So . . . What Is It?

Welcome to the AACTFest '09 Blog! We hope this is the beginning of a conversation that will lead to new hands shaken and new friends ready for you when you arrive in Tacoma, June 23-27, 2009. You may have already been introduced to our AACTFest '09 Logo, and you may have (as have a few others) said "What is it?" Well, we are happy to help you out with that.

"THE PURPLE" is the outline of scenic Mount Rainier which looms large to the South East in Tacoma. At an elevation of 14,410 feet, this still active volcano is one of the major peaks in the Cascade Range which begins in British Columbia and extends south into Oregon. "The Mountain" is a ninety minute drive away from downtown Tacoma on Highway 7, and is engulfed and surrounded by national parks and national forests. It is possible to leave Tacoma in the early morning and circumnavigate the Mountain by car in a single day. A single long day. for more information visit: www.nps.gov/archive/mora/home.htm




"THE BLUE" Represents the outline of two distinct Tacoma Landmarks: Union Station and The International Museum of Glass - both of which will most likely be featured in events during AACTFest '09. In the late 1800’s Tacoma was nicknamed the “City of Destiny” when the Northern Pacific Railroad selected Tacoma as its western terminus. The Union Station was built as that terminus. It was renovated in the 1980's & 90's and is now a federal courthouse.
The other outline is of the Hot Shop Cone of the International Museum of Glass, which is located on the Thea Foss Waterway in Tacoma. "MOG" is a relatively new museum - having opening in 2003 - but has had a large impact on the cultural landscape locally and internationally. for more information - http://museumofglass.org/















"THE GREEN" is a tree line, which you will find in abundance in the Pacific Northwest. Washington is called "The Evergreen" State with good reason. Fir, Pine, Cedar, Alder, Spruce, Holly and other traditional evergreens abound making Western Washington green 12 months a year. There are deciduous trees like Maple, Oak and others in the landscape, making Spring and Summer months(like JUNE!) even greener!



Finally, the lettering colors are meant to evoke the waters of Puget Sound and the reflection of the mountain above. When you arrive in June of next year, you'll find out that it is difficult to travel in any direction without running into mountains or a body of water.

The artwork section of the logo is photographed from an original piece created by me (Judy Cullen) which was "smithed" by my friend and Graphics Designer Scott Warfield of Warfield Creative. He composed the lay-out and the lettering, and is the one who said "You do illustration work. Why don't you create a piece of art based on Tacoma and use that?" after we toyed with several very convoluted concepts. The original piece of art work will be framed and placed in the AACT Endowment Silent Auction at AACTFest '09.