10. It's FREE!
That’s right—this incredible event costs zero, zilch, nada. When’s the last time you got this much awesome for free?

9. The Tacoma Armory: A Real Historic Gem
It’s not just an art event; it’s an experience in a beautiful and towering piece of Tacoma history. Wear layers—this is history you can feel!

8. Tacos, Baby, Tacos!
What pairs better with fine art than fine tacos? Taqueria Hermanos Cardona will be parked out front with tacos so good, they might inspire your next masterpiece.

7. Coffee Across the Street
Fuel up at Luv-A-Latte, where the coffee’s hot, the vibe is local, and it’s just steps from the action. Pro tip: grab a cup to-go and savor it while you browse.

6. Street Parking Scavenger Hunt!
Love a challenge? Try your luck with limited street parking! Not into puzzles? Use the nearby LAZ Parking lot, or better yet, take transit.

5. Skip the Parking, Hop a Bus
Public transit is where it’s at. Take Pierce Transit routes 45 or 28—save the hassle, help the planet, and earn bonus points for eco-friendliness.

4. A One-Stop Art Wonderland
Over 100 local artists in one place! Jewelry, paintings, pottery, live demos—you name it, we’ve got it. Shop for unique gifts and inspiration all in one spot.

3. Family-Friendly Fun
Kids? Grandma? Your art-loving neighbor? Bring them all! This event is for everyone, whether they’re budding collectors or just out for a great day.

2. You’re Supporting Local Artists
Every purchase helps local creatives thrive. Think of it as your good-karma shopping spree—your support keeps Tacoma’s arts community vibrant!

And the #1 Reason to Go to Arts at the Armory…

It’s the Most Fun You’ll Have This Holiday Season Without Wrapping Paper!
Art, tacos, coffee, neighbors, and creativity—what more could you ask for? Get ready to shop, sip, and soak up Tacoma’s thriving arts culture.

Join Arts at the Armory, for a vibrant two-day arts market. When: December 7 & 8, 2024, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Where: Tacoma Armory, 1001 S Yakima Ave
Cost: FREE and for all ages!

#ArtsAtTheArmory2024

Sea Change, is an exhibition showcasing Hackenberg’s ongoing series of paintings and drawings that address the critical issue of ocean degradation with a blend of humor and critique.

Karen Hackenberg’s art features a playful yet thought-provoking taxonomy of imagined post-consumer sea creatures. Using traditional mediums such as oil and gouache, she meticulously transforms beach trash into captivating visual narratives. Her work creates a striking juxtaposition between form and idea, encouraging viewers to reflect on the environmental impact of human activity.

Hackenberg focuses on manufactured bits of detritus – plastic bottles, cans, toys – that she finds on the beaches near her home in Port Townsend, WA, in this one-person exhibition of approximately 40 works. Images of flotsam are included in her detailed compositions and the resulting artworks often portray beach trash as monumental within the seascape, serving as powerful metaphors for the vast scale of marine pollution.

In addition to her solo exhibition, Hackenberg’s work has been featured in numerous shows, including Tacoma Art Museum’s Northwest Art Now, Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, the U.S. traveling Environmental Impact show, Neo-Naturalist at Museum of Northwest Art, Still even: Contemporary Still Life at Hallie Ford Museum of Art, and Beneath the Surface: Rediscovering a World Worth Conserving at A.A.A.S. headquarters in Washington, DC.

Her works can be found in several private and public collections, including the New York State Museum, the Portland Art Museum, the Tacoma Art Museum, the Washington State Art Collection, Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, and the Hallie Ford Museum of Art.

Inspired by the artist’s vibrant expressions of environmental concern, TAM is using the mounting of Sea Change as the impetus to reconsider sustainability in its own practices. Programming for Sea Change is motivated by Hackenberg’s work and community partners using art as a conduit for climate action.

