Tacoma Art Museum (TAM) and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) have teamed up for the third year to present innovative creations of culinary and architectural genius via a gingerbread village featuring Tacoma landmarks.

Celebrating the theme of “Tacoma Landmarks: Past and Present,” the gingerbread village features seven larger-than-life displays created by local designers, students and artists as follows: Bellarmine Preparatory School - Vashon Ferry on a Sea of Sugar Glass; Korsmo Construction - University of Washington-Tacoma; Affairs Desserts and Chocolates - Stadium High School; Paprika Catering - Tacoma Dome; BCRA - Ford Building/Old Crescent Ballroom and The Elks Club; Jonz Catering - Bob’s Java Jive; and Claudia Riedener of Ixia Tile - The Luzon Building. Entry to the display is free with museum admission.

This annual holiday event educates the community about a life-changing disease that millions of children and adults live with every day, type 1 (or juvenile) diabetes. Local businesses and individuals sponsor the event with proceeds going to JDRF.

“We are very excited and honored to partner with Tacoma Art Museum on this fun family event that highlights the important work of two local organizations,” said Kim Pepin, event chair and former JDRF South Sound board president.

“I am so touched at how the community comes out to support this cause that is so dear to my heart. Our 12-year-old son, Drew, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was 5. Our involvement in JDRF has meant a lot to our family and we want others to know about this wonderful charity, so this event really helps build awareness in the community.”

Students involved with the design and creation of these gingerbread houses have an opportunity to learn from and collaborate with industry professionals on a project benefiting others’ health and quality of life. “Because of our focus on education and community, this collaboration with JDRF is a perfect way to utilize the museum as a community resource,” TAM Director Stephanie A. Stebich remarked.

Museum hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is adult $9, student/military/senior (65+) $8, family $25 (two adults and up to four children under 18). Children 5 and under get in free. For more information, visit www.TacomaArtMuseum.org or www.jdrfnorthwest.org.

The village will be on view through Dec. 12.

This event is sponsored by BCRACommencement Bank, Pediatrics NW, Sessler, Inc., Tucci and Sons, and Power Paint. The presenting sponsor is Colonial Life Corry Agency.