Monkeyshines 2012 - The Year of the Dragon (23. January 2012, 04:13 by Derek Young) ~
UPDATE With Chinese New Year upon us, this is very obviously the story you want to read right now. Comments are rolling in and a lot of people are reading. Post your stories and, once someone finds that first Monkeyshines, we want to hear about it. Post your images online or send them to us at tips (at) exit133.com and we’ll put it in your comment.
One particularly nice dragon specimen found by a lucky reader
As Chinese New Year approaches we start to get this twitch. We look in newspaper boxes, behind bushes, and in planters. We start to notice all the shiny litter hidden in the nooks of buildings. In spite of the cold and rain (and snow), we walk through the city at night hoping to catch a glimpse of our first glass ball of the year. It’s like a city-wide Easter egg hunt, and it’s not just for kids.
Why? Why now? Dan said it so well in our story last year:
Every year since the year of the Monkey, an anonymous team has conspired to create hundreds of these glass balls and then carefully hide them all over the city. This unique art event has attracted a a slew of devotees, drawn by the beauty of the glass art and the thrill of the treasure hunt. When the first Monkeyshines ball or medallion is found, the news travels quickly. Social networks suddenly spring to life, teeming with the happy declarations and discovery tips of a community drawn together by glass art.
The shadowy Monkeyshines operation is tight-lipped. No one is told when the artworks will be hidden. No one is told where. The artists explained to me that their hope is for finders to have the joy of finding and keeping one piece of art. Should serendipity lead to more, the generous spirit of Monkeyshines demands that the finder join in the secret by telling no one. Someone else will surely find it – the Monkyeshines glass hunters are persistent and numerous.
Chinese New Year is Monday January 23rd. Will it happen that night? Maybe some other night? Given the number of emails to us asking when it’ll be, we seem to think at least a few of you are getting ready too. Monkey shines doesn’t have a webpage any more than the Easter Bunny does, so we’ll have to keep waiting and watching.
Good luck to all our Monkeyshine hunting friends!
As always, post your stories in the comments.
Previously on Exit133: Monkeyshines 2011 – The Year of the Rabbit, Monkeyshines 2010 is now!
UPDATE: PRESS RELEASE
Here’s a little more on Monkeyshines … in case you aren’t all out looking right now.
This year’s monkeyshine in its native environment.
More than 500 Hand-Blown Glass Balls Already Hidden in Tacoma for Lucky Searchers
Tacoma, WA, January 23 – For the ninth year in a row, Monkeyshines, Tacoma’s anonymous glass art project, has hidden hand-blown glass balls throughout the streets and neighborhoods of Tacoma in celebration of the Chinese New Year. Now it’s up to treasure hunters to go find them.
Monkeyshines first became a news item in 2003, when they gave away more than 200 glass balls in honor of the Chinese Year of the Monkey. Since then, they’ve hidden literally thousands of pieces of glass art each Chinese New Year. In 2010, more than 500 glass balls and glass medallions were hidden to celebrate the Year of the Tiger. And last year, the same happened for the Year of the Rabbit.
In honor of the current Year of the Dragon, this year’s balls and medallions are stamped with a dragon’s image. The pieces were created by a team of local artists, including students from the Hilltop Artists in Residence glassblowing program. The artworks were hidden throughout the city late last night by a group of bleary-eyed but enthusiastic volunteers. “It’s become part of the fabric of Tacoma,” said one participant. “It feels like its become a bigger deal each year.”
“Celebrating the Year of the Dragon with glass art is a natural,” said Miss Monkey, the project’s official, unidentified spokesperson. “Dragons are all about fire, energy and beauty. And glass floats are beautiful in a way that is so true to a waterfront community like Tacoma. They are the ultimate beachcomber’s treasure. Everyone should own at least one.”
While a few of the glass floats may actually show up on local beaches, don’t assume they’ll all be there. The artists and participants who hide the pieces try to vary the locations to keep the chance of finding one a true surprise. On previous years, the glass artworks were spotted in the branches of trees, throughout downtown, and in clever spots in many Tacoma neighborhoods. The works are meant to be gifts for whoever finds them.
In conjunction with the glass art, local poster artists Beautiful Angle created a dragon-themed poster, which will also be distributed throughout downtown Tacoma.
Monkeyshines representatives want to be clear that the glass gifts are meant to be found, taken home, and shared with friends. “This is an art project that is of, by, and for our community,” said one of the lead participants, “but please take only one. Let others have some fun, too.”
