Local artists struggling to find Pierce County gallery space create their own in Seattle
With a deficit of galleries in Tacoma, ten Pierce County artists are taking their work to Seattle this weekend.
Amy Lewis, a watercolors and oils artist, said she wants to take her art to the next level.
With limited gallery space in Tacoma, she knew there were other artists also having trouble finding a home for their work.
“We don’t have enough galleries in Tacoma,” Lewis told the Gateway. “By showing in Seattle, we can further establish ourselves in the art community. We have so many artists who have so much to give.”
She grabbed nine other local artists and created a space of their own.
“Tacoma in Seattle,” is a two-day fine art exhibition show where ten Tacoma-area artists will each have a wall of work set up at the River event space at 1927 Third Avenue in Belltown.
Each artist offers something a little different and their pieces will be available for purchase at the event.
The event will run Aug. 11 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and August 12 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.
Artists include:
- Amy Lewis (watercolors and oils)
- Lydia Jewel Gerard (ink, watercolor + digital)
- Erika Norris (colored pencil)
- Lourdes Jackson (oil + installation works)
- Ashley Laufer (gouache)
- Mike Murphy (acrylic)
- Sarah DeMass (acrylic)
- Annika Smith (oil)
- Jared Michael (mixed media spray paint)
- Dierdre Patterson (acrylics)
DeMass lives in the Gig Harbor area. The rest live in Tacoma.
Many, including Lewis, have been hosting pop-up events around Tacoma to get more eyes on their work.
“At our event, we each get to curate a wall, giving it a true gallery feel,” Lewis said.
A DJ will be playing music at the event Friday, and visitors can enjoy a drink from Locust Cider, which has taprooms in Tacoma and Gig Harbor. There will also be treats from The Common Cookie, which is based in Puyallup.
Visitors can join a best dressed competition Friday by taking a photo at the event and posting it on Instagram using #TacomainSeattle.
The first place winner gets a $75 gift card and second place will get a $25 gift card. They are good for any vendor at the event, Lewis said.
Saturday, singer/songwriter Cami Werden will perform and there will be pastries from Mandy’s Bakeshop.
“Our artists are all hard working people ready to further put themselves out there and showcase their work,” Lewis said.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect that Molly’s Bottle Shop will not be at the event.
This story was originally published August 10, 2023 at 5:00 AM.
