ALEC CLAYTON: NOUVEAU GLAM TACOMA >>>

The hoity toity in the Emerald City have chosen Tacoma artist Robbi Firestone to be a featured artist at “Nouveau Glam,” PONCHO’s 46th annual Red Carpet Gala to be held at Seattle’s Westin Hotel April 12.

PONCHO â€" Patrons of Northwest Civic, Cultural and Charitable Organizations â€" has been supporting the arts in the Pacific Northwest since 1962, during which time the organization has given more than $32 million to support more than 200 different area arts organizations.

Firestone is a portrait artist. Her portraits are glamorous, colorful and new-agey, with a slight funhouse mirror distortion. She calls them “Spirit Capture” oil portraits and says they represent the subject’s “inner essence.” On her Web site, Firestone describes a portrait sitting this way: “We discuss your vision for life, your joys, your passions and dreams. I script an intuitive reading into the background of the piece, speaking of the divine 'Beauty I See in You.'

“Share with me your loves, your legacy ... your innermost beauty. I will portray your inner essence, so you may 'be truly seen' in an exquisite oil portrait to last for generations.”

If this appeals to you, you can bid on a Robbi Firestone Spirit Capture oil portrait at the PONCHO gala.

"The arts have flourished in our region largely due to PONCHO's 46 years of major contributions,” Firestone said. “Arts education is imperative for creative problem solving. It is our responsibility to provide creative learning environments for our children. This is why I support PONCHO's mission."

Tickets for the black tie affair start at around $300 and include dinner and entertainment by Hit Explosion. For tickets or more information, go here or call 206.623.6233.