While beholding art in a museum is a special experience indeed, sometimes we can’t help but imagine what that 6-foot curlicue Chihuly chandelier would look like on the wall behind our couch—no wait!—over our dining room table. Daydreams aside, there’s actually a great deal of beautiful and, just as importantly, attainable art to be found in art galleries around Pierce County. Whether you’re hiking Mt. Rainier or heading to lunch in Tacoma, don’t forget to drop by one of these fantastic galleries featuring local and national artists; your living room’s overall vibe will thank you.
ASHFORD
Ashford Creek Gallery
You may be surprised to hear there’s an art scene in Ashford, WA. Though the town is known for its cozy cabins, hiking enthusiasts, and proximity to the Nisqually entrance of Mt. Rainier National Park, those in the know also enjoy the iron sculpture park, annual artists market, and of course, the Ashford Creek Gallery. You’ll find locally-made ceramics, prints, woodworking, jewelry, and paintings at the gallery, as well as a museum section and historic books.
Fall, Winter, and Spring Hours:
Saturdays and Sundays, 12:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Summer Hours:
Daily, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
EATONVILLE
Four Winds Gallery
Four Winds serves as a feature gallery for Chippewa (Ojibwa) artist David Craig, as well as other rotating Native Pacific Northwest artists. In addition to Craig’s beautiful watercolors, you’ll also find handmade baskets, drums, jewelry, and other cultural object d’art for sale.
Daily, 11:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Best to call to confirm hours, especially in winter
253.985.0059
GIG HARBOR
Ebb Tide Co-Op Gallery
In 2024, Ebb Tide celebrated 40 years of showcasing local artists as a co-op. They have a featured artist every month, and if you’re lucky enough to pass through town on the reception date, you’ll get to meet the artist personally and hear about the inspiration behind their work. The gallery is located in Gig Harbor’s historic downtown and open everyday, so there’s no excuse to miss it!
Daily 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Woodstock Gift Gallery
Nestled in a house just one block from the waterfront, Woodstock Gift Gallery carries photography, digital art, and glass that has been blown, fused, and combined with copper. Most of the art is local, though some national and international art is also in attendance.
Thursday-Sunday, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
PUYALLUP
Outdoor Art Gallery
Since 1995, the nonprofit Arts Downtown has coordinated an outdoor display of art in downtown Puyallup. Now they’ve assembled more than 50 works of art by local artists. Arts Downtown also coordinates galleries in City Hall the second half of the year, so make sure you check in to see what’s showing!
Open 24 hours
TACOMA
Barlow Gallery
If you’re new to collecting, Barlow just might be the place to start. Named for a number of of Oregon and Washington pioneers all named “Barlow” but not related, the gallery aims to inspire new collectors by connecting them to artists’ stories and by offering digital and fine art giclée print production from any painting or photograph they carry. Visit them and person, and they’ll produce archival prints on a variety of papers in any size up to 17x25 inches, and have prints created on other materials (like metal, acrylic, canvas, glass, and wood) of any size.
Thursday-Saturday, 11:00am-5:00pm
Fulcrum Gallery
Tacoma glass artist Oliver Doriss opened Fulcrum Gallery in December 2007. Doriss describes the project as “a constantly-evolving amalgamation of gallery/installation space, fine art retail, as well as an artistic community hub. I had the unique opportunity build out this venue in Hilltop. With Tacoma’s incredible support of the arts and the availability of affordable space, I don’t believe I could make a gallery like this work anywhere else.” If that’s not enough reason to visit, go to feel like the ultimate cool local keeping the pulse of emerging local artists, musicians, and local organizations hosting art-related events and concerts.
Fridays 12:00-6:00 p m.
Proctor Art Gallery
Proctor Art Gallery is named for the Tacoma neighborhood where it’s located. The gallery showcases jewelry; sculpture; watercolor, oil, and acrylic paintings; woodwork, and photography. Their offerings are refreshed monthly, so no matter how often you visit Tacoma, it’s always worth a visit!
Tuesday-Friday: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday-Monday: Closed
Tacoma Glassblowing Studio
Mark and Jeannine opened Tacoma Glassblowing Studio in 2006, joining the lineup of notable glass art stops that make Tacoma a national leader. In addition to an all-glass gallery, you can watch the artists blow glass, or sign the family ages 8+ up for a glassblowing class themselves.
Monday-Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tacoma Metal Arts Center
Amy Reeves has been making metal jewelry since 1992. In 2009, she opened Tacoma Metal Arts Center to pass on the knowledge from her BFA in Metal Design and years of professional goldsmithing to teach others. The retail gallery features stunning handmade jewelry and art and is worth a visit, but for those looking to go deeper, try joining a class to make your own wedding rings and much more.
Wednesday 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Thursday 1:00-4:00 p.m.
All other days by appointment only.
Throwing Mud Gallery
The Contemporary Crafts Gallery at Throwing Mud features a number of artists, most from the Pacific Northwest. In addition to pottery, they also showcase jewelry, wood, glass, and metal pieces. You just might get inspired and stay to create your own!
Mon: 12:00-5:00 p m.
Tues: 10:00am-5:00 p m.
Wed: 10:00am-8:00 p m.
Thur-Sat: 10:00am-5:00 p m.
Sun: 12:00-4:00 p m.
Did we miss your favorite Pierce County art gallery? Let us know—tag us at @visittacomapiercecounty!
