Happy Friday Newsletter May 16th, 2025

Arts & Entertainment

• Have Another Existential Crisis (the anti-networking hangout)
  • Existential Crisis is like an anti-networking, vinyl-spinning, artsy-craftsy, drink ‘n’ snacky, time to socialize and get weird for Tacoma creatives. They don’t know what they’re doing on this one, but there may or may not be: Vinyl records spinning – Drinks drinking (NA options too) – Snacks! – Something fun to do with our hands – Lots of other Tacoma creatives. Send ideas… RSVP by emailing Rotator Creative: kendon@rotatorcreative.com just so they get a sense of how many tamales are needed. Feel free to invite someone else too! Existential Crisis! May 16th from 4:33 p.m. – 6:07 p.m. at 703 Pacific Ave. Tacoma.

• Pacific Gallery Artists Public Meeting
  • Pacific Gallery Artists are a friendly group of artists who enjoy monthly demonstrations, fellowship and sharing. This month, award winning artist, Cindy Baij, will demonstrate her approach to using watercolor. Their meetings are open to the public and visitors are always welcome. The next one will be TUESDAY, MAY 20, 11:00 – 1:00 p.m. at Country Place Condominiums Clubhouse, 7801 53rd Ave. W., Lakewood, WA 98499. For more information, find them on Facebook and online.

• Join Creative Colloquy for Writing Dangerously: Telling Truths Toward a Possible Future with Ever Jones at the Mecca
  • This workshop on Saturday, May 31, 2025 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. will explore the intersection between radical self-love and truth telling, using it as motivation to reinvent our ideas of “beautiful writing.” Ever Jones (they, them) is a queer/trans writer, artist and educator. Their forthcoming book, Transanything, is an essay collection unraveling loneliness and connection, reinventing love and family, and walking the world connected to wolves. Ever is instructor of creative writing at UW Tacoma. Recommended $20 donation. Light refreshments provided. Location: The Mecca, 755 Broadway, Tacoma. Registration is required.

• Three Butoh Style Dance Art Events Coming in May
  • Butoh is an avant-garde dance/theater genre. Developed in 1960s Japan, it was created by collaborations between Tatsumi Hijikata and Kazuo Ohno. There will be a free performance, a filmed interview and dance film of a South African Butoh dancer Tebby Ramasike at Tacoma Armory May 17th 7 p.m. at 1001 S Yakima Ave Tacoma. Mr. Ramasike is a remarkable butoh artist of color and his work reflects vulnerability and black empowerment. Also, that night Lin Lucas and Helen Thorsen will perform with live Music from Seattle Musician Jackie An. May 24th there will be a free Butoh workshop with Helen Thorsen at the Tacoma Armory from 1pm to 3 p.m. For info email: helisdancing@hotmail.com. May 31st Fresh Ground Butoh dances at the Armory 8 p.m. Tickets $20 Students/seniors $18. This will feature Northwest butoh artists presenting new works in the Roosevelt Room at the Tacoma Armory.

• Hot Shop Hot Nights at Hilltop Heritage Middle School Presents Eriko Kobayashi
  • Eriko Kobayashi (b. Tokyo, Japan) fell in love with the color and texture of glass in 2014. This fascination led her to study at Toyama City Institute of Glass Art in Japan (2016), and later pursue her MFA in Glass at Southern Illinois University (2022). Kobayashi recently relocated to Seattle to continue her career in glass. During their week-long residency, renowned artists from the glass community set up in our hot shop, creating their own works, sharing with our students about their processes and experiences, and collaborating with Hilltop Artists. The week culminates on Friday for our Hot Shop Hot Night, when we welcome our community to see the visiting artist and our young artists in action. At Hot Shop Hot Nights, expect to see a professional glass artist working with and mentoring our advanced production students and alumni, creating spectacular collaborative pieces. The Gallery is open for shopping, and tea, hot cocoa, and coffee will be available. Complimentary tickets are available to RSVP starting May 14th.

Neighborhood News

• Spaceworks Annual Fundraiser Gala CACHET June 7
  • For 15 years, Spaceworks has harnessed creativity as a catalyst for economic vitality, equitable growth, and connection across Tacoma. But this year, their work faces a critical challenge: the loss of federal funding threatens their ability to support the artists and small businesses that make Tacoma thrive. As they celebrate their 15-year anniversary at CACHET, their annual fundraiser on June 7th, they invite you to help ensure Spaceworks can continue fueling inclusive economic growth. Event Highlights include: Live Art showcasing Spaceworks-fueled talent, Gourmet Bites by Jan Parker, Tacoma’s beloved culinary artist, Emceed by Chris Staudinger Tacoma’s favorite Tour Guide! Raffle Prize: A custom-painted Vespa by artist Joseph Brooks, Live Auction & More! Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025. Location: Tin Can Alley, 2620 East G St, Tacoma. Tickets Here.

