For Immediate Release
June 12, 2009

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

ARTIST TRUST ANNOUNCES 33 VISUAL ARTISTS SELECTED FOR
EDGE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Artist Trust is pleased to announce 33 artists have been selected to participate in the 2009 EDGE Professional Development Program for Visual Artists. The EDGE Program is one of the many opportunities that Artist Trust provides artists to acquire the relevant and necessary entrepreneurial skills to achieve their personal career goals and to build community through peer support and exchange.

The EDGE Program consists of a comprehensive survey of professional practices offered through a hands-on, interactive curriculum that includes instruction by professionals in the field, specialized presentations, panel discussions and assignments. This year’s two cycles are Cycle A, July 5-12 and Cycle B, August 8-15. Both are being held as week-intensives at Centrum in Port Townsend in order to attract more artists from around the state.

Artist Trust has offered the EDGE Program to 351 Washington State artists since 2003. In 2008 and 2009 the EDGE Program for Visual Artists was expanded to serve Filmmakers and Writers. A complete list of the 2009 participants in EDGE for Visual Artists can be found below.

At the end of their respective cycles, the participating artists will present their work to the public, and we invite you to join us! Please see below for the dates and locations of the Artists’ Final Presentations. To RSVP for the presentations and for more information about the EDGE Program, contact Nirmala Singh-Brinkman, EDGE Program Coordinator at 206/467-8734 x20 (toll-free 1/866/218-7878x20) or at nirmala@artisttrust.org or visit www.artisttrust.org/pro_resources/edge.

2009 Visual EDGE Participants:

Cycle A, Centrum, Port Townsend, July 5-12
Artists’ Final Presentations: Saturday, July 11, 7-9:30pm, Masonic Lodge, 1338 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend

Kathie Bliss, King County
Tracy Boyd, King
Minh Carrico, King
Jeanne Dodds, King
Jessica Dodge, King
Miguel Edwards, King
Sara Everett, King
Joy Hagen, King
Lin McJunkin, Skagit
Shaw Osha, Thurston
Amy Pruzan, King
Teresa Rae, Chelan
Victoria Raymond, King
Thomas Schworer, Kitsap
Anne Simernitski, King
Juli Sipe, King
Dinah Snipes Steveni, Skagit
Kelly Wetherell, Benton

Cycle B, Centrum, Port Townsend, August 8-15
Artists’ Final Presentations: Friday, August 14, 7-9:30pm, Centrum Chapel, W Street, Port Townsend

Therese Buchmiller, King County
Joan Cole, Jefferson
Susan Danielson, King
Deborah K. Espinosa, King
Benjamin Hirschkoff, King
Allie Jones, King
John Lucas, King
Jennifer Malley, King
Maxine Mattson, King
Fiona McGuigan, King
Sean O'Neill, King
Natalie Oswald, King
Carlson Potts, Pierce
Constance Simpson, Mason
Cayn Thompson, King

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 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.