If you’re looking for an artistic way to unwind and enjoy the community, be sure to visit South Sound Selects: Community Choices from the Collection, an exhibition at the Tacoma Art Museum (TAM). This has been the first exhibition to open at TAM since it closed in March 2020, due to the pandemic, and it features 27 guest curators from all over the South Sound community. In addition, TAM provides a new virtual museum experience for digital audiences.
“As we planned for the Museum’s reopening, we wanted to create something deeply connected to our community. The concept for this exhibition continues our exploration of providing a platform for promoting multiple voices and interpretations of artwork. We want to challenge the assumption that only museum curatorial commentary can provide appropriate perspective and elucidation,” noted David F. Setford, TAM Executive Director. “In addition, we understand that some people may be uncomfortable visiting the Museum in person, we are also proud to announce that this exhibition will be our first virtual experience and provide digital audiences an opportunity to see a TAM exhibition as never before.”
South Sound Selects: Community Choices from the Collection include community members, as well as TAM staff and volunteers. The 27 guest curators are: Charlotte Basch; Peter Berkley; Jalen Calhoun; Meghan Crandall; Jean Farrington; Jon French; Van Gachnang; Jeremy Gregory; Gracea Hilsen; Jacqueline Justice; Josiah Justice; Jamari Littlejohn; Michele Livernash; Sophie Marie; Mason Manoa; Cat Mason; Victoria Miles; Lee Nelson; Eric Pannell; Dana Peregrine; Stephen Rue; Jamika Scott; Najai Smith; Elaine Stefanowicz; TAM’s Teen Art Council; Erika Washington; Kyle Willingham.
Guest curators selected 37 artworks from TAM’s permanent collection that were made from the 1920s to the 2010s. The work selected ranges from local art stars like Qwalsius-Shaun Peterson (Puyallup) and Matika Wilbur (Swinomish and Tulalip), to internationally known artists like Jacob Lawrence and Carrie Mae Weems.
TAM worked with local photographer Jason Comerford, of Jason Comerford Photography (https://jasoncomerford.com/), to make 3D scans of each gallery with a Matterport Pro2 3D camera. The series of 134-megapixel 3D scans were stitched together to create a virtual version of the exhibition in the gallery which can be complimented with additional text or resources. The program allows for digital visitors to move throughout the virtual space which will be accessible through the TAM website.
“Since the start of quarantine, we have seen many museums using this platform, though it was designed for real estate, architects, engineering, and retail,” noted Setford. “TAM is proud to be able to share this new virtual exhibition experience as we continue to explore new ways to create connections in our community through art.”
Currently, Museum hours are 10am to 5pm, Friday through Sunday. The Museum Store is open during these hours as well, and welcomes up to five visitors at a time. For an engaging, artistic experience, don’t miss the South Sound Selects exhibition!