Tacoma Urbanist
Jul. 3, 2009 at 1:12am
Come See The Chalk Artists Perform Today at Frost Park At Noon
Today is the weekly chalk off competition at Frost Park located at 9th and Pacific Avenue at noon.
THE PRIZE FOR THE CHALKIE VICTOR THIS WEEK PROVIDED BY C.L.A.W.
THE RETURN OF FROST PARK FRIDAY LUNCH CHALK CHALLENGE...
12 noon - 1 pm
The Pleasures And Sorrows Of Work
"Meanwhile,
at the capital's eastern edges, another event is occuring which will
leave no trace in the public mind or attract attention from anyone
beyond its immediate participants, but which is no less worthy of
record for that... Nevertheless,
no quayside can ever appear entirely banal, because people will always
be minuscule compared to the great oceans and the mention of faraway
ports will hence always bear a confused promise of lives unfolding
there which may be more vivid than the ones we know here, a romantic
charge clinging to names like Yokohama, Alexandria and Tunis - places
which in reality cannot be exempt from tedium and compromise, but which
are distant enough to support for a time certain confused daydreams of
happiness."
~ Alain de Botton 2009
Friday, July 3
Larry Frost Memorial Park
Downtown Tacoma, WA 98402
1 hour. free chalk. community art challenge. win prize(s)!
Corporate Sponsorship
this
weeks episode is made possible by a charitable donation from the
CARTOONISTS LEAGUE OF ABSURD WASHINGTONIANS (THE CLAW) for the prize of
1 DVD BOX SET of MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000 VOL. 4 which includes the
films GIRL IN GOLD BOOTS, HAMLET, OVERDRAWN AT THE MEMORY BANK, and
finally SPACE MUTINY. You can't go wrong with MST3K.
check in with feedtacoma.com for LIVE, FULL COVERAGE!
* * SPOILER ALERT * *
last weeks BEST ILLUSTRATOR IN THE UNIVERSE winner: Mark Monlux!
Prize: Brisco County Jr. COMPLETE DVD set
Sponsor: EQC Tasteles of Tacoma!
see photos:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/774718@N22/pool/
History:
http://www.holisticforgeworks.com/chalk/
Voting For A Winner
Please vote for your favorite chalk art entry in the comment section below. Explaining why you voted for a particular entry may add more meaning.
Each person/avatar gets one vote. Votes will be accepted until midnight on Friday after which the winner will be declared. Votes will be accepted starting at 1:00 p.m.
For more information see:
Jun. 26, 2009 at 12:01am
Frost Park Chalkies Battle for Multiple Mystery Prizes
Today is the weekly chalk off competition at Frost Park located at 9th and Pacific Avenue.
THE PRIZE FOR THE CHALKIE VICTOR : Mystery Prize.
A Venturesome Minority...
will
always be eager to set off on their own, and no obstacles should be
placed in their path; let them take risks, for godsake, let them get
lost, sunburnt, stranded, drowned, eaten by bears, buried alive
under avalanches--that is the right and privilege of any free
AMERICAN.
~ Edward Abbey, Desert Solitaire 1968
THE RETURN OF FROST PARK FRIDAY LUNCH CHALK CHALLENGE...
Friday, JUNE 26
12 noon - 1 pm
Larry Frost Memorial Park
Downtown Tacoma, WA 98402
1 hour. free chalk. community art challenge. win prize(s)!
Corporate Sponsorship
this weeks episode is made possible by a charitable JOINT VENTURE between EMERALD'S QUEEN CASINO AFTER-TASTE OF TACOMA and the TACOMA CHAMBER OF eCOMMERCE to bring you a non-pirated edition of THE ADVENTURES OF BRISCO COUNTY JR. COMPLETE SERIES DVD collection. an important piece of Tacoma history. Did you know all 14 episodes were filmed right here in t-town? It's true.
check in with feedtacoma.com for LIVE, FULL COVERAGE!
* * SPOILER ALERT * *
last weeks BEST ILLUSTRATOR IN THE UNIVERSE winner: Joel!
Prize: Free Puget Sound Pizza
Sponsor: PUGET SOUND PIZZA!
see photos:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/774718@N22/pool/
History:
http://www.holisticforgeworks.com/chalk/
Voting For A Winner
Please vote for your favorite chalk art entry in the comment section below. Explaining why you voted for a particular entry may add more meaning.
Each
person/avatar gets one vote. Votes will be accepted until midnight on
Friday after which the winner will be declared. Votes will be accepted
starting at 1:00 p.m.