• Tacoma Tree Foundation Partners with UW and more to Conduct Study on Trees in South Tacoma. Can You Help?
  • Researchers at the University of Washington, in partnership with Tacoma Tree Foundation, The Nature Conservancy of Washington, and the City of Tacoma, are conducting a study on the relationship between community experience, environmental surroundings, and well-being in South Tacoma. (You can check the neighborhood map to see if you are in the Tacoma Mall neighborhood of South Tacoma.) Participants will answer online survey questions and provide input about their experiences in and vision for their neighborhood. Participants will be compensated for survey completion. Visit tacomatreefoundation.org/grit to find out if you are eligible.

Local Governance

• Who Filed to Run for Office in Tacoma?
  • Last Friday marked the final day of filing to run for many open positions in Tacoma and Pierce County including Tacoma Mayor, council seats and more. This will signal a three month campaigning period before the August 5th primary. Find more about Pierce County Elections.
  • Tacoma Mayor: Jesus “Jesse” Carlos, Anthony (Tony) Ginn, Steve Haverly, John Hines, Anders Ibsen, Whitney Stevens.
  • Tacoma Council-at-Large Position 6: Lindsay Wills, Hunter D. Henderson, Krista Perez, Jessica Johnston, Todd Briske, Latasha Palmer.
  • Tacoma Council District No. 2: Sarah Rumbaugh, Ben Lackey.
  • Tacoma Council District No. 4: Israel James McKinney, Silong Chhun, Sandesh Sadalge.
  • Tacoma Council District No. 5: Brandon A Vollmer, Joe Bushnell, Zev Cook.
  • Tacoma Civil Service Position No. 1: Eric Hansen.
  • Tacoma Civil Service Position No. 2: Max J Heller III, Christian Isaac.

• Public Hearing: Planned Actions, Proposed Amendments to Zoning of Tideflats
  • The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the Tideflats Steering Committee Draft Subarea Plan along with the Draft Planned Action Ordinance (RCW 43.21c440) and proposed amendments to Tacoma Municipal Code Chapter 13.06 Zoning and Title 19 Shoreline Master Program. Agencies, affected tribes, and members of the public are invited to attend the information session and to provide comment during the public comment period.
  • The informational meeting will take place May 28th, 6pm in virtual format to provide an overview of the Steering Committee Draft Plan, public review materials, and how to provide public comment. The Planning Commission Meeting will take place hybrid online and in person June 4th at 6pm. Written comments are due June 6th by 5:00pm. Learn more at tacoma.gov/tideflats

• Monthly Updates From Council Member John Hines of District 1
  • Council Member John Hines visited the Point Ruston Senior Center to connect with residents about keeping them involved in shaping the city’s future. He also visited the Senior Resource Fair at the Star Center, an event full of information, resources, and community organizations supporting this community. Next he presented to the Joint Municipal Action Committee (JMAC) looking at the updated senior populations trends. The conversations are shaping policies to support aging in place, safer neighborhoods, and meaningful opportunities for seniors to stay engaged. Other notable highlights from Council Member Hines’ newsletter include congratulations to the Washington State Narcotics Investigators Association who received 2024 Team of the Year. He also spoke at the Master Builders of Pierce County Housing Summit on Home in Tacoma, ADU Accelerator Program and updates to the Multi Family Housing Tax Exemption. To learn more about the workings of your district’s council member, visit tacoma.gov to sign up.

Business & Opportunities

• Gallery Opening for 2D and 3D Artists at Ebb Tide Gallery
  • Ebb Tide Co-Op Gallery in the heart of the historic Gig Harbor waterfront district at 7809 Pioneer Way, Gig Harbor, WA, has openings for 2-D and 3-D artists. Bring in an application and 4 pieces of gallery ready, priced art. For application, requirements of membership, and policies go to their website.

• Tacoma Venues & Events Next SkillShops Series: Permits, Programs and Resources
  • Tacoma Venues & Events (TVE) continues its SkillShops series with Permits, Programs, and Resources, a free virtual session designed to help event organizers navigate permitting and licensing processes. The session takes place on Monday, May 19 at 11 a.m. via Zoom, with a second session coming up June 16. Participants will hear directly from members of the City of Tacoma’s special events team and representatives from key permitting agencies. To register for upcoming SkillShops, view resources and recordings from past sessions, or sign up for updates, visit Tacoma Venues & Events online at: Tacomavenues.org/skillshops

Recreation & Wellness

• Paws Play Launches Adventure Days
  • Tacoma’s beloved doggie daycare and boarding service, Paws Play, is kicking off its 2025 Adventure Season with exciting outdoor excursions for pups on Sunday, May 19th. Paws Play encourages pet parents to reserve their spots early. For more information or to sign up, contact Paws Play Doggie Daycare and Boarding at https://www.pawsplayllc.com/

• Light the Lake at Spanaway Park June 7th
  • Experience the magic of Spanaway Park as it transforms into a glowing paradise for Light the Lake! This unforgettable evening will bring the community together to celebrate, connect, and create cherished memories while kicking off the summer season. The floating lanterns take center stage as they illuminate the water, symbolizing hope, love and reflection. You can even personalize your lantern to honor someone special, cherish a memory or manifest your dreams. You’ll also get to sway to the rhythm of the music, choose from an array of food trucks and browse through local vendors. As night falls, witness the breathtaking sight as hundreds of lanterns are released to “light the lake.” Gates open at 4:30pm with food and vendors set up until 9pm. Lantern release takes place between 8:30-10:00pm. Learn even more about this event.

