the arts

Things To Do

Stay informed!  Join the TacomaArt Listserv to receive and post information about arts events and opportunities or join the TACelist to simply receive periodic emails from the Tacoma Arts Commission about sponsored opportunities and programming. Check out the TacomaArt Listserv & TACelist page for more information.

Calendar of Funded Events

Click on the calendar link below for a listing of community arts events happening in 2009. These events are funded in part by the Tacoma Arts Commission.

2009 Calendar of Arts and Culture Events

Metal-Urge 2009

June 6 - September 20, 2009
A summer-long event that galvanizes the community around metal.

This summer, you are invited to participate in Metal-Urge, a city-wide celebration of the metal arts. This community event boasts 23 venues exhibiting the work of over 100 artists whose metal work includes jewelry, sculpture, vessels, hardware, home décor, enamel, and artifacts. Presented June 6 - September 20, Metal-Urge coincides with two major jewelry exhibitions at Tacoma Art Museum, “Ornament as Art” and “Loud Bones.” There is something for everyone to enjoy: art exhibits, opening parties, community festivals, workshops, lectures and more! Seize this opportunity to experience something new; most of the exhibits and activities are free and all are family friendly.

Visit the Metal-Urge page for more information and join Metal-Urge on Facebook to track what's new.

Photo Safaris

Please note: Photo Safaris are currently on hold until further notice. In the mean time, if you would like to be added to the Photo Safari email notification list, please send your name and email address to nstrom-avila@cityoftacoma.org.

The City of Tacoma's Photo Safaris provide a unique opportunity for local photographers, both amateur and professional, to document buildings and locations of historical significance. The safaris open up locations which are usually unavailable for public tour and allow for the documentation of the locations as well as provide a sense of history about our city. Photographers are encouraged to share their experiences with the community by submitting photographs made on the safari to an exhibit at the Tacoma City Hall Gallery as well as online through Tacoma's Photo Safari account on Flickr. The Photo Safaris are sponsored by the City of Tacoma and the Tacoma Arts Commission.

Past photo safaris include trips to: Tacoma Steam Plant, Green River Watershed, Old City Hall, National Guard Armory, Pythian Temple, First Presbyterian Church, Tacoma Art Museum, and Broadway Center for the Performing Arts (Pantages, Rialto and Theater on the Square). 

If you would like to know about future photo safaris and are not currently on our email notification list, please email nstrom-avila@cityoftacoma.org. Please note: these events have been extremely popular and, due to capacity limitations, regularly fill up within 30 minutes of notification being posted. While the safaris are free to attend, registration is required and is first-come first-served.

Walking Tours

Visit the Public Art and Neighborhoods of Tacoma through a walking tour. Maps and Information are available in the Resource Library.

Art Walk

Every third Thursday in Tacoma is Art Walk. Museums and galleries stay open late. More information is available on the Art Walk website.

Art at Work: Tacoma Arts Month 

Every November is Art at Work: Tacoma Arts Month in Tacoma. 2008 marked the 7th anniversary of this event. There were tours of 61 local artists' studios and two school studios, a two-day arts symposium to provide artists with useful information and skills, an Art Slam, an Opening Celebration at the Tacoma Art Museum, and hundreds of other community sponsored events. 

Planning for 2009 is underway. For more information about Art at Work: Tacoma Arts Month, please check the Art at Work Month page. 

 
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