FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2008

MEDIA CONTACTS
Naomi Strom-Avila, Community and Economic Development,
nstrom-avila@cityoftacoma.org , (253) 591-5191
Roxanne Murphy, Community Relations,
roxanne.murphy@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-2054

City of Tacoma employees, family members exhibit artistic talents
More than 100 visual artists who are also City of Tacoma employees, retirees and volunteers and family members, are now exhibiting 180 pieces of visual art in an exhibit sponsored by The National Arts Program®. Works submitted include paintings, watercolors, photographs, sculptures, crafts and other visual art works.

The National Arts Program provides an uninhibited opportunity for all people to present their visual art talents, of any level, in a public exhibition, free to the artists and the public. By removing obstacles to artistic expression, the program seeks to showcase individual talent and increase the self-confidence of participants. The program currently reaches more than 450 cities and communities in 43 states and the District of Columbia, with a total of 45 million people, in 83 annual venues. This is the third year that the City of Tacoma has participated in this program.

Artwork will be on display from now until July 31 at the Tacoma Municipal Building, 747 Market St., and at Tacoma Public Utilities, 3628 S. 35th St. The exhibit is free and open to the public during normal business hours.

A reception and awards ceremony will be held at the Broadway Center Rehearsal Hall on June 19 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. with an awards presentation beginning at 5:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

All entries will be judged by three members of the Tacoma Arts Commission in the categories of amateur, intermediate, professional, youth under 12, and youth 12 to 18. A $2,400 prize will be awarded.

The National Arts Program exhibit is sponsored and funded by The National Arts Program Foundation of Malvern, Pa., in support and cooperation with the City of Tacoma’s Community and Economic Development Department.

To learn more about The National Arts Program, visit www.nationalartsprogram.org.

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