31 black Americans come to Tacoma Art Museum

The traveling exhibition "30 Americans" has finally arrived at the Tacoma Art Museum after four years of planning.

"30 Americans" actually features the work of 31 African-American artists, primarily drawn from the private collection of Florida art patrons Mera and Don Rubell.

The Rubells conceived of this exhibition in 2008; they wanted to present art that presents the African-American experience and to spur conversation about what it means to be American.

"30 Americans" has been shown in a variety of museums in galleries, but the Tacoma Art Museum presentation is the first time this art has traveled west of the Mississippi River.

TAM chief curator Rock Hushka is thrilled to have the show in his museum. He says it represents some of the best contemporary American art has to offer.

"Twenty years from now, when somebody writes an art history book, a number of the illustrations will be these exact works," says Hushka.

"30 Americans" is on display at Tacoma Art Museum through Jan. 15, 2017.