Catherine Swanson, "Thunder." Photo courtesy of the artist.

Local painters define space at the Washington Convention Center
“Definitions of space” features local painters David N. Goldberg, C.J. Swanson, Patrice Tullai, and Alec Clayton on the middle floor of the Washington State Convention and Trade Center. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday through September 24. Artist talk at noon Sept. 20. Free. South Galleria, level 2, 800 Convention Place, Seattle. 253-752-1673, www.definitionsofspace.com

Abby Williams on Vashon
The Vashon-Maury Island Heritage Association hosts artwork by 19th-century Northwest landscape painter Abby Williams, who spent much of her time on the island. 1-4 p.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 27. Free. 10105 SW Bank Rd., Vashon. 206-463-7808, www.vashonhistory.org

Community free day at Tacoma Art Place
The non-profit community art center is offering a day of free art making, classes and supplies. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 29: 10 a.m. jewelry making, 1 p.m. fashion design, 2 p.m. origami, 2 p.m. glass fusing and slumping, 3 p.m. decorate shopping bags. Free. 1116 S. 11th St., Tacoma. 253-238-1006, www.tacomaartplace.org

BareFoot Collective’s 8@8
Eight performances, eight minutes each, at 8 p.m. Dancers, musicians and other artists show work in progress, audience can give feedback. 8 p.m. Aug. 31. $5. Studio B, Merlino Building, 508 6th Ave., Tacoma. 253-627-2273, www.barefootcollective.org

Judy Gilbert, "Electron Dance." Photo Jerry Gilbert.

Mad Hat gets waxed
Local artist Judy Gilbert recently turned from watercolor to encaustic (“painting” with pigment and wax.) The results – hypnotic swirls, textured lions’ manes – are on view at Mad Hat Tea Company. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. every day through September. Free. 1130 Commerce St., Tacoma. 253-441-2111, www.madhattea.com

“Port Gamble Anthology”: a play about a town
All Port Gamble’s a stage this Saturday thanks to the Northwest Playwrights’ Alliance and the Academy of International Education. Japanese students and NPA playwrights act this adaption of Edgar Lee Masters’ “Spoon River Anthology,” translated to Port Gamble and set in various locations around town through the day. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Aug. 22. Free. LOCATTION TBD. www.northwestplaywrights.org

Free reading of two local plays at Origin 23
Give your feedback at a café reading of two plays by local playwright Nick Stokes, slated for full production this November: a tale of homeless locals in Fireman’s Park and the story of a couple snowbound in a Montana motel. 7 p.m. Aug. 24. Free. Origin 23 Coffee, 3518 6th Ave., Tacoma. www.northwestplaywrights.org

Bustles, corsets and bras at White River Valley Museum
This Auburn history museum is showing “Suffer for Beauty,” a history of women from 1850-1950 through undergarments like the 18-inch-waist corset and the hobble skirt. Noon-4 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday Aug. 18-Nov. 8. $2 adults/$1 children and seniors/free on Wednesdays. White River Valley Museum, Les Gove Park, 918 H St. S.E.,
Auburn.
253-288-7433,
www.wrvmuseum.org

MLKBallet dancers Move! it again
For the 12th in the Move! series of contemporary dance evenings, you’ll see dancing by director Kate Monthy, teacher Joel Myers and MLK students. All proceeds go to fund the downtown tuition-free ballet school.
7:30 p.m. tonight. $14. Urban Grace Church lower level, 902 Market St., Tacoma. 253-906-2190, 253-272-2184, www.urbangracetacoma.org

“Willy Wonka” free for all at The Grand
Time for The Grand Cinema’s monthly free Click! Family Flick: This month it’s “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” 10:30 a.m. Aug. 15. Free, but limited to first 100 attendees. (Children under 14 must be with an adult.) 606 S. Fawcett Ave., Tacoma. 253-593-4474, www.grandcinema.com

Madera does metal-art with “FLUX”
Part of the city-wide MetalUrge, Madera Gallery’s “FLUX” includes wall mounted sculpture by Christine Parent, Jennifer Weddermann-Hay and Chris Spadafore, free-standing sculpture by Danella Sydow and Chris Wooten and jewelry by Amy Reeves and Cynthia Wood. Noon-4 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, noon-5 p.m. Saturday, noon-8 p.m. third Thursdays through Sept. 12. Free. 2210 Court A, Tacoma. 253-572-1218, www.gallerymadera.com

ArtWalk features rabbits and shrink-wrap
Third Thursday ArtWalk includes arty bunnies at Two Vaults’ annual “Rabbitual” and shrink-wrap jewelry-making at Tacoma Art Museum.
5-8 p.m. Aug. 20. Free. Two Vaults: 602 S. Fawcett Ave., Tacoma, www.twovaults.com. TAM: 1701 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, www.tacomaartmuseum.org. ArtWalk: www.artwalktacoma.com

Greer Grimsley as Wotan in Seattle Opera's "Der Ring des Nibelungen." Photo: Rozarii Lynch.

