)
Q: Where would you spend a lazy Sunday afternoon in Seattle?
A: Gas Works Park with an avocado grilled cheese sandwich from family owned Mas Cafe.
VISIT THE FISHBOWL
Address:
323 2nd Ave West
Seattle, WA 98119
Open hours: Check out The Fishbowl Event Calendar to plan a visit!
Dates: April 1, 2023 – November 30, 2023