Above: Brightly colored banner atop the street corner sign by Tacoma's Merlino Art Center aptly alerts passersby that business as usual is spelled in beautiful living color! All photos (above and below ) copyright 2008 by Mizu Sugimura.
When my husband announced that we would be moving to the South Sound a number of years ago, I was particularly disheartened as it would take us even more miles south of the art and cultural touchstones I had grown up with as a resident of Seattle.
For the most part, the number of galleries opportunities in my present hometown of Federal Way can be reduced to the number of digits on a single hand, the blessing is that other communities particularly the wonderful city of Tacoma, WA are miles ahead of providing an adequate level of this necessary component in anyone's educational, cultural and spiritual life.
During any season I find myself desperate for a hit at an art gallery, I grab whomever family member or friend is nearby on the third Thursday of every month and head for the Art Walk in Tacoma.
This month, the journey in our car across the Tide Flats led us to a small island of culture and cafe at the junction of 6th Avenue South and South Fawcett Avenue which includes the Merlino Art Center, Two Vaults Gallery, Impromptu Gallery, One Heart Cafe and The Grand Cinema theater.
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A long-time acquaintance, poet and artist by the name of M. Anne Sweet had secured a piece in a new equine themed show at Two Vaults Gallery and we were hoping to see her and the work at the opening reception.
Unfortunately, our timing was not at best and she'd ducked out with visiting friends for a well-deserved bite to eat! Nevertheless, the quality and selection of art on display that night made the trip well-worth taking, as well as the chance to enjoy a bit of culture and night life that Tacoma offers in plenty during the middle of the week to persons willing to come out and check what local arts community has to offer!
Unfortunately, our timing was not at best and she'd ducked out with visiting friends for a well-deserved bite to eat! Nevertheless, the quality and selection of art on display that night made the trip well-worth taking, as well as the chance to enjoy a bit of culture and night life that Tacoma offers in plenty during the middle of the week to persons willing to come out and check what local arts community has to offer!
2 comments:
As the mom of artisits, I particularly enjoyed your post, Mizu. Maybe I can get the kids to go art hunting instead of drumming on Thursday!
Thanks, Mizu, more and more you are helping me to see that one of the great blessings offered me is to experience the work of artists...
and I am long overdue for a visit down to good old sixth avenue...
Joseph
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