Free Event Celebrating Tacoma's Art at Work Month

Architecture + Art @ the Armory South 11^th & Yakima, Tacoma Tuesday, November 5, 6-8pm

 Historic Tacoma is hosting a free event celebrating the city’s historic architecture and the arts from 6 to 8pm, Tuesday, November 5^th, during Tacoma’s Art at Work Month.  Event partners include the new owner of the historic 1908 Tacoma Armory, local artists and Earthwise Architectural Salvage. The event is designed so that participants can learn more about the history of the Armory, the owner’s vision for adaptive re-use, and discuss ideas for the building’s future.  The visual and performing arts communities have shown interest in making use of the Armory’s vast and stunning drill hall. The event will also serve as Historic Tacoma’s annual membership reception and meeting; the non-profit organization’s Board will celebrate recent accomplishments, recognize volunteer contributions, and share a vision for the future of its preservation work in the community.  All are welcome to attend. Participants include: Fred Roberson, owner, and Mat Shaw, commercial property manager, Roberson Building Co. Earthwise Architectural Salvage, 628 E. 60^th St. specializing in the reclamation and resale of historic building materials; Simone Aydelott, artist with Raindrop Yard & Garden Art,  using salvaged materials from Earthwise; Gabriel Brown, artist, activist, street performer, and shoe cobbler, with his Old City Hall shoe shine stand; and a special guest, a 12’ tall lighted horse sculpture created by artists Diane Hansen, Dale Hillius and Lance Kagey, which will also make an appearance at Tacoma’s First Night.  Though horses were once a regular presence at the Armory in its early days, prancing in formation and at ceremonies, we daresay a horse hasn’t visited the drill hall since the 1930s. Parking & access:  street parking; use the Yakima Avenue entrance; ADA access to the right. About Historic Tacoma:  Historic Tacoma is a not-for-profit grassroots organization dedicated to preserving Tacoma's architectural legacy through education and advocacy. Historic Tacoma advocates for the thoughtful preservation and re-use of historic structures, sites, and neighborhoods, while urging policy makers, developers and citizens to consider the value and unique qualities of historic structures.  www.historictacoma.org