A New Reason to Visit Tacoma
“Come on down to Tacoma” my sister Nancy pleaded. “There is something new for you to see that you will find very interesting. You will probably want to bring your camera”.
Nancy lives near Point Defiance and knows the city quite well. She wouldn’t give me any more detail, but since a dinner invitation was included, there was no question that she had hit the right buttons. We left early to enjoy a pleasant drive along the Ruston waterfront, and commented on the waves of people who enjoy this great stretch of beach and series of parks. Walkers, joggers, people on roller blades, and even a few new scooters were out in force as we passed, giving approval by their presence to the City’s farsighted use of this area. Waterfront restaurants here all seemed to be crowded. We paused briefly to talk to fisherman on the public dock, but things there were slow.
Dinner was great as it always is at my sister’s. Nancy and her husband Woody are both great cooks. Satisfied, Linda and I climbed into the back of their van and headed towards the City. We drove by Stadium High and its now famous football stadium, the art district, followed by the new UW facilities, convention center and art museum. We found parking near the remolded Union Station and peeked inside at the fabulous Chihuly glassware displayed there. The remodel of the old train station is more than well done; it has become an art masterpiece. People even hold their weddings/and/or their receptions here to take advantage of the revitalized beauty of the building on their special occasion.
Eventually we wandered over a catwalk and started to cross over the freeway. When I first saw the glass art display around me I stood, silent in amazement. Moments earlier we had seen the large blue acrylic structure called “rock candy” and I was beginning to suspect more. Suddenly on the sides of the walk were fabulous Chihuly pieces tastefully assembled as a stunning wall of individual art display. Overhear, like a massive seascape collage, countless pieces winked at me, varying from small glass seahorses, to a series of much larger pieces placed above them to create a three dimensional appearance. The sharp colors that Chihuly is famous for, together with the intricate blended assembly was breathe taking. Benches are thoughtfully placed nearby to help those wishing to have a good long stare to avoid getting a stiff neck.
After a long pause here, we continued on to a large patio with a fabulous view of the waterfront, Tacoma Dome, 21st Street Sky Bridge, and more. The patio houses the Washington State Museum of History, a coffee shop, plus an unusual art contacting as the top to the museum of glass. We wandered down a gentle wide concrete stair to be greeted by a large pond with dozens of floating glass balls decorating it. Next we came to a large topiary in the form of teepees formed from willow and a red glass house large enough to walk through. New condominiums were on the left, Johnny’s dock across the canal, and the entrance to the glass art museum behind us. A waterfront walkway allows nearby exploration. We understand that the Chihuly exhibit that had honored the museum with its wonder of color has recently been replaced with Transatlantic Art from Paris –20’s & 30’s. Calling the museum at 253-272-4258 can discover a list of coming interior attractions.
