[Protective Ornament.jpg] Protective Ornament: Contemporary Amulets to Armor<https://www.tacomaartmuseum.org/Page.aspx?nid=551> showcases approximately 80 wearable works in metal—including helmets, brass knuckles, breastplates, aggressive or defensive jewelry, chain mail, amulets, talismans, and protective gear—designed to address issues of protection and empowerment in the face of everyday perils and social challenges. Ranging from protective hardware (physical fortification) and protective “software” (faith-based adornment), the array of contemporary works underlines the crucial safeguarding function of jewelry and other wearable ornaments. Tacoma’s Metal-Urge Free Community Festival<http://tacomaarts.wordpress.com/2014/10/15/metal-urge-free-community-festival-this-sunday/> happens on Sunday, October 19 at Tollefson Plaza across the street from Tacoma Art Museum. Make a day of it! See the exhibition at TAM and then participate in fun all ages art-making and festivities! Add more to your Sunday afternoon with TAM’s fantastic lecture opportunities and a chance to hear from the guest curator for Protective Ornament, Suzanne Ramljak, and visiting curator Steven Fliegel presenting on metal arts and armor from the middle ages! Member's Opening Celebration Saturday, October 18, 6–9 pm Enjoy refreshments in the museum’s newly expanded lobby with guest curator, Suzanne Ramljak, and featured artists. Cost: Free for members. We appreciate members RSVP@TacomaArtMuseum.org<mailto:RSVP@TacomaArtMuseum.org> by October 13. $10 for guests when purchased by October 13. $15 at the door. Purchase tickets online.<http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/880256> Related Programs and Events Visiting Curator Talk with Suzanne Ramljak Sunday, October 19, 1 pm Suzanne Ramljak curated the exhibition Protective Ornament: Contemporary Amulets to Armor, at Tacoma Art Museum October 18, 2014—February 1, 2015. She is a writer, art historian, and curator specializing in contemporary and 20th century art and material culture. She currently serves as Curator of Exhibitions at the American Federation of Arts, and as editor of Metalsmith magazine. Ramljak has lectured widely on contemporary art, published several books and contributed to numerous publications. Listen to her discuss her 2014 book, On Body and Soul: Contemporary Armor to Amulets, and view the exhibition at TAM. Cost: $15 ($10 members, $5 students) Tickets<https://ticketing.tacomaartmuseum.org/public/show.asp?shcode=419> Visiting Curator Stephen Fliegel presents The Technology of Art: Arms and Armor of the Middle Ages and Renaissance Sunday, October 19, 3 pm Join Tacoma Art Museum as visiting curator Stephen Fliegel discusses the art and technology of armor from the middle ages to the renaissance period. Learn how armor and weapons were constructed with the greatest technical knowledge and skill at that time, a process that often resulted in objects of great beauty. Fliegel is ‎Curator of Medieval Art at Cleveland Museum of Art, and has published and lectured about religious art and manuscripts among other topics. Cost: $15 ($10 members, $5 students) Tickets<https://ticketing.tacomaartmuseum.org/public/show.asp?shcode=420> Protective Ornament: Contemporary Amulets to Armor was organized by the Metal Museum, Memphis, TN. The exhibition was curated by Suzanne Ramljak, Editor of Metalsmith magazine. Above: Debra Baxter, Devil Horn Crystal Brass Knuckles (mosh safely), 2013. Quartz crystals, sterling silver, 5 x 4½ x 3 inches. Courtesy of the artist.