October 07, 2009	Contact:	Maija McKnight, Visual/Public Arts Coordinator
For Immediate Release		(253)-804-5043 mmcknight@auburnwa.gov

White River Valley Museum and Auburn Arts Commission Announce Call to Artists

AUBURN, Wash. – October 7, 2009 – The White River Valley Museum and the City of Auburn Arts Commission are partnering to present Small Works, Big Presents: The Gift of Art exhibition and sale and are seeking artist participation. The two categories of artwork submission are small and mini, each size with a pricing maximum. Artists of diverse mediums are encouraged to enter, but is limited to two-dimensional artwork. Artist registration is Saturday, Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

This second annual exhibition Small Works, Big Presents, seeks to celebrate the diversity and creativity in the regional art scene and showcase the work of Pacific Northwest artists while offering an opportunity to purchase fine artwork during the holiday season. The exhibit will be on view from Nov. 18 through Dec. 20 at the White River Valley Museum.

Cash prizes will be awarded to Best in Show ($750), 1st Place ($500), and 2nd Place ($250), and People’s Choice award recipient will be featured in an Auburn Reporter article and receive a commission for the 2010 Small Works, Big Presents publicity materials.

The exhibition does not have a theme, but will be curated by three esteemed judges: Margaret Bullock, Curator of Collections at Tacoma Art Museum, Rosemary Ponnekanti, Arts Reporter for the Tacoma News Tribune and Paul Metivier, Ceramics Instructor at the Green River Community College.

Full submission guidelines are available at www.auburnwa.gov/arts or call Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation during regular business hours, Monday - Friday, at 253-931-3043.

About Mary Olson Farm

The White River Valley Museum is working with the City of Auburn to restore Mary Olson Farm, the most intact 1880s family farm in King County. It opens in late 2009 as a living history and environmental learning site. The farm is a King County Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places. Significant features include an 1897 barn, a 1902 farmhouse and two salmon runs in Olson Creek.

About the White River Valley Museum

The White River Valley Museum is a partnership with the City of Auburn and combines history and culture to create an exciting and educational experience for visitors. Museum collections focus on local Puget Sound history, Northwest Indian culture, Japanese immigration and the Northern Pacific Railroad.

The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday and is located at 918 H St. SE in Auburn. Regular hours are noon to 4 p.m. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for seniors and children, and free on Wednesdays. Call 253-288-7433 or visit www.wrvmuseum.org for event information.