Past TAM Local Installations
Connections – Teachers as Artists
On view Spring of 2021, Available Online
Tacoma Art Museum and the Maryhill Museum of Art, working in partnership with the Washington Art Education Association, showcase teacher talent by inviting educators to participate in Teachers as Artists, an annual juried exhibition.
In 2021 we invited regional arts educators to submit work around the theme Connections. The theme brings a focus to people, places, or things that have connected our lives during the past year, inviting arts educators to explore their vision of “connections” through multiple media. You can view Connections — Teachers as Artists online and also see the show in person at TAM in our community exhibition space (third floor) from May 14 – June 30, 2021.
Image: Mary Rowland, Generations, connecting through FaceTime, Casein on wood, 24.5″ x 16.5″
Teachers as Artists: Women of Influence
On view Summer of 2020, Available Online
Maryhill Museum of Art, working in partnership with Oregon Art Education Association and Washington Art Education Association, showcases teacher talent by inviting educators to participate in Teachers As Artists, an annual juried exhibition. This years theme, Women of Influence, engaged regional artists to examine women who have influenced the artist’s life and artwork.
The exhibition was scheduled to be on view at the Tacoma Art Museum this summer, but due to COVID-19 it is now available as an online exhibition through the Maryhill Museum of Art’s website.
Image: Ruth Appleby, Mamiaith, Mixed Media, 36″ x 24″
Brain Energy Support Team (BEST) Superheroes
On view October 16th – December 26, 2019
Reception Thursday, October 17th, 5 – 7:30 pm
What are the characteristics of a superhero? What it is about these traits that make superheroes special? The local artists of the Brain Energy Support Team (BEST) explore these questions through their art, along with their personal stories of the journey forward after traumatic brain injury. We cordially invite you to join us to celebrate finding our own superpowers, individual empowerment and the ability to thrive through art and artistic expression.
Abstraction Haiku
On view April 5th – June 30, 2019
Reception Thurs
day, April 18th, 5 – 8 pm
“The Abstraction Haiku” brings together seven abstract painters from the Tacoma and Seattle area whose works signify important dichotomies inherent to abstraction. The exhibition catapulted from two abstract paintings in TAM’s permanent collection seemingly on opposite ends of abstraction’s pictorial spectrum, specifically: John Franklin Koenig’s Lamento and Robert C. Jones’ Mermaid/Sphinx.
The title, “The Abstraction Haiku” centers on an idea of abstraction as haiku, which points to the intentional use of paired visual dichotomies as a way of focusing on a brief moment in time; a use of provocative, colorful images; an ability to be read in one breath; and a sense of sudden enlightenment and illumination. This describes well the experience of looking at abstract painting and directly relates to each artist in this exhibit.
The participating artists of the Northwest Abstractionists include: Deanne Belinoff, Dede Falcone, Teresa Getty, Karey Kessler, Anna Macrae, Angela Wales, and Audrey Tulimiero Welch.
Franke Toby Jones: Interpreting the Northwest
On view October 10 – December 27, 2018
The Franke Tobey Jones show highlights the depth and range of artists that are still vitally contributing to the art scene in the Pacific Northwest. With works ranging across media and genres, from glass, to Western American art, to works about migration, the show will underscore and complement themes from TAM exhibitions with a local, personal focus.
The Franke Tobey Jones Senior University enriches and extends the quality of life for seniors in the Tacoma community. As a not-for-profit organization, Franke Tobey Jones provides senior residential services, and a supportive continuum of care and innovative community outreach.
Image: Cathy Fields, Heron Social
Quartermaster Press: Pressing Forward – Layered Perspectives in Printmaking
On view July 11 – September 27, 2018
This community installation features new artwork inspired by TAM’s print collection using the dynamic and exciting medium of printmaking. The individual personalities and techniques used by seven artists result in a rich visual spectrum – from naturalistic to poetic, from figurative to abstract.
Quartermaster Press will show etchings, linocuts, collagraphs and monotypes. All made using a shared etching press and studio on Vashon Island, just a ferry ride away from Tacoma.
Participating Artists: Patricia Churchill, Debi Shandling Crawford, Brian Fisher, Sue Hardy, Suzanne Moore, Christina Nichols, Jayne Quig, and Deborah Taylor.
Left to right: Pictus Equus by Debi Shandling Crawford. Early Spring by Christina Nichols. Ben Sams’ Garden Green by Patricia Churchill.
The CultureShock Collective: Sea, Still
On view April 11 – June 28, 2018
Reception: Third Thursday, May 17, 2018, 5 – 7:30 pm
Third Floor, Cheney Classroom and performances in the Murray Family Event Space
Sea, Still showcases how various children of the API (Asian & Pacific Island) diaspora explore and reclaim ancestral memory, traditions, and identity through their relationship with water. This show will feature first- and second- generation artists living in Tacoma and the greater Puget Sound area.
