With multiple crises breathing down our collective necks, it is important to have creative tools to process the challenges we are facing as a society and a species. Making art to tell the story of what we are going through can be a very important strategy for building the kinds of communities we will need for the times ahead. Our 3-hour workshops will provide participants with an opportunity to use art, meditation, movement, storytelling, and brainstorming to develop expressive work in a trusting environment. We will also visualize and plan community projects that will offer positive possibilities for the future. We will be writing, drawing, making collages, moving our bodies in gentle ways and working with found & scavenged objects. We will learn supportive ways to provide useful feedback on each other’s work.

Dates for five Saturday afternoon workshops from 1-4 pm. Dates: 9/21, 10/5, 10/26, 11/2, and 11/9. Participants must bring a journal, pen, and a folding chair. The studio is NOT ADA compatible – you will need to climb 3 staircases in the Merlino Art Center to get to Naidus’s studio space.

Prospective participants MUST contact Bee at bnaidus@uw.edu to discuss your interest and ask questions. Cost: suggested donation is $100 per session (with a sliding scale for those who need one). Class size maximum is 10. It is recommended that you sign up for all 5 classes, but it is not necessary. A $50 deposit can be sent via Venmo or Paypal to guarantee your seat in the workshop.

And Through The Portal We Go - World Premiere at the Gig Harbor Film Festival
September 26-29

Groundhog Day meets Heaven’s Gate when three cult members get stuck in a time loop while trying to fulfill the promise of transcendence through a portal in the woods. The new feature film from award-winning filmmaker Mike Hayhurst combines comedy and pathos in an exploration of what it means to truly transcend.

Katie, Craig, and Mikey are the final three members of a cult that has prepared for years to achieve transcendence by stepping through the portal. After completing their final duties, the trio enter the portal…only to find themselves back at the start of the previous day. In an attempt to complete their transcendence, the trio must figure out why they are unable to get through the portal as their fellow cult members did. Will adhering closely to the cult’s teachings help them finally achieve perfection, or will they need to learn more about themselves–and each other?

Evening Squire Productions has brought many memorable & award-winning shorts to the Gig Harbor Film Festival. The team will be in attendance for the 6th year!

Screenings at the Galaxy Theatres
Friday, September 27, 2024 at 1:30pm - Theatre 7 & Saturday, September 28th, 2024 at 6:10pm - Theatre 10

“Something Wicked Good This Way Comes” will feature three-hours of storytelling during the pub crawl styled event in Tacoma.

TACOMA – Creative Colloquy, the South Sound’s No. 1 literary site, presents Something Wicked Good This Way Comes from 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1 in downtown Tacoma.
The pub crawl styled event features over 40 storytellers presenting poetry, short stories, essays, live painting and more at seven locations spread over a six-block area in Tacoma and is completely free.

“We strive to highlight the South Sound literary community and build relationships based on mutual admiration of the written word,” said Jackie Casella, Creative Colloquy founder. “This event is a choose-your-own-adventure type evening where you can hop from venue to venue to hear different types of storytelling, or just post up at one venue with your favorite theme.”

This will be the 10th Creative Colloquy Crawl, which was online only during the pandemic. Each lineup has its own theme and features readers from communities throughout the South Sound. This event is free and open to all ages, though some venues are 21-and-older and may contain themes not suitable for children.

Creative Colloquy is a non-profit that runs the annual Crawl event, an open mic reading night on the third Monday of every month at The New Frontier Lounge and publishes a printed anthology each calendar year, while also publishing short fiction, novel excerpts, essays, poems and prose on their website.

To learn more about Creative Colloquy, the Crawl and the organization in general, visit their
website at www.creativecolloquy.com.

Meet Justin Henderson, Lakewold Gardens' new executive director and lead horticulturist, as he takes you on a virtual tour of some of England’s most fabulous gardens. In this presentation, Justin will share stories and visuals from his visits to several UK gardens including Great Dixter, Sissinghurst, Barnsley House, Hidcote, and more.

Saturday September 21st at 10am

Tickets are $25 | $15 for Lakewold members. Your ticket includes complimentary coffee, tea and dessert.

