ARTS COVERAGE TO END ALL ARTS COVERAGE >>>

At this point it goes without saying. If you're looking for coverage of local arts in Tacoma, Olympia, and all points in between, the Weekly Volcano is THE place to find it. Our goal is to consistently provide the best local arts coverage possible to our fantastic readers -- always be on the lookout for ways to shine a light on all the awesome creativity we see around us.

Here's a look at the Volcano arts coverage waiting for you this week in print and online.

VISUAL EDGE: Quilt bonanza

("Black Wolf" is a piece by Nancy Erickson currently on display at American Art Company. Photo courtesy American Art Company)

It's back! The Northwest Contemporary Art Quilt Invitational at American Art Company. I used to look forward to it every year, and then they quit holding this show for about three years. Now it's back and more colorful than ever. And I mean that literally. ... - Alec Clayton

MOVIE BIZ BUZZ: Movies to stay warm to

No question about it: we done got screwed this summer. Never mind the fact that I write these words outdoors with a cloudless blue sky and blazing sun above me; I'm here to bitch about past grievances. It took us too many weeks to finally earn this weather, and from the look of things it won't last. That freak rainout last Monday only tells the fidgety fatalist in me that autumn isn't far away.

We do what we can to stave off the inevitable cold, and I believe movies can offer the great escapism we'll soon need. I combed my collection for a few titles that should keep you in a tropical state of mind regardless the season.

So here's my top five, ranked by temperature for your convenience (and they all hold up as pretty good films to boot). May they serve you well on those looong winter nights. ... - Christopher Wood

THE LION SUBMISSION: The progression of hip-hop

(DJ Kun PHOTO: Courtesy Facebook/Merc Photography)

The mid-1970s marked the birth of hip-hop, and ever since the artistic genre has expanded all around the world. Today there are many versions of hip-hop, but originally it came out as raw organic expression. Hip-hop continues to branch out, but in which way is mainstream hip-hop growing? Do we frown upon it? Or can we enjoy it? I sat down with a few people in the music business to figure it out.

  ... -- Khalil Duberry

PLUS: More local theater coverage than you can shake a stick at

PLUS: The Volcano's extensive arts and events calendar

PLUS: Pretty stuff