Tacoma Art Museum

“Art is language in its earliest form.” Cable Griffith Many of you joined us in October for our opening of three exhibitions; one of those, Uncanny Twilight, features the vibrant … Continue reading Cable Griffith on Art →

TAM is proud to have in our collection the work of James Lavadour, an Indigenous artist whose practice transforms how we see and experience the natural world, abstraction, and the possibilities of painting. In recognition of National Native American Heritage Month, we share Release the Sun, 1990-91, an eight-panel oil on linen painting that uses bold shifts in color and sweeping, textured strokes to evoke the rugged mountains, valleys, and geological rhythms of northeastern Oregon, home of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Subtle skull imagery references memory, heritage, and the enduring presence of Lavadour’s ancestors. In addition to his artistic practice, Lavadour founded the Crow’s Shadow Institute of the Arts in Pendleton, Oregon, the only professional fine art print publisher on a Native American reservation in the U.S., where he continues to mentor emerging artists and support the next generation of Native voices. "Release the Sun" is currently on view at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art in Eugene, Oregon, as part of the "James Lavadour: Land of Origin" exhibition, curated by Danielle Knapp. James Lavadour (born Cayuse, Oregon, 1951) Release the Sun, 1990-91 Oil on linen 83 x 83 inches Tacoma Art Museum, Gift of Rebecca and Alexander C. Stewart, 2000.43.11

It is with a heavy heart that we note the passing of Marge Levy, an artist, educator, and leader whose remarkable career and bold spirit shaped the Northwest arts community. Her teaching, mentorship, and advocacy empowered generations of artists and strengthened the institutions she served. The care and vision she brought to the arts is a legacy that will be remembered and will continue to inspire us. We extend our condolences to her family, friends, and all who were touched by her generosity and commitment to the arts.

August 26, 2025, marks the centennial birthday of Robert H. Colescott—one of the most influential and poetic artists of our time. Colescott was an iconoclast. Born in 1925 in Oakland, … Continue reading The One – Two Punch: Robert Colescott x TAM  →

Uncover the beauty of the TAM Collection, where traditional Japanese woodblock prints illustrate vibrant cultural scenes and tales.

Welcome back to The Current Corner! In the first episodes of the year, The Current Collaborative Committee will share their thoughts and perspectives on some of TAM’s recent, exciting acquisitions … Continue reading The Current Corner // episode 011 :...

In this final episode of The Current Corner about TAM’s recent acquisitions by Black artists, Rebecca and Jack Benaroya Curator Victoria Miles discusses two works: Jacob Lawrence’s The Studio and … Continue reading The Current Corner // episode 012 :...

If you’ve been following the news, you likely know that Christopher Paul Jordan was announced as the 2025 The Current Awardee in November of last year. You’ll probably also know … Continue reading A Finger on the Pulse →

Necklaces, glass beads, precious metals, photographs and drawings cover the walls of the gallery in visual gossip, creating an intimate and honest material language: Gossip is a critical key to survival and a language of solidarity. It is a powerful...

The Current Collaborative Committee shares their thoughts and perspectives on some of TAM’s recent, exciting acquisitions of work by Black artists. For this first episode, Collaborative Committee member, Ricky … Continue reading The Current Corner //...