Tacoma City Theaters invites the public to a special open house at the Historic Rialto Theater, Wednesday, September 25th at 10 AM. This "Pre-Season Glimpse" offers a chance to explore the venue, view ongoing improvements and share your thoughts and experiences on this iconic and historic landmark.

The public open house will give attendees a behind-the-scenes look at these recent updates, while also offering an opportunity to meet members of the Tacoma City Theaters team. Refreshments will be provided by Corina Bakery.

Date: Wednesday, September 25th Time: 10 am - 11 am Cost: Free

For more information about the event, please visit http://bit.ly/openhouseRIALTO

SpaceWorks hosts a monthly workshop and this month it will be hosted at Hive.co! This interactive workshop presented by Syed Jamal, will help participants with some of the key elements of the decision-making process that lead to creating and achieving important milestones.
This workshop will borrow heavily from the science of decision making and related research. 

About Syed Jamal: Embracing human-first approach, my expertise is in creating long-term, win-win partnerships with program development, education management, and public diplomacy strategies.

As a board member of the World Affairs Council of Tacoma and an international ambassador at the World Trade Center of Tacoma, I deeply enjoy being a volunteer, an advocate, and an entrepreneur to make a collective social impact.

Dear City Council & County Council members,

My name is Hailey Hernandez, and I own a business named Side Piece Kitchen, located on South 47th Street and Oakes Street. I am a lifelong Tacoman, and I’m very proud to be someone who was raised here. Growing up here, I’ve seen Tacoma through many of its developments and eras. I’m proud to contribute to its continued growth and focus on giving back to the community that’s been here and built the city I love so much.

Currently, in our area, we are experiencing a problem that seems to have no solution. It’s a problem I feel torn about, as the rhetoric from both ends of the political spectrum has put me between a rock and a hard place. Now, as a small local business owner, I’m troubled by both the cause, the effect, and the full array of potential solutions.

We moved into our brick-and-mortar location in May 2023—a former run-down Pizza Hut located in a business park that historically has a higher crime rate, issues with drug use, and sees a large number of unhoused folks. We were aware of this when we moved in, but I assure you this isn’t a case of “not in my backyard” or gentrification via an attempt to take advantage of an affordable area.

Over the last year, I have reported a total of 48 different incidents. 40% of those have been vehicle “encampments” reported to 311—mainly RVs or stolen vehicles that are dumping their sewage, trash, or have individuals who have overdosed and need medical assistance. Many other incidents have gone unreported due to the unfortunate understanding that nothing can or will be done about it. 40% have involved aggressive individuals, usually related to these vehicle encampments. I have been assaulted twice and have had a knife pulled on us multiple times. My customers and staff have been verbally accosted dozens of times. Again, many other incidents have gone unreported due to the unfortunate understanding that nothing can or will be done about it.

10% have been violent crime situations. 10% have been related to theft. We were robbed once by an individual who we had previously reported as experiencing a drug and mental health crisis and who was also violent and aggressive.

Every day, we walk past individuals using fentanyl or others who are selling them the drugs. If we reported every case of that, we would clog up the phone lines. I’m fearful for the safety of my staff—not just fearful of what they may experience from the aggressive or violent folks—I worry about their cars being broken into. I worry about their place of employment having to close down due to a break-in, and I worry about the fumes from drugs that they are near or the residue left on the foils that litter the area.

I’m fearful for myself. As I mentioned, I have now been assaulted and robbed by individuals I had previously reported due to the fear of it escalating to exactly what it became. I am regularly met with “Yeah, we can’t really do much” from the police or with long wait times—often receiving a call back from law enforcement that it will still be a long wait. I’m sick of feeling like I’m burdening the city’s resources by calling in situations that the city has burdened me with by their lack of response or overall disregard/concern for the area in which we operate.

Yesterday, 9/7, I reported a vehicle that has been regularly selling or purchasing drugs, has been a nuisance to the area, associated folks have threatened us with violence, among other things. I received no response or contact from any agency and was directed to 311. Today, 9/8, at 9:40 a.m., that vehicle caught fire about 15 feet from my business and 3 feet from the cars of customers. The smoke and fumes from that fire engulfed my building and the line of 40 customers standing outside. That car currently sits outside, and I’m not sure if or when it will be removed. As I type this, it’s being picked through by two individuals unrelated to the incident. I’m worried it will sit there and cause the “broken window theory” to play out in real-time. We’ve tried our best to clean the area up, which has helped substantially—however, it’s ridiculous that we, as citizens and business owners, must make up for the faults of our city.

