In the Spirit returns to the Washington State History Museum

Patti Puhn poses next to her work, Ceremonial Cape (cedar bark, sinew, abalone shell buttons, rabbit fur), winner of the 2012 In the Spirit “Honoring the Ancestors” award.

On Saturday, June 8, the Washington State History Museum will unveil the eighth annual In the Spirit: Contemporary Northwest Native Arts exhibit, in partnership with The Evergreen State College Longhouse Education & Cultural Center.  The exhibit, which will be on display through August 18, showcases work from more than 20 Northwest Native artisans and focuses on the distinctive cultures and stories of the region’s tribal groups.  The two-month exhibit will culminate with the In the Spirit: Northwest Native Arts Market & Festival on Saturday, August 17, 2013.

“Through these incredible artists, we are able celebrate and teach about the diversity of Washington state heritage,” said Jennifer Kilmer, Director of the Washington State Historical Society. “The sheer variety of mediums on display is a testament to the unique heritage of Northwest Native art and the beautiful contrast between traditional and modern cultures.”

There will be nearly 30 pieces in this year’s exhibit, including paintings, prints, basketry, sculpture, woven clothing, beadwork, cast glass, and mixed media pieces. This year welcomes an impressive eight past In the Spirit award winners and six first-time exhibitors. Each artist, representing 20 tribal groups, presents a different perspective and aesthetic.

During the opening night reception on June 8, museum members are invited to view the full exhibit and discuss the works with the artists and curators. The three-person judging panel, comprised of Native American art experts and artists, will present this year’s winners in four categories at the opening reception: “Best of Show,” “Celebrating the Northwest,” “Celebrating Tradition” and “Celebrating Innovation.”  A “People’s Choice” award is voted on by visitors throughout the exhibit and awarded during the August festival. 

“The interest and enthusiasm for this exhibit continues to grow year after year, and it shows how important these artists and cultures are to Washington history,” said Tina Kuckkahn-Miller, Director, Longhouse Education and Cultural Center at The Evergreen State College. “Each piece this year is rich with stories that tell of the various challenges, values and triumphs of Northwest Native communities.”

What: In the Spirit: Contemporary Northwest Native Arts exhibit 
Where: Washington State History Museum, 1911 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma
When: June 8 – August 18, 2013. Tuesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., extended hours and free admission every third Thursday, 2 – 8 p.m.
Cost: $9.50/adults; $7/seniors and students; free for members and children age 5 and younger. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, active duty military with valid ID can receive free admission along with up to five of their family members.

The In the Spirit exhibit and festival are organized by the Washington State Historical Society and The Evergreen State College; made possible in part by the Tacoma Arts Commission, Tulalip Tribe and Nisqually Tribe, and media sponsor KUOW 94.9.

Assemblage Theater presents Pericles Snowdon’s haunting Bluebeard

Cherilynn Williams & Annie Katica Green in rehearsal for Bluebeard.

What: Pericles Snowdon’s Bluebeard
Where: Chapel at Urban Grace, 902 Market Street, Tacoma
When: Fridays & Saturdays, May 31 – June 15, 8 p.m.
Tickets: $14/adults; $7/students w/ID. Tickets available at the door or in advance at Brown Paper Tickets.
Information: www.assemblagetheater.com

Raised inside an abandoned church since they were babies, four women have been taught to fear the outside world. Locked in to keep them safe from an ice storm which, 25 years ago, brought the world-as they-knew-it to an apocalyptic end, the four exist in a makeshift society controlled by their tortured matriarch, Blue. This uniquely written tour de force highlights one of London’s finest young playwrights. In its west coast premiere, English playwright Pericles Snowdon’s Bluebeard explores parenthood, political subjugation, gender, the environment, betrayal, and the apocalypse. The play, while dark and creepy, is charming and engaging with a fetching touch of dark humor. Bluebeard, presented by Tacoma’s Assemblage Theater, opens Friday, May 31 and runs for three weeks. Two pay-what-you-can performances are scheduled for Thursday, June 6 and 13.

Featured in the cast are Kathi Aleman, Nicole Lockett, Heather Christopher, Kaylie Rainer, Annie Katica Green and Cherilyn Williams.  Bluebeard is directed and produced by David Domkoski, with original music by Stanley William. Production design is by Erin Chanfrau.

“We all know the fairy tale about Bluebeard, who keeps his wives hostage, insisting that they be obedient to his will. It’s clearly a tale of patriarchal rule,” said David Domkoski, the play’s director. “How do we react to the tale, however,” asked Domkoski, “when the controller is a mother bent on protecting her daughters? That’s the premise which Pericles explores in his play. As the girls’ mother asks, ‘Isn’t it better to be put away somewhere safe than to get sent out to a world without a heart.’” Post-play discussions with the cast and director are scheduled after every performance.

