Around Town: Space Party
- — September 1, 2010
Space Party
Downtown Tacoma played host to what looked like traveling hordes of window shoppers on Thursday, July 29. But it wasn’t the return of retail that brought the crowds to Broadway and Pacific avenues; instead art was on display in the formerly empty storefronts. As part of the City of Tacoma’s Spaceworks initiative – undertaken with the help of Shunpike and the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce – local artists were chosen to fill the retail spaces left empty after the most recent economic shift. The purpose was to give artists a stage, to show Tacoma what engaging public art can look like and to get feet on the street downtown. And what better way to kick off the proceedings than with a Block Party?
Participating artists Scott McGee and Janet Marcavage walk down Pacific Avenue with a tour.
Artist Alex Keyes addresses a tour group at Tollefson Plaza as his sculpture Wave looms.
Michelle Acuff’s untitled work drew stares throughout the afternoon.
A spectator looks at Tory Franklin’s installation, Firebird, at 9th and Broadway.
Lihuang Wung contemplates artist Tiffanie Peters’ jewelry at Chiffon as Tacoma Arts Commissioner Jan Brazzell looks on in the background.
Tacoma Arts Administrator Amy McBride convenes a tour to visit the Spaceworks sites.