I’m not sure what the solution is. Is it more housing, regardless of addiction status, so folks aren’t forced to sleep in cars or on the streets? Is it more resources for addiction treatment? Is it more policing? Is it a change in policy? Is it truly broken window theory?

I often feel forgotten or see a lack of care for this neighborhood. I angrily watch as neighborhoods like the North End regularly receive new sidewalks, crosswalks, or community events, such as the Proctor one that the city put on this last week. I often wonder if the city truly does cater to these more affluent, predominantly white areas. It angers me, as somebody who grew up at a financial disadvantage, to routinely see the neighborhoods I grew up in often being pushed off to the side as an afterthought or having the city’s crime being funneled and pushed onto the streets of these neighborhoods. This is done not in an effort to solve the crime problem but to clean up these more affluent areas of town.

As I said previously, I’m not sure what the solution is here. I even feel like this email that I’m sending right now may be pointless. However, I have a duty to the 13 people that I employ full-time at my restaurant here in Tacoma. I have a duty to the neighborhood that I operate in. I have a duty to the city to speak up. And I have a duty to myself to try to get something done before it continues to progress, I lose my business, a customer, or an employee gets harmed, or this neighborhood becomes yet another statistic. I’m sick of seeing folks on the street who are forgotten by the city and demonized by society, lacking the ability to access resources or unaware of the resources that exist for them. And finally, I’m absolutely sick of seeing this in a city that I know can do better.

I’m exhausted, but I will continue to do what I can, be it by voting in every single local election and urging others to stay informed and do the same. I’ll continue to clean my neighborhood up, and I’ll continue to report. I won’t continue to stay quiet about these issues as I have before, mainly due to fear of it causing the image of this neighborhood to become unsightly to customers or other folks.

We are long past the point where intervention was necessary.

Thank you,
Hailey Hernandez

In a groundbreaking move for Indigenous representation in cinema, the upcoming film Rez Ball is set to shine a spotlight on Native culture through the lens of basketball. The film, scheduled for release later this month, features a talented cast that includes Puyallup Tribe member Damian Castellane, bringing authenticity and depth to the story.

Rez Ball follows a high school basketball team from a small reservation in the Pacific Northwest as they navigate the challenges of competition, community, and identity. The narrative weaves together themes of resilience, family, and cultural pride, making it a poignant addition to the sports film genre.

Damian portrays a key character who embodies the spirit of the team. “Being part of this film is a dream come true,” they said in a recent interview. “It’s not just about basketball; it’s about our stories, our struggles, and our triumphs as Indigenous people. I’m proud to represent the Puyallup Tribe and share this narrative with the world.”

The film’s director, Lebron James, expressed a commitment to showcasing authentic Indigenous voices both on and off the screen. “We wanted to create a film that resonates with Native audiences while also educating non-Native viewers about our culture and experiences,” they explained. “Having Damian in the cast brings an invaluable perspective to the project.”

In addition to its engaging storyline, Rez Ball features a diverse soundtrack that incorporates traditional Native music alongside contemporary artists, further enriching the film’s cultural landscape. The production team has also collaborated with local Native communities to ensure a respectful and accurate portrayal of their traditions.

As the film gears up for its premiere, excitement is building within the Puyallup Tribe and beyond. Local organizations are organizing viewing events to celebrate the film’s release and support Indigenous filmmakers.

Rez Ball not only aims to entertain but also to inspire young Native athletes and empower Indigenous youth to embrace their heritage. With its unique blend of sports and cultural storytelling, the film promises to be a celebration of resilience, community, and the love of the game.

Mark your calendars for the release of Rez Ball to Netflix on September 27th—a film that is sure to leave a lasting impact and foster greater understanding of Native culture through the powerful medium of cinema.

The Gallery at Tacoma Community College (TCC) invites Black artists in the South Puget Sound to submit entries for a juried art exhibition.