Wagner’s “Ring” cycle returns to Seattle
This weekend sees the opening of “Der Ring des Nibelungen,” the four-opera epic by Richard Wagner telling the Norse myth of a cursed gold ring. Expect long operas, horned helmets, dragons and more, plus related events like symposia and the spoof “Das Barbecu” at ACT Theatre. Aug. 9-30, times vary. Tickets start at $25 per opera. McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer St., Seattle. 206-389-7676, 800-426-1619, www.seattleopera.org

Dancing at Museum of Glass
Dance Theatre Northwest perform art-inspired choreography in the Museum of Glass lobby, including works based on the Native American glass of Preston Singletary and Martin Blank’s outdoor installation “Fluent Steps.” 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Aug. 8. Free with museum admission ($12/$10/$5). 1801 Dock St., Tacoma. 253-565-5149, www.dancetheatrenorthwest.org

Eatonville Art Festival
For the 37th year, the Lions Club of Eatonville puts on the town’s annual Art Festival. Over 100 artists and craftspeople showing handmade work, a firepit barbeque, beer garden, kids’ activities and live music, all at the base of beautiful Mt. Rainier. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 7-9. Free. Glacier Park, Fir Street, Eatonville. 253-752-9708

Northwest play festival
Tacoma Little Theatre hosts the Festival Northwest, a three-week-long festival of fully-produced plays by local writers, with local actors. 8 p.m. tonight: “John Lennon’s Gargoyle” by Bryan Willis. 8 p.m. Aug. 8 and 2 p.m. Aug. 9: “A story that ends and begins with a dream” by Nate Harpel. 7:30 p.m. Aug. 13 and 8 p.m. Aug. 14: Best short plays. 8 p.m. Aug. 15 and 2 p.m. Aug. 16: “Convention” by Dan Erickson. 210 North I St, Tacoma. 253-272-2281, www.tacomalittletheatre.com

MetalUrge festival in downtown Tacoma
Q: How many arts festivals can you fit into one weekend?
A: Five.
This weekend, look out for free festivals left, right and center as the South Sound mixes art and sunshine. Tonight in Tollefson Plaza and Tacoma Art Museum, the MetalUrge festival celebrates the summer-long, city-wide metal art intensive with SOTAbots (5 p.m.), the Iron Artist competition (6 p.m.), a handbell choir (6:30 p.m.), a participatory aluminum pour (ongoing) and more. 5-8 p.m. tonight. Free. 1701 Pacific Ave., Tacoma. 253-272-4258 (TAM), www.tacomaculture.org (MetalUrge)

Go local at Proctor Arts Fest
This neighborhood festival features a juried art show, the Museum of Glass mobile Hot Shop, an art quest, the Bite of Proctor, Thea Foss at the Blue Mouse Theater, local musicians and 100 vendors. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Aug.1. Free. North Proctor Street at North 26th Street, Tacoma. www.proctorartsfest.com

Urban Art Fest mixes art and cars
Reinvented as “Iron vs. Art,” the UAF party has moved to just outside The Swiss Tavern, and includes a pre-1973 car show, live glassblowing, contemporary dance, food, beer garden and an indie music stage. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 1. Free. South 19th and Jefferson Streets, Tacoma. tacomaurbanart.com

Flowers and Art in the Garden
Annual Enumclaw juried art show Art in the Garden displays local artists in a flower-garden setting to raise funds for local non-profit Arts Alive. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 1 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 2. Free. 46620 228th Ave. SE, Enumclaw. 260-802-6787, www.plateauartsalive.org

Puyallup’s first Art at the Market
Meet artists in action at the Puyallup Farmers’ Market this Saturday: There’ll be demonstrations, live musicians and work for sale. Free. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 1. Free. Pioneer Park, 330 S. Meridian, Puyallup. www.artsdowntown.org

Lauren Osmolski and Amy Pomering, "The Guardian," part of "Entrance Denied" at Mineral. Photo courtesy Lisa Kinoshita.

