BY DOUG MACKEY for WEEKLY VOLCANO 1/23/26 |
It is often said that food, or at least cooking, is an art. That could not be truer this month, as two well-known Tacoma art spaces join forces for the first time, serving up a creative collaboration that blends community, cuisine, and visual art. Artco Framing and Gallery has partnered with Proctor Art Gallery to present a food-themed exhibition titled Food, Glorious Food, now on display throughout January at Artco’s gallery space.
Located at 5401 Sixth Ave., Suite 321, Artco Framing and Gallery is hosting the full exhibition, which features work by more than a dozen artists associated with both galleries. The show is free, open to all ages, and designed to welcome the public into an often delicious-looking exploration of food as artistic subject matter. “This is our first collaboration,” Artco’s Ashley Laufer said. “We want to stay connected in the arts community, which led to the idea of the two galleries hosting a joint show. I believe it’s best to work together.”
The partnership also marks a notable moment for Tacoma’s arts scene, where independent galleries mostly operate separately. By pooling artists and patrons, Artco and Proctor Art Gallery hope to strengthen ties within the local creative community while offering something fresh for visitors.
The theme, Food, Glorious Food, came together organically. According to Laufer, the idea was conceived quickly but fit naturally with one of Proctor Art Gallery’s established practices. “The theme for food was completely on the fly,” Laufer said. “Proctor Art Gallery hosts a rotating theme in its space, so it was familiar for them to work that way.”
Artists were given flexibility to either create new work specifically for the show or submit existing food-related pieces. “There’s a mix of both in the show,” Laufer noted, “including a painting from the 1990s.” The result is a diverse exhibition featuring oil and acrylic paintings, works in watercolor, a collage by Sharon Styer, and one sculpture. “Some people kept it a little more traditional with still life–esque pieces, you know, of fruit and vegetables,” Laufer said, “while others took more surrealistic, stylized approaches.”
Artists featured in the exhibition include Cassandra Brown, Bruce Severeid, Joni Joachims, Kim Benford, Tim Huhn, Ann Klein, John Bradham, Sharon Styer, Trinda Love, Jody Coulston, and Andrea Newell Greenfield. While not every artist from both galleries is represented, organizers said most of their full-time artists are participating. Although the food-themed exhibition is displayed exclusively at Artco, visitors can still view and purchase other works by participating artists at Proctor Art Gallery throughout the year.
To celebrate the exhibition, Artco will host a public reception on Friday, January 23, from 4 to 6 p.m. “You can mingle with the artists and enjoy light snacks,” Laufer said.
The collaboration also signals Artco’s broader interest in building partnerships across Tacoma’s art community. Organizers said they are open to future joint exhibitions and encourage other galleries and art groups to reach out with ideas. “Artco Framing and Gallery is always looking to partner with local galleries and art groups,” Laufer said. “We’re very open to collaborating.”
Beyond this January exhibition, Artco is also looking ahead. “We’re proud to say we’re fully booked for the 2026 calendar year with a different art show each month,” Laufer said. “We’ve also revamped our local consignment program and will have an application online soon.”
As Food, Glorious Food continues through January, organizers hope the show will not only delight visitors but also demonstrate the value of collaboration in sustaining a vibrant local arts scene. It may also make you hungry.
Food, Glorious Food Art Show, Artco Framing and Gallery, Friday Jan. 23 at 4 p.m. Free.
