Gallery archive
About us
what are we?
The Basement is an online gallery publication created for and by students at the University of Washington School of Art + Art History + Design to share their art and other creative works; and to have a common space to connect with peers and their work across disciplines.
The publication’s name takes after the well-recognized locale of the actual art building basement, a creative beehive, and the center of the Art building.
what is our goal?
Our hope in starting this gallery is for it to continue to flourish for many years and continue to assist students in their art journeys.
who are we?
meet the team of students behind creating and managing the BASEMENT.
Olivia Wehr (she/her)
(2024-present)
Hi!
My name is Olivia Wehr and I am a first-year student studying Painting & Drawing at the UW School of Art. I am so excited to be a part of this team and I can’t wait to display and recognize the immense talent of the art school through this creative outlet. Being able to interact with multiple mediums and develop a community within the art majors is something I’m so excited about. As artists, we look to connect with others and share perspectives relative to our experiences; I believe the BASEMENT is pivotal in providing a platform for this. I’m so thrilled to be working with this passionate team and can’t wait to celebrate UW artists!
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Anika Kothari (they/she)
(2024-present)
My name is Anika Kothari, and I'm a second-year art history student at UW! Art has always been integral to my life, from creating to studying. Art history has become a passion of mine because I think it’s essential to understand what art reveals about aspects of human experience. I'm thrilled to be part of a team that aims to share how UW artists express themselves through their art with the public. I also hope to contribute in building a community that connects the UW School of Art, Art History, and Design with other schools on campus through a platform that is accessible to all.
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Zoe Kackman (she/they)
(2024-present)
My name is Zoe and I’m a third year student at UW studying Visual Communication Design. I have been creating art my whole life and I believe it is necessary for my survival! I am so joyous to be in the space that we are building here at the BASEMENT, to meet and inspire others who are equally as passionate about art and design.
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Hannah Ahn (she/her)
(2024-present)
Hi!! My name is Hannah and I’m a third year IVA student here at the UW! I think finding a community within any area of discipline you’re a part of is so vital to figuring out who you are and where you belong. Because of that, I’m so honored to be a part of the team here at The BASEMENT where our goal is to help bring artists together of all different backgrounds and make them feel seen. Thank you so much for stopping by and I hope to see you around!
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Madison Shimkus (she/her)
(2024-present)
I’m Madison and I’m a third year majoring in Visual Communication Design at UW. As somebody who’s been an artist for my entire life, after deciding to major in design I feel like I unwillingly lost my appreciation for other mediums of art as my focus in life shifted. Being able to connect with other art students and immerse myself in a diverse variety of art is something that is so valuable to me and I hope everyone who is interested in the BASEMENT can gain something valuable out of it. I’m so happy to be a part of this team and am looking forward to our future!
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Jadelyn Drake (she/her)
(2023-present)
Hello Everyone!
My name is Jadelyn Drake and I’m currently an IVA major here at the University of Washington! Being able to be a part of The Basement has been such an amazing journey so far. Working with both Sebastian and Lauren to help bring students' work into a professional environment online is something that I’m very excited to be a part of! I hope whenever you decide to scroll through everyone’s amazing art, lil’ Parnassus gives you all a smile as well. <3
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Lauren Higgins (she/her)
(2023-2024)
Hello!
My name is Lauren Higgins and I am a fourth-year student studying Photo/Media at the School of Art at UW.
As an artist, I desire to share stories and use art to connect people around the world. I believe through this it is possible to enact change and build a kinder world and a more sustainable planet. It is rare that a field allows such an expanse of both self-exploration, range of learning topics, and worldly interaction. It is this curiosity, raw revelations, and celebration of life that drives me to make art. I am so thankful for the incredible journey I am having with the UW Art program and I am absolutely thrilled to start the journey of this publication and hope you all enjoy it.
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(2023-2024)
Hi!
I’m a fourth-year Photo/Media major at the School of Art. I am so so excited to have this project out in the world and I hope that students are also excited/inspired to have the opportunity to be a part of this creative outlet. I would love to give a BIG SHOUT OUT to Hanga Garcia Serrano for being my partner in brainstorming and conceptualizing this publication. I could not have done it without you! I would also like to thank my co-editor Lauren for taking up this challenge alongside me and helping it come to fruition. As a practicing artist, I have come to understand the importance of community and collaboration and that is exactly what this publication sets out to achieve.
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