Bluebeard was first produced in London, enjoying a sell-out run at the Old Red Lion Theater and garnering Time Out Critic’s Choice. It then transferred to New York and the Toronto Festival where it won rave reviews and the coveted Patron’s Pick award.

Assemblage Theater’s production of Bluebeard is funded in part through the Tacoma Artists Initiative Program of the Tacoma Arts Commission. Additional funding came from a recently completed campaign on KickStarter.com

About the playwright

In 2009 Pericles was selected by a panel of Radio 4 producers and artistic directors to receive the £10k OffWestEnd Adopt A Playwright award. The winning play, They Who Lay in Fields Like Beasts, was then introduced by Ian McKellen at The Theatre Royal Haymarket. Last year his memory palace play The Cat’s Mother was produced by all-female theatre company FoxedUp at The Courtyard in London, receiving 5 stars and a grant from the Arts Council.

Summer Internship with Spaceworks

Spaceworks Tacoma is looking for a 20hr/wk paid summer intern. The Arts & Economic Development Intern will work on projects assigned by the Spaceworks Coordinator. This is an opportunity to learn about the panel preparation and selection process, as well as gain knowledge about local and regional artists and creative entrepreneurs.

For more information and a detailed job description, visit: http://www.tacomachamber.org/content/chamber-hiring

The deadline is next Friday, May 17 so hurry and apply!

Ides of May is coming!

the BareFoot Collective

Who: the BareFoot Collective
What: Ides of May dance concert
Where: Theater on the Square, 901 Broadway, Tacoma
When: Saturday, May 11, 2 pm and 7:30 pm
Tickets: $15-$20; purchase online, at the Broadway Center box office, or by calling 253-591-5894 

The BareFoot Collective’s (tBFC) Ides of May dance concert is coming again, but this year it is bigger than ever!  tBFC has always prided itself as being a home for movement arts in the South Sound area and in working within the community to make dance accessible to all.  This year they have reached out to give their annual Ides of May dance concert a boost.  Being held on Saturday May 11th, the show will be performed in the beautiful Theater on the Square, thanks to partnership with the Broadway Center for the Performing Arts.

The Ides of May show is known for reaching out to bring the concepts and techniques of dance creation to high school students.  In the past tBFC has only been able to bring their workshop to one high school at a time.  This year, through their venue at Theater on the Square and the support of the community, tBFC is able to reach out to multiple high schools at once, bringing this unique opportunity for creation and performance with a professional company to as many youth as possible.

tBFC’s collaboration for this show does not stop there.  They are excited to be working with local music groups as well.  Michael Hoover, co-director of tBFC, is creating a dance piece to his love of punk music, and in particular Tacoma’s own Girl Trouble.  “I like the challenge of doing something different, something that challenges what is expected and what is ‘normal,’” said Hoover.  Established in 1984, Girl Trouble are a main stay in Tacoma, self producing and creating music their own way.   

This year’s concert will also include the music of Julia Massey and the Five Finger Discount, a talented trio branded as “cosmic-folk-rock”.  “It is amazing to find music that inspires you to move and create,” said Stephanie Pederson, co-director of tBFC.  “How lucky to have such a talented group of musicians in the Pacific Northwest that want to support dance and local organizations through the sharing of their art.”

This diverse show also features the live music of Nathaniel Dybevik, original work from Serendip Dance Brigade, the choreography of Carla Baragan of BQDanza, Serena River, and dancers from PLU.

Tacoma Murals Project offers community groups creative solutions to blight and vandalism

Mural at 220 Puyallup Ave. Lead artist: Chris Sharp. Artist team: Kate Cendejas, Yvette Simone, Janice Lee Warren.

In support of the City of Tacoma’s ongoing efforts to combat blight and vandalism, the Tacoma Murals Project would like to hear from community groups interested in collaborating with local artists who will design and implement murals that reflect positive neighborhood themes or messages. The deadline for submissions is May 28, 2013.

“These community-based murals have proven to be positive community catalysts, bringing neighbors together, helping them find common voices, and enlivening areas that were previously neglected,” said Tacoma Arts Administrator Amy McBride. “It is inspiring to see how artists have been able to work within each community to develop murals that are unique and responsive to the characteristics, stories, history and future of each neighborhood.”

Each selected community group will receive a funded mural that includes artist supplies and artist compensation, an artist/artist team from a roster provided by the City, technical assistance and general promotion of the project.

Mural at 5441 South Sheridan. Lead artists: Kenji Stoll, Chris Jordan. Artist team: David Long, Yvette Simone, Chelsea O’Sullivan, Natalie Oswald.

In return, each selected community group would be responsible for contributing in-kind services and materials as required to prepare their mural wall, participating in the selection of an artist/artist team from a City-provided roster, coordinating community meetings and the dedication of their completed mural, and maintaining their mural after completion.

Community groups must, with property owner permission, propose specific mural walls. Proposed mural walls must be on commercial or public property and located within Tacoma city limits. Priority will be given to sites located within Community Based Services areas in Tacoma or sites located in areas without a good representation of public art.