For more information see:
Tacoma Chalk Off Cumulative Scorecard in Season I
Jun. 19, 2009 at 12:43am
Chalk Artists Battle For Pizza Today at Frost Park
Today is the weekly chalk off competition at Frost Park located at 9th and Pacific Avenue.
THE PRIZE FOR THE CHALKIE VICTOR : Pizza from Puget Sound Pizza.

For there is a cloud on my horizon. A small dark cloud no bigger than my hand. Its name is PROGRESS.
~ Edward Abbey, Desert Solitaire 1968
THE RETURN OF FROST PARK FRIDAY LUNCH CHALK CHALLENGE...
Friday, JUNE 19
12 noon - 1 pm
Larry Frost Memorial Park
Downtown Tacoma, WA 98402
1 hour. free chalk. community art challenge. win prize(s)!
Corporate Sponsorship
this weeks episode is made possible by the art supporting citizens at PUGET SOUND PIZZA the first and only choice for all GREATEST ILLUSTRATOR IN THE UNIVERSE ALUMNI. Next time you're at PSP tell them you want the FROST PARK SPECIAL (a peperoni pizza with pineapple). If the cute waitress doesn't know what you're talking about just act like SHE IS the one who doesn't know anything!
check in with feedtacoma.com for LIVE, FULL COVERAGE!
* * SPOILER ALERT * *
last weeks BEST ILLUSTRATOR IN THE UNIVERSE winner: Dawn!
Prize: The very last Tacoma Dome Poster by Sean Alexander (of the Helm Gallery)
Sponsor: Sean Alexander Reconciliation Memorial Park Fund
see photos:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/774718@N22/pool/
History:
http://www.holisticforgeworks.com/chalk/
Voting For A Winner
Please vote for your favorite chalk art entry in the comment section below. Explaining why you voted for a particular entry may add more meaning.
Each
person/avatar gets one vote. Votes will be accepted until midnight on
Friday after which the winner will be declared. Votes will be accepted
starting at 1:00 p.m.
For more information see:
Tacoma Chalk Off Cumulative Scorecard in Season I
Jun. 19, 2009 at 12:08am
Mayor Baarsma: Seattle is "Poaching" from Tacoma
Tacoma and Seattle Battle Over Russell
Harsh exchange of words reported today in the PI over the fight between Seattle and Tacoma Over Russell:
SEATTLE -- A war of words is building between the mayors of Seattle and Tacoma after a secret offer was made to lure away a major south sound business.
Tacoma Mayor Bill Baarsma is openly saying the move by Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels was "poaching from a smaller neighbor."
...
Nickels is making a play for Russell, and Tacoma's mayor is not happy about it.If it's true what I read in the paper, it's regretful that the mayor is engaged in poaching, Baarsma said.Obviously, we would welcome them,Nickels said.Baarsma, along with Rep. Norm Dicks of Bremerton and local business leaders, are working hard to convince the company to stay, including agreeing to phase out the business and occupation tax to make the deal more attractive.
Commentary
I am glad to see someone in Tacoma stand up for the city against Seattle. Sometimes if feels like the city resigns itself to failure. Kudos to Baarsma. Let's hope it is not too late.
Cultural Reference:
Jun. 17, 2009 at 12:01am
Puget Sound Pizza Returns To Sponsor Frost Park Chalk Off This Friday
Return of Chalk Off Sponsor Puget Sound Pizza!!!
It is true. There will be an official prize for this week's winner at the Frost Park Chalk Off. Time to bring out your friends and friends to vote for your favorite chalk off submission.

(Picture for demonstrative purposes only)
That's right, the victorious artist in this week's chalk off will get free pizza courtesy of Puget Sound Pizza.
Eat at Puget Sound Pizza today!
Puget Sound Pizza
317 South 7th
Tacoma, WA 98402

photo by RR Anderson
Thanks PSP!
PSP and the LID
The LID is nearly complete around PSP. The sidewalks are in and the road is poured. All that remains is the parking spaces need to be painted. Looks like they made it through the LID alive. Congrats PSP.
Jun. 12, 2009 at 12:30am
Chalk Artists Compete Today for Ultra Rare Helm Poster
Today is the weekly chalk off competition at Frost Park located at 9th and Pacific Avenue.
THE PRIZE FOR THE CHALKIE VICTOR : An Ultra Rare Print From The Helm.
(See this week's prize post.)
RR ANDERSON's inspirational message to Tacoma's Artists and artistic spectators:
The Imminence Silence in Which I am Lost...
"Standing
there, gaping at this monstrous and inhuman spectacle of rock and cloud
and sky and space, I feel a ridiculous greed and possessiveness come
over me. I want to know it all, possess it all, embrace the entire
scene intimately, deeply, totally, as a man desires a beautiful CHALK
OCTOPUS."
