Arts & Entertainment
Artapalooza 2025: A Celebration of Creativity, Community and Culture
Get ready for a burst of color, creativity and community spirit at Artapalooza 2025, the region’s most vibrant and inclusive arts festival, happening June 14th 2025 at 7501 Bridgeport Way W, Lakewood, WA 98499. This inaugural year of Artapalooza brings together emerging and established artists, makers and performers for a one-of-a-kind celebration of visual arts, live music, interactive installations, artisan vendors, food trucks and family-friendly fun. This year’s event includes: live art demos, healing arts celebrating creativity and mindfulness and live performances by local musicians.
Artapalooza is an annual grassroots arts festival created to uplift local artists, engage the community and ignite creative expression in accessible public spaces. Powered by passionate volunteers and art advocates, the event brings the community together to celebrate the arts in all their forms.
Whether you’re an artist, art lover or simply looking for a joyful meaningful experience, Artapalooza 2025 has something for everyone. Admission is free and open to the public. For vendor information visit: https://bit.ly/wvartapalooza
Paint Your Pet at the Redd Dog
Try the thrill of painting your pet’s portrait. It’s going to be a paws-itively fun experience! We all love our pets, and what better way to celebrate them than to create artwork featuring their adorable little faces! Our talented artist will sketch your pet’s picture for you ahead of the event, and show you step-by-step how to complete your own finished pet portrait. Redd Dog will have delicious food and divine drinks available for purchase throughout the event. Come enjoy an un-fur-gettable experience! Tickets: https://bit.ly/43WJzdY
Junk Journaling in June
Do you feel stuck in perfectionism or overwhelmed by creative pressure? Break the rules together in a playful, community-based workshop led by Lore at Scribe and Sunshine. It is all about creating without judgment, connecting without performance and regulating your nervous system through art. You will dive into the freeing, messy, deeply personal process of junk journaling – using scraps, textures, doodles, and affirmations to express yourself with zero expectations. For the event you can expect: a guided, no-pressure journaling experience, materials provided including your own blank journal to keep, cozy and supportive vibes with mindful conversation, gentle prompts and playful inspiration and a space to exhale, explore and embrace imperfection. Unpretty & Unbothered: A Junk Journaling Event hosted at Sign & Celebrate Studios Friday June 20th, 6:30 – 8:30pm 1001 Pacific Ave, Suite 220. Sign Up Here: https://bit.ly/junkJournaling
Commemorate Juneteenth with Music, Storytelling, and Community at the Washington State History Museum
Join The Washington State History Museum (WSHM) on Thursday, June 19, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM for a free, community Juneteenth event. The renowned storyteller and actor Eva Abram of Rainwater Storytelling curates this family-friendly event. This year’s program will focus on a wide variety of performers that demonstrate the freedom, resilience, and creativity of Washington’s Black community. Eva Abram is an award-winning actor and storyteller who brings American folktales and myths to life with her exceptional performance skills. Her engaging presence invites audiences to explore stories highlighting the bonds that unite us. Her approach to curating the program was guided by the concept of “Strive to Thrive,” the phrase representing the mindset and guiding principles of African Americans, people who are determined to achieve in spite of obstacles intended to discourage freedom of expression. She hopes audiences will have a “joyful experience” with talented artists who are shining examples in which African American cultural expression has positively contributed to the advancement of the arts in culture and general society.
Event Highlights include: musical performances by Jason Turner, cellist-composer Gretchen Yanover and the Afro-fusion group Maya Soleil; spoken word performance by Sharon Williams and drummer Foluso Mimy; dance performance by Northwest Tap Connection; Capoeira martial arts demonstration by Capoeira Vida; and storytelling by Eva Abram. The admission to the museum is free that day with extended hours from 3:00 – 8:00pm.