The Culture Shock Collective promotes and curates dynamic, collaborative exhibitions, events and programming with creatives of color, and those from marginalized backgrounds. The CSC aims to create continuous visibility for these disenfranchised artists, to cultivate support and outreach for them within the arts community, and to use arts to spark engaging dialogue.
Like Mother, Like Daughter
On view January 10 – March 29, 2018
Reception: Third Thursday, March 15, 2018, 5 – 7:30 pm
Third Floor, Cheney Classroom
Taken from the phrase “like mother, like daughter,” this group show features 22 multi-disciplinary artworks created by women in tribute to our moms (and mothers everywhere). Our moms were jet-setters, ballerinas, writers, debutantes, scientists, pioneers, etc. Some survived wars, mental-illness, racism – their stories are as fascinating as the art they inspired. The artist-daughters in this show share visual and written stories, deeply considering the personal yet universal themes about one of the most beautiful and complex relationships – mother to daughter.
This installation has been curated by Kelly Lyles. Learn more about the artist at www.kellyspot.com
Korean-American Artist Association of Washington
October 11 – December 28, 2017
Reception on Third Thursday, October 19, 5:30–7:30 pm
See beautiful works from local artists in this community installation, located in the Cheney Classroom on the museum’s top level. The Korean American Artists Association of Washington State is a non-profit organization founded in 1989 by local Korean immigrants. The mission of KAAW is: to encourage and support Korean American artists in the region in the pursuit of artistic endeavor in order to enrich both personal and community life.
Image credits: Hannah K. Ra, Longing. Acrylic on canvas, 24 í— 28 ½ inches.
Washington State High School Photography
July 12 – September 28, 2017
Reception on Third Thursday, September 21, 5:30–7:30 pm
This community installation features 36 images selected from nearly 4,000 submissions by high school photography students from Washington state. It is the largest event of its kind in the United States. The panel of judges—Chris Bennion, Claire Garoutte, and Spike Mafford—viewed entries from over 1,500 students representing 63 high schools. Best in Show was awarded to Nicole Knittel of Inglemoor High School. Sponsors of this event include Museum Quality Framing, Kenmore Camera, Canon, the Photographic Center Northwest, Jones Soda, Seattle Sounders FC and Key Bank.
To see past exhibitions, visit kenmorecamera.com. For information, contact executive director Kelly Atkinson at kellyatkinsonphotography@gmail.com
Image credits, left to right: Nicole Knittel, Inglemoor High School. Architecture, 1st Place. Best in Show; Jaquan Southern, Tacoma School of the Arts. Portrait, 3rd Place; Abby Sandefur, Tacoma School of the Arts. Portrait, 1st Place. Jones Soda Choice Award.
Northeast Tacoma Elementary
April 12 – June 30, 2017
Reception on Third Thursday, April 20, 5:30–7:30 pm
Students of Northeast Tacoma Elementary present Together We Rise, a collaborative mural that focuses on diversity within the community. Facilitated by artist Grace Washington, the mural stands as a reminder that all students from all backgrounds belong to our learning community and contribute to what we can create together.
Washington State School for the Blind
January 10 – March 30, 2017 | Cheney Classroom
Reception on Third Thursday, March 16, 5:00–7:30 pm
The Washington State School for the Blind is a nationally accredited school located in Vancouver, WA, serving students since 1886. The mission of the school is to provide specialized, quality educational services to visually impaired and blind youth age’s birth through 21 within the state of Washington. The school is residential but also has an outreach program that aims to fill gaps in service in school districts throughout the state. With this exhibition, the School for the Blind and Tacoma Art Museum hope to raise public awareness about making art and culture a part of life for children and adults affected by sight loss. The art on display was created by middle and high school students with visual impairments using a variety of media. The art is meant to be touched and explored tactilely.
{Studio S}
November 4 – 30, 2016
Reception: Third Thursday, November 17, 2016.
{Studio S} Fine Arts is located in Bellevue and Lakewood and offers art classes for children and adults. {Studio S} aims to help students learn to see their surroundings in a new way and to express their ideas with a basic understanding of drawing and painting. This exhibition is the result of the students’ effort and artistic talent.
Korean American Artist Association of Washington
September 1–30, 2016
Reception: Third Thursday, September 15, 2016.
See beautiful works from local artists in this community installation, located in the Cheney Classroom on the museum’s top level. The Korean American Artists Association of Washington State is a non-profit organization founded in 1989 by local Korean immigrants. The mission of KAAW is: to encourage and support Korean American artists in the region in the pursuit of artistic endeavor in order to enrich both personal and community life.
