After exactly one year of construction, $15.5 million and a 16,000 sq. foot expansion, the Tacoma Art Museum will be unveiling its new wing and renovations to the public this weekend. The latest Tacoma development will double the museum’s gallery space and house the new Haub Family Galleries, showcasing the Haub Family Collection of Western American Art. This collection makes the Tacoma Art Museum the only one in the Pacific Northwest with a Western American art collection of this magnitude.

 

The Haub family’s passion for the West inspired them to start collecting Western American art in the early 1980’s until they eventually held one of the most important collections in private hands. Erivan and Helga Haub donated 295 Western American works of art from their private collection to the museum along with endowment funds for the future care and educational opportunities related to the collection. The collection itself, includes 19^th century artists who shaped the perception of Native Americans, mountain men, cowboys and American landscapes.Why the Tacoma Art Museum you may ask? The Haubs have personal and business ties to the city. Their three sons were born here in Tacoma and have fond memories of the area.

 

The celebration of the latest Tacoma development will kickoff with a Gala on Friday, November 14 with the public opening the following day. The Go West Gala will offer a first glimpse at the new wing before the public gets a chance as well as the chance to enjoy food, drink, dancing and entertainment, all in benefit of the museum’s award winning educational programs. The public grand opening the following day will not be any less exciting. After the ceremony and ribbon cutting, the rest of the day is filled with events such as Puyallup Canoe Family Drumming and Singing, PDZA wildlife encounters, Wells Fargo Stagecoach rides, Native American Storytelling and live music to just name a few. There will also be an evening social that night to round out all of the festivities. Tickets for the evening social are still available for purchase. So donate to a great cause and come celebrate the latest Tacoma development with a night dedicated to beautiful Western American art and the continuous support of this great community.

 

 

Sources: http://www.tacomaartmuseum.org/Page.aspx?cid=9549

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