Artist hid glass 'Monkeyshines' to beat winter blues in Tacoma — 23 years later, it’s now a cherished tradition
The year they first hid the 'Monkeyshines' also happened to be the Year of the Monkey in the Lunar New Year, and it felt like a lucky coincidence.
As temperatures drop, most people greet winter with hot chocolate in hand, but Tacomans gear up for something far more adventurous — a special treasure hunt. The heartfelt annual tradition began over 20 years ago, when a glass artist, who calls herself Ms. Monkey, started a fun project in 2004, according to a Northwest Public Broadcasting report on February 23. Ms. Monkey and her student were not feeling great in the cold, gray weather, so they decided to make some decorative glass marbles and hide them across the city, hoping people would find joy stumbling upon what they called "Monkeyshines."
Ms. Monkey, her student, Mr. Monkey, and a few other glass artists created nearly 200 hollow glass spheres and stamped them with the image of a monkey to hide around the city of Tacoma. Interestingly, they didn't have a specific reason to choose a monkey. Surprisingly, the year they first hid the "monkeyshines" also happened to be the Year of the Monkey in the Lunar New Year, and it felt like a lucky coincidence. "I always feel like I'm kind of the steward of a project that was meant to be," Ms. Monkey confessed. While for the glass artists, it was only a one-time thing, people in Tacoma had already fallen for the monkeyshine tradition. In fact, Ms. Monkey, overwhelmed by people's reaction, decided to continue the tradition, and it's been 23 years since. Every year, Ms. Monkey and her team stamp a different animal from the Chinese zodiac on the glass spheres and hide it across the city. Since 2026 is the Year of the Horse, the glass artists had stamped the image of a horse on over 3,000 pieces of glass.
The rules are pretty simple: if you find more than one Monkeyshine, you must take only one and leave the rest for others. It may sound easy, but finding one needs effort. "You can't normally find a Monkeyshine just driving by; you have to put in your work," Ms. Monkey explained. Despite humongous success, Ms. Monkey said next year will be the last year of her project. "The opportunity to connect is the most important thing about the Monkeyshine project. If you find a piece of glass, that's awesome, but it's not about the object; it's about the connection and experience, and it's about hope," Ms. Monkey, who has kept her identity anonymous, told Fox 13 Seattle.
A survey of 1,004 Americans by Puzzle Snap found that families find different ways to spend time together. While 82% of respondents reported hosting game nights, 42% have intentional family dinners daily. However, what's specifically interesting is that 78% of Americans believe phones tend to interfere with their family time, so 3 in 5 suggest keeping them away during those dinners. While a 85% of respondents said spending time with family improves their relationships, 69% said it fosters open communication, and 66% reported improvement in mental health. Similarly, traditions like Monkeyshines in Tacoma have become a way to create meaningful connections with family and friends. For instance, Cassie Didericksen goes on the treasure hunt every year with her mom and her daughter. "We call ourselves three generations of monkeys because we all get to do it together, which I think is better than any glass you're going to find," Didericksen said.
Port of Tacoma announced, "Our team will hide a total of 23 Port Monkeyshines — each in a different city or town across Pierce County," while Parks Tacoma has published a guide to this magical hide-and-seek. “I have so much admiration for what Ms. Monkey and the rogue artists have built,” said Visitor Engagement Manager, Daniel Mero. Parent Map has an illustrated guide on what Monkeyshines are, and how to find one — coupled with beautiful photos of the artefact.
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