Monkeyshines is not an organization. It is a slightly-crazed art project that may or may not occur again. Keep looking in the low-growing branches of trees for more information.
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Hey everyone I am addicted to monkeyshine hunting and I have never found one! Last year, my first child was born and I searched the south tacoma area on foot for a whole week without success! This year, we’re expecting our second baby and I will be looking again with the same dedication!, I REALLLLLY hope to find two dragon monkeyshines this year… and trade someone who has a RABBIT from last year. I would LOVE to have a monkeyshine from the two years my kids were born
1 | Posted by blaine valadez | Jan 18, 02:41 PM
If you find 1 Blaine and I don’t find one this year, I would be willing to trade you… If it is one that I like. An Orb one would be preffered, but a medalion would work… Keep me posted
2 | Posted by Ryan | Jan 18, 04:07 PM
Now that the Asian Cultural Center is in South Park, I really hope more Monkeyshines are dispersed throughout South Tacoma.
If not, then we should start our own tradition down here.
3 | Posted by Sqeaky Steve | Jan 18, 10:19 PM
My boys & I are ready! We have been counting down 4 months. No school or work 4 us. Is n e 1 else worried about hunting in the snow??? Will they b buried in the snow???
5 | Posted by ANITA | Jan 19, 06:27 PM
This is the first year I’ve remembered BEFORE the new year. I’m looking forward to being out with my little man (who’s great at finding hard to see geocaches), I hope we find one. It would be a great first year!
6 | Posted by Dessa | Jan 19, 07:27 PM
this will b year 3 for me. havent found one yet, but 3rd times a charm!
7 | Posted by tsuru | Jan 20, 12:24 AM
I told my boss a month ago I might be calling in for a day off around the Chinese New Year to look for Monkeyshines. I was born in the year of the dragon so I’m hoping to find my first one this year. My sister is going “dragon hunting” with me too. If nothing else, it gave me a great story to tell a co-worker in Hong Kong when she asked if I knew the new year was coming up. She told me to “go find a lucky dragon ball.”
8 | Posted by JJ | Jan 20, 05:58 AM
Did a quick scan around town – does not look like they are out yet.
10 | Posted by Mike | Jan 22, 08:34 AM
I was out this a.m. too, didn’t see anything. Then again I couldn’t find Eddie Bauer in a mall yesterday – and I knew where that was!
11 | Posted by JJ | Jan 22, 08:35 AM
Bummed – have to fly to DC early tomorrow, looks like another year with no love from the Monkeyshines for me
14 | Posted by Mike | Jan 22, 09:11 AM
Oh Ms. Monkey how I long to hear your words…. Went searching this am in many of my favorite spots and nada.
16 | Posted by Supatractor | Jan 22, 10:26 AM
Trying for my 4th year — yes, FOURTH year — to find one! Here dragon, dragon, dragon…
17 | Posted by KrisKD | Jan 22, 05:14 PM
Lets please start already……. Im dying to get out and find one so bad. please let me find one please o please o please.. does anyone know if they will be both balls and medilions?
19 | Posted by jewls | Jan 22, 06:24 PM
Went out looking today, no luck! Had waaay too much fun taking pictures of the moustache mirrors at the old Woothworth’s building. Always have so much fun running around the city we love!
20 | Posted by hellosarakitty | Jan 22, 06:52 PM
BA posters are up, so I’m guessing Monkeyshines won’t be far off!
21 | Posted by Scott | Jan 22, 06:58 PM
Monkeyshine, monkeyshine, you’re so hard to find, monkeyshine, monkeyshine, will you be mine?
22 | Posted by AJR | Jan 22, 06:59 PM
My brother Terry died last night @ 44 of a heart attack. We are all in shock! He was the one who started our family on the monkeyshine hunt yrs ago. He had the monkey,rat,boar,& rabbit. Im going out with my 2 sons to try to find one for him since he is not with us anymore… going to bed @ 8 so we can start looking @ 5a.m. It will not be the same this yr w/out you Terry but we are dedicating our finds to you. Please guide us on our hunt.
23 | Posted by Anita | Jan 22, 07:02 PM
Saw a brief blurb on the Komo website, there will be about 600 of them this year! Hoping my early morning will not be in vain. We’re all getting very excite in our house. Hope it’s tonight!
Sorry about your brother Anita, that’s very sad to hear.
24 | Posted by Dessa | Jan 22, 07:59 PM
As I read all of your comments and feel your excitement; I wish all of you good luck in your hunt for beautiful glass treasures. I am sorry for your loss Anita. Listen to your inner Terry and he will be there to lead you to your dragon.