Real Art Tacoma Fundraiser
Real Art Tacoma, a nonprofit DIY all-ages music venue in South Tacoma, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help pay off a major upgrade to its sound system. After ten years of running shows in a volunteer-led, all-ages space with a capacity of 350, the venue recently invested $65,000 in new sound equipment to enhance the live music experience. The campaign, organized by Tom Long on behalf of Viaduct (the nonprofit behind Real Art Tacoma), has raised just over $1,200 from 15 donors so far. The goal is to reduce or eliminate the financing burden, allowing the organization to remain focused on supporting local artists and young music lovers.
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Real Art Tacoma plays a vital role in the community by offering an inclusive platform for emerging performers and hosting shows that welcome all ages. Organizers emphasize that contributions of any size help sustain this grassroots venue and ensure high-quality performances for years to come. To support the campaign or share the link, visit the fundraiser page on GoFundMe and be part of keeping Tacoma’s youth music culture alive and thriving. https://www.gofundme.com/f/we-upgraded-our-sound-equipment?
Neighborhood News
Puget Sound Shoppers Could Face Disruptions as 4,500 Grocery Workers Authorize Strike
Washington-area grocery workers represented by UFCW Local 367 have overwhelmingly authorized a potential Unfair Labor Practice strike, with 97% voting in favor on Thursday, June 5, 2025 This authorization applies to roughly 4,500 workers across 37 stores—including major retailers like Fred Meyer, QFC, Safeway, and Albertsons—as negotiations over wages, staffing, and healthcare benefits remain stalled. The union alleges the companies have engaged in unfair labor practices by failing to provide necessary information to bargaining leaders and restricting worker protest rights, while employer representatives maintain they are negotiating earnestly and have offered wage increases and robust healthcare packages.
Union leaders and workers say the strike authorization sends a strong message that grocery employees will not tolerate subpar wages or unsafe staffing levels. If called, the strike is expected to impact Tacoma-area stores significantly, though no formal action has been scheduled yet . Negotiations are set to continue later this month, with both sides under pressure to reach an agreement before a labor shutdown occurs.
Two Pierce County Councilmembers Seek To Remove Pride Flag
Pierce County Councilmembers Dave Morell and Amy Cruver introduced a resolution during Pride Month that aims to prohibit the display of the Pride flag on county property. The proposed policy would restrict flag displays to official government flags, effectively banning symbols of support for marginalized communities, including the LGBTQ+ community.
The resolution, R2025-158, has drawn sharp criticism from advocacy groups and residents who view it as a targeted and exclusionary move. Critics argue that the Pride flag is not a political statement but a symbol of inclusion and community belonging. The measure has become a flashpoint in ongoing debates over representation, free expression, and the role of government in recognizing historically marginalized groups.
Council deliberations and public response are expected to shape whether the resolution moves forward or is ultimately rejected.
How To Volunteer with Tacoma Public Schools
Tacoma Public Schools lost a lot of personnel due to budget shortfalls. Community members asked if they can volunteer to help out and we were given the following link for the volunteer forms: https://www.tacomaschools.org/get-involved. To be clear, the school district wasn’t asking for volunteers but since people asked about it, Weekly Volcano thought we would publish the information for our readers.
Rebuilding Together South Sound Faces Cuts to Help Low Income Stay Safe in Their Homes
In a letter to their supporters, Rebuilding Together South Sound first thanked those who have been sending donations since their funding was cut leaving them with a $50,000 gap still to fill. The foundation is receiving 75% less support than expected due to these cuts and have adjusted accordingly. The dollars support their staff and any project that isn’t covered by government contract. There are also likely cuts coming to those government contracts coming in July. The impacts these reductions cause are having to cut staff hours and project funding meaning at least 5 projects will be postponed until after summer. With their vision of safe and healthy homes, they are dedicated to making sure all of their neighbors are safe in their homes.
Rebuilding Together seeks to advance health equity by improving health and housing outcomes for their neighbors in need in economically distressed communities. Through a collaboration with the National Center for Healthy Housing, Rebuilding Together developed a set of 360 specs for common repairs based on the eight principles of healthy homes including a 25-point framework that targets significant health and safety hazards in homes. Read more about Rebuilding Together as well as how you can help here: https://rebuildingtogetherss.org/?form=EmergencyFunding
Tacoma Businesses Unite for Shop Local Campaign
Dozens of Tacoma businesses have joined forces in the Shop Local Tacoma campaign, a city-wide initiative designed to spotlight independent retailers, service providers, and restaurants that make Pierce County unique. The growing list of participating businesses includes everything from cozy cafes and vintage boutiques to art studios and salons—all dedicated to supporting the local economy and building community resilience.
