TACOMA ART MUSEUM CELEBRATES NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE AND ARTS >>>

We know about Mighty Tacoma, the photo exhibition of Tacoma landmarks and portraits at Tacoma Art Museum. But Tacoma was mighty before most of us were here, and TAM acknowledges this proud history with a celebration of Tacoma's Native American heritage.

Sunday, Jan. 30 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. the museum will be alive with Native celebration and art as the public is invited to experience the heritage and the arts of thePuyallup Tribe and other Coast Salish groups. The Coastal Native Celebration is an annual event featuring cultural performances and hands-on art activities for all ages. And here's the really good part: the museum is offering free admission all day.

"We are pleased to continue this annual event honoring our community's Native American heritage and artistic traditions," says Stephanie A. Stebich, director of Tacoma Art Museum. "We invite everyone to come and create memories with us as we connect our past to our present through art."

Cultural performances will include drumming, dance and singing from local tribes as well as Native storytellers who will share their talents and their tales throughout the day. (There better be stories about Coyote the trickster.)

Hands-on activities will include traditional basket weaving and other crafts.

Local artist Linda Levier will demonstrate jewelry making and help visitors create their own traditional Native American necklaces. There will even be a chance to look at and buy a variety of items from local artists including wood carvings, jewelry, silver works, regalia and basketry.

Food inspired by Coastal cuisine from Jonz Catering will be served the The Workz Café.

While at the celebration, take some time to enjoy the artwork of two exhibitions that will soon close: The Movement of Impressionism: Europe, America, and the Northwest and Edo to Tacoma: Japanese Woodblock Prints from the Collection. Where else can you find Native American art, European and American Impressionism, Japanese prints and local history all in one stop?

Also, stop in and have your photo taken in the exhibition Mighty Tacoma: Photographic Portrait 2010. For more on the interactive Mighty Tacoma photo portraits go to the "Picture Yourself Here" page on the TAM website and become a part of the exhibition.

Also coming soon: A Night in Japan with guests from the Consulate-General of Japan, Jan. 20 from 5-8 p.m. Japanese treats will be served and there will be a screening of the anime film Miyori's Forest (Miyori no mori). It's free.