26 | Posted by Leihuanani | Jan 22, 10:52 PM
Is anybody out there yet? I assume that with the posters up that the games have begun … anybody? Hello?
27 | Posted by Peter Peter | Jan 23, 03:50 AM
Getting ready to head out while waiting for my hunting partner to wake up. Will you be joining in the festivities Peter?
28 | Posted by Jessica | Jan 23, 03:58 AM
@Jessica – Heading out shortly for a little while. Sleep is unnecessary.
29 | Posted by Peter Peter | Jan 23, 04:08 AM
Heading out shortly too, and hoping for a break in the rain!
30 | Posted by Dessa | Jan 23, 04:11 AM
Lots of people out at Reconcilliation park but I don’t think any have been found. Anyone out there find something?
33 | Posted by Dessa | Jan 23, 04:59 AM
Found one on proctort! The dragon does exist! Happy New Year.
34 | Posted by Jessica | Jan 23, 05:10 AM
Woo-hoo!Thanks to the Monkeyshiners on 6th Avenue. We found one!
35 | Posted by Zlata | Jan 23, 05:27 AM
Been out for a few hours looking. This girl may be getting too little for this big city! Ran in to a few other searchers but no one was very friendly or happy. Hopefully it’s just the weather cause my favorite part of the hunt is making new friends in the wee hours of the morning. Remember to smile people! This is supposed to be fun :)
36 | Posted by Tuttles | Jan 23, 05:53 AM
After 30minutes, we found a multiple speckled ball at the many squared thing on Broadway!! =)
37 | Posted by andrea | Jan 23, 05:54 AM
Lots of people and even a Whale out near Commencement, but have not seen one yet, hope your not teasing us Jessica and Zlanta! Good luck Christina and David!
38 | Posted by shines | Jan 23, 05:55 AM
How did the MonkeyShiners know I worked at St. Joeseph Hospital. Found a Yellow Ball in a planter as I was goin into work.
39 | Posted by Zach | Jan 23, 06:10 AM
We’ve been out for a couple hours and haven’t found one. We have found a few friendly faces. My little monkeys are LOVING this despite the cold, if you see us wave and say hi!
40 | Posted by Dessa | Jan 23, 06:12 AM
Found one by the firestation thank you monkeyshines.this is my first year and I’m hooked
42 | Posted by Diana | Jan 23, 06:32 AM
After several hours of searching we were about to give up…then saw a little shine under the bushes at TAPCO. Sure enough, our first one…YEAR OF THE DRAGON!! Thanks to the artists for this great Tacoma event!
43 | Posted by BAM | Jan 23, 06:39 AM
Dragons-ho! Make sure you all give a big shout out to the Tacoma Arts Commission for making this all possible, and let them know what The Monkeyshine Project Tacoma means to you. amcbride@cityofTacoma.org
Happy Hunting….there’s a lot out there!
44 | Posted by Monkeyshine Project | Jan 23, 06:58 AM
Found one at the globe by Dock Street, saw whale twice by the fishing dock and then found medallian by UWT!!!
45 | Posted by jack | Jan 23, 07:02 AM
our expedition group has been out for less than an hour and we’ve already found 2!! one at brown bear car wash, and one across the street from vien dong on 38th st!!!!!
46 | Posted by Becca | Jan 23, 07:05 AM
anyone search around south tacoma area yet? about to head out!
47 | Posted by blaine valadez | Jan 23, 07:17 AM
Yay! I found some marbles at People Park! Go marble man! My canine companion was getting sleepy and cold so I promised him one last stop at the glass museum. On the skyway I saw that one of the lights was tinge yellow…..Medallion found! I love searching but one is enough. That’s my rule. If you decide to keep searching maybe you could trade what you already have for the new one, if you like it more?
48 | Posted by Tuttles | Jan 23, 07:34 AM
Found a dragon ball on St. Helens and 6th!!!!!! And awesome marbles at peoples park. Remember, if you find one ball, leave others for someone else to find. Thats the point.
49 | Posted by Andrew | Jan 23, 07:48 AM
We found one!!!! Jane Clark park, doing a little hunting before dropping the kids off at school at Sherman. We were there just a couple of minutes when my Charlie found it. Way to go little man. Thank you Monkeshines and Tacoma Arts Commission!!! We’re hooked too!
51 | Posted by Dessa | Jan 23, 08:19 AM
I found a big beautiful dragon ball on Broadway in front of Luna, and my fiance got a medallion at Metronome! Thanks Monkeyshines and Tacoma Arts Commission! You make Tacoma great!
