The Current: Saying the Quiet Parts Out Loud illustrates the story of The Current, An Artist Award in its inaugural year by transforming the gallery into an immersive experience.

The exhibition reimagines the gallery space as a portal that guides visitors into the world of The Current, An Artist Award, providing glimpses of its values and purpose. The design reflects how the award is making a place at TAM for Black artists in the Tacoma area.

This exhibition is a dynamic exploration of The Current, An Artist Award, embodying the inspirations and values that shape The Current: warmth, intimacy, care, community, and support. These themes bring attention to the importance of support and placemaking for many Black artists and individuals in the Tacoma area.

The exhibition features works from The Current’s 2022 awardee Darrell McKinney thoughtfully and collaboratively incorporated throughout the gallery. The exhibition includes a variety of mediums ranging from installation work to sculpture and design, highlighting the vast landscape of Black artistic practices in Tacoma.

Taking advantage of the space and designing it in a manner that complements the story of The Current, the walls are brightly painted, permeated in pinks, purples, and oranges that envelop visitors in a warm, inviting space.

The exhibition capitalizes on this cozy, intimate space by including a communal area infused with ambient music selected by the award program’s contributors to this project. Also included is a bookshelf filled with resources and literature that embrace the themes and values of The Current. McKinney’s sculptures are incorporated throughout the space, noticeably around the communal area.