This November will mark the sixth anniversary of Art at Work month, a not-to-be-missed community celebration of the arts that includes an opening celebration, studio tours, an art slam, an arts symposium and a comprehensive catalogue of the arts events in Tacoma. The goal of Art at Work month is to illustrate the collective talent in Tacoma and get people involved in the arts. Its an opportunity for all community members to be an active part of Tacoma’s cultural life.
The kick-off celebration, which is free and open to the public, will happen from 6 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 2 at the Museum of Glass, 1801 Dock St. This festivity will include an awards celebration, music performed by the Tacoma Youth Symphony Association, a dance performance by Carla Barragan and BQ Dance, hors d’oeuvres, a no-host bar and the museum galleries will be open for viewing.
Be sure to take part in the Studio Tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 10 and 11 featuring 41 artists and three schools. Attendees can visit with artists at work in their studios, see how art is created and purchase one-of-a-kind items. New to the tour this year each artist and studio will be giving away a limited number of collectible artist cards, which, when assembled together, create a house of cards. Each card features an image of the artists work and information about the artist.
Art Slam will occur from 7 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 16 at the Rialto Theater, 301 S. 9th St. In a fast-paced format, a selection of work by local artists will be projected with an accompanying description of their work and contact information. Artists of all mediums and genres will be showcased. Importantly, all artists are currently being encouraged to submit their work for the slam.
A two-day Arts Symposium will also take place from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 17 and 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 18 at the University of Puget Sound to offer artists and arts organizations information on small business basics. Topics will include information on marketing, copyrighting, grant writing and growing a business. Additionally, an Artists Networking Reception will occur on 3:30 to 5 p.m. on Nov. 19. Attendees will have a chance to meet representatives from local museums, schools and arts agencies to plug into job opportunities, artist residencies, grants and more. The Arts Symposium is a free event but pre-registration is required as space is limited. To register, contact Sharon Styer at (253) 591-5560 or sstyer@cityoftacoma.org.
For more information about these events and all of Art at Work month, go to http://www.tacomaculture.org/arts/home.asp .
