By Eileen Brown
Students rarely have an opportunity to put their work before a jury of three professional artists, but they will at this year’s Showcase of the Arts presented by the American Association of University Women.
This is the 11th year they’ve offered this art show, and this year there is an important change.
“We will not charge admission,” said PAT LOKANIS, publicity chair. “It’s going to be free.
“Art teachers from one end of the island to the other will soon tell their students to pick out the sculpture, wall art, wearable art or photography they wish to submit. It’s their choice.” Dozens of submissions came in last year and a small monetary award is given in addition to ribbons. There will still be a chance for the public to name their choice.
“Scholarships are funded a year ahead of time and this year’s is already funded so we can suspend charging admission,” she noted, hinting they plan to launch other fund raisers throughout the year.
To whet your appetite, they plan a Kitchen Tour in late May, centered around the Coupeville area; they are working on a cookbook; and a committee is working on sponsoring an elder hostel in cooperation with Skagit Valley College.
Showcase of the Arts will be held at Greenbank Farm on Saturday, May 3, from noon to 4 p.m. and will follow the same format as in the past. Artwork is sought from students in the three island high schools, alternative schools in Oak Harbor and South Whidbey, plus home-schoolers.
AAUW seeks to draw larger numbers of the general public to see this amazing art, in addition to people who know the students and their families.
“There are so few places where young people can display their art,” Lokanis noted, “so we don’t want to eliminate this show.”
Refreshments will be served at the actual show, and teachers may bring their art to Greenbank Farm May 2, the Friday before the show. See your art teacher for details.
You could be a contender
The television program “Nashville Star” will host its first military casting call Friday, Feb. 22 starting at 6 p.m. at the Grand Vista Ballroom at Naval Station Everett.
Who can try out? Active duty men and women, Reservists, retirees, DoD civilians, DoD contractors and their family members, any branch of service, can take part if they are 16 years of age by March 31.
Commander, Navy Installations Command, will select and fund a total of 10 contestants based on auditions Navy-wide to attend the “Nashville Star All Military Casting Call” April 11 and 12 in Norfolk, Va. Up to three local acts may be submitted for consideration to win the free trip to Norfolk to be filmed for the coming television season.
Liberty Northwest will provide free transportation to all interested contestants from Admiral Nimitz Hall, departing at 4 p.m. If you require transportation to Everett, sign up directly through the Liberty Northwest Center at 360-257-3309 to reserve a seat no later than Thursday, Feb. 21. That’s tomorrow.
For detailed information and to register to be a contender, call 425-304-3577. Call today.
Carry on, lithe spirit
A friend of mine celebrates a birthday on Feb. 28. This disciplined athlete swims 20 laps (40 lengths) of the pool five days a week at 7:30 a.m. She has the body to prove it. Her friends at the John Vanderzicht Pool say she is an advocate of the benefits of swimming and an inspiration to many. She is a dedicated pool supporter and is happy to see people of all ages using this wonderful facility.
A few of the guys have nicknamed her “The Shark,” and she lets them have their fun. Her lady friends at the pool think she is probably the oldest female lap swimmer at the pool.
This lean, strong, elegant, educated and charming friend turns 83 on Feb. 28. By now you may have guessed my friend is none other than TRUDY SUNDBERG, a woman for all seasons. Happy Birthday, dear Trudy.
That’s it until next week. Call me at 675-6611 or drop a note to lifeonwhid
bey@yahoo.com.