Organized through ShopLocalTacoma.com, the campaign aims to make it easier for residents to find and support local businesses, especially as small business owners continue to recover from economic challenges. Participating shops may offer promotions, host special events, or collaborate on giveaways throughout the year, encouraging shoppers to “think local first.”
WA Law Now Requires Use-of-Force Reporting to Centralized Database
Washington state has debuted the Washington State Data Exchange for Public Safety (WADEPS), a publicly accessible, cloud-based system that aggregates use‑of‑force reports from all 300 police agencies statewide. Established under a bipartisan 2021 law, the system requires monthly submission of detailed data—covering incidents involving firearms, Tasers, pepper spray, canines, or physical strikes—as well as demographic information about both officers and subjects. Agencies must begin uploading data by September 2. Officials from the Attorney General’s Office and law enforcement leaders say WADEPS is designed to bolster transparency, support data‑driven policymaking, and build public trust.
Built and maintained by Washington State University under the Attorney General’s Office, the platform enables users to analyze use‑of‑force trends across incident types—such as assaults, traffic stops, or mental‑health calls—providing crucial context . Attorney General Nick Brown described the launch as a “significant milestone,” noting that standardized, contextual data will give policymakers, law enforcement, and the public shared tools for evaluating and improving policing practices.. Early adopters highlighted the database’s capacity to guide training, inform operational policies, and foster accountability.
Opportunities
Learn how to get funding for your start up
A new event aimed at empowering Tacoma-area entrepreneurs is set for Friday, June 14: Startup Intro to VC: Guide for Tacoma Founders. This beginner-friendly workshop will break down the fundamentals of venture capital, helping startup founders understand how VC works, what investors are looking for, and how to prepare for their first funding conversations. The session is designed to be approachable and practical, especially for early-stage founders navigating their first rounds of fundraising.
Hosted in Tacoma with tickets ranging from $18–$29, the event promises to equip local startups with tools and confidence to seek outside capital. With limited spots available, organizers encourage early registration through Eventbrite. Whether you’re launching your first company or looking to grow an existing venture, this workshop offers insights that could shape your next steps in Tacoma’s startup ecosystem. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/startup-intro-to-vc-guide-for-tacoma-founders-tickets-1381141805319?aff=erellivmlt
Festival of New Voices 2025 Submissions Open
Lakewood Playhouse is delighted to present an inaugural festival of writing to celebrate new voices and diverse perspectives, showcasing writing talent in the Tacoma area and beyond. Submissions are now open for writers from across the region to submit new theatrical full-length works which will be read and assessed by a team of local arts professionals. Up to six new works will be selected to be given readings in mid-October. These readings are developmental in nature and should be seen as works in draft. A playwright and cast talkback will follow each staged reading. Submissions are free. Guidelines include: Scripts must be submitted in PDF format. Scripts must be completed drafts. No incomplete drafts or treatments. Scripts must be unproduced and unpublished. Readings and/or workshops are acceptable. The playwright must be the sole owner of the script copyright. On the cover of your script, please include: Name of play, playwright’s name, contact information (address, phone number, email address). Include a script summary (character breakdown, setting, time period). Supporting materials required: cover letter, bio of playwright, and a question you hope the reading will answer about the work. Submissions through June 22, 2025. Selected plays announced July 7, 2025. Festival dates September 29 – October 18, 2025. Submissions should be sent to newvoices@lakewoodplayhouse.org.
Call to Creatives for a Woodstock vibe event.
Tacoma Loyal is presenting a “Woodstock-State of Mind,” a gathering centering around peace, love and freedom. They are looking for poets, boutique art/product vendors. The offerings should tie into a 60s/70s vibe/aesthetic so they can showcase very unique, artistic, exceptional items.
