FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Rachel Ervin 253-272-4258 x3047 | rervin@tacomaartmuseum.org<mailto:rervin@tacomaartmuseum.org> Tacoma Art Museum celebrates the opening of a permanent space for The Current, An Artist Award with a Robert Colescott Centennial. [cid:bbb7ae3e-282d-4f33-b62e-de33f7d025a3] Robert Colescott, The Virgin Queen, circa 1965 Oil on canvas,76 × 57 5/8 inches (193 × 146.4 cm) Tacoma Art Museum, Gift of Helen Ivey, 1997.4 © 2025 The Robert H. Colescott Separate Property Trust / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York TACOMA, WA (November 11, 2025) – Tacoma Art Museum (TAM) is proud to announce The One-Two Punch: 100 Years of Robert Colescott, opening December 5 in the museum’s newly dedicated gallery for The Current, An Artist Award<https://www.tacomaartmuseum.org/the-current-an-artist-award/>. This exhibition honors the centennial of Robert Colescott (1925–2009), a groundbreaking American painter whose vibrant, provocative work continues to influence generations of artists. Colescott’s paintings are known for their bold color, exaggerated figuration, and unflinching commentary on race, identity, and American visual culture. His work delivers what he described as a “one-two punch”—first grabbing viewers with visual impact, then challenging them with deeper meaning. “When envisioning the presentations of work for The Current’s permanent gallery, Robert Colescott immediately came to mind—particularly his signature style, the one-two punch. This style and strategy describe how the vibrancy of his paintings and compositions pulls you in from afar, implores you to be more curious about the work, and evokes an “Oh wow.” And once you are closely looking at it, you’re caught up in this visceral subject matter that makes you say, “Oh, shit.” Colescott’s artistry and legacy embody the spirit of The Current, An Artist Award. His anti-elitism and refusal to conform to established ideals for painting and perspectives is the same spirit at the heart of The Current, An Artist Award.” -Victoria Miles, Rebecca and Jack Benaroya Curator The One-Two Punch features a selection of Colescott’s lesser seen works alongside iconic images, offering insight into his critical art practice, stylistic transformation, and his lifelong commitment to studio practice. It also explores Colescott’s complicated relationship with race over the course of his lifetime and how it influenced his one-two punch strategy and the works shown. With this opening, TAM champions a permanent gallery space for The Current, An Artist Award, a program that celebrates regional contemporary Black artists shaping the future of visual culture. By launching this space with a tribute to Colescott, TAM affirms its commitment to honoring artists who challenge conventions and expand the boundaries of art. Join us on December 5 to celebrate Colescott’s legacy and the future of The Current exhibitions at Tacoma Art Museum. Exhibition Opening Details * Opening Party - Join Tacoma Art Museum special guests for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate the opening on Thursday, December 4 @ 7 pm. * Exhibition Openings - The exhibitions open to the public on Friday, December 5. For press inquiries, high-resolution images, or interview requests, please contact: Rachel Ervin – rervin@tacomaartmuseum.org<mailto:rervin@tacomaartmuseum.org> These exhibitions are generously supported by ArtsFund, The Windrose Fund of Common Council Foundation, Tacoma Creates, and our wonderful Tacoma Art Museum Members. ### About Tacoma Art Museum: Celebrating 90 years, Tacoma Art Museum is the leading resource for art of the Pacific Northwest and greater western region. TAM’s mission is to transform our communities by sharing art that inspires broader perspectives and cultivates a compassionate future. TAM’s collection contains more than 5,400 works, with an emphasis on the art and artists of the Northwest and broader western region, 25% of which consists of studio glass. The collection includes the largest retrospective museum collection of glass art by Tacoma native Dale Chihuly on permanent view; the most significant collection of studio art jewelry by Northwest artists; key holdings in 19th century European and 20th century American art; and one of the finest collections of Japanese woodblock prints on the West Coast. TAM is in the heart of Tacoma’s vibrant Museum District, which consists of six museums. Visit Tacoma Art Museum Wednesday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Thursday 10 a.m.–8 p.m., free admission 5 p.m.–8 p.m. Friday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesday Contact: 253-272-4258 / rervin@tacomaartmuseum.org Admission: $18 Adult, $15 Senior (65+), $15 Military (active duty or retired with ID), $10 (youth 6-18), free for TAM members Rachel Ervin Director of Marketing and Communications Pronouns: she, her, hers TACOMA ART MUSEUM 1701 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402 T: 253-272-4258 x3047 TacomaArtMuseum.org<http://www.tacomaartmuseum.org/> Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/TacomaArtMuseum>, Instagram<http://instagram.com/tacomaartmuseum> [cid:06c7a6c3-5249-48ff-9175-fb130ae12445]<https://www.tacomaartmuseum.org/exhibit/haunted/>