Image credits, left to right: Grace Kim, After Rain (detail), acrylic on canvas; Jennifer Kwon, Apple Blossom (detail), oil on canvas; Sunyoung Kim, One with One (detail), oil on canvas.
2016 Washington State High School Photography Show
September 8–28, 2016
Reception: Third Thursday, September 15, 2016.
Every year students from around our great state submit photographs in a variety of categories to a jury of professionals in the Washington State High School Photography Competition. The results will truly surprise you! The program began in the 1980s, and this year more than 1,500 students from 70 schools participated. The creativity and technical quality of the photographs is as impressive as the subject matter is varied. See the 36 final photographs selected from nearly 4,000 entries and appreciate the talent of our youth.
Image credits, left to right: Alexandra Larson, Tacoma School of the Arts, 1st place Documentary; Josh Williams, Roosevelt, 1st place Architecture (detail); Caleb Netterfield, Bothell, 3rd place Traditional Gelatin Silver Print B & W (detail).
Art After School
April 21–May 13, 2016
Young artists participating in TAM’s Art After School program have spent the year exploring the artistic process through weekly art-making sessions where they collaborated on murals, experimented with printmaking, crafted larger than life sculptures, and more! Come celebrate their successes in this special installation of their work.
Art After School partners with the following schools and community organizations to provide high quality arts education opportunities for middle and high school students: Jason Lee Middle School, Oakland High School, Truman Middle School, First Creek Middle School, Stewart Middle School, Mt. Tahoma High School, Baker Middle School, Meeker Middle School, Foss High School, Oasis Youth Center, YMCA, Communities in Schools, Metro Parks, Peace Community Center, and Tacoma Public Schools.
For more information on Art After School please contact Christina Westpheling, Educator for Youth Learning, at CWestpheling@TacomaArtMuseum.org.
Art After School is generously supported by Boeing, the Marguerite Casey Foundation and The Greater Tacoma Community Foundation.
Potlatch Fund Native Artists Show
May 14–30 , 2016
The mission of Potlatch Fund is to inspire and build upon the Native tradition of giving, and to expand philanthropy within Tribal Nations and Native Communities in the Northwest. Potlatch Fund has secured grants and offered professional development connections and opportunities for Native artists to help build their practice. See new works by Native artists, on view in the third floor classrooms at Tacoma Art Museum.
OUT LOUD!
Curated by Tacoma School of the Arts Business of Art Class
May 19–June 10 , 2016
Often times, the voices of youth are overshadowed and muted. In the face of the world we are inheriting, we are often unheard. This installation aims to amplify the voices and concerns of our generation through art created by artists aged 12–18 years.
Struggle + Strength
December 9, 2015–January 10 , 2016
This show is an opportunity for local artists to respond to Art AIDS America. This showcase is intended to expand and diversify the conversation about the exhibition and make this intense subject relatable though Struggles + Strengths.
Franke Tobey Jones Senior Art Show
November 11–December 6, 2015
Senior University at Franke Tobey Jones is pleased to present the Senior Art Show, a juried show for artists 55 or better from all areound Washington State. Beginning in 2006, the Senior Art Show has grown both in participation and in visitor interest.
Tacoma Art Museum and Franke Tobey Jones have partnered to provide the community a greater opportunity to see the Senior Art Show. The show will be on view at Franke Tobey Jones before appearing at Tacoma Art Museum.
Established in 1924, Franke Tobey Jones is a nonprofit organization and public charity whose mission is to enrich and extend the quality of life for seniors in our community. They provide senior residential services, a supportive continuum of care, and innovative community outreach.
Washington State High School Photography Competition
September 1–22, 2015 | Murdock Classroom
Reception: Third Thursday, September 17, 5:00–7:30 pm
Photo by S. Chavez
This exhibit features the thirty-six final images selected from 3,922 entries submitted by high school photography students from Washington state. It is the largest event of its kind in the United States.
This annual event was formed back in the 1980’s by a group of high school photography instructors hoping to elevate student photography. Today, it remains largely a volunteer effort with many photography instructors and students devoting time throughout the year to ensure its success. Our goal is to provide a prestigious public platform for student photographic art. Museum Quality Framing professionally mats and frames all images in this exhibit as a gift to the students. You can view past exhibits on-line at www.kenmorecamera.com.
The judges for the 2015 exhibit were Catherine Abegg, a portrait and wedding photographer; Eirik Johnson, a Seattle-based photographic artist and faculty member at PCNW; and Margaret Zydek, a member of the photography department at Bellevue College. They graciously donated their time and expertise to select images. Sponsors include Museum Quality Framing, Kenmore Camera, Canon, the Photographic Center Northwest, Jones Soda, Seattle Sounders FC and Key Bank.
