Close your eyes and visualize an event called an "art and wine walk" (but then open them to read this.) In your visualization, you might have imagined a nattily dressed gentleman with a gal on his arm; she's in a flowing silk dress, and they're jaunting from space to space, uttering phrases like "interesting composition - the use of negative space is refreshing but almost sinister," and "the textural components of this are almost disquieting, don't you agree? I'm so glad this Riesling is comfortingly simple and sweet to contrast with all that tension."

But hold on. We're in Tacoma, so you might have known we do things differently around here. So on Friday, Sept. 18 from 4 to 8 p.m., prepare for a slightly different type of event. The Stadium Art, Wine and Beer Walk promises to break down the stuffy preconceived notions that might have been, with the stage set for a comfortably pretense-free evening of art, music, cars, community, and of course we can't forget the wine and beer.

"The whole idea is to get people in the area," explained Valerie Floyd, new manager for the Stadium District and co-chair of the event.  

The Stadium Historical Business Association began hosting the event seven years ago to draw people to area businesses.  

"It evolved a bit each year," said Floyd, adding, "this year, we've added beer and swag bags."

Beer-wise, the spotlight is on local and regional craft brews, with several of the 25 participating businesses, as well as a beer and wine garden, offering beer tastings.  

Additional twists to the evening include a car show, unofficial after-party at the Hub and Harmon Taprooms, and art that will wipe the stuffy-art ideas you may have out of your brain: While the traditional art forms of painting, drawing, and pottery will be represented, you can also expect to see reclaimed wood, fiber and paper art, and even junk!

Floyd strongly encourages buying tickets ahead of time, which can be done online at www.stadiumartwineandbeerwalk.com or at several Stadium District businesses: Stadium Thriftway, Rankos, Columbia Bank or Doyle's Public House.

The first 500 tickets sold will receive the aforementioned "swag bag," a reusable monogrammed grocery bag supplied by Stadium Thriftway (and filled with free goodies!) Advance purchases also save $10 off the day-of-event entry fee of $35 and receive two extra drink tickets.  

But remember one thing, if you want to partake of the "beer and wine" portion of the event: bring ID!