DB: Creative Energy

This Wednesday at Jazzbones will mark the first 100th Monkey party of 2008.

In my opinion, for those of you unfamiliar with the Monkey parties, they represent a very interesting cross section of the Tacoma art pie. The brainchild of Lynn DiNino, the Hundredth Monkey principle has something to do with evolution, critical mass, and the tipping point of the eating patterns of island monkeys… I don’t really know, its been explained to me like three different ways. Pretty much, if you get a hundred people to do something, soon everyone will be doing it. And they do, all the crazy, normal, indie, corporate, young, old, and horrendously obtuse (you know who you are) artists out there get together, shake hands, drink, and generally pretend they like each other.

Honestly there isn’t much out there like it. You can participate as much or as little as you want, but if you’ve a notion, you could probably discover most anything about Tacoma you want to learn. The wealth of information and experience mingling at any given monkey party could probably fuel another French renaissance and easily generate enough pure creative energy to keep the Murray Morgan Bridge from falling into the bay.

The first 100th Monkey party I went to was at the Bronze Works in 2004 (?). I was invited by a man named Rodney McGuiness, who was convinced that the Hundredth Monkey was in desperate need of young people. It was thrilling, seriously, to be among the creative class of Tacoma. I was determined to see myself as an artist and suddenly I was dropped into a room of peers and mentors there with the specific purpose of meeting new friends and potential collaborators. I am grateful for the event and since then have tried to attend every one…. even the one at the Varsity Grill.

The email I got for the 30th says:

Not Your Regular Monkey
Artists bring one piece of your work, an easel or table for display. Monkeys- don’t bring alcohol this time but DO bring FOOD and soft drinks- unless you want to pay for them.
Deborah Page (singer/songwriter) who has performed at ArtWalk will grace us with her talent. Also expect a tribute to Deb Munson and Art Slam review!
How to Monkey? YOUR job is to meet 3 people.

Seriously tho, Artists. Bring a piece of work! How rad is that? If everyone brings work there will be art on every available surface and wall. You can’t pay for that kind of life slice of The Tacoma Creative Dream.

You: “Do I have to be an artist to come?” Me: “Hell no, but if you are not an artist we make you wear a banana hat.” (kidding) Come and meet the people responsible for a large part of the culture in the city you love. You may discover a new medium, a new muse, a new money making machine, or you just may find a Valentine.

How ‘bout this? Go to the party, survey the art situation and then ask someone the question, “Where does your creative energy come from?” I will give a free 253 heart t-shirt to the person who posts the best answer in the comments. I’ll pick and announce the winner next week.

When & Where
Wednesday, Jan. 30th, 7:30pm
Jazzbones
2803 6th Ave