Washington State residents are encouraged to participate in a celebration of the region’s museums and cultural institutions by participating in Museum Week Northwest. More than 55 organizations have created special programming and admission offers for the event, which runs between May 16 and May 23, and in conjunction with the American Alliance of Museums annual conference in Seattle. More information is available online at museumweeknw.com.
The following events are planned in Tacoma to mark Museum Week Northwest:
Artist Lecture: Matika Wilbur
Sat., May 17, 4 p.m.
Tacoma Art Museum
1701 Pacific Ave., in downtown Tacoma | (253) 272-4258
Renowned Photographer Matika Wilbur shares the intent behind her photographs and the purpose of her most recent works in “project 562.” Fee: $15. More information is available online here.
Photographic Proof of Contemporary Indians: Matika Wilber’s Project 562
Sat., May 17
Tacoma Art Museum
1701 Pacific Ave., in downtown Tacoma | (253) 272-4258
Washington photographer Matika Wilbur, a member of the Swinomish and Tulalip tribes, showcases her work-in-progress, a new collection of images of contemporary American Indians. Her goal is to photograph members of all 562 federally-recognized tribes in the United States. This artistic and spiritual journey has already taken Wilbur on a 1,000-mile adventure across the country. She began her project in the Northwest and has traveled extensively through California and the Southwest. Her work on Project 562 has been featured in Seattle Magazine, The Stranger, NBC.com, and Indian Country Today. Fee: $10. More information is available online here.
Exhibit Opening: Ernest Oglby Punkweiler and the Fabulous Miraculous Time Intrusionator
Sat., May 17, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Washington State History Museum
1911 Pacific Ave., in downtown Tacoma | (253) 798-5897
Fun family activities introduce visitors to the world of Ernest Oglby Punkweiler and his honored role as Keeper of the Teapot. Explore hands-on investigative exhibit pieces and experience the larger-than-life fantastical sets that allow visitors to be a part of the beautiful illustrations. More information is available online here.
Old Town Tacoma Walking Tours
Sat., May 17, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Tues., May 20, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Job Carr Cabin Museum
2350 N. 30th St., in Old Town Tacoma | (253) 627-5405
Join friendly and knowledgeable tour guides for a visit to Old Town Tacoma’s historic sites, a part of Job Carr Museum’s innovative education outreach programs. Learn how Job Carr Museum makes history come alive for elementary school students and the community. Museum staff will share tales about the people who lived here over 100 years ago. Step inside an authentic replica of Job Carr’s cabin, the birthplace of Tacoma. See the site of the first schoolhouse, the spot where the jail used to stand, and the oldest belltower in the western hemisphere. Museum staff will discuss the immigrants, fishing, tall ships, timber and railroad that were all so important to the beginning of Tacoma. Museum staff will also explore the innovative community partnerships that help expand the reach of Job Carr Museum. FREE. More information is available online here.
Gallery Cart Interactives
Weds., May 21
Washington State History Museum
1911 Pacific Ave., in downtown Tacoma | (253) 798-5897
Visitors will find a range of mystery objects that inspire inquiry-based examination to figure out who might have made and used it, what it was used for, and where it came from. Stone tools to modern inventions, the Gallery Cart program enhances local school programs, but the public is welcome! Free with admission. More information is available online here.
