Dome District Gallery — Attraction in Tacoma

Art galleries , yes walk into them , I was invited in by an engaging artist in residence. His speciality ; painting albums. One side contemporary 🎨 & the flip side music from eras gone by. I had intended to purchase one for my son-in-law, a musician & music officianado. Then a second , and a third ! Unexpectedly, I received one free of charge - a gift of gratitude by the artist. Upon leaving with my art album treasures I dicovered two paintings that would and did make great gifts for my best friend & her husband !! So these purchases were easy as we choose to do business and support those whom treat us well ! Grateful for your time , talent & enthusiasm. I hope to return again , perhaps another discovery amongst the 20 or so artist spaces within Dome District Art gallery ! I am attaching a photo share of another interaction with both the Artist in Residence & 2 vivacious and engaging young women. They received the same treatment as I did and the result, they left with some wonderful art and a gift as well ! This experience came after 15 hours of air travel from Thailand and was among the first experiences I had in Sea-Tac, what a great start to our...

A hidden gem steps from the Tacoma train station

Stumbled into the Dome District Gallery during a long layover at the Tacoma station and what an unexpected delight. Tucked inside the historic Freighthouse Marketplace, this humble little gallery hosts an eclectic and affordable mix of work from a rotating group of local artists—everything from vivid abstract pieces to landscapes, wildlife portraits, and even hand-painted records.

One of the artists, Darren Blacketer, happened to be staffing the front desk when I wandered in. He greeted me with genuine warmth, happily talked about the work on the walls, and even gifted my daughter and a small piece from one of his current projects—no charge, just pure generosity and love for the craft. My daughter liked the piece so much she bought another as a gift for a friend.

The space itself has a lived-in, creative energy that reminds you art doesn’t have to be pretentious to be powerful.

If you find yourself anywhere near the Tacoma Amtrak/Sounder station, skip the waiting area and walk over to this gallery instead. You’ll meet real artists, see real work made with heart, and maybe even leave with...

I was an artist that joined the gallery co-op. I paid my space rental to hang my art and took my turn at watching the shop and manning the cash register. I am a member of the Metis nation of Alberta Canada. Born of mixed blood from a fur trader of Hudson Bay company and a Cree Grandmother. The gallery owners husband asked me by phone one day if I’d be coming I. To work the cash register. I told him yes and that I’d be in soon. He said” good. I’d not want you to be flakie and not show up”. I’ve held a long standing government job as well as previous law enforcement background and told him clearly I’m not the flakie type. He then said “ well since you’re a halfbreed that must mean your only half flakie”. Immediately went in, broke my artists contract and removed my works. When the wife called to threaten me with breaking the agreement ( less than a week after signing) I told her to bring it to court because I had a civil case of racial discrimination I’d like to mention to the judge. That was the last that I heard from her...