52 | Posted by Janemckane | Jan 23, 08:51 AM
be careful out there! I slipped and fell on black ice near Wright Park.
53 | Posted by notagain | Jan 23, 08:56 AM
Thank you for my Medallion I found near Lobstershop on Ruston Way, and the ball my husband found in the same area approx 20min before me? Hummmmmmmmm how did that happen? Are they still out hinding them?
54 | Posted by shines | Jan 23, 09:14 AM
This Mason teacher was out looking all morning. Found one in a tree near school just as I was about to give up and prepare for the day. Added lots of excitement for our 6th graders. Thanks Tacoma! I love this city!
55 | Posted by Mrs. Strong | Jan 23, 10:01 AM
We looked @ Jane Clark before school too and just missed finding one!:( hopefully after school we can find something, a marble would work too so the boys don’t get disappointed.
58 | Posted by Marie | Jan 23, 10:18 AM
Thank you once again Monkeyshines! We found an orb right away – fire station at 6th ave. Then we went and enjoyed breakfast at Hob Nob, mmmmm. Saw a guy find an orb right across the street at Wright Park as we ate… he looked pretty happy too!
59 | Posted by Jordan Foster | Jan 23, 10:23 AM
Found a medallion around 8:30 this morning hidden in the base of a tree trunk at Wright Park. Monkeyshines time is just so exciting. Thank you, Tacoma Arts Commission. And a big thank you to our secret glass artists, you add magic to our great city. Love my medallion, but, wow, all the orbs I’ve see photos of this year are absolutely stunning. Good luck fellow hunters!
Spent all morning searching with no such luck:(. Keeping my eye out though and staying positive!
61 | Posted by Harlie | Jan 23, 10:26 AM
I went searching for an hour this morning – up through UPS campus from Alder to Union and back, but no Monkey Love for me. I’ll go hunting again once I get off work. Congrats to all those lucky enough to find something so far!
62 | Posted by Andrea | Jan 23, 10:44 AM
4 hours on foot from the dome district to wright park. Finally found one behind the triangular monument to schuster in firemens park. First time doing it, so much fun! Good luck fellow hunters!!!
63 | Posted by Dan Hockaday | Jan 23, 10:49 AM
Thank you MonkeyShines! Found my dragon ball treasure on 19th St. across from TCC…yay for Year of the Dragon!
64 | Posted by Imajine | Jan 23, 10:52 AM
Searched all morning! I found a glass piece in the shape of a shell. Is that something that the monkeyshiners left? I think a nice couple that I bumped into earlier passed it up for me to find! After that I drove home excited about my shell but still a little dissapointed that I didn’t find an orb. Then on my way into work I turned in the community center at Portland Ave Park to do a quick drive-by of the front entrance. As I was pulling out I saw something shiny poking out of the broken piece of the totem pole! A beautiful orb!! And I love that the fact that I found it in my own neighborhood. Thanks all – you made my day!
65 | Posted by hwill | Jan 23, 11:19 AM
Found one in a planter at Saint Josephs. We’re expecting a new little one and are so happy to have a monkeyshine for this momentous year
66 | Posted by Meekles | Jan 23, 11:30 AM
thank you ms monkey. found one saw lots of folks having fun. this is a great thing you and your team do.
67 | Posted by marble man | Jan 23, 12:01 PM
I found a rabbit ball today which was pretty dirty in a tree, could it really be that nobody found it from last year?
68 | Posted by AJR | Jan 23, 12:08 PM
Just after 7 this morning I found my first ever monkeyshine on dock street in a bush under a glass studio sign! Across town at work my husband stumbled across one at the bus stop on the corner of Saint Lukes. Fun way to start off the day!
69 | Posted by Korbie | Jan 23, 12:28 PM
Unbeleivable! The first year in three years of hunting I did not find one! The year of the rabbit I helped others collect thiers when they couldnt find one. I am seeking to keep my collection up to par, if there is anyone who has found more than one and is willing to part with an extra, let me know.
70 | Posted by monkey master | Jan 23, 12:36 PM
I herd about a meeting at round table the weekend after for show/trade/story swapping. How bout tryin that again? Saturday the 28th at 1 o’clock?
71 | Posted by shinesaccidently | Jan 23, 12:41 PM
Headed down to Tacoma after work (I live / work in Seattle but cherish the Monkeyshine holiday from my undergrad days at UPS). Hoping there are still some left!!
