AMOCAT ARTS AWARD NOMINEES
Community Outreach by Individual
Nominated by the community
We’re excited to present this year’s community nominations for the AMOCAT Arts Awards. All of these nominations, and the many individuals, organizations, patrons, and community members that support Arts in Tacoma are what makes our vibrant city the city of destiny.
Saiyare Refaei
“Saiyare has been a committed community artist for many years now in Tacoma—their collaborations and their work are a vital part of our city’s arts landscape.”
Irina Rasputina Of Tacoma Porchfest and Tacomarama
“She is tireless in bringing music and joy to Tacoma through these programs and is always looking for more and better ways to bring us, as a community, closer together.”
Jon douglas-rake and jeffrey stvrtecky of tacoma musical playhouse
“Over the last 30 years, Jon and Jeff have created Tacoma Musical Playhouse, a nationally award-winning and locally renowned theatre company producing inspiring musical theatre for our diverse Tacoma community.”
JUNE SEKIGUCHI
“Her work continually bridges geographic and cultural divides, making Tacoma a vital part of the regional creative conversation.”
PAIGE PETTIBON
“She is an example of an open-hearted, community-minded, talented, and creative businesswoman.”
DREW LINDGREN OF TACOMA PHOTO CENTER
“I’m constantly amazed at his dedication to making the art of photography accessible to all who are interested.”
ROXANN MURRAY
“Her work creates connections, friendships, opportunities to share knowledge, and opportunities to support both people and the planet.”
SHANNON ICE OF FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH ART ROOM
“She has helped initiate a trauma-informed community art space for communities of diverse ages, abilities, backgrounds, and orientations to connect and restore their spirits by making art together.”
JOHNAYE OLIVER
“She now offers the community sound bath once a month to share this healing experience with the community.”
KRISTEN OONA OF TACOMA CRAFT CLUB
“Kristen’s efforts to generate third spaces focused on creativity, and to connect artists in Tacoma and surrounding areas, inspires community engagement from all involved.”
TIM OLMSTEAD OF RUSTON ART WALK
“He’s worked extremely hard this year to make Ruston the active, vibrant arts hub that it should be!”
COMMUNITY OUTREACH BY ORGANIZATION
REMAKERY TACOMA
“Remakery is a truly unifying force in our community; people from all walks of life gather at Remakery activities to create and engage in low-barrier socializing and creative work.”
TACOMA YOUTH SYMPHONY ASSOCIATION
“TYSA uses music as a vehicle for healing, inclusion, and joy.”
MI CENTRO
“Their commitment to uplifting and supporting Latinx and Indigenous arts of all media contributes significantly to Tacoma’s cultural and creative landscape.”
MUSEUM OF GLASS – BLIND AND LOW VISION TOURS
“The tour, led by specialized docents, includes tactile images, 3D prints, and hands-on experiences to make glass art accessible, inclusive, and immersive for the Blind and Low-Vision community.”
SPACEWORKS
“Spaceworks does so much for art and the community—they are an incredible organization!”
MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOUNDATION
“MADF brings beauty, reflection, and awareness into everyday community life by embedding socially conscious art into spaces like their food bank and delivery center.”
TACOMA LIFE DRAWING GROUP
“What started with five artists has grown to a community of over 60 artists who share their expertise, build friendships, and meet twice weekly to draw at the Merlino Art Center.”
ALL BETS ON US
“They are catalysts giving artists access to new audiences and providing Tacoma with safe and culturally relevant spaces to create and consume art.”
INNOVATIVE CHANGE MAKERS
“They are one of those rare organizations that just DO—they don’t wait or even look for acknowledgement.”
QUEER LIFE DRAWING
“The Tacoma Queer Lifedrawing group has created regular safe spaces for queer people in Tacoma to develop their figure drawing practice and build community connection.”
STARS FOR PEACE
“Stars for Peace installations and workshops have now become a distinct, long-standing regional tradition uniting families of diverse walks of life with the common cause of restoring our waterways and empowering marginalized youth.”
ARTS PATRON
TACOMA PUBLIC LIBRARY
“Tacoma Public Library has been a long-time collaborator with artists and cultural organizations—providing exhibit and workshop space, staff support, and community outreach.”