RON SWARNER: NEW TACOMA GALLERY >>>

The south end of downtown Tacoma will become a little more hip and happening.

The Robert Daniel Gallery â€" dedicated to presenting contemporary art by local, national and international artists â€" will open Thursday, Oct. 23 at 2501 Fawcett Ave.

“Through exhibitions and events, we provide a forum for artists, collectors, and curators to experience art ranging from paintings on canvas and panel, to works on paper, photography, sculpture, stone, glass, mixed media and installations for our gallery members,” states owner Robert Stocker.

Stocker and his cousin, Daniel, are a perfect fit as owners.

“The history behind us is that I used to donate all of my art to charities and Daniel is perhaps one of the foremost knowledgeable artists in the West Coast when it comes to knowing his artists and the art world,” explains Stocker in an e-mail. “He is an architect and is now doing a large commission for a winery inWalla Walla.”

Daniel has also contributed his talents to Indochine in downtown Tacoma.

The gallery opens Thursday, Oct. 23 with a group show featuring artists from Tacoma, Seattle and the Portland area. The shows will typically run for six weeks with a scattering of private events lodged in between. The doors will open at 5 p.m. and you will be politely escorted out at 10 p.m.

The next night, Oct. 24, the gallery will throw party from 5 p.m. “until the party is over” adds Stocker. There will be drinks, eats, art and fun he claims.

The two planned on opening for Third Thursday Art Walk Oct. 16, but chose to host a private party for the Tacoma Opera instead. Stocker plans to offer the space for charity events when available.

[The Robert Daniel Gallery, 2501 Fawcett Ave., Tacoma, 253.227.1407]