72 | Posted by Heather | Jan 23, 12:43 PM
Found gold, dragon ball in UW tacoma campus pacific ave in planter box
73 | Posted by MomAndDaughter | Jan 23, 01:09 PM
Found a float hidden in a planter off 9/market area around noon today. Thanks Monkeyshines, the treasure hunt is so fun!
74 | Posted by Rose | Jan 23, 01:38 PM
Had a very nice bartender from Top of Tacoma give me the medallion that he had found. Made my week!
Thank you to Monkeyshines and a very sweet bartender!
75 | Posted by RadRed | Jan 23, 01:46 PM
I found my medallion perched on a store front in the Lincoln International District!
76 | Posted by MB | Jan 23, 01:49 PM
Was lucky enough to find two dragon balls today. As of 1:40 pm, I have re-hidden one of them somewhere on the UW Tacoma campus. Just an FYI…
Thank you ever so much Monkeyshines and the Tacoma Arts Commission!
77 | Posted by tbsqrd | Jan 23, 01:50 PM
Still looking… Granted, I’d rather find my own, but is it “okay” to buy one?
78 | Posted by KrisKD | Jan 23, 02:16 PM
Thanks for every1’s condolences! It was hard for us to do the hunt w/ out my brother Terry. I believe in spirit he was w/ us tho cuz we found 4 orbs and 2 medallions within 3 hrs of looking. Everyone in our car group will get one this year. Good luck to every1.
We found ours @: 2orbs @ the Indian Lady downtown within 1 hr of each other.
1 orb outside the 38th st. police station.
1 medallion on the mckinly playground
1 Medallion on the mans hat outside the museum.
1 orb in a tree on Pac. Ave.
Thank you monkeyshines for giving my family some smiles in our time of grief.
79 | Posted by Anita | Jan 23, 02:23 PM
Yes, thank you so much you Merry Band of Monkeyshine Makers and the Tacoma Arts Commission! My my son just found a beautiful blue orb at Wilson High School. Happy New Year!
80 | Posted by Alisa Solberg | Jan 23, 02:46 PM
Found one in the bushes on the street behind North 46th. Had lots of fun! Thank you!
81 | Posted by hellosarakitty | Jan 23, 04:54 PM
This will be my first year for Monkeyshines! My best friend has been doing it for 3 years, into his 4th year. Found one every year so far, I hope he finds one when he goes out tomorrow! I will be taking my 2 little ones with me in the morning, will be showing them pics of these beautiful balls so they know what to look for! Happy hunting all!
83 | Posted by laurie | Jan 23, 05:16 PM
For anybody who has found one today or in past years, is there a good way to go about displaying them on a mantle or somewhere to keep them from rolling around?
84 | Posted by Dan Hockaday | Jan 23, 05:19 PM
Hi Dan,
Go buy some rubber washers – they make great stands and keeps them from rolling around.
85 | Posted by Heyheywiththemonkeyshines | Jan 23, 05:31 PM
Thank you Monkeyshines! Found a beautiful blue globe on the Multicare campus near Mary Bridge. Love it!
86 | Posted by pedsnurse | Jan 23, 05:38 PM
Today was my lucky day, I have been looking for the past couple years and I found a beautiful golded orb in a down town park early this morning around 6am. I saw lot’s of dragon hunters out and about and two guys had just walked thru the area where I found mine. Thank you Monkeyshines for all the fun and exercise.
87 | Posted by Trish | Jan 23, 05:45 PM
Found another beautiful orb in a planter on Broadway =) thanks monkeys!
88 | Posted by andrea | Jan 23, 05:47 PM
Mu son found his at his hospital this morning as he walked into work. On my lunch break today drove by Zina Linniks’s Park and saw something blue and shiny. Went around the block and drove back to find a large blue medallion and a small brown one next to it under the fence. Happy Chinese New Year and thank you Monkeyshines!
89 | Posted by Melenie | Jan 23, 05:53 PM
@hwill: We put that there for you to find because you were so nice, we wanted to make sure you got something, even if it wasn’t an official monkeyshine. I’m so glad to hear you found a ball! :)
We left a few other pink glass shells around, and some real moon snail shells. I hope people enjoyed finding them too! :)
93 | Posted by Moonsnail | Jan 23, 07:24 PM
went out at 4:30 this morning; sixth year I have searched and have never found one. explained Monkeyshines to a friendly squid fisherman at Les Davis pier before sunrise. accidentally fell in the fountain at 11th & Broadway around 6. went to work for awhile, but stopped by in person to thank amy mcbride. continued the search. thought I saw one – but it was the 422nd beer can of the day. going back to the car found the most beautiful dragon ball. persistence does pay off. thank you for a great excuse to run all over Tacoma. and thanks to Beautiful Angle for the coordinated letterpress.
