Mona Lake Jones Induction Celebration!

WOW Gallery celebrates the life of an iconic elder! Join us as we induct published poet, author, speaker, educator extraordinaire Dr. Mona Lake Jones into the Iconic Black Women canon collection by Hiawatha D. Be in the room for the birthday unveiling benefiting Wonder of Women International!

Dr. Mona asks that in lieu of gifts that you make a tax deductible gift to Wonder of Women International 501c3. Proceeds from this fundraising birthday party directly benefit Wonder of Women International. Wonder of Women (WOW) creates sacred space that unapologetically centers Black women, Black Love, Black Art, and Black Excellence.

About Mona Lake Jones

Mona Lake Jones, known to many as Grandhoney, served as Poet Laureate for the City of Seattle and Washington State’s Martin Luther King County. She is a writer, orator, educator and model of an African American woman still unfolding.  

Our Dear Sista Mona's experience as a community activist coupled with her writing talent and presentation skills has gained her a national reputation. She has traveled extensively throughout the country speaking to education institutions, civic groups, conventions and celebrations about issues of culture and diversity. She is a motivational speaker using her poetry to inspire audiences.  Jones’ writing is described as insightful, entertaining and purposeful.

The Seattle Times once reported her as “The Maya Angelou of the Pacific Northwest.” Mona’s ability to capture audiences by singing and speaking her stories and poetry make her an exciting talent!

Hiawatha D. Statement

I became a student of my own work through my legacy collection Iconic Black Women. I am truly honored to co-create a healing art exhibition entitled ‘Dear Sista, I See You.’ through this collection that pays homage to history making Black women ancestors, elders and queens. This traveling exhibition is attracting local, national, and global patrons and press. We are not aware of an entire body of work that shines a bold, unapologetic light on the history making contributions Black women have made in our society and the world.

These images reflect my signature approach. If the composition is perspectively correct— the absence of any expected element encourages personal mood and theme in the work, while the color, shadows and clean diagonal lines provide dimension and depth. We typically judge another person within the first seven seconds of sight, not using limbs and/or facial expression evokes conversation and questions that simultaneously create an invitation for introspection, provocation, healing, and transformation.

Black women deserve to be seen. Our children need to know their stories for healing, education, inspiration and liberation. Dr. Mona Lake Jones deserves to take her place among the ranks of these amazing women. Her story is a wonder! My inspiring Black queen wife and I are honored and deeply proud to make it so. And so it is.

As co-founder of WOW Gallery with my wife, Veronica Very, our space has become a cultural destination experience pairing ‘Iconic Black Women’ with the emancipating healing work of Wonder of Women International. Our goal is to build a healing retreat center that centers Blackness to create sacred space that puts healing, education, inspiration, and liberation in energetic rotation for present and future generations. We will use this collection and educational curriculum that centers the stories of Black women and girls to change controlling narratives by intentionally offering inspiring and empowering stories about Black women.