November 17, 2008	Contact:	Maija McKnight, Visual/Public Arts Coordinator, mmcknight@auburnwa.gov
For Immediate Release		253-804-5043

White River Valley Museum and City of Auburn Arts Commission Announce Small Works, Big Presents Participants

White River Valley Museum and City of Auburn Arts Commission has announced the artists selected to participate in Small Works, Big Presents exhibition, which will be on view from November 19 through December 14, 2008. The esteemed judges Sheila Farr, Jim McDonald, and Paul Metivier selected 78 artworks submitted from the 369 entries of 141 participating artists. 

Sheila Farr is the art critic for the Seattle Times and author of books on Northwest artists Leo Kenney, Fay Jones and James Martin.  Jim McDonald is an independent art curator and owner of Jim McDonald Fine Arts Services, LLC, based in Seattle. Paul Metivier teaches ceramics at Green River Community College and is a graduate of the University of Washington.

Artists working in a wide variety of media are represented, including photography, painting, printing, and collage.  All entries were limited by size in either the small (20” x 24”) or mini (6”x 6”) categories. Artist registration was open to all artists, and saw 32 Auburn based artists, 35 from the Greater King County, 18 from Seattle, and 40 from Pierce County and 16 from other  Washington State Counties. 

Farr, McDonald and Metivier reviewed original works submitted for consideration and selected the following 49 artists for the exhibition:

Mike Ferguson, Jan Wieser, Gail Yampol,Mary McInnis, Donna Jean Perry, Harry Uhorechak, Jesse Schwartz, Wendy Ray, Alfred Harmon, Sonja Sheppard, Mark Jacobs, Doug Sims, Larry Ferguson, John Wise, Tis Huberth, Iris Stripling, Bill Ritchie, DeAnna Foran, Mary Zaffuto, Matthew Johnson, Iris Marshall, Marilyn Van Cleave Ullin, Paul Glasoe, Lydia Strange, Ken Strange, Ellen Miffitt, Kelly Loney, Lea Bishop, Debra Rexroat, Debra Cepeda, Marianne Harlor, Sue Jackson-Andre, Susan Apple, Helena Poortuliet, Fran Holt, George Nomura, Cole Adams, Samantha Kocsis, Lydia Sutton, Mary Johnson, Zachary Kolden, Jacqueline Argueta, Frances Buckmaster, Kathleen Fruge-Brown, Kenneth Watson, Kenneth Watson, Amanda DeSilver, Scott Manthey and Barbara Christensen

Cash awards for Best in Show, 1^st and 2^nd place, voting for the People’s Choice Award, and Preview Sales will all occur at the Preview Opening and Awards Ceremony on November 18, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.  Sale of the artwork will be available throughout the exhibition of which 25% of the proceeds benefit the White River Valley Museum.

The inspiration for this exhibition is to provide a unique opportunity for regional artists, while being able to offer fine art at affordable prices during the holiday season. “The museum has a stunning display of Small Works and our visitors can bring home Big Presents for their friends and family” notes Director of the White River Valley Museum, Patricia Cosgrove.

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.