• Tacoma Trails Challenge June 7th – 30th
  • Parks Tacoma Trails Challenge is taking place the three weeks following June 7th, National Trails Day. The three weeks will be an exploration of Tacoma’s parks and trails allowing participants to connect and discover these unknown to them places. It is a self-guided event that is great for all ages and abilities. And participation is easy, registration is free, just complete 5 challenges or log 25 miles on the trails and turn in your finisher form to be entered to win! This is a great event to get to know your local community even better!

Film & TV Reviews

• Film Review: Thunderbolts by Elizabeth Mulloy
  • After Avengers: Endgame, my interest in the MCU began to fade. It felt like a natural conclusion, a satisfying high note that didn’t need a sequel. I’ve always appreciated a good ending, and I’m not a fan of franchises that are stretched past their prime. As expected, the MCU soon began to spoil like expired milk, plagued by a string of box office disappointments and critical failures. The few projects that did resonate leaned heavily on nostalgia, only to eventually crash once that novelty wore off. With a film festival on the horizon, I figured Thunderbolts* might serve as a decent palate cleanser. Plus, I’m always happy to support Florence Pugh and Sebastian Stan, as they have used their Marvel money to fund more personal, ambitious projects. Going into the film with low expectations, I was pleasantly surprised: it’s actually pretty good. It’s not a top-tier MCU flick, but it definitely feels like a step in the right direction.
  • We follow Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) during what she believes is her last mission for CIA Director Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus). She is feeling unfulfilled with her life as her health is riddled with depression, loneliness, and anxiety, and she hopes this final mission will finally allow her time to find herself as she walks away from her assassin life. However, when several other anti-hero operatives arrive—each with orders to eliminate her and one another, including Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), John Walker (Wyatt Russell), Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko), and the mysterious Bob (Lewis Pullman), the chaos forces an unexpected alliance. With help from the Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan) and the Red Guardian (David Harbour), they band together to stop Valentina before she unleashes a dangerously unstable weapon of mass destruction.
  • Based on that synopsis and Marvel’s history, you might expect Thunderbolts to follow the usual MCU formula; big CGI battles, world-ending stakes, and forced jokes that undercut the tension. However, by some act of God, Thunderbolts* breaks free from Marvel’s tropes by grounding its story in reality instead of relying on CGI spectacle to entertain its audience. At its heart, Thunderbolts* is a movie about mental health and the dangers of burying our depression and loneliness deep inside of us, instead of confronting it and seeking connection with others. If you don’t process your grief, it’ll consume not just you, but everyone around you, dragging them into a dark void. The commentary is a little on the nose and feels a bit desperate at times, but it’s a much-needed breath of fresh air for the MCU. And when it manages to keep the serious moments intact without ruining them with a bad joke, that welcome feels even warmer.
  • It’s not just the story that feels grounded, but the world the Thunderbolts* inhabit actually feels real, rather than characters just standing in front of a greenscreen. The film’s use of practical effects, on-location shooting, and large-scale sets gives it a sense of reality and authenticity that’s been sorely missing in recent years. And instead of the usual big CGI battle at the end, our heroes are fighting their way through their own personal hell, navigating a maze of depression, regret, and trauma. They could’ve taken the easy route, but I respect the bold direction they chose. That being said, Thunderbolts does run into a few issues. Throughout the movie, it often felt like it was holding my hand, making sure I understood every piece of commentary and plot point, which came off as a bit intellectually insulting. Bob’s arc, where one moment he is strugglingwith his powers and the next he has complete control. And his sudden shift from a quiet guy to a power-hungry monster, felt rushed. Furthermore, his complete trust in Valentina, after being told not to trust her, also felt forced. And when the jokes did land, they fell flat, with the audience rolling their eyes at every awkward attempt at humor.
  • That said, the ensemble cast is the beating heart of Thunderbolts. With Florence Pugh leading the charge, delivering one of the best performances of her career, herself and the entire cast elevates the material beyond what Marvel gave them. Through their sharp banter, constant squabbling, and moments of teamwork, they make it work. Lewis Pullman adds real nuance and tragedy to his character, Bob, turning what could’ve been a one-note antagonist into something more complex. Julia Louis-Dreyfus absolutely owns every scene, embodying one of the most villainous figures on the planet, a politician. Meanwhile, David Harbour feels a bit underutilized, only really showing up in the second half of the film, where he’s mostly relegated to comic relief, but, of course, Harbour nails it.
  • Overall, does Thunderbolts mean Marvel is “really back”? Not exactly, only time will tell. And if you think that, maybe it’s time to watch a few more films outside of the big IPs. But Thunderbolts is definitely a step in the right direction. It shifts the focus back to its themes and characters, rather than relying on references, member-berries, and CGI spectacles. It’s the first Marvel movie since Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 where you actually feel a creative team behind it, not just corporate filmmaking. That’s a win for Marvel, and hopefully, they’ll learn the right lessons from Thunderbolts moving forward.
  • My Rating: B

Screenshots: We Scrolled So You Don’t Have To…