November 17, 2009	Contact:	Patricia Cosgrove, Director White River Valley Museum
For Immediate Release		253-288-7437 pcosgrove@auburnwa.gov

AUBURN, Wash. – November 30, 2009 – White River Valley Museum and City of Auburn Arts Commission has announced the artists selected to participate in Small Works, Big Presents: The Gift of Art exhibition, which will be on view from Nov. 18 through Dec. 20 at the White River Valley Museum . The judges Margaret Bullock, Rosemary Ponnekanti, and Paul Metivier selected 89 artworks from the 279 total entries submitted by 89 artists and selected the following 52 artists for the exhibition:

Billie Andrew, Rocky Barrick*, Lea Bishop, Laurie D. Brown, Robin Butler, Teri Capp*, Cal Carpenter, Deb Casso*, Darlene Dihel, Mike Dilbeck, Sharon Ely, Jessica Eskelsen, Penelope Evans, Kathleen Frugé-Brown, Marion Fukuma, Susan Gans, Suzanne Gardner, Paul Glasoe*, Virginia M Hill, Anna Hoey, Fran Holt, Eden Hopkins, Tis Huberth, Sue Jackson-André, Linda Jacobus, Kris Ellen Jenott, Mary Johnson, Matthew M. Johnson, Zachary Kolden, Lena Leitzke, Elaine Mahler, Robert Matinjussi, Wanda McArthur, Nataliya Mirgorodskiy*, Peggy O'Heron, Jim Oliver, Janie Olsen, Kristi Orcutt, Jennifer Preston Chushcoff, Wendy Ray, Debra Rexroat, Erika Rummell, Jesse Schwartz*, Shirley Simpson-Nielsen, Lisa Snow Lady*, Karen St. Clair, Lydia Strange*, Ken Strange*, Lydia Sutton, Frances Tanner, C. Turley, Susie Wind

*Honorable Mention

AWARD WINNERS

Best in Show: Zachary Kolden,  Moth and Needle, Liquid Emulsion

First Place: Linda Jacobus, God Made the Flowers for You, Oil

Second Place: Sue Jackson-André, Bird's Eye View - Jersey Wooly Rabbit, Colored Pencil

People’s Choice:  Lydia Strange, Through the Fog

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. 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 20”) or mini (6”x 6”) categories.

ABOUT THE EXHIBIT
The City of Auburn Arts Commission and the White River Valley Museum are partnering to present the second annual Small Works Juried Art Show and Sale . The show celebrates the diversity and creativity in the regional arts scene and showcases the work of emerging and established Pacific Northwest artists while the community is offered an opportunity to purchase fine artwork.

Preview Opening and Awards Ceremony is on Tuesday, November 17, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. and the exhibit is on view November 18 – December 20, 2009.   Sale of the artwork will be available throughout the exhibition of which 25% of the proceeds benefit the White River Valley Museum .   Examples of some of the artwork that will be available at this year's show can be viewed at the City of Auburn Art Commission website (www.auburnwa.gov/arts).

ABOUT THE JUDGES
Margaret Bullock is the Curator of Collections and Special Exhibitions at the Tacoma Art Museum .  Paul Metivier teaches ceramics at Green River Community College and is a graduate of the University of Washington . Rosemary Ponnekanti is the arts reporter for the Tacoma News Tribune.

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.