Tacoma poet, Tammy Robacker, celebrates and releases her first book of poetry, The Vicissitudes, published by Pearle Publications. The public is invited to join the poet for a special book release, reading, and signing party held Sunday, October 25 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the bellaballs art studio located at 747 South Fawcett Avenue in Tacoma. Current 2009-10 Urban Grace Poet Laureate of Tacoma, Antonio Edwards, Jr. will be emceeing the poetry event, which is free and open to the public.

Robacker’s collection of poetry, The Vicissitudes, was made possible due to funding by the Tacoma Artists Initiative Program (TAIP) grant awarded to her this past year from the City of Tacoma and the Tacoma Arts Commission.

Local bellaballs owners, Lesli Jacobs-M cHugh and Diane Hansen, have designed and hand-blown a collection of Limited Edition ‘Vicissitudes’ bellaballs—created exclusively for sale at the release party for Tammy Robacker’s first book. The bellas are 3″ in diameter and will be sold for $28 each. They are inspired by the book’s hot pink and black cover created by Seattle designer, Martin McClellan. The Vicissitudes bellas are transparent, hot pink glass floats embossed with sterling silver and 24 Karat gold on a black background with the bellaballs ‘beautiful’ design adornment.

“Lesli and I met Tammy through a writing project at the beginning of our own new business venture last year—when bellaballs was still a concept. She has always been there for us. Supporting us and encouraging our dream,” said glass artist, Diane Hansen.

“We are honored to be hosting this reading and celebrating the release of her new book,” said local designer, Lesli Jacobs-McHugh.

Come enjoy this exclusive reading of poetry from Ms. Robacker’s new book as well as refreshments, the live jazz duo: Sidewalk Symphony, and an opportunity to meet and greet the author! Don’t forget to pick up your signed copy of The Vicissitudes at this event for $14.95. Only cash and checks can be accepted.

Tammy Robacker studied Creative Writing and Poetry at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, graduating with a B.A. degree in=2 01993. Now, actively involved in the South Sound poetry community as a poet, a freelance writer and a volunteer, Robacker also serves as secretary of the board for Puget Sound Poetry Connection and secretary of the board for Exquisite Disarray Publishing, a non-profit literary arts organization that publishes Northwest writers. In 2009, she co-edited a Tacoma poetry anthology, with former Urban Grace Poet Laureate of Tacoma, Bill Kupinse, called, In Tahoma’s Shadow: Poems from the City of Destiny. Her poetry has appeared in Plazm, Floating Bridge Review: Pontoon, Word Salad, Pens on Fire, and the Allegheny Review.