To most Americans impressionist art means the art of a small group of late 19th century French artists. But an expanded definition of the movement includes earlier and later works, plus art from other parts of Europe and even America. The Movement of Impressionism: Europe, America, and the Northwest at Tacoma Art Museum offers an impressive sampling of this expanded movement. There's not a bad painting in the show; yet this show lacks the vitality that marked the movement in France. There are a lot of pre- and post-impressionist works and a lot of paintings that are just barely related to the movement, and taken as a hole these paintings are quieter and less vibrant than the works we commonly associate with Impressionism. Read full story here.

[Tacoma Art Museum, The Movement of Impressionism: Europe, America, and the Northwest, Wednesday-Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Oct. Feb. 6, $8-$9, free Third Thursday, 1701 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.4258]