ENCOURAGING YOUNG ARTISTS >>>

Arts presenters are not in it just to make a buck. Gallery owners and the people who run theaters and performance spaces are in it for the love or art, and they do what they do in order to promote art and culture in the community as for their own love of the arts.

Take Gary and Deborah Boone at B2 Gallery in Tacoma's Triangle District. Their previous show, "Beyond Crayons & Finger Painting 2.0," gave young artists from around here and around the world an opportunity to show their work to a wider audience and to let us see what wonderful talent there is among our young people. Their current show, "Sweet Freedom's Jubilee," is a celebration of Harriet Tubman and the underground railroad - a vital part of our nation's history. The show features fiber art by Mary Johnson, which tells stories of the escape from slavery, and sculptural figures by Mar'zil Davis that depict the lives of slaves. This show in commemoration of the 99th anniversary of Tubman's death has been extended through June 9.

In another effort to help promote the art of young people, B2 Gallery is hosting NETT (New Emergence of Tacoma Talent).  NETT was organized byRebekah Slusher, one of the local artists from "Beyond Crayons & Finger Painting 2.0." Their mission is to unite the artists of the greater Tacoma area. "Our aim is to have regular meetings, support each-other's endeavors, offer group critiques and constructive criticism, create a unified front and to grow the art community and offer a strategic method and workplace to build the local industry," Slusher said.

The group will have monthly gatherings where visual artists can work together and show off their portfolios. Slusher says they will usually be providing some structure, such as an opportunity to utilize live-models), "but this will be a very professional place for any and all motivated visual artists to stop by and network, further their skills and opportunities, or simply hang out. Also planned are get-togethers with snacks and beverages provided.

"We will be offering monthly challenges to our members - something to give incentive for practice and completing new pieces. For those who meet the challenge, publicity will be given."

Gary Boone says, "NETT was developed out of a desire to meet and create relationships with visual artists in the greater Tacoma area. ...and to offer a strategic method and workplace to build the City of Tacoma's art community. We have already had an amazing turn out from local artists who are just as excited as organizers Rebekah Slusher and Lydia Fordice for the group, and I can't wait to see how the face of Tacoma changes from NETT's future endeavors!" 

B2 Fine Art Gallery offers the group space, leadership, and access to established artists that convey encouragement to emerging artists. The Boones say they are extremely excited about NETT and believe that the group is essential for organizing a true local art community in Tacoma.