94 | Posted by cubstim | Jan 23, 07:42 PM
Found ours in old town, on our way home from searching all morning with two little ones and a very good friend. It is so beautiful. Such a great tradition, Big kudos to all the artists that created the Monkeyshiners and the Art grant that help make the 600 out there. See ya next year.
95 | Posted by Eliz | Jan 23, 08:53 PM
Found my first Monkeyshines tonight at 8PM. They’re still out there, so keep looking!
96 | Posted by Scott | Jan 23, 09:56 PM
I’m out of the running this year (literally) as I’m on crutches and stuck at home, so I’m living vicariously through y’all. Then, Lo and Behold, some friends dropped by with the gift of a found Beautiful Angle poster, and I’m pleased as punch. Next year I’ll continue the hunt for my first orb—thank you Monkeyshiners, McBride, B.A. and Tacomans for continuing one of our best traditions!
98 | Posted by Anagram Press | Jan 24, 07:29 AM
Had a great time with my family yesterday! Thanks Monkeyshiners! I had my wife, 1yr old daughter, & 2 year old daughter out looking for shines! We had no luck, but it was priceless to hear my 2yr old daughter chant, “We’re going on an adventure… looking for treasure” over, and over again! I almost brought home 3 beer bottles just as a reminder of the good time we had! Looks like a a family tradition has been started! Can’t thank you guys enough…cherished memories for sure! Go Monkeyshiners!
99 | Posted by Wa_Dad | Jan 24, 08:45 AM
Went out for the first time this year and found one right at the get go (Monday morning). I was totally surprised by that. For me it was the best because it shows that anyone can do it. It gave hope to my fellow hunter, also on his first trip, that we may find one for him. Never did find a second one. But I also have a very small amount of guilt that I found one so quickly when there are those that have been searching for years and haven’t found an orb yet.
100 | Posted by First Base | Jan 24, 08:59 AM
*edit – 3 “empty” beer bottles that were shiny and we thought could be shines! Some even placed at the base of trees.
101 | Posted by Wa_Dad | Jan 24, 09:07 AM
Does anyone have the link to the Beautiful Angle Facebook group page? I’m told there is one. Thx.
102 | Posted by Sarah | Jan 24, 10:10 AM
So are there still any out there? I think i have walked my feet right off lol even though i did not find one i had a blast and am excited to explore some more! but if ya guys have any hints that would be nice, I am a little confused at where ms_monkey is she usually stops by and posts. I hope everything is ok.
104 | Posted by confused | Jan 24, 10:47 AM
@104 – I’m sure there are still some out there. We found some last year several days into the search. The key was to think of great places in Tacoma that aren’t in downtown or Ruston Way. Those places were completely picked through within hours. The ones we found were hiding in plain sight.
106 | Posted by Peter Peter | Jan 24, 11:35 AM
@104 confused…I’m lurking here as usual! I cannot begin to express the joy I feel when I read this and other blogs. The Monkeyshiners are a group of fun-loving Guerilla artists, and we know that ONLY in Tacoma will the community come out and hunt, enjoy our beautiful city, and really get the spirit of The Monkeyshine Project. We are thrilled when we read about ‘Marble Man’ and ‘Moonsnail’ dropping glass treasures for other hunters to find! Monkeyshines is about everyone’s ability to positively impact our community. Thank-you Tacoma for coming out to play!
107 | Posted by Ms_Monkey | Jan 24, 12:06 PM
@107 I know the marble man we help him leave presents and love doing it and i am glad to see you are still lurking lol and seeing the enjoyment we all get out of your teams hard work and we emailed amy and let her know we appreciate them to thank you very much i am off to try again and comb the city !!!
108 | Posted by confused | Jan 24, 12:18 PM
@marie hello there I will head down to jane clark if for some reason nothing is there you can email me and ill let ya know where else i go today akirk146@gmail.com hope they enjoy there treasure hunt marble man will be excited to help bring excitment for them
109 | Posted by confused | Jan 24, 12:22 PM
We are going to walk up s tac way. so far no luck. I am happy to see your post Ms. Monkey! Thank you for the years of fun.
