As the holidays inch closer and closer, galleries and museums in Tacoma are ramping up for Third Thursday Art Walk Dec. 20. Since it’s only five days before Christmas, we figured the museums at least, and perhaps a few galleries, would be doing something festive. We were a bit disappointed, however, to find that our assumptions were not 100 percent correct.



We did find one lone wolf — Tacoma Art Museum is hosting Musical Sounds of the Holidays performed by the University of Puget Sound Community Music Program. Alyssa Rosso, spokesperson for TAM, says the museum does something every year. 



This year the musicians will fill the atrium with festive music of the season starting at 6 p.m., and it’s expected to last an hour or so.  



The Washington State History Museum may not have musicians or singers for Third Thursday Art Walk, but it does have a newly opened exhibit “Art of the Stamp.” This exhibit courtesy of the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum contains original artwork that inspired popular postage stamps from dinosaurs to Elvis and Frankenstein to Billie Holliday, according to Abigail Azote, spokesperson for the museum.



“Art of the Stamp,” which runs through March 2008, explores the evolution of the stamp from original concept to final artwork and features 100 small works by 55 artists.



Azote says a must-see is two rarely displayed original Norman Rockwell pieces commissioned by the United States Postal Service. One of Rockwell’s pieces, “Saluting Boy Scout,” is the earliest stamp in the exhibit, issued in 1960.



The Museum of Glass doesn’t have a new exhibit or any holiday-related activity planned, but always has an experienced glass artist(s) in the Hot Shop creating masterpieces for visitors to see firsthand. 

   

As far as the galleries, most also don’t have new exhibits as Paula Tutmarc-Johnson, owner of Two Vaults Gallery, says it usually isn’t worth it to the artist to have an exhibit in December. She still encourages people to stop by her gallery at 602 S. Fawcett for some cookies, hot cider, hot chocolate and wine. “We want everyone to come in and party with us,” she says.



Currently on exhibit at the gallery are new paintings by Christopher Mathie emphasizing form and texture.



Tacoma’s Traver Gallery on East Dock Street, however, does have a new exhibit, which opens Dec. 15. It features the work of James Minson, an Australian who’s a graduate from Antioch University in Seattle. His glasswork is interesting and thought-provoking. It’s a must-see exhibit during Third Thursday Art Walk.  



[Downtown Tacoma, Thursday, Dec. 20, 5-8 p.m., no cover, www.artwalktacoma.com]