Hilltop Stories: Visual and Audio Reflections

by Dionne Bonner, Tacoma, WA
Collaborating Artist (Audio): Whitney Brady

Created during the COVID-19 pandemic, Series 1 of Hilltop Stories: Visual and Audio Reflections weaves together paintings, graphic design, archival photographs, historical research, interviews, and a podcast session to illuminate my family’s experiences and the broader history and culture of Tacoma’s Hilltop neighborhood.

The series features portraits of my relatives—my aunts, uncle, mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother—interwoven with imagery inspired by childhood memories. Through intentional research and community engagement, I revisited and verified the stories passed down to me, grounding personal memory in documented history. This deeply reflective and at times challenging process honors the past while inviting viewers into a space of connection, autonomy, and discovery.

For speaking engagements contact the artist at contact@dionnebonner.com