Sited in a fifth-generation, Black-owned home, Wa Na Wari is an immersive community art project that reclaims Black cultural space and makes a statement about the importance of Black land ownership in gentrified communities. Our mission is to create space for Black ownership, possibility, and belonging through art, historic preservation, and connection. Referred to as a "container for Black joy,” Wa Na Wari incubates and amplifies Black art and belonging while providing a safe space for organizing and movement building. By renting a house from a vulnerable Black homeowner, and giving that space back to the Black community, Wa Na Wari is an active model for how Black art and culture can combat gentrification and displacement.To understand why Wa Na Wari is so important to Black Seattle, one must understand the history of the Central District, a formerly redlined neighborhood that has experienced multiple waves of gentrification and displacement. Once 80% African-American, today the CD is less than 10% Black. There are fewer and fewer places for people to congregate in the commons; the fabric of Black cultural production in the Central District, from imagination to presentation, is disintegrating.Our work:Builds on a legacy of Black resilience and self-determination.Centers Black creativity through free art exhibits, film screenings, performances, and workshops.Organizes for Black-led, arts-based solutions to displacement & economic vulnerability.Builds meaningful economic pathways for Black artists and homeowners.

Elisheba and Charles Johnson co-author childrens book under the company name Johnson Construction Company after their uncle Will's business in the 30's. The first book is titled "The Adventures of Emery Jones Boy Science Wonder: Bending Time." the second in the series out in the winter of 2015 is called "Hard Problem."

Develop and manage public art projects from the development of the scope, artist selection, and stewarding artists and stakeholders to final installation.

Support the director, the office and the Seattle Arts Commission and act as a liaison to the community.

I write a conceptual parenting blog.