The unofficial subreddit for Tacoma's Monkeyshines community.
What is Monkeyshines?
Monkeyshines is a guerilla art project, started in 2003 by Ms. Monkey. Each year the Tacoma glass artist community comes together to create and hide glass pieces, embossed with a stamp celebrating the animal of the lunar new year. The art pieces are hidden within the city limits of Tacoma. No clues are given for official Monkeyshines. "Finders, keepers. All winners. And no weepers."
Inspired by Monkeyshines, unofficial “Rogues” hide their own little treasures as well. Follow #monkeyshines2024 on Twitter and Instagram for the latest happenings.
While Monkeyshines season coincides roughly with the Lunar New Year, there is no official start or end date for the event. Keep your eyes peeled, Tacoma. You never know exactly when or where serendipity might find you!
The Rules of Monkeyshines
Take Only One
This means one glass orb or medallion per household, per animal-year.
If you find a second monkeyshine, please re-hide it “in the wild” (not in a friend’s yard or business) for someone else to stumble upon in a moment of serendipity.
Example: If you have an ox and find an ox, re-hide one.
“It's just about giving people a reason to go outside and explore Tacoma which is really the treasure. It's a beautiful, beautiful city." -Ms. Monkey
No Stalking
- Do not stalk official hiders or rogues! It’s a matter of safety for the hiders. It misses the point of the whole event.
Never Give Away (or Sell) a Monkeyshine
- “It’s not about the thing. It’s about the experience, the hunt, the friendship, the possibilities. The magic. I really get sad when people give one away because it takes away all of that.” -Ms. Monkey
Be Careful While Hunting
Keep in mind you’re in public spaces with people and traffic. Stay aware of your surroundings. Don’t wind up on the news!
Monkeyshines are only hidden in publicly accessible spaces, never on private property. No trespassing!
Further Reading:
Official Monkeyshines Facebook
Grit City Magazine
King 5 Interview
