The 2025 Fresh Perspectives cohort at the Seattle Municipal Tower The Seattle Office of Arts & Culture, in collaboration with Seattle Public Utilities, is thrilled to announce the return of Fresh Perspectives, a paid arts residency program designed for youth aged 15-17. This unique opportunity immerses participants in the world of curatorial practice and arts administration, culminating in a youth-curated gallery exhibition at ARTS at King Street Station scheduled for Sept. 4 – Oct. 18, 2025.
The 2025 Fresh Perspectives Cohort
- Teaching Artist: Janet Nechama Miller
- Audrey Mae Lumaguip
- Billie Atkins
- Bowie Logan
- Bryan Emmanuel
- Bunny Heminger
- Cam Koga
- Giselle Kalei Balansay
- Max Santiago
- Sammy Tewelde
- Nico Charbonneau
About the Program
Fresh Perspectives offers a hands-on, immersive experience where participants:
- Develop Curatorial Skills: Gain practical experience in art curation, selection, and arts administration, exploring potential careers in arts and cultural management.
- Engage with Seattle Public Utility: Learn about SPU’s goals and impact to integrate this knowledge into their curatorial process.
- Network and Learn: Connect with professional artists, arts administrators, and cultural institutions through field trips and engagements.
- Earn Compensation: Receive a stipend for their contributions to the program.
This program is made possible through the SPU 1% for Art Fund that includes stipends for up to ten youth participants, program expenses, and a significant budget for the acquisition of new artwork curated by the cohort, which will become part of Seattle’s Portable Works Collection.
Meet Teaching Artist Janet Miller
Janet Nechama Miller is a dynamic and experienced artist with a strong background in education. They will serve as both Project Manager and mentor, guiding the youth participants through all aspects of the program, from conceptualization and development to final execution of an exhibition.
Janet is an artist and teacher based in Seattle, WA. Their work spans paintings, drawings, and handmade books, often incorporating mixed-media materials such as beeswax, encaustic pigments, graphite, oil paint, ink, and salvaged objects. These materials include old maps, antique sheet music, worn sewing patterns, dictionaries, handwritten memories, and other meaningful remnants that reflect Miller’s personal experiences and the imperfect, joyful journey through life.
Their artwork is deeply influenced by social justice movements, drawing inspiration from the people and communities who have worked tirelessly to foster hope, resiliency, and safer ways of living. Miller’s pieces reflect the revolutionary spirit of those who strive to reimagine love, family, and home, and transformative visions for a world free from violence and oppression.
