Everett To Honor Artists This Thursday

Here’s an invitation from the City to celebrate top artists in Everett, Washington.

Community members are invited to join the City of Everett, Mayor Cassie Franklin and Everett’s Cultural Arts Commission to celebrate the arts and honor the recipients of the 27^th annual Wendt and Mayor’s Arts Awards on Thursday, Feb. 13 at the Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave. Doors open at 6 p.m. and program begins at 7 p.m. The event is free and all are welcome; no RSVP required.

Improv comic Britney Barber of Everett Improv! will emcee the evening, complete with live performances by local artists sprinkled throughout the program and a special nod to the Delta neighborhood for their work creating a vibrant community through the arts. Arrive early for small bites, a no-host bar and music by DJ Sphyramid.

Richard Wendt Award of Excellence

The Cultural Arts Commission selected Steve and Carol Klein as the recipients of the Richard Wendt Award of Excellence for their extraordinary commitment to Everett’s arts community. Steve and Carol Klein have been avid supporters of The Schack Art Center, The Imagine Children’s Museum and the Village Theatre’s Mainstage and Kidstage programs.

The Richard Wendt Award of Excellence is given annually to a person or organization who has demonstrated outstanding support of the arts throughout their lifetime. The award is named for Dr. Richard Wendt, who passed away in 2007. Wendt was a long-time promoter of the arts in Everett and helped found the City’s Cultural Arts Commission and the 1% for the Arts program.

Mayor’s Arts Awards

In recognition of Everett’s growing arts scene, the Cultural Arts Commission created the Mayor’s Arts Awards to honor art educators, artists in the community, arts organizations and emerging artists who have made an impact on the Everett arts community.

This year’s Mayor’s Arts Award winners are:

• Legacy of honor: Carie Collver, for nearly three decades as gallery director of the Schack Art Center, curating more than 200 exhibitions that have engaged viewers and created a contemporary art scene in Everett.
• Catalyst for artists: Wendy Poischbeg, for advancing the cultural vitality of Everett by supporting, empowering and promoting local artists.
• Author and storyteller: Richard Porter, for his commitment to finding and telling the great stories of Everett’s history and its people.
• Creative placemaking: Evergreen Arboretum and Gardens, for the many volunteers who, over the past 60 years, have given their time, talent and treasure to create a destination in Everett that celebrates nature and art.
• Organizations making a difference: Everett Civic Music Association, for bringing world-class, live entertainment to Everett for 89 years.

Learn more

The Everett Cultural Arts Commission is composed of volunteer commissioners who are appointed by the mayor. The mission of the commission is to initiate, sponsor, organize and promote cultural and artistic programs and services for the enrichment and enjoyment of the Everett community.