Four decades after its inception as an artistic startup, Arts of the Terrace has grown into a two-week event displaying more than 300 pieces of art.
Considered one of the region’s major juried art shows, it draws entries by artists from Snohomish County, Western Washington and out of state.
The artists vie for awards and more than $5,000 in prize money in six categories: painting, prints and drawing; miniatures; photography; artisan’s works; calligraphy; and 3D.
“Just from word of mouth it gets more popular every year,” said Judy Ryan, chairwoman of the city’s Arts Advisory Commission.
The 40th annual event is expected to draw some 2,000 people during its two-week run, which opens Sept. 22 at the Mountlake Terrace Library.
Among this year’s winners is Jerry Steffen Jr., 60, of Mountlake Terrace, whose work, “Protect Salmon All Year Round,” was awarded first place in the painting, prints and drawing category.
The arts commission’s Ryan said Steffen described himself on his entry form as having been born deaf and liking to make small artworks, adding “Art is therapy.”
Ceramic artist Sam Scott, of Shoreline, was awarded first place in artisan’s works for his piece, “Black and White Jar With Handles.”
Scott, 66, said he works on his creations at night, beginning after dinner and often continuing into the wee hours.
“It’s a quieter time,” he said. “No interruptions. I find it very creative.”
He said he first began working with clay as a high school student in 1968. The University of Washington graduate said he was influenced by the works of ceramics artists Bob Sperry, Patti Warashina and Howard Kottler.
Melissa Luna, of Snohomish, won second place for “Squared Earth — Tree” in the artisan’s works category.
Arts of the Terrace gives artists an opportunity to showcase some of their work, and perhaps make some sales. And art show attendees have commissioned artists to make pieces for them, she said.
Luna, 50, a Snohomish High School graduate, said she first began working in clay about a decade ago and has been selling her work for the past seven years.
Although she enters other art shows, she said she looks forward to Arts of the Terrace “because it’s local and it feels like community.”
Sharon Salyer: 425-339-3486; salyer@heraldnet.com.
If you go
What: Arts of the Terrace
Where: Mountlake Terrace Library, 23300 58th Ave. W.
When: Sept. 22 to Oct. 7 from noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; and Sundays 1 to 5 p.m. Sept 23 and 30 and 1 to 3 p.m. on closing day Oct. 7
Cost: Free
More: www.cityofmlt.com/379/Arts-of-the-Terrace
“Protect Salmon All Year Round,” by Jerry Steffen Jr. of Mountlake Terrace, won first place in the painting, prints and drawing category.
Melissa Luna of Snohomish won second place for “Squared Earth — Tree” in the artistians’ works category.