TAM Volunteer Art Show
July 8–July 28, 2015 | Murdock Classroom
Reception: Third Thursday, July 16, 5:00–7:30 pm
Tacoma Art Museum has amazing volunteers. Come see the amazing artwork of our volunteers as we host the Volunteer Art Show in the Community Art Space. Join us as we celebrate Tacoma Art Museum’s 80th Anniversary and National Volunteer Week with the Volunteer Art Show.
Studio S Fine Arts Students’ Art Show
June 10–28, 2015 | Murdock Classroom
Reception: Thursday, June 11, 5:30–7:30 pm
{Studio S} Fine Arts is located in Bellevue and Lakewood and offers art classes for children and adults. Studio S aims to help students learn to see their surroundings in a new way and to express their ideas with a basic understanding of drawing and painting. This exhibition is the successful result of the students’ effort and will be a great encouragement to them.
Inky Spokes: Bicycle Inspired Art Series
May 6–24, 2015 | Murdock Classroom
Reception: Third Thursday, May 21, 5:00–7:30 pm
Inky Spokes, an initiative of The Levee Breaking, in conjunction with the Gigantic Bicycle Festival, features work by emerging to late career artists based in the Pacific Northwest. Some of the artists are represented by established galleries and others have never shown before. This exhibition is unique in that it facilitates cross-pollination between cities, galleries, artists, and bicycle enthusiasts. In recognition of National Bike Month Inky Spokes: A Traveling Exhibition of Bicycle Art opens at the Tacoma Art Museum coinciding with Tacoma’s annual Zeit-Bike.
Washington State School for the Blind
April 1–19, 2015 | Cheney Classroom
The Washington State School for the Blind is a nationally accredited school located in Vancouver, WA, serving students since 1886. The mission of the school is to provide specialized, quality educational services to visually impaired and blind youth age’s birth through 21 within the state of Washington. The school is residential but also has an outreach program that aims to fill gaps in service in school districts throughout the state. With this exhibition, the School for the Blind and Tacoma Art Museum hope to raise public awareness about making art and culture a part of life for children and adults affected by sight loss. The art on display was created by elementary, middle, and high school students with visual impairments using a variety of media. The art is meant to be touched and explored tactilely.
Boys & Girls Club 2014-2015 National Fine Arts Exhibition
January 13 – February 3, 2015 | Cheney Classroom
Dozens of 6 through 18-year-olds will exhibit their fine art at Tacoma Art Museum this month as TAM hosts Young Artists Shine: Boys & Girls Clubs of America, featuring works created by students who participate in Puget Sound area Boys & Girls Clubs (BGCA). This local exhibition is the first step in BGCA’s National Fine Arts Exhibit program. Young Artists Shine opens January 13 and will be on view in TAM’s Cheney classroom through February 3.
Pierce County Boys & Girls Club offers a year-round fine arts program that supports artistic expression through classes and special events, and partners with Tacoma Art Museum to further enrich their offerings to young people. TAM’s Young Artists Shine exhibition offers recognition to students and gives them a chance to see how exhibitions work as they take part in the professional art world. TAM invites the broader community to see and appreciate the talent of these young artists.
TAM will exhibit student works in four age groupings across ten artwork categories. Participating artists receive a certificate of recognition. Judges from the Tacoma arts community will select works from each age group for submission to the Pacific Regional Exhibition, where they’ll be shown alongside works by BGCA artists from eight western states (WA, OR, ID, CA, AZ, UT, NV and HI). Finalists selected from each of five regional exhibitions will be included in the 2014 National Fine Art Exhibit, on view for one year at BGCA’s headquarters gallery in Atlanta, and presented to touring groups including the BGCA National Conference, visiting elected officials, youth groups, and more. The 2014 National Fine Arts Exhibit will also be available for on-line viewing, along with prior years’ exhibits, in a virtual gallery on BGCA’s website, www.bgca.org.
Top to bottom: David C., age 6, Sea of Wonder. Collage. Southeast region. 2013 National Fine Arts Exhibit, Boys & Girls Clubs of America. – Jude M., age 17, Rescue Mission. Oil/Acrylic category. Southeast region. 2013 National Fine Arts Exhibit, Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Stadium High School’s Day of the Dead Printmaking Show
October–November 2015 | Murdock Classrom
Reception: Third Thursday, October 15, 5:00–7:30 pm
In recognition of Día de los Muertos, Stadium High School Commercial Printmaking students create prints in memory of family members, friends, and heroes. Many of the students have prior printmaking experience. Several printmaking methods are used, including silkscreen, linocut, dry point, and a method of screen printing that utilizes dye and a silkscreen medium. The prints are shown at Tacoma Art Museum during the weeks of the Dia De Los Muertos exhibition, a free community festival.