Gallery archive
About us
Events
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; a common space to connect with peers and their work across disciplines. We are a platform that surrounds itself with fostering dialogue and creating conversations around artistic practice through our website and in-person events. 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?
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 second-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!
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Anika Kothari (they/she)
(2024–present)
My name is Anika Kothari, and I'm a fourth-year student at UW studying Art History and Philosophy! 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 helps to build a community of UW artists by sharing how they express themselves through their art practice. I also hope to extend this connection of creative minds beyond 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 senior 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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Aaliyah Diaz (she/her)
(2025–present)
Hello!
My name is Aaliyah and I am currently a fourth-year studying Visual Communication Design at the University of Washington. Coming from a visual arts background I have always felt in my element within creative spaces by cultivating community and personal projects. I am very excited to engage with diverse perspectives and to have the opportunity to share them through the BASEMENT.
contact
aaliyahdiaz.com
Aanya Vashisht (she/her)
(2025–present)
My name is Aanya Vashisht and I am a senior studying Art History and Philosophy! As I grew up making and viewing art, I am passionate about amplifying student artists and creating meaningful community spaces on campus. I am so excited to connect with and experience all the beautiful artwork that my peers create!
Katherine Dawson (she/her)
(2025–present)
Hello! My name is Katherine, I’m a senior studying Industrial Design. I joined The BASEMENT to submerse myself in the other disciplines in the Art Building–and see what’s beyond the 2nd floor Design hallway! Creativity brings us all together in this community, and beyond design, I enjoy sketching, painting, and snapping photos of birds around campus. :)
Izy (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!!
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.
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.
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.
Sam Rimando (he/him)
(2025–present)
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!
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.
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Our co-founders,
Lauren Higgins & Sebastian Rojas-Rincon
(2023-2024)
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