LET'S GET READY FOR HALLOWEEN >>>

A new art gallery is open in Tacoma. We repeat, a new art gallery is open in Tacoma. This is not a test. The Blue Octopus has taken the leap, and celebrates its home at the Middle Floor Merchants Thursday during Third Thursday Artwalk.

The focus of Kerry Cole's Octopus gallery is affordable, handcrafted drawings, paintings, cards and prints - currently largely Cole's talents. She has other artists on the docket, including men's grooming products (hand crafted by the bearded lady, Madame Scodioli), jewelry and up-cycled lighting.

Cole began her art career drawing while studying Fashion Design at Portland State University.  She had her first professional show after two years of study, and an invitation to show in New York followed later that same year. By mingling figures from reality with myth, her paintings and drawings have an allegorical feel. She incorporates Fauvist color schemes into her works.

"I will be offering an event once a quarter involving a catered lunch, wine tasting and a 90-120 minute class where people can let their hair down and learn how to paint, draw or do collage in a relaxed, fun atmosphere," says Cole. "First event will be Nov. 12."

Cole shakes with glee when she discusses the Le Noir Bizarre event Oct. 30 at Sanford and Son.

"It's a huge steampunk event with romantic Gothic art, fashion, culture and entertainment on the eve of Halloween. I have a lot of Goth/creepy images up right now," she explains.

The Gothic fashion store down the Hall from the Octopus spearheads the event. Read up on Julia Jones' store here.

The Blue Octopus is open Wednesday-Sunday, but Cole hopes everyone stops by this Thursday.

"I will bribe people with wine and appetizers," she says.

A new art gallery, is open. In Tacoma.

[The Blue Octopus, noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sanford and Son Antiques, Middle Floor, 743 Broadway, Tacoma, website]