Harmon Brewery and Tacoma Art Museum Bring Beer and Art Together
PRESS RELEASE

TACOMA, WA – In 1982, Andy Warhol set his sights on Tacoma with a proposal to drape the Tacoma Dome with a Pop Art flower. Today, those flowers are coming to Tacoma Art Museum and have inspired the local Harmon Brewery to create Hop Art Ale, a special, seasonal IPA to celebrate Warhol’s Tacoma connections. The flower-inspired ale is the fourth seasonal beer that Harmon Brewery has crafted in partnership with Tacoma Art Museum.

“In crafting this beer we took our signature Point Defiance IPA and aged it with rose hips, hibiscus, lavender, and chamomile to tie in with Warhol's love of flowers,” said Pat Nagle, Owner of The Harmon Brewery and Restaurant. “The lavender has a nice presence and each flower does its part to provide the aroma and the taste of this amazing IPA.”

Made with hops and flowers from Washington State, Hop Art Ale can be enjoyed on tap or in bottles at The Harmon Restaurant, The Hub, The Tap Room, and Tacoma Art Museum’s Relish Cafe, while supplies last. Only 35 cases of the Hop Art Ale were bottled. The beer sells for $6 a bottle.

“Warhol believed that everything has its own beauty,” said Stephanie A. Stebich, Director of Tacoma Art Museum. “He saw that beauty in Tacoma, and we are proud to embrace it. Tacoma’s strong ties to art and to the art of craft beer make a perfect combination for our City of Destiny.”

The museum and the Harmon have been collaborating on projects and unique seasonal beers since 1998. Most recently, they have created the Biennial Brew and Mighty Tacoma Ale, both of which sold out at all locations. Tacoma Art Museum has a long history of connecting the community through diverse art exhibitions, programs, and events. The Harmon Brewery was established in 1997 as Tacoma’s first microbrewery. Their award-winning beers help make their three Tacoma locations [The Harmon Brewery, The Hub, and The Taproom] a favorite spot for downtown businesses, local residents, and tourists alike.

For press images, interviews, or more information, contact Lisa Terry at 253.272.4258 x3047 or at LTerry@TacomaArtMuseum.org.

Related Programs and Events:

  • Adorning the Dome - Saturday, November 3, 2 pm: Amy McBride, City of Tacoma Arts Administrator, discusses Warhol’s 1982 flower design submission for the Tacoma Dome and the current, renewed movement to put the design on the dome. Cost: Free with museum admission.
  • Hop Art Ale Tasting - Saturday, November 3, 3 pm: Join us for the unveiling of Hop Art Ale, a hand-crafted brew inspired by the Andy Warhol exhibition and specially created by the Harmon Brewery.
  • New Year’s Eve Bash Studio 54 at Tacoma Art Museum - Monday, December 31: Ring in 2013 in Studio 54 style at our Andy Warhol-inspired celebration. Cost: $150 for Studio 54 Platinum VIP; $100 for Studio 54 Gold VIP; $50 for Studio 54 Pass.

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About The Harmon Brewery
The Harmon Brewery is the hub of dining and craft brewing in Downtown Tacoma. Since 1997 The Harmon team has been serving up some of the best beers and pub grub you can find anywhere in the Northwest. It’s a favorite spot for downtown business folks, local residents and tourists alike.

About Tacoma Art Museum 
Tacoma Art Museum connects people and builds community through art. The museum serves the diverse communities of the region through its collection, exhibitions, and learning programs, emphasizing art and artists from the Northwest. The museum’s five galleries display an array of major national shows, the best of Northwest art, creatively themed exhibitions, and historical retrospectives. In addition, there is an Education Wing for children, adults, and seniors with an art resource center, classroom, and studio for art making. 

HOURS – Wednesdays–Sundays 10 am–5 pm, Thursday Ignite 5 pm–8 pm
ADMISSION – Adult $10, Student/Military/Senior [65+] $8, Family $25 [2 adults and up to 4 children under 18]. Children 5 and under free. Third Thursdays free from 5-8 pm. Members always free.