Sin and Chastity Belts at Mineral
Local artists reinvent the chastity belt (computer mouse? Flowers?) in “Entrance Denied” at Mineral, and reinterpret the seven deadly sins next-door at Gallery 301. 12-5 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday through Sept. 5. Free. 301 Puyallup Ave., Tacoma. 253-250-7745, www.lisakinoshita.com

Auburn’s ArtRageous
The City of Auburn’s ArtRageous: Artists in Action Fair features over 30 hands-on art activities and demonstrations by local artists in media from potter and papier-mache to calligraphy, printmaking and encaustic, with music, food and more. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. July 25.
Free. Les Gove Park, 11th Street & Auburn Way South, Auburn. www.auburnwa.gov

Janet Marcavage on paper at UWT
Tacoma artist Janet Marcavage plays with paper – embossing, printing, cutting, and creating silhouettes now on show at UWT’s Iron Gallery. Reception 5-8 p.m. today, then 12-4 p.m. Monday/Wednesday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday through Sept. 15. Free. University of Tacoma Iron Gallery, 1742 Pacific Ave., Tacoma. 253-571-7914

The American Art Co goes pastel
The Northwest Pastel Society’s 23rd International Open Exhibit is hosted this month at American Art Company, featuring 57 artists from the U.S. and Canada. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. Free. 1126 Broadway, Tacoma. 253-272-4327, www.americanartco.com

Mary Mann, "Boat." Photo courtesy the artist. On view at the Gig Harbor Summer Art Festival this weekend.

Gig Harbor Art Fest
The Gig Harbor Art Festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary this weekend, which makes it the oldest local arts festival. Organized by the Peninsula Art League, it’s held on downtown Judson Street and features around 130 artists including painter Mary Mann. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. tomorrow, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Free. Judson Street, Gig Harbor. Parking and free shuttle at Gig Harbor Medical Pavilion, 6401 Kimball Drive, Gig Harbor. 253-265-8139, www.peninsulaartleague.com/artfest.html

“Voice of the Americas” returns
“Voice of the Americas,” a social collage of live and recorded spoken word and music by local poet Luke Smiraldo and musician Wrick Wolf, is back after a successful premiere at the Broadway Center last year. 7 p.m. tomorrow, 3 p.m. Sunday. $7. Peace Lutheran Church, 2106 S. Cushman St., Tacoma. 253-383-1317, www.peacelutherantacoma.org

“A Midsummer Night” in Sumner
ManeStage Theatre Company presents Shakespeare’s mixed-up romantic comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” outdoors in Sumner, directed by Jay Henson. Opens 7 p.m. tomorrow, then 2 p.m. Sunday, 7 p.m. July 24 and 2 p.m. July 25 and 26. $14/$12/$10 for under-10. Sunset Stadium, 1707 Main Street, Sumner. 253-447-7645, www.manestagetheatre.com

“Twelfth Night” in a bookstore
Shakespeare in the Parking Lot, Tacoma’s always-enjoyable guerrilla Shakespeare company, presents the cross-dressing comedy “Twelfth Night” at Kings Bookstore as part of its summer series. 2 p.m. Sunday at Kings, also 11:30 a.m. July 24 and 31 at Tollefson Plaza, Pacific Ave, Tacoma. Donation. Kings Bookstore, 218 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma. www.sitpl.org

Keith Lazelle, "Owl Creek in Winter." Photo courtesy Washington State History Museum.

The Hoh flows through the History Museum
“Fast Moving Water: The Hoh River Story” displays 14 color photographs by Keith Lazelle of Washington’s gorgeous Hoh River, with the story of its preservation and local culture. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. third Thursdays, noon-5 p.m. Sunday through Oct. 18. $8/$7/$6/five and under free, 2-8 p.m. third Thursdays free. 1911 Pacific Ave., Tacoma. 253-272-3500, www.washingtonhistory.org

Pierce College shows C.J. Swanson
Former Art on Center gallerist Catherine Swanson’s vibrant abstract acrylics are on show at Pierce College gallery. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-noon Friday through Aug. 28. Free. Fort Steilacoom campus, 9401 Farwest Dr. S.W., Lakewood. 253-964-6535,www.pierce.ctc.edu/art

Shakespeare in the Apple Orchard
Tacoma’s ineffable Shakespeare in the Parking Lot, known for contemporary takes on the Bard in unusual venues, turns 10 this year. They kick off their season with “Twelfth Night” at the Curran Apple Orchard. 6:30 p.m. July 9. Free. Curran Apple Orchard, 3920 Grandview Dr., University Place. 253-318-5182, www.sitpl.org

MetalUrge at Two Vaults
For its MetalUrge show, Two Vaults features the delicate jewelry of Birna Sigurbjornsdottir, Bill Dawson’s beaten copper vessels, and textured sculpture from Marge McDonald, among others. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, noon-8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday through September. Free. Artist soiree 6-9 p.m. July 18. 602 S. Fawcett St., Tacoma. 253-759-6233, www.twovaults.com

Edmonds' Driftwood Players perform "Minnesota Moon" at 7:30 p.m. tonight for AACTFest. Image courtesy Judy Cullen.

