This sculpture by Spanish-born Manuel Izquierdo flows vertically, taking on an abstracted shape of a human body with an X shape for its head. As the name Iberian Venus implies, this figure represents the Roman goddess, Venus, and the title also brings in Izquierdo’s origins of the Iberian Peninsula. This sculpture takes on a different … Continue reading Object of the Week – “Iberian Venus”
As the school year begins, teachers, students, and parents are all adjusting to our current reality of remote learning. At Tacoma Art Museum, we’re also preparing for a school year unlike any other. During a normal year, about 3,500 students visit the museum on field trips. Another 200+ participate in off-site programs like our Sketch … Continue reading New School Programs
Pendleton Wool blankets have a long and interesting history, starting in 1863 when Thomas Lister Kay immigrated from England to the Pacific Northwest and opened his woolen mill in Salem, Oregon. Eventually the business was passed down to his daughter and her husband and, generations later, would become the Pendleton Woolen Mills we know today. … Continue reading Object of the Week – “Yerba Buena, Buffalo Soldiers, Three Strikes (Yosemite)”
It is hard to believe that we are already in the autumn of 2020. Perfectly fitting for this time is Juan Alonso’s 1997 Fall. This acrylic painting features an abstract plant with beautiful, autumn colors of purple, mossy green, and gold-yellow. The background has grounding earth tones that help make the gold flowers front and … Continue reading Object of the Week – “Fall”
Plans are underway for our beloved Tacoma Art Museum to tentatively reopen to the public on Friday, October 9. Since closing March 13, TAM staff has been hard at work creating a reopening strategy to provide a safe and healthy environment for visitors and staff. David F. Setford, TAM’s Executive Director, served on the state-wide … Continue reading TAM’s Reopening Plans
The bold, bright red and accents of blue in Alfredo Arreguín’s portrait of artist Frida Kahlo emit a vibrant, powerful image that is not anything new for Arreguín’s portfolio. His use of various abstract designs and floral patterns create a lively, yet subtle portrait that Frida seems to simply melt into given a lack of … Continue reading Object of the Week – “Frida’s Messengers”
Marie Watt‘s bronze Blanket Stories: Transportation Object, Generous Ones, Trek graces TAM along Pacific Avenue. In it, Watt explores the humble yet significant role blankets play in people’s lives, in Native American communities, and in the history of the West. On the title of the work, Watt explains: “Transportation Object is the term used to … Continue reading Object of the Week – “Blanket Stories: Transportation Object, Generous Ones, Trek”
Inspired by the objects we hold dear and the stories they each tell, Irene Wood began creating at an early age. After exploring jewelry and pottery, Irene set her sights on Whitman College where she studied studio art. The skills she learned there helped her develop a unique painting style, one informed by the bright, … Continue reading TAM Store Highlight – Irene Wood
I had the amazing opportunity to attend Michael Kenna’s seminar at the TAM. To paraphrase, during the talk Mr. Kenna had said that there is no motive or intention behind his photographs except to capture a beautiful image. This really resonated with me at the time and I feel you see that so clearly in … Continue reading Voices of TAM: Addison Gregory Reflects on “Irving Park Tree, Study 2, Portland, Oregon, USA”
Kathryn Glowen is a mixed-media and installation artist whose work explores memory and time. After the death of her friend Mamie L. Rand, Glowen created a series of artworks that tenderly memorialized her. Rand was a pet store owner, accountant, and amateur musician from Spokane, WA. A bit of a pack rat, she saved and … Continue reading Object of the Week – “Dress of Years”
