Plenty going on to keep the Sumner arts scene alive

The Sumner Arts Commission has a number of programs planned this year. We thank the city of Sumner for their continuing support which enables the commission to continue to bring quality art programs to our community.

At 9 a.m. Feb. 21, the commission will be supporting the Sumner School District Art Show at the Sumner High School cafeteria in conjunction with the district Science Fair. The show will feature works done by students in the three middle schools and the two high schools. It is being organized by the art department staff of the five schools. The entries will be judged by a panel of judges plus there will be a people’s choice awards. This is the first year for the art show.

The Sumner Arts Commission has partnered once again with Pierce County Libraries for Pierce County Reads 2009. The program runs from Jan. 5 to March 15. The program is an outgrowth of Sumner Reads Together, a program initiated by the Arts Commission in 2004.

This year the featured book is “Three Cups of Tea” written by Greg Mortensen and David Oliver Relin. Mortensen was injured while hiking in the Himalayas and was helped by mountain villagers. In repayment for their kindness, he wanted to help by building schools so children didn’t have to walk miles for education. He has built more than 75 schools since his program started.

At 7 p.m. March 14, Pierce County Reads 2009 culminates with a free author event at Clover Park Technical College, Sharon McGavick Conference Center, 4500 Steilacoom Blvd. in Lakewood. Best-selling, award-winning author David Oliver Relin will speak, entertain and sign books.

The Arts Commission’s project this year will be handled by Hillary Norris, a Sumner High senior. She is raising money for schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan through “Pennies for Peace,” a program associated with the book as her senior project. Donation jars for pennies are located at several Sumner schools, businesses and the city of Sumner. For further information, view Pierce County Libraries Web site at www.piercecountrylibrary.org or the city of Sumner’s Web site www.ci.sumner.wa.us.

We hope to see you, your friends and family at our upcoming free events such as the Bellevue Youth Symphony at 7:30 p.m. April 17 at the Sumner Performing Arts Center or the Music off Main concerts in July at both Heritage Park and Rainier View Park.

All of our programs are to make Sumner a more enjoyable community to reside, work or visit. Come on in!

For further information, contact the Sumner Downtown Association at (253)720-9846, or visit their website: www.sumnerdowntown.com. Or contact the City of Sumner at (253) 299-5503 or visit their website: www.ci.sumner.wa.us.

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