The Helm: Where do I fit in?
Thursday, Sept. 20th, the art reins are given over to The Helm. Sean Alexander and Peter Lynn are the captains of this voyage of artistic curiosity. Be ready Puget Sound, we are about to see something new.
This little gallery, in the midst of antique row, is taking over the neighborhood with an art mission geared toward the ever-changing population of Tacoma. What sets this space apart from the every-growing cultural playground in the downtown area is the unique realization of a dream; one we learned as children… share and have fun.
This simplistic credo is fitly expressed in the inaugural show, The Kindness of Strangers (Sept 20-Oct 10). I was on hand the night before the opening to get a sneak peek as finishing touches were placed in the gallery.
The work exhibited is a collection of drawings culled from web-based calls to artists. The results? Artists from the Puget Sound area are sharing space with artist from London, Los Angeles, and Russia. As the title might suggest, this show is about the art community taking a chance on people and a place which is very new, and very raw.
Opening the doors into The Helm your visual senses are overwhelmed by the shear scale of the work. It’s not the size that matters, but the over powering density of paper and ink adhered, tacked, framed and mounted to the newly painted walls.
When asked about the expectations of the show when the call went out, Lynn is very humble to note that it was a risk and worth it indeed. They were not shy to give their own critique of the art, but absorbing the show as a whole collection shows that kindness will truly get you places.
I walked around and tried to eye each piece for details learned in undergrad art history courses; I leaned in to make note of thematic elements, framing and craftsmanship learned from an MFA program, but when I stood back and looked at it all, I saw self expression. The pieces have ample to say about self doubt, expressions of hope, identity and narrative, but I think a good question to take with you to The Helm is, ‘where do I fit in?’
Opening Thursday, Sept 20, 2007, 5:00 – 10:00 pm
Gallery Hours, Wed. – Sat. 12-6pm
The Helm
760 Broadway
Tacoma WA 98402
JP Avila is an Assistant Professor of Art at Pacific Lutheran University. He earned his Masters of Fine Arts in Visual Communication from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Find him online at The Ripe Design, a creative design firm.
6 comments
R RR Anderson February 6, 2008
which candidate is tacoma’s own ‘the traveller’ endorsing? Ron Paul?
J jamie from thriceallamerican February 6, 2008
Interesting…hope Clinton and Obama don’t schedule on top of each other. Might have to take the day off…
L Les February 6, 2008
Did anyone else notice the little ‘tear strip’ on the balot envelope, that lines up with the Republican box on the ballot? Pretty cheezy, if they intend to peek to see if it’s a Republican ballot…to determine if it merits opening.
The Democrat’s votes don’t count in the primary, so are they just being humored in being included on the ballot? ;-\
E Erik B. February 7, 2008
Details on the Obama event. Now everything is confirmed. I am sure it will be a big crowd.
_________________
Join Barack Obama for a special Stand for Change Rally in Seattle, Washington on Friday, February 8th. The event will be free and open to the public.
Stand for Change Rally with Barack Obama
Key Arena
305 Harrison Street
Seattle, WA 98109
Friday, February 8, 2008
Doors Open: 11:00 a.m.
The event is free and open to the public, but an RSVP is encouraged.
For security reasons, do not bring bags. No signs or banners permitted.
Check out WA.BarackObama.com for info on how you can get involved at the grassroots level in Washington State.
J jdub February 7, 2008
I just heard from one of the chairs for southsoundforhillary.com that Hillary will show up at The UPS Fieldhouse, doors open at 10:00 (she advises getting there earlier). There’s room for 3,000. And the subject will Hillary’s Health Care Plan. It will be a Town Hall Meeting, everyone will have a seat and questions can be asked.
J jdub February 7, 2008
Sorry, that will tomarrow, Friday, 10:00 AM for Hillary in Tacoma, at the UPS Fieldhouse.
I guess you’ll have to make you’re choice between her and the Obanma event. . . so it goes