In an exhibition that mingles art with augury, "DREAM TEMPLE (for Octavia)" kicked off its debut at ARTS at King Street Station last Thursday, where Seattle's artistic community witnessed a culturally rich ode to the prophetic sci-fi writer Octavia Butler. In her works, Butler chillingly pegged 2024 as the year the United States would engage in a societal ballet of instability. Artists Mia Imani Harrison and Mayola Tikaka, through their exhibit, offer a haven for Black individuals to connect amidst the foretold chaos.

With the echoes of Tai Mattox's sound bath performance still humming in the minds of those who attended the opening reception, "DREAM TEMPLE (for Octavia)" invites gallery-goers to introspection. According to the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture, the exhibition boasts a tranquil resting space adorned with resting mats, an altar, and imagery, which in the dimly lit enclosure, promise visitors a retreat into Black rest and leisurely contemplation of Butler's narratives.

Running from March 7 to May 23, the free-entry exhibition isn't just a visual treat. It promises to be a dynamic space featuring a slew of rest rituals, artist-driven interviews, and performances. The gallery, open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., also stretches its hours on First Thursdays till 8 p.m., accommodating the schedules of those engaged with the real-world tumult that Butler envisioned.

The "DREAM TEMPLE (for Octavia)" is more than just an exhibit; it's a statement and a community gesture. With an array of rest rituals scheduled, it aspires to offer solace and kinship to Black folks in a country teetering on the precipice of Butler's prescient musings. In the acts of communal gathering and shared stillness, Harrison and Tikaka, tethered deeply to Butler’s words, incite a sense of unity and preparedness for a year significant in the lore of Octavia's lore.