UNDERGROUND SOUND x ART ON THE AVE 2026 ARTIST CALL
Underground Sound is partnering with the 6th Avenue Business District to select the official August 2026 cover artist for the Underground Sound zine in celebration of Art on the Ave.
The selected artist will have their artwork featured on the cover of the August issue and on limited-edition merchandise.
GRAND PRIZE ARTIST RECEIVES:
Featured cover artist placement on the August issue of Underground Sound
$150 artist payment
Profit share from T-shirt sales
Recognition through Underground Sound and 6th Ave Business District social channels
Artist spotlight on the 6th Avenue Business District website
Opportunity to showcase artwork within the Underground Sound booth at Art on the Ave 2026
HOT OFF THE PRESS
The June issue has landed!
Always groovy. Always free. Always community powered.
Pick one up at your favorite South Sound haunt, including Hob Nob, Mary Mart, House of Records, Free The Funk, The Method, Hippie House, Magoos, 1111, South Sound Scooters and dozens more cool spots!
JUNE UNDERGROUND SOUND COVER ARTIST
Limited Edition Tees - Daniel Baptista
*World Cup Poster Art Finalist
Underground Sound LE Daniel Baptista Guardian Tee
Part of our Limited Edition Artist Collaboration Series, the Guardian Tee features original artwork by Puyallup Tribal member and artist Daniel Baptista.
The eagle design is derived from one of Baptista’s original wood carvings and reflects themes that run throughout his work: heritage, stewardship, community, and connection to place. In Coast Salish tradition, the eagle is often viewed as a messenger and guardian, representing a higher perspective and guidance.
Baptista’s artwork can be found throughout the region, from language revitalization projects and public art installations to cultural education initiatives that celebrate Coast Salish heritage and the Lushootseed language. His work bridges traditional symbolism with contemporary design, helping keep Indigenous stories, language, and identity visible for future generations.
This special collaboration was created in conjunction with Underground Sound’s June 2026 cover story featuring Baptista and his artwork. Each shirt represents more than a striking visual design. It is a celebration of culture, creativity, and the artists who help shape the South Sound.
A portion of every sale directly supports the artist.
Limited Edition.
Designed by Daniel Baptista.
Presented by Underground Sound/Tacoma Loyal
• 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester)
• Pre-shrunk fabric
• Side-seamed construction
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!
Underground Sound LE Daniel Baptista Heritage Tee
Part of our Limited Edition Artist Collaboration Series, the Heritage Tee features original artwork by Puyallup Tribal member and artist Daniel Baptista.
This black-and-white rendition highlights the striking symbolism and storytelling at the heart of Baptista’s World Cup partnership design. Created as part of the collaboration between the Puyallup Tribe and FIFA World Cup Seattle 2026, the artwork blends Coast Salish visual language with recognizable elements of the Pacific Northwest and the global game of soccer.
The design reflects Baptista’s ongoing commitment to honoring Indigenous identity, preserving language, and creating contemporary artwork rooted in cultural tradition. His work can be found throughout the region in public art installations, language revitalization projects, educational initiatives, and community spaces.
Featured on the cover of Underground Sound’s June 2026 issue, this commemorative design represents the enduring connection between heritage, community, and creative expression.
A portion of every sale directly supports the artist.
Limited Edition.
Designed by Daniel Baptista.
Presented by Underground Sound.
• 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester)
• Pre-shrunk fabric
• Side-seamed construction
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!
Underground Sound LE Daniel Baptista Community Spirit Tee
Part of our Limited Edition Artist Collaboration Series, the Community Spirit Tee features original artwork by Puyallup Tribal member and artist Daniel Baptista.
This full-color version showcases Baptista’s celebrated World Cup partnership design, created for the collaboration between the Puyallup Tribe and FIFA World Cup Seattle 2026. Incorporating Coast Salish symbolism alongside imagery representing the Pacific Northwest, soccer, and community, the piece serves as a visual bridge between culture, place, and people.
Baptista was selected as one of four finalists in the Seattle host city poster competition, and the artwork continues to be featured across tribal promotional materials while remaining under his ownership. For Baptista, the opportunity was about more than recognition—it was a chance to help bring greater visibility to Lushootseed language, culture, and Indigenous storytelling.
Featured on the cover of Underground Sound’s June 2026 issue, this special collaboration celebrates the power of art to connect communities while honoring the traditions that continue to shape the region.
A portion of every sale directly supports the artist.
Limited Edition.
Designed by Daniel Baptista.
Presented by Underground Sound.
• 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester)
• Pre-shrunk fabric
• Side-seamed construction
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!
ARE YOU A 253 VIP?
There’s a curious little ticket being passed around the 253.
Scan the QR code and you’ll unlock an invitation to join a growing community designed to keep our cash local and our creative economy thriving.
Members enjoy a variety of exclusive monthly perks from artists, businesses and creatives across Tacoma and the South Sound.
Supporting local while saving money?
Double win!
And while members pay less than a Netflix subscription, it’s free for businesses to join and benefit from community exposure.
Now, that’s the ticket!