December 1 is World AIDS Day, a day to remember the many who have died of this dreaded disease and the many still living with AIDS and HIV, a day to remember that the crisis is not over, that people are still suffering and dying all over the world and that the new drugs that have given so many hope when there was no hope before still have devastating side effects - that research, development and public awareness and compassion must continue.

Globally, an estimated 34 million people have the virus. Despite the virus only being identified in 1984, more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history. Even today in 2015 it is estimated that one person is infected every minute.

At the office of Pierce County AIDS Foundation the day will be observed with a potluck lunch and community gathering. PCAF will provide beverages and the main dish. The public is invited to bring something to share if they would like.

The Tacoma event presented in  partnership with Tacoma Art Museum, will be held at the museum, which will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. with admission by donation. TAM is currently showing the world-class exhibition "Art AIDS America," the largest and most comprehensive exhibition on the subject of the AIDS epidemic ever mounted at any museum in the world.

Critic Shana Nys Dambrot writing for Huffington Post said "Art AIDS America may be the most important, historically salient, stylistically diverse, and politically instairational of all ... (it) is the first comprehensive survey considering some 30 years of art produced in response to the AIDS epidemic in the United States."

The observance of Wold AIDS Day may offer Tacomans their only opportunity to see this world class exhibition free of charge.

Programming will be held in TAM's event space (off the main lobby). Introduction by TAM's Chief Curator, Rock Hushka, followed by representatives from PCAF and a special guest.

From 6-7 p.m., A World AIDS Day program will be held at TAM that will feature an opportunity for community gathering, personal and shared reflection and a keynote speaker. Light refreshments will be served.

Poetry and prose readings by local writers will be the featured event from 7-8 p.m. Writers will recite their stories and original poetry about remembrance, strength and HIV/AIDS. Visitors are invited to participate in the open mic portion of the program. To register for the reading, please contact bboard@tacomaartmuseum.org.

World AIDS Day is sponsored by Pride Foundation, MetMeds, and WIRB.

Art AIDS America programs are supported by MultiCare Community Partnership Fund.

More information on the Tacoma Art Museum and the exhibition "Art AIDS American" can be found online at www.tacomaartmuseum.org.

The Olympia event will be held at the Olympia PCAF Office at 317 4th Avenue E., 4th Floor, Olympia, 360.352.2375,