I read in the newspaper all of the time about how the city of Tacoma and its investors are doing everything they can to bring people downtown.



They’re busy building condos; merchants are moving in; restaurants are cropping up all over the place.



That’s all great, and I really, really appreciate it, but recently it dawned on me that none of this massive dollar spending is nearly as effective at bringing people downtown as the incredible grassroots effort going on in Tacoma.



Dearly devoted readers, the scene of the crime is Tacoma’s arts scene.



As each month passes, it brings hundreds upon hundreds of people to our downtown core, and it gains unparalleled momentum as each moment passes.



Take, for example, my homeboy Alec Clayton. He covers various kinds of art for several South Sound publications, including this fine rag, and I’d be willing to bet that he’s never been busier than now. There’s just so much going on that I’m forced to rock my BlackBerry to keep it straight.



The 100th Monkey gatherings that started out humbly now boast an innumerable following, and the location changes within the downtown area each month (March 28, 8 p.m., Varsity Grill). What a great way to introduce people to the amenities of our city center.



During the summer we rocked the Urban Art Festival on Broadway, Showcase Tacoma on the University of Washington Tacoma campus, and Chihuly’s homecoming at the Museum of Glass (I still love the Chihuligans, a pack of people who dressed up like him and strutted their stuff around town that weekend).



The trifecta in the Museum of Glass, the Washington State History Museum and the Tacoma Art Museum, along with the draw of our historic Rialto and Pantages theaters, are also powerful tools for getting people off the freeway and into our abode.



But there are two functions that come to mind that clearly show how successful this grassroots effort has become: Eye Full and the monthly Kulture Lab.



Now I know that these gatherings were intended for me to appreciate the works on display, and I do very, very much. But I’m a socialite, dear readers, and I’d rather spend my time making connections with the artists themselves, their inspirations, their friends and the feeling of entrepreneurial energy that seems to pervade every iota of oxygen in the room.



That’s why I won’t list any of your artist names here.



For me, it’s less about individuals and more about the power of the overall movement.

Unfortunately, I’ve seen petty infighting between people and organizations in the arts community, but I’m here to implore you to put that BS to rest as best you can.

This Tacoma canvas is too important; it’s come so far, and there’s so much to do that there’s no time to waste on anything but the cause.



Me?  I’ll continue to enjoy and support all of the people, creations and vibrancy that our endearing arts community brings.



Tacoma would be nothing without it.



Tell me where you like to party here.