“Provenance” is the museum term for the ownership history of an artwork. We’re interested in knowing this information because it can offer insights into the artist’s life and career as well as provide details on the stresses and strains a work may have experienced that could affect its condition. It is also important, of course, … Continue reading Recent Acquisitions – Grafton Tyler Brown “Untitled (Columbia River Scene)” →

When I see Marvin Oliver’s Raven with Salmonberry it reminds me of the artist. Much like how Raven brought light to the world, Marvin carried with him histories and practices that made the world a better place. Marvin was a ray of light each time I saw him. Beaming with stories and ideas, I hoped … Continue reading Recent Acquisitions – Marvin Oliver “Raven with Salmonberry” →

In 2016 and 2017, many of you may recall the unjust actions and human rights violations taking place against Native American communities on American soil. The Dakota Access Pipeline project sparked protests largely under the auspices of #NODAPL and remains a relevant controversy with ongoing legal proceedings. During the height of the protests, there was … Continue reading Recent Acquisitions – Zoë Urness “Raven Tells His Story in the Fog” →

RYAN! Feddersen routinely pushes the boundaries of art with very conceptual, immersive, and interactive installations. The artist engages viewers with new ideas and concepts and ways of understanding the world (and outer space, at times). Her work implores consideration of social and environmental justice issues often with a subtle humor and irony. These are just … Continue reading Recent Acquisitions – RYAN! Feddersen’s “Coyote Restored in Starlight” →

Though Tacoma Art Museum was founded in 1935, it didn’t begin building the collection until 1961. It has now grown to include more than 5,100 objects and has been shaped in significant ways by a number of notable gifts. The earliest donations, called the legacy collections, included American, Asian, and European art as well as … Continue reading Exploring the TAM Collection in Seven Questions →