Full project details, and the application, are available online. For additional information, please contact Naomi Strom-Avila at nstrom-avila@cityoftacoma.org or (253) 591-5191.

Artist Live/Work Space Public Meeting, May 9

 

Artspace Mount Rainier Artist Lofts in Mount Rainier, Maryland

Thanks to generous support from JPMorgan Chase, the City of Tacoma and the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation are bringing Artspace (a national non-profit artist housing developer) to town to conduct a feasibility study for the development of artist live/work housing in Tacoma.  During their time in Tacoma, they will tour potential properties and meet with stakeholders including artists, the business sector, potential funders, and civic leaders.  

We need the input of artists, arts organizations, arts businesses, funders, etc to help inform this important discussion.  You don’t need to be looking to live in a live/work development in order to participate in this conversation. 

We invite you to attend this free Public Meeting about artist live/work space:
Date: Thursday, May 9
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Tacoma Municipal Building North, 738 St. Helens, room 16
No RSVP necessary

Artspace Hiawatha Lofts in Seattle

Artist live/work developments can be catalytic to communities providing affordable housing that meet both residential and professional needs of artists.  Artist live/work projects are productive creative centers that can become destinations and anchor neighborhoods.

With Tacoma’s beautiful historic building stock ripe for adaptive re-use and our thriving arts community, an artist live/work development would be an excellent addition to our arts ecosystem.

Feel free to spread the word about this public meeting to people who may be interested.

We hope to see you there!

What do you want? – artist live/work development survey

Attention all artists!

Please help the City of Tacoma make informed decisions by taking a few minutes to respond to an anonymous survey focused on your current living and working accommodations, as well as any possible desire for new accommodations. The survey can be found at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/liveworktacoma and should take approximately 5 minutes to complete.

We are interested in input from artists of all disciplines from Tacoma and beyond.  Please fill it out even if you are not currently looking to change your living/working situation and forward to anyone you feel may be interested.

Artist live/work developments can be catalytic to communities providing affordable housing that meet both residential and professional needs of artists.  Artist live/work projects are productive creative centers that can become destinations and anchor neighborhoods.

With Tacoma’s beautiful historic building stock ripe for adaptive re-use and our thriving arts community, an artist live/work development would be an excellent addition to our arts ecosystem.

There’s a new poet laureate in town

 

The Tacoma Arts Commission is pleased to announce the selection of Lucas Smiraldo as Tacoma’s 2013-2015 poet laureate.

Over the next two years, Smiraldo will participate in and host public poetry readings, workshops and other community events. He will also participate in Art at Work: Tacoma Arts Month each November, and will help produce the 2015 Tacoma Poet Laureate Ceremony to announce the next poet laureate.

Lucas Smiraldo performs at the Art Slam. Photo by Jason Ganwich.

“My Tacoma experience has introduced me to a marvelous, rich community of grassroots, literary, academic, bilingual, hip hop, socially engaged, irreverent and compelling poets and word artisans who often change a room, or a mind, or a point of view with their work,” said Smiraldo. “I want to offer people of wildly divergent backgrounds a chance to savor poetry, write it, exchange it, and share it in community. The past four poet laureates have set an incredibly durable foundation for this honor, and I am deeply grateful to them for their gifts and for establishing such a passionate legacy of service.”

In conjunction with National Poetry Month, the Tacoma Arts Commission and Tacoma’s current poet laureate, Josie Emmons Turner, will host a poetry reading event at which Smiraldo will officially be awarded the title. The free, public event will be held Tuesday, April 23, from 6 – 7:30 p. m. at the Tacoma Public Library’s main branch (1102 Tacoma Ave. S in downtown Tacoma). Featured poets will include Smiraldo, Emmons Turner, Tammy Robacker, William Kupinse, and Michael Magee.

Smiraldo is a Pacific Northwest writer, performing poet and twelve-time produced playwright. His performance credits include opening poet at Def Poetry Jam’s College Tour, featured poet at the National Black Pilot’s Conference, commissioned performances at the Tacoma Art Museum and the Museum of Glass, and featured poet during Seattle’s Hip Hop Awards. He has recently joined forces with master griot and kora player, Foday Musa Suso, to present a unique performance of spoken word, song, and social and political narrative.

Smiraldo received the Tacoma Arts Commission’s Arts Projects funding in 2010 and Tacoma Artists Initiative Program funding in 2008 to create two spoken word projects combining film and music. In 2010, he created an original touring work in affiliation with collaborating writers, entitled “Eleven Days in the Life of Dr. King,” which explored Dr. King’s life through 12 original spoken works put to stage with music and choreography.  Smiraldo recently completed a new touring play with co-writer April Nyquist in affiliation with the Broadway Center titled “The Bridges: A Civil Rights Journey.”