Every October, something magical brews in Tacoma. As the leaves turn and the nights grow longer, the city transforms into a vibrant cauldron of creativity and culture. Tacoma Arts Month casts its spell, conjuring a month-long celebration filled with music, dance, theater, visual arts, and more. For the past 23 years, they’ve been summoning the artistic spirit that haunts every corner of the city, enchanting all with the allure and captivating charm of Tacoma creators. From galleries to beautiful performances, Tacoma Arts Month invites everyone to join them in exploring the events and experiences that make this a truly magical celebration.
The History of Tacoma Arts Month
Tacoma Arts Month, now a beloved tradition, began its journey over two decades ago. The celebration was first introduced in 2001 by the City of Tacoma’s Arts Commission to highlight and support the vibrant arts community within the city. Initially, it was a week-long event known as “Art at Work: Tacoma Arts Month,” designed to showcase local artists and their contributions to the cultural fabric of Tacoma.
Over the years, the event grew in both scope and popularity. By 2004, it had expanded into 31 days of artistic magic and cultural celebration, featuring a diverse array of activities, including visual art exhibits, theater performances, dance shows, literary readings, and hands-on workshops. This expansion was driven by the community’s enthusiastic response and the increasing number of artists and organizations eager to participate.
In 2021, Tacoma Arts Month celebrated its 20th anniversary with a mix of virtual and in-person events, adapting to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This milestone highlighted the resilience and creativity of Tacoma’s arts community, which continued to inspire and engage residents despite the difficulties of the time.
Today, Tacoma Arts Month remains a cornerstone of the city’s cultural calendar, drawing thousands of participants yearly. It continues to evolve, reflecting the dynamic and diverse nature of Tacoma’s artistic landscape. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a month-long celebration, Tacoma Arts Month stands as a testament to the enduring power of the arts to bring people together and enrich the community.
The Magic of Tacoma Arts Month Begins With the Kaleidoscope Opening Party
The Kaleidoscope Opening Party is the grand kickoff to Tacoma Arts Month, setting the stage for a month-long celebration of creativity and culture. This free, family-friendly event invites the community to come together and immerse themselves in a vibrant array of live arts and cultural performances.
Attendees can enjoy a diverse lineup of music, dance, and visual arts. Past performances have featured the lively tunes of the Tacomarama Community Street Band and the classical elegance of the Northwest Sinfonietta. Dance enthusiasts can delight in performances by groups like Guma’ Imahe and the Barefoot Collective, showcasing a range of styles and traditions.
Visual art is also a highlight, with exhibitions from local artists and organizations such as the Tacoma Photo Center and Vernon Ng. The event often includes interactive arts-based activities, allowing attendees to engage directly with the creative process. Organizations like Remakery, Greentrike, and Toolbox Laboratories offer hands-on experiences, while STEAM-based activities are provided by partners such as LeMay – America’s Car Museum and FABLAB Education.
In addition to the artistic displays and activities, the event features unique elements like a tree identification exercise with the Tacoma Tree Foundation and a craft station by Metro Arts Tacoma. Guests can also enjoy signature-crafted mocktails, adding a special touch to the festive atmosphere.
A notable aspect of the Kaleidoscope Opening Party is the recognition of the Tacoma Arts Commission’s funding recipients and the AMOCAT Arts Award winners. This acknowledgment highlights the contributions of individuals and organizations that have significantly impacted Tacoma’s arts scene.
Presented by the Tacoma Arts Commission in partnership with Metro Parks Tacoma and hosted by the STAR Center, the Kaleidoscope Opening Party is a dynamic and engaging start to Tacoma Arts Month. It embodies the spirit of community and creativity that defines this annual celebration, making it a must-attend event for residents and visitors alike.
Recognizing Tacoma’s Creative Conjurers: The AMOCAT Arts Awards
The AMOCAT Arts Awards are a highlight of Tacoma Arts Month. Established in 2007, these awards recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations that have significantly impacted Tacoma’s vibrant arts scene and captivated the community with their passion, innovation, and commitment to the arts. By honoring these artistic champions, the AMOCAT Awards not only celebrate their achievements but also inspire the entire community to embrace and support the arts.
These awards are divided into three categories: Community Outreach by an Individual, Community Outreach by an Organization, and Arts Patron. Each category recognizes those significantly contributing to Tacoma’s arts scene. Community Outreach by an Individual honors those who have engaged and involved the community in the arts through their personal efforts. Community Outreach by an Organization acknowledges organizations that have substantially impacted the community by promoting and supporting the arts.
Arts Patron celebrates community partners who have significantly supported or contributed to the arts in Tacoma. These awards highlight the excellent work being done and foster a sense of community and appreciation for the arts. For more details and to check out the current nominees, visit the AMOCAT Arts Awards page.
Treat Yourself to a Tacoma Studio Tour
Every year, Tacoma Arts Month invites the community to step into the world of local artists through the Tacoma Studio Tour. This free, family-friendly, self-guided tour offers a glimpse inside the working studios of over 100 regional artists. Visitors can explore 68 locations scattered across Tacoma, where they can witness the artistic process firsthand, ask questions, and purchase one-of-a-kind creations. Each studio features demonstrations or hands-on activities, allowing attendees to engage directly with the magic of creation.
As part of the tour, attendees are encouraged to pick up a Tacoma Studio Tour Passport. This booklet can be stamped at each studio visited, and once at least seven stamps have been collected, it can be submitted for a chance to win prize packages filled with handcrafted artwork from participating artists. The Tacoma Studio Tour is a journey through the heart of Tacoma’s artistic community, offering an unforgettable experience that highlights the city’s effervescent creative spirit.
A Month of Creations and Good Fun: Workshops, Performances, and More During Tacoma Arts Month
Tacoma Arts Month is a celebration that goes beyond just observing art. Workshops offer a chance to dive into various artistic mediums, from pottery and painting to glassblowing and printmaking. These sessions are perfect for seasoned artists and curious beginners, providing a unique opportunity to learn new skills and create masterpieces. Meanwhile, music, dance, and theater performances bring stories to life, offering a rich tapestry of cultural experiences.
Literary readings, film screenings, and lectures delve into different aspects of art and culture, providing deeper insights and sparking thoughtful discussions. Visual art exhibits showcase the incredible talent of local artists, offering inspiration and a glimpse into their creative processes.
Halloween-themed activities add an extra layer of enchantment to the festivities. Collaborations with local venues like King’s Books and the W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory bring spooky story times and eerie events for little ghouls and goblins. Creative workshops, like glass pumpkin making at the Museum of Glass, allow participants to craft seasonal masterpieces.
Tacoma Arts Month invites the community to join the enchantment and deepen their appreciation for the arts. With a spellbinding array of events and activities, there’s always something new to discover and enjoy. Whether you’re looking to get your hands dirty brewing up new skills in hands-on workshops, be bewitched by a captivating performance, or explore the energetic art scene, Tacoma Arts Month has a spectacular experience waiting for you every October!
Are you looking for more artistic events in Tacoma beyond October? Mark your calendars for Arts at the Armory, where over 100 local artists will be under one roof. This free family fun is on December 7 and 8 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the historic Tacoma Armory.