Rodney King, an artist and owner of Kingspen LLC, is deeply invested in showcasing and preserving the rich history and culture of Seattle's Central District (CD). Through his art and involvement in the CD Art Walk, he aims to activate the community, highlight Black-owned businesses, and evoke nostalgic memories of a bygone era.

The CD Art Walk, held on the first Friday of every month, features art installations throughout the Central District. Rodney King's "community series" at Made Space on East Union focuses on everyday moments and experiences within the Black community, such as scenes from barber shops, community events, and childhood memories. His art is described as "Soul art," meant to stir emotions and connect viewers to shared experiences, like the scent of Blue Magic hair grease on Easter Sunday.

Rodney King emphasizes the importance of this type of art in representing Black culture and history. He wants his work to remind people of the CD's past, a time when local businesses like Larry's, Max, BJs, and Gay's Bakery thrived. He fears the "vanishing" of the CD's identity and uses his art to recreate scenes from the mid-to-late 80s, hoping to spark recognition and remembrance in viewers.

The CD Art Walk is designed to be accessible and engaging. A free "party bus" provided by G Perez transports attendees to different art installations, allowing them to enjoy music and explore the area without having to walk the entire route. This initiative encourages participation and supports the various businesses and artists involved.

Rodney King's biggest inspiration is Black culture itself. He seeks to celebrate all aspects of Black achievement, from music and sports to academics and everyday life. Through his art and involvement in the CD Art Walk, he strives to create a lasting testament to the vibrant and resilient Black community of Seattle's Central District. He also has plans for future shows in other locations, including Belltown and the Tacoma Armory, with the aim of continuing to share his art and celebrate Black culture. You can learn more about Rodney on his Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_kingspen/?hl=en and more about the CD Art Walk at https://www.instagram.com/cdartwalk/?hl=en