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Tell me a little about the mission of the gallery.

950 Gallery is managed by Spaceworks, a program of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber that supports artists and creative entrepreneurs. We feature Northwest visual artists, and let the artists/curators themselves completely determine the design of the exhibit and what work to include. This means that we host an extremely wide variety of artists and artwork, and really seek to provide a space with a strong freedom of expression.

I tell people all the time that these exhibits are like “mini-museum exhibits.” For the artists, this unique opportunity causes them to take the exhibit further than they would normally. They are often collaborating with outside organizations, hosting additional performances and programming, or figuring out ways to offer proceeds from sales to go to causes.

You never know what’ll happen when you give artists a lot of freedom.

Barry Johnson extended all of his paintings onto the walls until the space became one huge artwork, Silong Chhun hosted a comedy show to go along with his contemporary/historical Cambodian art exhibit, Susan Platt was able to display and sell artwork produced from detainees at the for-profit prison Northwest Detention Center, and Asia Tail organized a benefit show for the Standing Rock protest including over 30 artists in about one months time! It's a roller coaster, and always very powerful.

What’s unique about doing this in Tacoma?

Currently, there are very few commercial art galleries in Tacoma, and most are shops with other revenue sources. That being said, there is a lot of interest in Tacoma (or escaping Seattle anyway) and the art scene is really growing everyday! Given this scenario, it makes sense for a non-profit to be providing an outlet for artists here, and there is no shortage of incredible art to highlight! I’d say we’re lucky in this way. It is an extremely supportive community for art, even if the opportunities may not yet be abundant.

What’s the connection between the entrepreneur mission of Spaceworks and the art mission?

Spaceworks is all about bridging that gap. Our business incubator is for creative entrepreneurs who want to start a business in Tacoma. I’d say at least half of them identify as artists. Some are pushing their art even further with their business, and some are applying their art to a more lucrative/practical means. Spaceworks “Artscapes” program runs the 950 Gallery and pays artists to paint murals, and create window installations. Existing in both the art and business realms is a delicate dance, and definitely part of the Spaceworks’ secret sauce.

You’re an artist too — How has it been balancing supporting other artists with your own work?

Good question! I get so obsessed and focused on my work that it can be difficult to do both. Honestly, I took a break from art making for a few years and it felt great. Also, being an arts administrator has been a very eye-opening experience and made me a much more organized person in general, ha! Fortunately, the art making itch is back, and I plan to scratch it.

Is there anything more about 950 you’d like people to know?

I just want people to watch for our future exhibits, we have a full year of really powerful exhibits lined up. And coming this spring, artists and curators can apply to have an exhibit in 2021.