Teen Open Studio: LGBT+ Nichos with Vaquero Azul

Thursday, October 15, 2026 @ 5:00pm – 7:00pm Join Vaquero Azul as we make LGBT+ themed Nichos together! This all ages friendly, free workshop will provide templates to make your own, as you can customize it to honor a family member, icon that inspires you, pet or loved one. Vaquero Azul is a Mexican and Puerto Rican, Boriken-Taíno, IndigeQueer, Illustrator and Sewist. Their work focuses on Trans Mexican Euforia and Mesoamerican joy. Vaquero builds spaces of serenity and emotional vulnerability by honoring our past Trancestors through Ofrendas all year long. They create empowerment for LGBTQIA+ voices within their workshops and culturally relevant presentations. TAM will also host Vaquero Azul for Tacoma Studio Tours on Sunday October 18th, 10am-5pm in TAM Studio. Vaquero Azul is a recipient of the Tacoma Artist Initiative Program. The TAIP is a biennial program that was established in 1999 to encourage the contributions made by individual artists who reside in Tacoma. The goals of the program are to recognize creative expression of the artists in our community, financially assist artists in generating new work and growing their skills, and engage the broader community through free public components presented by the funded artists. About Teen Open Studio Teen Open Studio invites teenagers to delve into the world of artmaking on the third Thursday of the month. The event happens during the Neighborhood Nights – which offers free admission to TAM from 5-8 pm. The project is a unique space for young minds to explore their creativity, connect with peers, and embrace the joy of self-expression. The schedule provides an array of hands-on artmaking activities. Every session, from painting and drawing to crafts, is a chance to discover new techniques and mediums. This is a free event.