The 3rd Annual Black Artists Exhibition is an expanded opportunity for Black artists to share their work with the public and to dialogue with members of the community about their inspiration and how it is manifested in their artistry.

Application Deadline: October 11, 2024
Exhibition: February 10-March 7, 2025

Artists may enter up to three submissions for consideration for the exhibition.

Artists who have shown their work in previous exhibitions at The Gallery at TCC are welcome to apply.

Entries will be judged based on creativity and quality by members of TCC and the Tacoma community.

If selected, artwork should be display-ready and delivered to The Gallery on or before January 31, 2025 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Delivery and pick-up of materials and works selected for the show are the responsibility of the artist.

Click here to apply

The City of Tacoma is now accepting Community Arts Projects funding applications from eligible organizations and groups producing publicly accessible arts programming across all artistic disciplines within Tacoma city limits in 2025.

Community Arts Projects funding can be used for a variety of projects, including, but not limited to, artistic presentations, activities, events, workshops, experiences, festivals, performances, or other projects that are accessible to the general public – either in-person and/or virtually. Funded projects must take place in Tacoma and be completed between January 1 - December 31, 2025.

In alignment with Tacoma City Council Resolution 40622, the Tacoma Arts Commission is committed to sustained and transformational anti‐racist work, including investing in communities most impacted by racial, social, and economic inequity. This includes emerging and grassroots groups directly serving their communities and collaborations between organizations. All applications will be reviewed, and funding decisions made, using the evaluation criteria listed in the funding guidelines. As part of the funding allocation process, the panel will prioritize funding for applicants or projects that meet one or more of the following:

- Organizations who will use Community Arts Projects funding to fairly compensate artists and collaborators, especially BIPOC artists and collaborators, to create work that is central to the project.

- Organizations, projects, or strategies that primarily give voice to:

- Racial justice and/or social justice

- Economically or socio-economically marginalized communities

- LGBTQIA+ communities

- People with disabilities

- Organizations whose primary intentions, practices, and mission are by, for, and about BIPOC communities

- Projects that will address emergent community needs

Click to Learn More and Apply

The City of Tacoma, in collaboration with local marketing agency Foster’s Creative, summons creatives of the community to submit pieces to the second installment of the Ground to Sound Film & Art Festival after its successful debut earlier this year.
Dive into an ocean of inspiration, as the City of Tacoma comes together to celebrate the shared mission of protecting and restoring our precious natural resources to keep Tacoma clean, safe, and livable through garbage and recycling pickup, wastewater treatment, household hazardous waste disposal, protection from stormwater pollution, and more. G2S is a call to action by the City of Tacoma for the health of our neighborhoods, our marine ecosystems, and Tacoma’s future. This year’s theme is “Healthy Sound. Better Tacoma. Now and Forever.”
All filmmakers, storytellers, and environmental enthusiasts are invited to submit their cinematic and artistic creations! Works should highlight the urgent need to reduce stormwater drain pollution that can impair and damage our valuable ecosystems and the environment we all cherish.
The film fest features four submission tiers including an elementary tier (k-5/6th grade, depending on district), junior high and middle school tier (6/7th-8/9th grade, depending on district), high school tier (9/10th-12th grade, depending on district), and adult tier (age 18+, not graduated or no longer attending high school). Additionally, there is a $500 cash prize for “People’s Choice,” as voted by attendees of the film screening and post event, as well as a $75 cash prize per winner for four monthly photo submissions from October to January.

The top five winning submissions from each tier will be selected to win prizes and first place from each tier will be screened at the Ground to Sound Film & Art Fest. All winners are awarded cash prizes, a certificate award, a G2S tee, and VIP bag.
This coming year’s festival is tentatively scheduled to take place March 14, 2025 at Foss Waterway Seaport with full event details to follow. Guests can anticipate the presence of multiple pop-ups and partnerships such as Champagne Sunday, A.G Joints, Julia Josephine, Tacoma Photo Center & Club, River Meschi, Creative Colloquy, and Gloria Joy Kazuko Mahammad.

All films are due by December 1, 2024 in order to be considered. For submission requirements, judging criteria, prize information and more festival information, visit https://www.groundtosoundfilmfest.com/submission-requirements.