MEDIA RELEASE
May 9, 2014
Media Contact: Julianna Verboort, 253.272.4258 x3011 or JVerboort@TacomaArtMuseum.org

EXPERIENCE NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURE
AT TACOMA ART MUSEUM’S 5th ANNUAL
NORTHWEST NATIVE CELEBRATION

TACOMA, WA – Tacoma Art Museum welcomes the community to participate in this free, action-packed, day-long celebration of the region’s Native American heritage on Saturday, May 31, 2014, from 10 am to 4 pm. The museum will be alive with dancing, singing, and hands-on art activities for all ages, engaging participants in the 5th annual Northwest Native Community Celebration. Experience both contemporary and traditional cultural arts, crafts, and themes from the Puyallup Tribe and other Coastal Salish Tribes. The museum is offering free admission all day.

“Each year this celebration becomes richer and more engaging. It has become an annual community tradition and a special event that honors our region’s Native American heritage,” said Stephanie A. Stebich, Director of Tacoma Art Museum. “We are delighted to partner with many tribal artists to share their traditions.”

Activities at the museum begin at 12 pm with a blessing by Connie McCloud of the Puyallup Tribe, followed by music and dance from local groups including the Puyallup Canoe and Drum Family and Chief Leschi School dancers. Sharpen your fashion sense at the Contemporary Native Fashion Design Show, featuring runway models bedecked in contemporary creations by local Native American designers. Expand your understanding during the discussion panel on the subject of appropriation versus appreciation, with time allocated afterward for a question and answer session. Discover gifts and treasures among Native American vendors offering leather work, carving, baskets, bead work and more. Exercise your creativity with hands-on art projects, including painting miniature cardboard canoes in traditional Native American designs and colors.

The Northwest Native Community Celebration builds on the relationship between Tacoma Art Museum, the City of Tacoma and the Puyallup Tribe. The 20-foot tall Welcome Figure carved by Puyallup artist Shaun Peterson (Qwalsius) was unveiled in Tollefson Plaza in 2010, and continues to greet visitors, watch over the museum, and pay homage to the Native American ancestors of this area.

For more information, contact Julianna Verboort at 253.272.4258 x3011 or at JVerboort@TacomaArtMuseum.org.

About Tacoma Art Museum
Tacoma Art Museum’s mission is to connect people through art. The museum serves the diverse communities of the region through its collection, exhibitions, and learning programs, emphasizing art and artists from the Northwest. Tacoma Art Museum is located in the downtown Cultural District, near the Museum of Glass, Washington State History Museum, and Union Station.

HOURS: Wednesday–Sunday, 10 am–5 pm, Third Thursdays 10 am–8 pm
ADMISSION: Adult $9, Student/Military/Senior (65+) $8, Family $25 (2 adults and up to 4 children under 18). Children 5 and under free. Third Thursdays free from 5-8 pm. Members always free.
CONTACT: 253.272.4258, www.TacomaArtMuseum.org, info@TacomaArtMuseum.org