Next month marks the 12th anniversary of “Art at Work: Tacoma Arts Month,” a community celebration of the arts that includes more than 300 community-hosted arts and culture events, exhibits, and workshops for all ages taking place every day throughout the month.

Programming includes music, theater and dance performances; visual art exhibits; film screenings; literary readings; lectures; cultural events; and workshops. All events are open to the public and many activities are free.

“Art at Work Month celebrates the power of arts and culture in Tacoma by showcasing the incredible diversity of experiences available within our city for one month,” said Tacoma Arts Commission Chair Robin Echtle. “Arts and culture create a more livable and vibrant community for individuals, families and businesses.”

Signature events include:

Art at Work Opening Party and AMOCAT Arts Awards — The public is invited to attend a free celebration on Mon., Oct. 28 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Foss Waterway Seaport, located at 705 Dock St.. Live entertainment includes music by Taxi Driver, a molten iron pour by Tacoma Community College, contemporary dance by the BareFoot Collective, urban arts by Fab-5, poetry by Tacoma Poet Laureate Lucas Smiraldo, films by Kat Ogden and Carla Barragan, and a hands-on public art project with Diane Hansen. Attendees can experience the newly-renovated Foss Waterway Seaport including a new public art piece, “Lot 411,” by Bret Lyon. There will be appetizers, dessert and a no-host bar. The event will include recognition of the Tacoma Arts Commission’s 2013 funding recipients and the AMOCAT Arts Award winners: Erivan and Helga Haub and family, Puget Sound Book Artists, and David Domkoski.

Tacoma Studio Tour — See the spaces and tools with which 60 local artists create their work. You can ask questions and purchase one-of-a-kind creations. This free, self-guided tour runs Sat., Nov. 2 and Sun., Nov. 3 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and covers 39 locations around Tacoma. All studios will feature demonstrations of the artistic process or will have hands-on activities for visitors. Visit ArtAtWorkTacoma.com for a complete list of studio locations and a map.

Art at Work Month sponsors include Click! Cable TV, The Greater Tacoma Community Foundation, and KPLU. The Art at Work Opening Party is sponsored by Foss Waterway Seaport and NW Staging. Information about Art at Work Month events and programming can be found online at ArtAtWorkTacoma.com.