You can join the Tacoma Art Museum for an unforgettable evening to celebrate the opening of Sea Change at 7pm on Friday, December 6th.

The PACIFIC GALLERY ARTISTS hold open meetings (every 3rd Tuesday of the month, SEPT - JUNE)

The next meeting will be 11 - 1:00 pm, Tuesday DECEMBER 17th at the COUNTRY PLACE CONDOMINIUMS - CLUBHOUSE
7801 53rd Ave. W in Lakewood, WA 98499

They are a friendly group of experienced fine artists who enjoy monthly demonstrations, fellowship, a brief meeting, and a snack. Please join them - and remember, visitors are always welcome!

*This month we will be their yearly Potluck and gift exchange.

The TCC Symphonic Band presents its 2024 Fall Quarter concert. The program has a wide range of music, and features guest conductor Kellen Schuetze.

TCC Symphonic Band - Winter's Journey
7:30 PM, Friday, December 6, 2024
TCC Building 2 (close to South 12th and Mildred)
FREE - Donations Encouraged

PROGRAM:
Kocher - Winter's Journey (flute choir)
Holst - Marching Song
Arnold - Prelude, Sicilianno, and Rondo (Kellen Scheutze, guest conductor)
Coleridge Taylor - Solemn Prelude
Howard - Deep Soul Diving
Carroll - Winter Dances

Sound Movement Arts Center Announces 3rd Annual “The Nutcracker - Act 2” and our “Move! An MDC Showcase”.

Sound Movement Arts Center is honored to have spent the past decade fulfilling its mission to deliver high-quality dance and performing arts to the community and looks forward to the many years ahead.

The community is invited to attend our annual production of a holiday family favorite.  Two unique performances will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at 10:00am and 2:00pm. Both performances will be held at Curtis High School: 8425 40th St W, University Place, WA 98466

The 10:00am performance will feature a condensed version of the big stage favorite, “The Nutcracker - Act 2”.  Sound Movement Arts Center's Ballet students will transport audience members to the land of sweets in the 3rd annual holiday production! In addition, audience members will get to meet and take pictures with the cast following the show!

At the 2:00pm performance, Sound Movement Arts Center's Movement Dance Company (MDC) dancers will debut their Season 10 Competition routines in an opening showcase called MOVE! Following intermission, Sound Movement Arts Center Ballet students will transport audience members to the land of sweets in the third annual holiday production of “The Nutcracker - Act 2”!

Both family friendly shows are sure to delight and entertain!

*Tickets are on sale now through December 9* and can be purchased at buy.tututix.com/soundmovementartscenter

Yep, you heard it right! Starting January 1st, you can enjoy FREE ADMISSION for all! 2025 has so much in store at the Seaport, and you should be along for the ride.

The museum is open Thursday - Sunday 10am - 4pm.

Tacoma harbor and school officials are expected to break ground in early 2025 on a 20-acre project that includes the “Maritime|253” skills center, shoreline access to the public and a new port business center.

On Nov. 19, Port of Tacoma Commissioners gave their final approval on the Port Maritime Center project on the eastern portion of Foss Waterway.

This follows Tacoma Public Schools Board’s Nov. 14 approval of the Maritime|253 skills center, a facility aimed at offering free career and technical education to Pierce County junior and senior high-school students.

Set to launch in Fall 2025 at interim sites while the permanent facility is being built, Maritime|253 programs would offer courses related to logistics, manufacturing, maritime sustainability, technology, transportation and trades skills, according to a port announcement.

The port is budgeting $150 million for its part of the project. The port and school district, which announced plans to partner on the project in 2023, are each funding their own facility. The school district is also funding part of the site development costs.

“This partnership with the Port of Tacoma opens doors to careers that students might never have considered,” Tacoma Public Schools Board President Lisa Keating said. “It’s about providing real-world skills that will serve them well beyond high school and empowering them.”

The project also includes a port business center for future commission meetings and office space for port and Northwest Seaport Alliance employees.

