Jen Graves Has Moved to The Stranger (?)
Jen Graves’ last column for the TNT was published yesterday as a rambling analysis of the Tacoma arts scene. Personally I thought it should’ve ended after the third paragraph.
Tacoma’s arts scene has grown tremendously since Ms. Graves started at the TNT. Its art and its artists have become much more interesting. My hope is that whoever follows Ms. Graves will become a partner with the entire arts community, offering criticism when necessary and celebrating when we do something well. The key will be balance. I want to hear more celebrating. Toward the end of the column Ms. Graves points out that she has been “discouraged when artistic decisions were based in organizational fear of extinction, unexamined convention or artistic or social self-importance.” This has been my exact criticism of Ms. Graves’ articles over the last few years. She was no longer reporting about the arts scene in Tacoma. She had become part of it – part of its politics, its subculture, and its management. Even in her last column she took shots at her most popular institutional targets. It’s time to move on.
Maybe with Josi Callan leaving the Museum of Glass she has decided there isn’t enough interesting criticism in this town.
Link: Final column reflects on Tacoma’s art identity – The News Tribune
9 comments
T Tom Llewellyn October 11, 2012
Remember Grounds for Coffee? Karma’s a bitch. Tully’s—feel free to leave town now and make room for local indie coffee shops.
F Flannimal October 11, 2012
whoa. so there might actually be a corner in town without a coffee shop?
J Jesse October 11, 2012
I knew this two weeks ago. But… sshhh….
Get your coffee at the Amocat!!!
R Richard Shepard October 11, 2012
Bring back the Horn & Hardart automats!
J John October 11, 2012
Try Valhalla on 6th Ave and Satellite Coffee on Division and I St. Best coffee shops in town!
A Angie October 11, 2012
I understand the desire to shop local businesses, but if named tenants can’t afford the rent in downtown buildings, then who can? At least Tully’s coffee was not bitter, and there wasn’t one on every corner.
S Silverheart October 12, 2012
The Spar’s coffee shop is a wonderful alternative in Old Town!
J John October 12, 2012
Angie, it seems as though the issue wasn’t rental costs, but Chapter 11 proceedings. Tully’s is closing under-performing shops everywhere.
J jsisbest October 12, 2012
More independent local coffee shops, please!