AACTFest: the best of community theater
Community theater groups from around the country gathered this week in Tacoma for the biennial AACTFest; there are three public performances left. 1:30 p.m. today: “Nine” and “Catfish Moon.” 7:30 p.m. today: “Minnesota Moon” and “Intimate Apparel.” 7:30 p.m. tomorrow: “John and Jen” and “Hold Me.” $7. Pantages Theater, 901 Broadway, Tacoma. 253-591-5894, www.broadwaycenter.org, www.aactfest09.org

Nancy Worden’s “Loud Bones” at TAM
The work of Seattle jewelry artist Nancy Worden makes a good complement to the Drutt collection now on display at Tacoma Art Museum. Opens today. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. third Thursdays, noon-5 p.m. Sunday through Sept. 20. $7.50/$6.50/five and under free, third Thursdays free. 1701 Pacific Ave., Tacoma. 253-272-4258, www.tacomaartmuseum.org

“Buddy” closes at TLT
“Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story,” a musical on the life of the rocker legend, closes this weekend at Tacoma Little Theatre. 8 p.m. tonight and tomorrow, 2 p.m. Sunday. $18-$22. 210 N. I St., Tacoma. 253-272-2281, www.tacomalittletheatre.com

Bags and cans at Envirohouse
At the latest Envirohouse recycled art show, Lucy Carpenter sculpts a human organ from plastic bags and Lorna Scruggs takes African inspiration for tin can art. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday. Free. Tacoma Landfill, 3510 S. Mullen St., Tacoma. 253-573-2426, www.cityoftacoma.org/EnviroHouse

Dancing on the Plaza: SiteWorks
The second SiteWorks dance festival brings 14 contemporary dance groups to the plazas outside the Museum of Glass. 4 p.m. today, 2 p.m. tomorrow and Sunday. Free. 1801 Dock St., Tacoma. 253-627-2273, www.barefootcollective.org

Heavy metal at Traver
Traver Gallery joins the city-wide celebration of metal-made art, a.k.a. MetalUrge, in its eponymous show featuring four metal artists. Includes upcoming Tacoma Art Museum-featured jewelry artist Nancy Worden. Opens 5-8 p.m. tomorrow through Sept. 6. Free. 1821 Dock St., Tacoma. 253-383-3685, www.travergallery.com

Float your boat at ArtWalk
Next Thursday’s ArtWalk takes on a summer twist as Tacoma Art Museum holds float races down the water feature at Tollefson Plaza to celebrate the reinstallation of Chihuly’s glass floats in their courtyard. Make your own floating sculpture or just watch, then cruise the galleries. ArtWalk 5-8 p.m. June 18 at various galleries, float races 6 p.m. at Tollefson Plaza, South 17th Street and Pacific Ave, Tacoma. Free. www.artwalktacoma.com

Second City plays Debussy in the garden
Second City Chamber Series’ annual concerts in the Lakewold Gardens start next week with a string quartet playing Impressionist works. Gardens open 6:30 p.m., concert begins 7:30 p.m. June 18. $35/$30$15. 12317 Gravelly Lake Dr. SW, Lakewood. 253-572-TUNE, www.scchamberseries.org

‘Buddy Holly’ gets ready
to rock the Little Theatre
The rock legend returns. Tacoma Little Theatre does “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story” complete with songs, dances – the whole lot; 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, opens tonight through June 28; $22/$20/$18/pay-what-you-can June 4. 210 North I St., Tacoma; 253-272-2281, www.
tacomalittletheatre.com.

Kaufman and Hart classic
at Lakewood Playhouse
“Once in a Lifetime” is a little-known Kaufman and Hart spoof of 1920s Hollywood, as three friends try and make it into the “talkies;” 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, opens tonight through June 21; $13.50-$21.50. 5729 Lakewood Towne Center Blvd S.W., Lakewood; 253-588-0042, lptheater.qwestoffice.net.

Joshua Redman Trio get cozy
with Pierce College students
Brought to town by the Pierce College Foundation, the Joshua Redman Trio play from their latest album “Compass,” along with Pierce College music students; 7 p.m. Saturday; $25/$20/$15, children under 5 not admitted; Rialto Theater, 310 S. Ninth St., Tacoma; 253-591-5894, www.broadwaycenter.org.

New at Mineral art space: Nyland’s vivid abstracts
Neon splashes, striped whiskered clay boxes, a floor-standing papier-mâché fire-pit – South Sound artist Nicholas Nyland has fun with abstracts at Mineral. “Objects of the Mind” shows at Mineral art space, noon-5 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays through June 16; free; 301 Puyallup Ave. Space A, Tacoma; 253-250-7745, www.lisakinoshita.com.

Rosemary Ponnekanti: 253-597-8568
rosemary.ponnekanti
@thenewstribune.com

Joshua Redman, left, (photo: PHOTO: FRANK W. OCKENFELS, WARNER BROS.)