Environmental remediation efforts on the site are expected to start before anticipated construction in early 2025.

Tacoma Public Schools said that it expects Maritime|253 to be completed by Fall 2026, while the port projects an early 2027 opening for the port business office.

“We are transforming historically contaminated land into collaborative ground where education, innovation and opportunity can take root and thrive,” Port Commission President Kristin Ang said. “The Port Maritime Center is a once-in-a-generation investment in our community and our environment.”

On December 3, 2024, the Ruston City Council approved Ordinance No. 1585, amending Ruston Municipal Code 9.02.010 to limit alcohol sales within city limits. The ordinance, effective December 8, 2024, restricts alcohol sales at any establishment including restaurants, grocery stores, convenience stores and bars to between 6:00 a.m. and midnight daily. Additionally, areas within establishments where alcohol is consumed on-premises must be closed to the public from 1:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.

The measure aims to address increased incidents of public intoxication, disturbances, property damage, and DUIs in Ruston. It affects all licensed establishments, including bars, restaurants, grocery stores, and convenience stores.

A sunset clause stipulates that the ordinance will expire on November 16, 2025, unless extended or amended by the City Council.

Local business owners have expressed concerns about the economic impact of the earlier cutoff, particularly for establishments like the historic Unicorn Sports Bar, which has been a neighborhood staple for 90 years.
The City Council plans to review the ordinance's effectiveness in October 2025 to determine if it should be extended or modified.

For more information, residents can refer to the official ordinance document available on the City of Ruston's website.

Campfire Coffee, founded by Quincy and Whitney Henry, is a vibrant coffee shop in Tacoma's Hilltop neighborhood, known for its unique wood-fired coffee roasting process and strong community ties. The idea for Campfire started as a dream during a long road trip, when the Henrys, both out of work, decided to take a leap of faith and open a coffee stand. Despite initial setbacks, including difficulties finding a roaster, they created their own roasting method using a popcorn shaker and green coffee beans, inspired by a video of open-flame roasting in Africa.

Launched in March 2020 during the pandemic, Campfire's online store quickly became a hit, gaining a loyal following before the physical shop even opened in August. Quincy’s background in branding helped shape a strong, authentic identity that resonates with their customers.

Beyond great coffee, Campfire prioritizes community, offering a free gear library for outdoor equipment and focusing on diversity in hiring. The shop's menu includes signature drinks like the Toasted Marshmallow Cold Brew and S’mores Latte, as well as teas and pastries. Quincy and Whitney are expanding Campfire with a new location at Tacoma Public Utilities and plans to increase wholesale distribution while championing greater representation in both the coffee and outdoor industries.

Campfire Coffee represents passion, perseverance, and a commitment to community, making it a must-visit Tacoma gem.

The Tacoma City Council has approved a resolution to continue funding vital street improvement projects by renewing the Transportation Benefit District's 0.1 percent sales tax, effective April 1, 2026. This tax rate, which replaces the existing one set to expire in March 2026, is not an increase but will maintain funding for infrastructure improvements.

The Council also passed an amendment to ensure that at least 15 percent of the revenue is dedicated to safety improvements, including sidewalks, streetlights, and traffic-calming measures. Since its inception in 2015, the 0.1 percent sales tax has contributed to significant progress in Tacoma, improving residential streets, enhancing pedestrian safety, and supporting local businesses' economic growth.

Mayor Victoria Woodards emphasized that the resolution reflects Tacoma’s commitment to infrastructure, safety, and community well-being. Deputy Mayor John Hines and Council Member Kristina Walker highlighted the importance of sustaining progress and ensuring safe, accessible transportation options for all residents, especially those walking, biking, or using other forms of non-motorized transport.

The resolution aligns with Tacoma’s strategic priorities, including equity, economic impact, civic engagement, and livability. A recent survey showed 75 percent of residents are dissatisfied with the condition of Tacoma’s arterial roads, underscoring the need for continued investment in transportation infrastructure.

