Story and photos by Lori Knight

The 34th annual juried “Arts of the Terrace” art show opened Friday night with record attendance during its artist and patron preview party.

The preview party gives those attending an opportunity to get a first look at the show, to purchase artwork and talk to the artists after the awards ceremony. Entertainment included a flute duet by Lucy Schermer and Sarah Lundquist from the Mountlake Terrace High School Chamber Wind Ensemble.

After interviewing Mountlake Terrace Arts Commissioner Marla French and Director Judy Ryan at the opening, I counted well over 175 guests walking through the Mountlake Terrace library doors at the invitational artist and patron event.  When asked how many art entries were submitted into the show for juried acceptance, both French and Ryan ecstatically answered, “over 300 pieces!”

The art show is showcased between two rooms at the library: the first for paintings, prints and drawings and the second room for photography. The Arts Commission added a new category of artisan works along with the 3-dimensional category, which appears in the library’s structured glass-paneled showcase at the front library foyer entrance.

Each year, this art show steps up its format from being known as a local show to garnering more regional appeal.  As it continues to grow in popularity regionally among high-caliber fine artists and show attendees, it is apparent that more space may be needed.

Jurors for the show included Charlette Haugen ( paintings, prints and drawings), Bruce Clifton (photography), Louise McDowell (3-dimensional and artisan works), and Tammy Smith (calligraphy). The jurors handed out 33 awards in the various categories, including merit and honorable mentions.

Mainly funded through the nonprofit “Mountlake Terrace Friends of the Arts,”  the Mountlake Terrace Arts Commission is fueled by donations, sponsors and volunteers, with partial assistance from the hotel and motel lodging tax from Studio Six Extended Stay. The seven-member volunteer commission includes Chair Judy Ryan, Vice Chair Carol McMahan and members Marla French, Mark Hopkins, Bonnie Mercer, Ann Nygaard and April Richardson, plus City Council liaison Rick Ryan and Julie Codd, who provides staff support.

Last night’s Best of Show, sponsored by benefactor donor McMahan License Agency, went to Jane Mayer for her painting, “Golden Wetlands.”  This piece also received the first-place painting award sponsored by Printing Plus. The other winners include:

First place miniatures: Janie Olsen for “Straight to Your Heart.”

First place photography: Sam Ruljancich, for  “Barnscape.” (Sponsored by C.E.S.C.O)

First place artisan works: Sam Scott for “Black, White and Green Bottleneck Vase”

First place 3-dimensional: Meg Murch for “Progression to Abstraction #2”

Calligraphy: this category, unique to the Mountlake Terrace art show, had two winners: Nancy Anderson for “Sticks in a Bundle” and Kathy Barker for “Justice, Kindness and Humility.”(Sponsored by Write on Calligraphers)

Commissioner’s Choice winner: Masako Thrower for “My Sister”

The show is now open to the public starting Saturday, Sept. 29 through Sunday, Oct. 7 during library hours.  Show attendees are encouraged to vote for three more categories, determined by the viewing public: Children’s Choice award (sponsored by the Sood family) and two People’s Choice awards, in the paintings, prints and drawings category and the photography category, sponsored by Mayor Jerry Smith and Red Onion Restaurant.

The Mountlake Terrace Library is located at 23300 58th Ave. W. in Mountlake Terrace.