Tacoma Art Museum continues its headlong gallop toward the huge opening day celebration for the new Haub wing Nov. 15. We have the scoop on behind-the-scenes preparations for the big opening. ...
Julie Speidel's sculpture "Kinetic Repose" is installed but under wraps near the new glass vestibule entry at TAM's parking lot level. According to TAM spokesperson Julianna Verboort, the installation went off without a hitch and the sculpture will be revealed for visiting and regional press just before the grand opening. Verboort says she can't show us Speidel's sculpture, but the World Wide Web makes it possible to see representative samples of her work here. Her works are typically massive and simple stainless steel megaliths. According to a description on her website, Speidel "often works at the intersection between figuration and abstraction, suggesting the human form through combinations of elegantly simple shapes." She is represented by Winston-Wachter in Seattle and by galleries worldwide.
For those who like to imbibe, the museum has teamed with local beer mavens Harmon Brewing Company to create signature beers for exhibitions over the past five years. For the grand opening of the new Haub Family Galleries, Harmon and TAM have come up with a new brew called Tacoma New West Cascadian Dark Ale. The museum has also collaborated with Heritage Distillery to craft a rich, flavorful, deep golden Tacoma New West Bourbon. The ale will be sold at TAM Cafe and all of Harmon's restaurants; both the ale and the bourbon will be available at TAM's Go West Gala and Go West Grand Opening evening social events.
Curatorial staff has installed approximately half of the works to be on view at the Nov. 15 grand opening of the four new galleries of the Haub wing.
The TAM Cafe dining room is in process with a complete makeover. The menu is also undergoing a makeover. Look for some fun new Western themed dishes.
The TAM Store held a soft opening Oct. 18 with a terrific range of new products from screen printed burlap sachets to hand-crafted jewelry to new books about the art and artists of the West and much more, displayed in beautiful maple and glass cabinetry. Take a peek in the store next time you are walking along Pacific Avenue.
Also now open is the exhibition "Protective Ornament: Contemporary Amulets to Armor" showcasing approximately 80 wearable works in metal including helmets, brass knuckles, breastplates, amulets, talismans and more.
TACOMA ART MUSEUM, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. third Thursday, 1701 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, $8-$10, 5 and younger free, 253.627.6031
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