There will be three dates: 3rd Sundays-June 22, July 20, August 24 from 5-8pm. The locations are still TBA but will be at local bar venues-indoors.
Spoken word will take place between musical sets and will get no pay, but expression and exposure. Vendors will share a table space of about 4x8ft. Vendors will be responsible for all sales and keep 100%. Some bet fit options are: homemade candles, essential oils/perfumes, natural/small batch skin care, jewelry, crowns/hairpieces/headbands. They are specifically looking for a local flower vendor with single stems and small bouquets. To apply, send your social media/website and/or bio with product descriptions and photos to hello@odessachristiana.com
Tacoma Public Utilities Seeks Public Information Officer
Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU) is hiring a seasoned Public Information Officer to lead its media relations, crisis communications, and strategic storytelling efforts. This high-impact role plays a critical part in promoting transparency, elevating community engagement, and highlighting the innovative work being done across TPU’s departments.
Ideal candidates will bring a strong background in high-stakes media environments and a passion for public service. The PIO will serve as a key liaison between TPU and the public, sharing stories about infrastructure projects, sustainability efforts, and the people behind the utilities that power Tacoma. Interested applicants can learn more and apply at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/tacoma/jobs/4964556/public-information-officer?utm_medium=social&utm_source=linktree&utm_campaign=public+information+officer.
Recreation
The Historic Proctor District has a new Self-Guided Walking Tour
This easy walking tour around the Proctor District neighborhood highlights the character and history of this neighborhood, an area popular with shoppers, visitors and its residents. Our tour begins on the SE corner of North 26th Street and North Adams at the Star of Destiny Plaza across from Washington Elementary School and adjacent to the Wheelock Library. The tour introduces visitors to the heart of the business district and to a variety of architectural styles, architects and stories from the immediate neighborhood north and east of the district. Like several of Tacoma older neighborhoods, the Proctor District was settled primarily as a suburb resulting from its adjacency to a residential streetcar line with a wide variety of architectural styles. This tour was based on an inventory and survey of the area produced by Historic Tacoma in 2019, with research by Historic Tacoma board members Steven Treffers, Marshall McClintock, and Kathleen Brooker. The inventory project was funded by the City of Tacoma Historic Preservation Office and Historic Tacoma. The report was then adapted to produce this self-guided tour, which was edited and further expanded by Michael Lafreniere, with additional support from the North End Neighborhood Council. Learn more here: https://theclio.com/entry/179790
Running of the Sound to Narrows Race Saturday 6/14 in North Tacoma
Running the streets of Tacoma since 1973! The signature 12k route with challenging hills or the fast 5k route are ready for you. For younger athletes, they offer a Sound to Narrows 2k dash and the ever-competitive 20-yard diaper dash for the wee ones. Race day begins at 6:30am. Starting lines at Vassault Park. Learn more here: https://www.soundtonarrows.org/
TV & Film Reviews
REVIEW of The Phoenician Scheme by Elizabeth Mulloy
Wes Anderson has long been one of my favorite filmmakers in Hollywood. His unmistakable
style, marked by symmetrical framing, pastel color palettes, and dry, deadpan performances,
makes him one of the most distinctive auteurs working today. Naturally, I was eagerly
anticipating his latest feature, The Phoenician Scheme. Anderson had never let me down
before. Until now.
We follow wealthy industrialist and arms dealer, Anatole “Zsa-Zsa” Korda (Benicio del Toro)
after he narrowly survives an assassination attempt after his plane is sabotaged. Realizing that
his luck is beginning to run out as glimpses of the afterlife begin to creep into his dreams, he
reaches out to his daughter, Liesel (Mia Threapleton), who is only a month away from taking her
vows to become a nun to become his sole heir to his entire estate and business enterprises.
Realizing that this might be a way to help the poor, she reluctantly joins his business adventure.
However, when outside forces begin to squeeze Zsa-Zsa’s business to bring him to justice,
Zsa-Zsa and Liesel travel around the country to save their investment in the infrastructure of
Phoenicia.