In addition, the City Council will decide on December 17 whether to ask voters for a new proposition to secure approximately $25 million annually for street and infrastructure improvements. This would be funded through increases in utility bills and property taxes, with a special election set for April 22, 2025.

Lakewold Gardens is seeking original, unpublished poems for inclusion in the 2025 Winter Poetry in the Gardens event. Poems should be no longer than approximately 1,000 words or no more than five minutes in duration when read aloud, preferably with a theme related to gardens and/or the celebration of nature.

Participants must be Washington State residents and be available to record their poems and have headshot photos taken onsite at Lakewold Gardens the week of February 10, 2025. Poets of all backgrounds and ages are invited to participate. Lakewold Gardens strives to promote contributions from communities that have been traditionally underrepresented. Poets who identify with or are part of these communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Selected participants will be celebrated at a special event on February 22, 2025 where they will be invited to read their poems aloud. Their poems will receive a professional headshot and will record their poems which will be accessible via the Lakewold Gardens website and signs placed throughout the gardens from February to September. Cash prizes of $500 for first place, $400 for second place and $300 for third place will be awarded. Submissions will be blindly evaluated by a panel comprised of outside experts and Lakewold Gardens’ Executive Director and Curator of Art and Music. Only one entry per poet will be accepted. Entries will be accepted until January 17, 2025.

Dear Friends, Allies, and Supporters,

We’re so grateful for the support we’ve received so far in our Giving Tuesday challenge, but we’re not there yet - and time is running out!

Thanks to Stella-Jones’ $2,000 pledge, we’re halfway to our $4,000 goal to support survivors as we prepare to move into our new healing headquarters in Hilltop. But we still need YOUR help to make it to the finish line.

Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to creating a safe and supportive space for victim-survivors and their families. Your gift today will help us build a brighter future for those we serve, and thanks to this challenge, your impact will be doubled!

There’s still time to join the challenge and make a difference: GIVE NOW

Let’s finish the year strong and show what our incredible community can accomplish together. Your generosity is a powerful reminder that hope is possible.

The film submission deadline for the 2025 Ground to Sound Film & Art Festival has been extended to December 13th!

The Ground to Sound Film & Art Festival, a collaborative initiative by the City of Tacoma Environmental Services and Foster’s Creative, has extended its film submission deadline, giving filmmakers, creatives, and environmental advocates two more weeks to showcase their talent and passion for a sustainable future in the Puget Sound.

New Submission Deadline: December 13, 2024

This year’s festival theme, “Healthy Sound. Better Tacoma. Now and Forever,” highlights the importance of protecting our environment, with a focus on reducing stormwater pollution to safeguard Tacoma's waterways and communities. Creatives of all ages and abilities are invited to inspire change through their art, celebrating efforts that keep Tacoma’s waterways clean, safe, and thriving.

Submission Categories:
Elementary (K - 5/6th Grade)
Junior High/Middle School (6/7th - 8/9th Grade)
High School (9/10th - 12th Grade)
Adult (18+, not graduated or no longer attending high school)

Prizes:
First Place: $750
Runner Up: $500
Third Place: $250
Fourth Place: $200
Fifth Place: $100
People’s Choice Award: $500
Top entries in each category will win cash prizes, an award certificate, a G2S tee, and a VIP bag. First-place winners from each category will have their films screened at the live festival event.

Save the Date:
The Ground to Sound Film & Art Festival will culminate in a live screening event on March 14, 2025, at the Foss Waterway Seaport. This celebration of art, community, and environmental stewardship will feature a documentary showcasing winning films, exciting activities, local artists and vendors, and community partnerships.

How to Submit:
All films must now be submitted by December 13, 2024. For submission guidelines, judging criteria, and additional details, visit the official festival website:
https://www.groundtosoundfilmandartfest.com/submission-requirements