110 | Posted by DeDe | Jan 24, 01:16 PM
I had my heart set on a ball, but didn’t find one- I did get a medallion though, so I didn’t go home empty handed. ;) Too laid up with my bad back to hunt any more, so I’ll just hope next year will bring a ball my way. :)
Already planning little treasures to leave when we go out hunting next year, too. :)
111 | Posted by Moonsnail | Jan 24, 03:17 PM
After searching downtown last night until 4:30 am I slept and went back out today (my girlfriend found one last night but one didn’t come my way). Walked from 6th and MLK and ended my search with an amazing find in the best location I could have hoped for, The Fish House!! Best fish sandwich in town and where I found my first Monkeyshine, thank you everyone who helps make this happen in Tacoma.
112 | Posted by 2big | Jan 24, 03:45 PM
I looked last night late until 2am. I didn’t find anything yet :) I am wondering.. are there still some out there? I am ready to go again late tonight!!!
113 | Posted by mnamster | Jan 24, 04:18 PM
Can someone post a photo of the marbles they found from marble man?
114 | Posted by Dragonslayer | Jan 24, 04:53 PM
TO THOSE OF YOU ASKING IF THERE IS STILL GLASS TO FIND…………..In each of the last three years someone reported finding a ball or medallion from previous years. I am sure there are much more that don’t share online too. Keep Looking!!!!! I hear the Monkeyshines luck and good fortune multiplies exponentially the longer they are hidden. Monkeyshines isn’t a day, week, or month out of the year. It’s a way of life. Monkeyshines 365 ;-)
116 | Posted by Andrew | Jan 24, 08:19 PM
woke up at 3:50 am but it was too dark and cold. finally went out in the afternoon to Ruston Way with my son. parked at the Lobster Shop and started searching. son found a medallion within five minutes leaning at the base of the dock railing. we walked all the way to the new reconcillation park but found no other medallions or floats. I did find two agates (rocks) on the beach and a $20 bill at the base of a tree so it wasn’t too bad. I would trade it all for a dragon, well I would probably keep the agates.
117 | Posted by Nancy Piercy | Jan 24, 10:16 PM
found a very cool marble at reconciliation park!
thanks Marbleman!
118 | Posted by dr.kay | Jan 25, 06:36 AM
God love you all but I’m a bit disturbed by this. We’re at 118 comments for a hide-n-seek game and have to beg for them on real issues? I’m sure Monkeyshine is fun and all but…
119 | Posted by Jesse | Jan 25, 08:25 AM
A reader emailed us this message and pictures of those marbles we’ve been hearing about (here you go @dragonslayer):
The 4 marbles are from last year. The boys and I found 2 this year so far. The yellow one in Ruston and the Dino on a park pole in Vassault Park. No monkeyshine yet! Thanks Marbleman; we are still on the hunt!
120 | Posted by Exit133 | Jan 25, 09:56 AM
I just wanted to thank Ms Monkey and her amazing crew. Your work this year to touch every part of our city was incredible! I was inspired to comment by Jesse’s thoughts. I too have worked on a number of civil rights activities and know how hard it is to get people to even work to help themselves. But this amazing event allows all of us to add hope, childish delight, and a warm sense of community in such challenging, dark and cold times (especially this last week). I would truly be much more concerned if there were not as many posts. It makes my very grateful to be a part of this community. While I am still looking after numerous very early wake-ups, I look forward to finding my own “shiney monkey” (to quote my daughter). Thank you all for your great energy!
122 | Posted by PeacebyPiece | Jan 25, 12:22 PM
I suppose I’ll take the kids to look again, they get so excited. But you know, every year (since I found a boar one years ago) I think I have more fun reading here about everyone finding Monkeyshines (or better yet, the Monkeyshines finding them) more than I would finding them myself. Great job, tbsqrd, for re-hiding the 2nd one you found. And it’s so cool that previous years’ ‘shines are still being found. Really? One was found in Steilacoom? Cool.
123 | Posted by KP | Jan 25, 12:34 PM
What a bummer I’ve been searching for three days and can’t seem to find anything. I see others have several. I guess the game is only for the greedy.
124 | Posted by banksyfan | Jan 25, 03:06 PM
Confused, keep up the search! You are on vacation after all!
127 | Posted by The Hunter | Jan 25, 08:08 PM
Oh Hunter I suppose you are right clever screen name there friend perhaps you have good ideas for me i think i have been throughout the whole city i did find a pad lock so if anyone lost one let me know lol.