Before I bog down the room, let me start by acknowledging what The Phoenician Scheme gets
right. As with all of Wes Anderson’s films, it’s clear that every frame has been obsessively
constructed with meticulous precision. His signature symmetrical compositions are on full
display, and they’re nothing short of stunning. The soft pastel color palette washes over the
screen in a way that’s both nostalgic and refined, perfectly complementing the elaborate and
whimsical production design that has become a hallmark of Anderson’s aesthetic.
Alexandre Desplat’s score is another strong point. It’s light, charming, and full of buoyant
energy, yet somehow manages to elevate the tension and underline the film’s moments of
physical comedy without drawing too much attention to itself. His collaboration with Anderson
continues to be a reliable source of tonal balance. The editing, too, deserves recognition. It’s
sharp, efficient, and tightly choreographed, helping to land the comedic beats with just the right
amount of timing and rhythm. This kind of editing is crucial to Anderson’s visual humor, and here
it’s executed with finesse.
And as with all of Anderson’s previous films, the acting is top-notch across his impressively
large ensemble cast. Led by Benicio del Toro and rising star Mia Threapleton, the group strikes
that perfect balance between deadpan delivery and physical comedy, fully embracing the quirky,
offbeat characters that populate Anderson’s worlds. But one actor, in particular, manages to rise
above the rest. I’ve long hoped to see Michael Cera in a Wes Anderson film, and at last, the
cinematic gods have answered. Cera is pitch-perfect in The Phoenician Scheme, stealing every
scene he’s in with a hilariously off-kilter Norwegian accent that somehow fits right in with the
film’s bizarre charm. In short, from a technical standpoint, The Phoenician Scheme is firing on
all cylinders. It’s very much a Wes Anderson film, visually polished, musically playful,
whimsically quirky and stylistically consistent. It’s clear that the craftsmanship is still there.
However, despite the ensemble’s best efforts and Wes Anderson’s typically masterful direction,
The Phoenician Scheme just can’t overcome its biggest weakness: an incredibly underwritten
script. Anderson’s films have always thrived on their quirky charm, whimsical characters,
fantastical settings, and a tone that’s unmistakably his. But for the first time, it feels like he was
so wrapped up in making everything as quirky and stylized as possible that he forgot to actually
develop the story underneath it all.
Over the years, as Anderson has refined his cinematic voice, his thematic depth has become
more subtle—often woven seamlessly into the fabric of his characters and settings. Here,
though, that delicate layering is nowhere to be found. The Phoenician Scheme is arguably his
most religious film to date, clearly aiming to grapple with big ideas: humanity’s complicated
relationship with faith, the desire for redemption, the moral attempting to save the immoral, and
so on. But none of these themes are given the time or space they need to resonate.
The characters spend most of the film bouncing from one beautifully designed location to
another, meeting a revolving door of eccentric personalities across the fictional country of
Phoenicia. But in their constant motion, they rarely pause. There’s hardly a scene that breathes,
hardly a conversation that lingers long enough to land with emotional weight. It all feels rushed,
like the script is too concerned with getting everyone from point A to point B to actually let
anything meaningful unfold along the way. The result is a film that feels surprisingly hollow. The
thematic ideas are there, but they’re surface-level. The characters are colorful, but not
compelling. Anderson’s best stories are the ones that feel intimate, even when their worlds are
stylized. This one feels scattered. Ambitious, sure, but stretched thin and emotionally
disengaged.
In the end, The Phoenician Scheme is a rare misfire from Wes Anderson. You can see the
ambition behind it. The big themes, the layered ideas, the attempt to push his style into new
territory. But the story is too scattered and undercooked to hold it all together, leaving little
emotional weight beneath the surface charm. Despite stellar performances from the ensemble
cast and Anderson’s consistently meticulous direction, the film never quite lands. It’s still
beautifully made? No doubt, but by Anderson’s own high standards, it ultimately feels like a
letdown.
My Rating: C+
Screenshots: We Scrolled So You Don’t Have To…
