I’m not gonna lie: The recession has been a buzzkill for Tacoma’s art scene, from shuttered galleries to ballerinas parking cars. But the unrest has also cultivated a new sense of boldness as artists push forward on their projects, money be damned. From a musician opening a downtown cooperative arts speakeasy to a local cable company offering an arts and culture channel, Tacoma’s artists are finding inspiration in the oddest of places.

And putting a boot to their butts is the Tacoma Arts Commission.

November will mark the eighth anniversary of Art at Work: Tacoma Arts Month — a community celebration of the arts that includes hundreds of community-hosted arts and cultures events, exhibits and workshops, taking place daily throughout the month — packaged by the Tacoma Art Commission. Once again, the Weekly Volcano is a proud sponsor of the celebration.

The whole kit and kaboodle kicks off Thursday, Oct. 29 with an “Opening Celebration” at the Tacoma Art Museum. The event will include the AMOCAT award ceremony, live music by the Tacoma Youth Symphony, poetry readings by William Kupinse and Tammy Robacker, hors d’oeuvres, dessert and a no-host bar.

[Tacoma Art Museum, 6-9 p.m., no cover, 1701 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, all events listed at artatworktacoma.com]