~ Edward Abbey, Dessert Solitaire 1968
THE RETURN OF FROST PARK FRIDAY LUNCH CHALK CHALLENGE...
Friday, JUNE 12
12 noon - 1 pm
Larry Frost Memorial Park
Downtown Tacoma, WA 98402
1 hour. free chalk. community art challenge. win prize(s)!
Corporate Sponsorship
this weeks episode is made possible by the TRAGIC COMEDY of CONTEMPORARY ART IN TACOMA or THE HAUNTING MEMORY OF THE HELM GALLERY as our own TACOMA URBANIST will present a rare (the last) TACOMA DOME POSTER by SEAN ALEXANDER to the winner of this week's chalk challenge NO. 11. I have one of these hanging above my infant child's crib... these posters are truly a delight for minds young and old.
The Helm Print. (Frame not included)
check in with feedtacoma.com for LIVE, FULL COVERAGE!
* * SPOILER ALERT * *
last weeks BEST ILLUSTRATOR IN THE UNIVERSE winner: RR Anderson!
Prize: A power-lunch with Chris Van Vechten, Melon Mug & Melon T-shirt
Sponsor: Friends of Chris Van Vechten
see photos:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/774718@N22/pool/
History:
http://www.holisticforgeworks.com/chalk/
--
R.R. Anderson,
Your Friendly Neighborhood Webmaster @
http://www.holisticforgeworks.com | http://www.cartoonistsleague.org
++ Cartoonist + Inventor + humorist for hire ++
Voting For A Winner
Please vote for your favorite chalk art entry in the comment section below. Explaining why you voted for a particular entry may add more meaning.
Each
person/avatar gets one vote. Votes will be accepted until midnight on
Friday after which the winner will be declared. Votes will be accepted
starting at 1:00 p.m.
For more information see:
Tacoma Chalk Off Cumulative Scorecard in Season I
Jun. 11, 2009 at 12:29am
The Ghost of "The Helm" Gallery To Sponsor Frost Park Chalk Off With Artistic Artifact
State of Affairs in Tacoma
It is a bit sad really. So many things seem to be dying in Tacoma.
Tacoma Booster Dan Voelpel has left the Tribune. RR Anderson's Tacomic has been ejected from the downsized Volcano. Even a Starbucks in Tacoma has closed.
Thus, I suppose it is only fitting that an out of business art gallery should be chosen as the sponsor for this week's chalk off.
This Week's Sponsor : The Defunct "The Helm" Art Gallery
The ritualistic papering of the windows before a big show,
The Prize : Perhaps the Last Remaining "Save the Helm" Poster
These posters were created to save The Helm art gallery. See last years episode. Frost Park Chalk Offs helped promote the sale of the posters last year to save the helm, but the money eventually ran out and The Helm closed. The Chalkies did what they could. (Dawn won the episode BTW)
The posters originally sold for $50. With the The Helm's closure, however, the posters have become a Tacoma cultural artifact which have the potential of significantly increasing their value.
Jun. 9, 2009 at 1:05am
Blackwater Cafe Installs Sign, Gets a New Look
New Blackwater sign installed
Community members lined up to help paint. The red paint works great.
Blackwater Cafe
www.blackwatertacoma.com
743 St Helens Ave
Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 404-0000
Jun. 5, 2009 at 12:24am
Chalk Off Today Offers *Lucrative* Prizes From Chris Van Vechten
Today is the weekly chalk off competition at Frost Park at 9th and Pacific Avenue
THE PRIZE FOR THE CHALKIE VICTOR : Lucrative prizes from Tacoma School Board Candidate Chris Van Vechten
(See this week's prize post.)
RR ANDERSON's inspirational message to Tacoma's Artists and artistic spectators:
RR Anderson
Collective Identity, Art, and Revitalization III
"Sean, the co-owner of The Helm Gallery, told me that most of the art shown at The Helm comes from outside Tacoma, and the gallery is currently going out of business because local art sells [$200 dollar range being the magic number]; non-Tacoma art does not.
He said that most galleries in town show only local artists because local buyers want contact with the artists from whom they are buying. They support community by purchasing art. A piece of local art on the wall makes possible a conversation about the artist and his or her work, and it encourages pride in the local art scene."
~ Ady Olson, UPS student ThesisTHE RETURN OF FROST PARK FRIDAY LUNCH CHALK CHALLENGE...
Friday, JUNE 4
12 noon - 1 pm
Larry Frost Memorial Park
Downtown Tacoma, WA 98402
1 hour. free chalk. community art challenge. win prize(s)!
