Photo by Rana San.

Thank you for joining us for the First Thursday of the year on Thursday, Jan. 2. Led by Alicia Mullikin of EL SUEÑO, guests learned the history and meaning of Huichol Ojos de Dios (God’s Eyes) while practicing wrapping their own with positive intention.

The Huichol Indians of Mexico who lived in the mountains made Ojos de Dios to watch over them. They were woven onto crisscrossing sticks, joining in the center. The center eye represents the sun and stands for the power of seeing and understanding things we normally cannot see. Alicia guided us in using yarn and sticks to craft our own Ojos de Dios.

One participant shared that he was new to Seattle and so excited to participate in an activity that was representative of his heritage. He and Alicia exchanged information on community dance classes he could participate in and we all contributed ideas and resources for how he could meet people and grow his community here.

In addition to the art-making activity, guests caught a last look of the current exhibitions NOCHES DE ANÁHUAC and Please Touch: Together, Breaking Barriers. The last chance to see both shows is on Saturday, Jan. 4.

ARTS at King Street Station is free and open Wednesday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., and until 8 p.m. on First Thursdays. The gallery is located at 303 S. Jackson St., Top Floor, Seattle, WA 98104.