painted birds nest with two cream eggs sitting in a swirl of twigs

The Art Gallery

Where Art Reaches You

About

The Gallery at TCC is a place where students and the surrounding community can find artistic expression in all mediums, and from all world cultures and historic eras.

With an exterior that seems to change from every angle and naturally lit, unique display spaces, The Gallery is a perfect venue for special exhibitions, lectures, readings, and our rotating collections.

The Gallery is closed for the rest of the summer. The first exhibition of fall quarter, featuring art by Patsy Surh O'Connell, will open Sept. 25. 

In the Gallery: Patsy Surh O'Connell's Discovery of Nature

September 25 through october 26
A yellow-toned painting of a duck tucked into its wings

Headshot of Patsy Surh O'ConnellJoin us in The Gallery for this exhibition from Patsy Surh O'Connell!

Gallery Talk: Oct. 5 at noon

Reception: Oct. 12 from 4-6pm

About the Artist: I came to America from Korea at the age of 20 on a student visa with next to nothing. I went to school in San Francisco and worked part time at the Chinatown YMCA. My life's journey continued when I arrived in Washington State in 1985. In 1995, my parents joined us on their last journey. I learned and wondered about my true role in life.

Now I am an artist, a teacher, and founder and president of the 28-year-old Asia Pacific Cultural Center (APCC). I am self-motivated, collaborative, independent and innovative. For the past 38 years, I have worked in the arts, in education, as a small business owner, and in Washington State public services.

My work and experience span a wide range of relevant artistic perspectives and approaches, including teaching, collaborative projects, curatorial work, artist collectives and publication. My perspective is shaped by cultural diversity and real-world experience.

I'm curious about the process by which seedpods contain life and transfer it to succeeding generations, so I collect seedpods. Like seeds, we all start life with the same inherent potential to grow, flower, bloom and create another link in the chain of life.

Through this solo show, I share my work with the greater Northwest community. It shows the complexity of my thought processes and my life's journey, which is still oriented toward new discoveries.

TCC Art History Book Club

Art Historian, Jennifer Olson, Ph.D., will give a short introduction of the artists and lead the discussion. Join us Sept. 20 at noon to discuss "An Island Garden" by Celia Thaxter. 

Upcoming Exhibitions

Nov. 6 - Dec. 8, 2023: Berg Print Collection (Curated by Marit Berg) 

Jan. 2-Feb. 23, 2024: Printmaking Exchange/Exhibition & Artist's Book Exhibition (note: A Call to Artists will be forthcoming)

March 4-April 12, 2024: Nicole Gugliotti

April 24-25, 2024: Ikebana 

May 6-June 6, 2024: TCC Art Student Exhibition

June 24 - August 15, 2024: 22nd Annual Juried Local Art Exhibition

Sept 25-Oct. 25, 2024: Mauricio Robalino

Nov. 4-Dec. 6, 2024: Chinese Artists

Jan 2 - 31, 2025: Lynette Charters, Missing Women/Parents

Feb. 10-April 4, 2025: Black Artists

April 14-May 2, 2025: TCC Art Faculty Reception 

May 7-8, 2025: Ikebana 

May 19-June 5, 2023: TCC Art Student Exhibition

June 23-August 15, 2025: 23rd Annual Juried Local Art Exhibition

Sept. 22-Oct. 24:  Women Artists (Patsy Surh O'Connell, Bella Yongok Kim, Irene Osborn, Leonie Castelino)

Nov. 2 - Dec. 19, 2025:  Hilltop Glass Artists

Gallery Talks by previous artists featured at the TCC Art Gallery.
View the TCC State Art Collection

Visit the Gallery

Fall Gallery Hours

The public is welcome, and all exhibits are free. Fall hours start Sept. 25. 

Monday: Closed 

Tuesdays - Thursdays: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Third Thursday of each month: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. 

Fridays: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

Location

The Gallery is located in Bldg. 4, near the corner of 12th and Mildred. Visitor parking is available in Lot G.

Contact Us

Questions?
Contact Gallery Coordinator
Dr. Jennifer Olson

jolson@tacomacc.edu

253-460-4306

 

The Gallery Shop

The Gallery shop carries photographs & cards by Alice Di Certo, Connie Hardy, & Linda Staats; and jewelry by Margaret Doty.

a collection of ceramic birds

Pieces by Melinda Cox, $75 for large birds and $35 for small birds

a collection of beaded jewelry

Pieces by Margaret Doty, $20 each

a collection of woven bird ornaments

Pieces by Melinda Cox, $15 each

Wait! There's More to See

Mixed media and collage art piece entitled, "Bird and Circle Collage".

Take a look at the exhibit at TCC's Gig Harbor Campus, currently featuring Gathering Fragments by Margaret Doty.