Explore The Secret Language of Animals

If we could talk to the animals, and they could talk back to us, we’d be steps closer to understanding the magical relationships we have with our furry, feathery, and slimy friends.  But since we can’t, the current exhibition at the Tacoma Art Museum attempts to bridge the gap using art to explain our emotional connection to the animal kingdom.

Living Room Detail, Bill Scanga

The Secret Language of Animals is a family friendly exhibition, installed over three galleries and the lobby, and features painting, sculpture, jewelry and videos that explore the role of animal in art and in our lives.  You’ll find a great deal of symbolism in some of the work and whimsy in others.  The exhibit is organized by animal type – horses, dogs, birds, etc. – and features approximately 40 works.

Since this was billed as a family friendly exhibit, I borrowed a six year old and went for opening night festivities.  We were treated to a pre-viewing concert, with such animal classics as Peter & the Wolf and Flight of the Bumblebee, and then took a look.  Exploring art with a little one is a lot different than with another adult, so I let the little guy set the pace.  While I might methodically view each piece and each room, working my way around in a logical fashion, I was fascinated with the way he ran from piece to piece, sometimes laughing, sometimes thinking, and sometimes just looking.

The highlight of the exhibit, at least from the point of view of a six year old, was Leroy, the Big Pup, a 10 foot tall cardboard that is a regular inhabitant of the museum.  I always ask, “what was your favorite things that you saw?” and after Leroy, the answers were:  the mice watching Tom & Jerry on television, and the dog eating cereal with the owner.  The mice you can see in the photo above, but you’ll have to visit yourself to see the video of the man sharing his morning cereal with his dog.  I’m also a fan of Leroy, and additionally like The Pile of Elephant and several of the paintings of birds.

I’d recommend that you find a child to take with you to see this exhibit.  Oh sure, you’ll enjoy it on your own, but you’ll experience it on an entirely different level with a child – and that’s not an experience to be passed up.

Location:  1701 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma (map)

Date & Time:  The museum is open Wednesday – Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm, and the third Thursday, 10 am – 8 pm.  The Secret Language of Animals runs through June 27th, 2010.

Admission:  $9 adults, $8 students, military,and seniors (65+), $25 family, FREE for children 5 and under.  Third Thursdays are free.

Photo credit:  Courtesy of Tacoma Art Museum

NOTE:  I was given complimentary admission to the museum for the purpose of viewing the exhibit and learning more about the museum.