For Immediate Release
May 27, 2008

Contact: Nirmala Singh-Brinkman, EDGE Program Coordinator
nirmala@artisttrust.org, 206/467-8734 x20; toll-free 1/866/218-7878

ARTIST TRUST ANNOUNCES 33 ARTISTS SELECTED FOR
EDGE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Artist Trust is pleased to announce that 33 artists have been selected to participate in the 2008 EDGE Professional Development Program, created by Artist Trust for visual artists with generous funding from the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation.

The EDGE Program offers artists a comprehensive survey of professional practices through a hands-on, interactive curriculum that includes instruction by professionals in the field, specialized presentations, panel discussions, site visits and assignments. The EDGE Program provides artists with the relevant and necessary entrepreneurial skills to achieve their personal career goals and the opportunity to build community through peer support and exchange. This year’s two cycles are Cycle A, Seattle, June 6-July 25 and Cycle B, Centrum, Port Townsend, August 23-30.

Artist Trust first offered the EDGE Program in 2003, and since then 265 artists have successfully completed the program. This year Artist Trust received 99 applications from artists across Washington State. A panel consisting of an EDGE graduate, an EDGE instructor, a Seattle-based arts educator, an Artist Trust board member and curator, and an Artist Trust staff member selected the artists to participate. A complete list of the 2008 participants and selection panelists can be found below.

At the end of their respective cycles, the participating artists will present their work with a reception to follow -- we invite you to join us! Please see below for the dates and locations of the Artists’ Final Presentations. To RSVP for the presentations or for more information about the EDGE Program, contact Nirmala Singh-Brinkman, EDGE Program Coordinator at 206/467-8734 x20 or at nirmala@artisttrust.org .

2008 EDGE Participants:

Cycle A, Seattle, June 6-July 25
Artists’ Final Presentations: Friday, July 25, 7-9:30pm
Lawrimore Project, 831 Airport Way South, Seattle

Janice Arnold, Thurston County
Dave Aydelott, Snohomish
Erik Borgesen, King
Gregory Boudreau, King
Jamey Braden, King
Nicholas Brown, King
Shilo De La Cruz, Thurston
Claire Jauregui, King
Julie Lindell, King
Shawn Nordfors, King
John Osgood, King
Eddy Radar, King
Darin Shuler, King
Kenneth Susynski, King
Denise Takahashi, King
Larissa Wilson, King

Cycle B, Centrum, Port Townsend, August 23-30
Artists’ Final Presentations: Friday, August 29, 7-9:30pm
Centrum Chapel, W Street, Port Townsend

Lauren Atkinson, Island County
Zalman Berkowitz, Snohomish
Betsy Best-Spadaro, Snohomish
Victoria Bjorklund, Pierce
Jo-Neal Boic, Jefferson
Amy Buchheit, Clark
Terra Fine, Whatcom
Susan Gans, Kingxz
Naomi Gray, Kittitas
Julia Haack, King
Erin Libby, Whatcom
Julia Lowther, King
Molly Magai, King
Dorothy McGuinness, Snohomish
Deanna Pindell, Jefferson
Stan Raucher, King
Debra Swanson, Jefferson

2008 EDGE Selection Panelists:

• Tracey Fugami, Director of Education, Pratt Fine Arts Center and Visual Artist, Seattle
• Heather Joy Helbach-Olds, Director of Programs, Artist Trust and Visual Artist, Seattle
• Dan Mayer, Development Director, Kirkland Performance Center and EDGE Instructor, Seattle
• Jim McDonald, Board Member, Artist Trust and Curator, Seattle  
• Charles Kent Wiggins, 2007 EDGE Graduate and Visual Artist, Port Townsend

In addition to the EDGE Program, Artist Trust administers three grant programs: the Artist Trust/Washington State Arts Commission Fellowship Program, the Grants for Artist Projects (GAP) Program, and the Twining Humber Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement. Artist Trust is also a vital information resource for artists, providing professional development information through print, website, telephone and email. For more information on all Artist Trust services for Washington State artists, visit our website at www.artisttrust.org.

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