gallery archive






what are we?
The Basement is a student-run publication focused on fostering community, opportunity, and collaboration in the UW School of Art + Art History + Design. After recognizing a lack of shared space for student artists to easily share their artwork, as well as noticing the large divides between interacting with artists of different disciplines, we desired to make a shared space where anyone can be published professionally through our website and in-person shows, along with being able to connect with their peers. 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.  

who are we?  
Meet the team of students behind creating and managing the BASEMENT.






editorial lead
Olivia Wehr (she/her)
(2024–present)
Hi!
My name is Olivia Wehr and I am a third-year student studying Painting & Drawing and Art History at the UW School of Art. I’m so excited to be a part of this incredible team while also having the opportunity to connect with so many artists. Making art has allowed me to be expressive and confident in my person and it is an honor to be a part of this site dedicated to the celebration of creatives. I’m thrilled to be working with this team and I can’t wait to see what this year holds for us!


contact
bye.olive

editorial member

Miriam Cooksey (she/her)
(2025–present)

Hello!
My name is Miriam Cooksey and I am a second year Art History major with a minor in Italian. I’m so excited to be working with the BASEMENT to promote student art and give artists a platform to share their art and inspire each other! I’ve always loved art and learning about artists and I am so excited to help promote the work of the many amazing artists here at UW.





editorial member

Clara Johnson-Sandoval (she/her)
(2025–present)
Hi!
I’m Clara Johnson-Sandoval, and I am a second-year student here at UW. I am a painting-drawing and anthropology double-major. I enjoy looking at, talking about, and making art. I am excited to be part of the BASEMENT, where I can meet people who share my interests and who care about creating a space for artists to share their work and develop a sense of community.public relations member

Izy Klisch (she/her)
(2025–present)
Hi, my name is Izy, and I'm a second-year Art major in the painting and drawing concentration. I love making work across multiple mediums and am so excited to be a part of this team. Pursuing art has been extremely rewarding in being able to express myself and connect with others. Having the opportunity to create spaces for creative people and continue to grow the Art community is one that I hope to continue and grow!!




design/media member

Cecilia Ayres (she/her)
(2025–present)
My name is Ceci and I am a sophomore Visual Communication Design student. Beyond design I am also a watercolor and digital illustrator. I joined the Basement so that I could utilize my design skills to amplify the work of others in the UW community.design/media member

Sam Rimando (he/him)
(2025–present)


design/media member

Kristy Le (she/her)
(2025–present)

Hello!
My name is Kristy Le and I’m a third-year student at UW studying Painting and Drawing. As someone who's only ever been exposed to illustration, being able to connect with others of different majors within the Art School has been such a valuable experience. I’m so grateful to be a part of this amazing team and helping others share their work!

design/media member

Aldo Giannini (he/him)
(2025–present)

My name is Aldo Giannini, and I am a third year student at UW studying Photo Media.I was introduced to film photography as a freshman in high school and loved how I was able to physically look back at the images I had created. I've been hooked since. I am really looking forward to being able to connect with artists in a way that highlights them and their works.


contact
aldogiannini_ / aldogiannini.com










Our co-founders, 
Lauren Higgins & Sebastian Rojas-Rincon
(2023-2024)

♡