Everyone who has ever planned a party, reception, banquet or shower knows the importance of centerpieces.
They go a long way toward setting the ambiance of the soiree.
Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood chose an artist back in February to create centerpieces for its 32nd Annual Auction tonight in Seattle.
It’s billed as the largest glass art auction in the world.
In this case, the centerpieces will also be up for bid.
Artist Chuck Vannatta created large glass vessels for the middle of each auction table.
Pilchuck artistic director Ruth King says Vannatta was inspired by flora, fauna and sights near the school that were pressed into the glass surface as line drawings.
“This technique is new and will create a lively interplay of light and color throughout the auction ballroom,” King says, “Each tells a story of Pilchuck in optically dancing hieroglyphics. Every piece is singular and special.”
Vannatta was introduced to glass in high school and first came to Pilchuck in 1986. He has returned as a student, seasonal employee, teaching assistant and craftsperson in residence.
Founded in 1971, Pilchuck Glass School is an international center for glass art education. Located on a former tree farm in Stanwood, there are summer classes about glass techniques, as well as residencies for artists working in all media.
Vannatta worked with 30 volunteer artists, know as Poleturners Union Local 1201, at the Stanwood campus to fashion more than 250 unique pieces of glass art.
Vannatta follows in fine footsteps.
In the 1980s, Dale Chihuly and William Morris created small centerpieces for the first auctions at the school.
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Go Natalie.
Stuff those bags — carefully.
Folks at Camano Plaza IGA are excited that one of their own, Natalie Wright, is competing in the Washington Food Industry Association annual Best Bagger Championship Finals in Seattle.
The 17-year old student at Stanwood High School will compete against nine others for $1,500, and a chance to go to nationals and win $10,000.
Store manager Keith Schoonover says Natalie plans on first place.
“We already know she is going to win,” he says. “She says she is going to pay for college when she wins nationals.”
The competition for the Best Bagger in Washington is planned for Thursday.
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It’s bazaar season.
We are happy to run free announcements in our Sunday Community Calendar.
Send information to newstips@heraldnet.com.
Space is limited so we aren’t able to list all the interesting holiday items for sale.
We do want to mention one event.
The city of Marysville Autumn Craft Show is offered from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Ken Baxter Community Center, 514 Delta Ave. in Marysville.
They plan to sell Christmas goods, gifts for pets, hats, stained glass, jewelry and wood.
And tutus.
Kristi O’Harran: 425-339-3451; oharran@heraldnet.com.
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