Corporate Sponsorship:
this weeks episode is made possible by FRIENDS OF CHRIS VAN VECHTEN, a man who it would appear is running a political campaign to be elected TACOMA SCHOOL BOARD POSITION NO. 2,
however as it is forbidden to utilize the TACOMA ART LISTSERV for the endorsement of any political candidate we note he is also one of the more vocal members of the PIERCE COUNTY ARTS COMMISSION
which having lost all funding by the DASTARDLY PIERCE COUNTY COUNCIL is now nothing more than "we support the arts theater" Way to go Pierce County Council...
you folks can go eat a bag of NORM DICKS! (CHRIS VAN VECHTEN IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTENT OF THIS SALTY CHALK JARGON).
check in with feedtacoma.com for LIVE, FULL FRONTAL COVERAGE!
* * SPOILER ALERT * *
last weeks BEST ILLUSTRATOR IN THE UNIVERSE winner: THE CLAW!
Prize: 4 tickets to Buddy Holly @ Tacoma Little Theater
Sponsor: Tacoma Little Theater
see photos:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/774718@N22/pool/
History:
http://www.holisticforgeworks.com/chalk/
Voting For A Winner
Please vote for your favorite chalk art entry in the comment section below. Explaining why you voted for a particular entry may add more meaning.
Each
person/avatar gets one vote. Votes will be accepted until midnight on
Friday after which the winner will be declared. Votes will be accepted
starting at 1:00 p.m.
For more information see:
Tacoma Chalk Off Cumulative Scorecard in Season I
Jun. 3, 2009 at 12:18am
School Board Candidate Chris Van Vechten to Sponsor This Week's Chalk Off
Numerous politicians sponsored Frost Park Chalk contests during the first season.
This Friday, June 5th Tacoma School Board Candidate Chris Van Vechten has volunteered to sponsor this week's chalk off.
The Candidate : Chris Van Vechten
(From the About section of his web site)
As a one-time special needs student who almost dropped out of high school, I offer both the kind of experience and diversity of perspective our district needs to meet the challenges of this century.
As the son, grandson and nephew of both college professors and K-12 educators, I grew up with a strong appreciation for the importance of public education and for those who dedicate their lives to it. As a distant relative of the famous author/civil rights leader, Carl Van Vechten, I was also raised to be painfully aware that our system of education is imperfect and continues to fall short of providing equal opportunity to all.
Public education without personalized instruction robs students of their right to succeed. That right should be recession proof and requires a serious commitment from our elected officials to arts/athletic programs, trade school alternatives and mentorship programs that can help bridge the achievement gap.
I have a track record that reflects such commitment and a desire to stop settling for less than what we know our students deserve.
...
Ive been fighting for change in our schools for the past seven years.and Im not done yet! Give me your vote, and together we can work to give all our students a brighter future.
This Week's Frost Park Prizes courtesy of Chris Van Vechten:
Prize No. 1:
Yard Sign of Chris Van Vechten

(Sign shown above for demonstrative purposes only)
Prize No. 2
Coffee Mug from the Melon
Prize No. 3
T Shirt from the Melon
Prize No. 4
Free Lunch with Chris Van Vechten himself! (limited to $15 value)
Thanks Chris! Good Luck!
About
A ongoing conversation to make Tacoma a better to live and work through better urban design.
See my downtown Tacoma and neighborhood pictures of coffee, food, people, art, urban blight and Frost Park Chalk Off events
Find me on Facebook.
Follow me on Twitter for exclusive up to the minute downtown Tacoma updates and cell phone photographs.
-Erik Bjornson
Be sure to visit:
1. The Tacoma Sun, an online Tacoma urban magazine.
2. The James Howard Kunster podcasts broadcast weekly discussing the tragic comedy of suburban sprawl..
3. Tacoma Coffee Shop Showdown
4. Tacoma Document Archive - Key City Documents, Court Documents, Links, Books, and Videos.
6. Is your city worth caring about? James Kunstler discusses how to make your community a place worth caring about.
Useful Links
Tacoma Streetcars - Join the citywide effort to restore streetcars to Tacoma's Neighborhoods.
Congress for New Urbanism - the leading organization promoting walkable, neighborhood-based development as an alternative to sprawl.
Planetizen - A one-stop source for urban planning news, commentary and interviews.
New Urban News - Discussing traditional neighborhood development focusing on building mixed-use, walkable neighborhoods instead of conventional suburban subdivisions, shopping centers and office parks.
Heather Robinson Journalist - Human Rights and Middle East Commentary.
