I had high expectations when previewing the Foundation of Art exhibition at B2 Fine Art, and I was not disappointed. The show featuring works from 40 artists who have been nominated for this prestigious award over the past five years is a good deal edgier than B2's usual offerings, with works by often risky and politically savvy artists, many of whom - fittingly, as it turns out - have had shows at Fulcrum Gallery, which is owned and operated by this year's Foundation of Art Award winner, Oliver Doriss. 

As the winner, Doriss receives a $7,500 award and has created a commissioned art piece for the Community Foundation titled "Blue Moon," which was unveiled at the opening night awards ceremony. This piece is quite different from any previous work of his I have seen. Doriss is known for his steampunk-snoglobe-like cities in a bubble and for his cute and creepy baby head cups that are sold in the Museum of Glass gift shop. Quite a departure from these, "Blue Moon," is an elegant and jewel-like piece that balances straight-edge and circular shapes with blue and golden and clear glass forms. It is quite beautiful.

Read Alec Clayton's full review of the Foundation of Art Award Show in the Weekly Volcano's Arts section.

B2 Fine Art Gallery, Foundation of Art Award, through Dec. 28, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, till 8 p.m. Third Thursdays, 711 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.238.5065