"Metal-Urge" is a massive celebration of all things metal-art forged by 80 artists holding firm in 20 venues all around Tacoma through the month of October and November. Tacoma Arts Administrator Amy McBride created the event, her first large-scale project for the cultural tourism program, nearly 15 years ago. Then, as now, the event has always centered on a major jewelry and ornament exhibition at the Tacoma Art Museum (this year "Protective Ornament: Contemporary Amulets to Armor," opens Oct. 18). "Metal-Urge" is a city-wide celebration of the metal arts that includes both traditional and non-traditional gallery venues exhibiting the metal work of talented artists and includes jewelry, sculptures, vessels, home décor, enamel and artifacts, including the "Seattle Metals Guild 19th Annual Northwest Jewelry & Metals Symposium" opening Oct 19 at theWashington State History Museum. "Metal-Urge" kicks off Oct. 1 in the LeMay Car Museum's Family Zone offering hood ornament design fun. Museum staff will pick the most creative idea for the month of October and November, offering a special prize for the winners.

FAMILY FUN ZONE: HOOD ORNAMENT DESIGN, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. LeMay-America's Car Museum, 2702 E. D St., Tacoma, free with museum admission, 253.779.8490