128 | Posted by confused | Jan 25, 11:12 PM
My wife and I have been trying to find one since the Year of the Rat. This year’s search began in earnest on Monday, looking in a lot of the obvious (and picked-over) places. We were rewarded yesterday, three days in, at Wright Park, with an excellent well-camouflaged orb in plan sight! What a blast it would be to do the hiding!I
129 | Posted by Team Franzy | Jan 26, 10:03 AM
The Dragon balls are all over Tacoma, keep looking! Also, a HUGE shout-out to Tacoma Glassblowing Studio on 23rd and ‘A’ street for all they do to keep Monkeybusiness going all year.
Thank-you all for playing. Thanks everyone who took only 1 Monkeyshine, be it a medallion or an orb, and thanks to the person who ‘re-hid’ their extra.
Thanks glass artists, students, teachers, craftspeople, geo-cachers, friends, studio owners, stamp-makers, Arts Commission and commissioners, and all who devote their time and energy in serving others. Thanks Tacoma Police Department and all security personnel who protect, serve and don’t hassle we Monkeyshiners ;-)
As always, I suggest you Monkeyshine Aficionados find something you can add to the party, be it picking up trash along the way, figuring out how to make all of those beer bottles ‘collectible New Year’s art’, or just saying ‘hi’ to the other hunters. Let’s work to make the post-holiday darkness a time of light and festivity in Tacoma, THE City of Destiny!
130 | Posted by Ms_Monkey | Jan 26, 10:41 AM
I just wanted to thank MsMonkey and the Tacoma Arts Commision and volunteers for all of your efforts! Thins is a great family event that we look forward to. This is our second year and my wife and I found ours Monday and Tues. I found a medallian at Wrights park mon morn and she found a very nice globe on So Tacoma Way Tues night. We are very happy! Thanks again!!
131 | Posted by The Hunter | Jan 26, 01:27 PM
Four days and about ten hours of search time in so far. I’m still not giving up hope though. It took me five days last year. Good luck everyone!
132 | Posted by TacomaJustin | Jan 26, 02:17 PM
oh my goodness four days in i think my right foot is quiting on me lol amazing how much someone can walk and not realize still no luck for me think i will have to retire for the year although i still hope maybe one will find me
133 | Posted by confused | Jan 26, 04:28 PM
Havr been looking for about two hours now, still haven’t found anything!:( tips!? Anyone! I didn’t get to start on the day it started because of surgery but I’m out and about looking for one now!:)
134 | Posted by Bailey June | Jan 26, 07:35 PM
does anyone have a purple one or one with alot of purple they want to trade for a blue and green one?
135 | Posted by purple crazy | Jan 26, 07:37 PM
Gotta love Marbleman! Picked up 4 more marbles w/ boys! Thx! Still on the hunt, seen many parts of Tacoma I
haven’t seen in awhile. Ms Monkey is right about trying to help w/ the garbage 1 bag at a time. Still on the hunt for a dragonball, I know one is out there w/ our name on, not ready to throw in towel yet.
137 | Posted by Marie | Jan 26, 10:53 PM
Hey all! This is such an amazing activity! I went out on Monday for 4 hours, but no luck :( Now I have been preoccupied with work, but tomorrow the search renews in earnest! This is my first year, and I so hope to find one :) If nothing else, I have gotten the family outside, been to a couple of local spots that I haven’t seen in a while, and met some cool people. We should have more spontaneous art pop up in the city. I love Tacoma!
138 | Posted by Ariel | Jan 26, 11:43 PM
well shiners four days in and i found one thank you so much found on pac ave super sweet ball i got off work at 11pm me and my wife went huntin and two hours latter there it was keep up the good work
139 | Posted by nancy | Jan 27, 11:35 AM
Too 139 and 140… Where did you find it on PAC ave. I’ve been looking and. No help or found.
Is there any on south Tacoma way?
141 | Posted by Jewels | Jan 27, 04:29 PM
we think someone rehid it there cause it was pretty visible by the skippers we just thought what the heck we will stop by here I am a rooster so if anyone wants to trade me my phone number 253 273 5937
142 | Posted by monkeymaster | Jan 27, 08:32 PM
Keep looking late night lookers! I did and was rewarded with my first find. I originally stopped my car to look at an orange orb near a tree. After discovering it was an orange I went around the corner and found another orange orb and to my delight it was made of glass. Thanks Monkey Shine makers and supporters for encouraging folks to get out and discover our great city.
143 | Posted by Sue | Jan 28, 04:41 PM
Am yearning to know: Blaine, did you find one?
Also, Becca, I’m curious to know more specifically where in the “south end” you found your three? Thanks!
~
146 | Posted by Sqeaky Steve | Jan 31, 08:20 AM
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