1. Willis assumes Arts Commission leadership
Beth Willis, director of corporate development for The World Trade Center Tacoma, has been elected to lead the Pierce County Arts Commission, which advises Pierce County Arts and Cultural Services on funding issues and other arts-related matters. She was recently appointed to a three-year term on the nine-member commission, along with Marie Moren, a documentary film producer and pianist, and Jonathan Cunningham, a software engineer who has a degree in music and is a composer and cellist.
“Beth previously served on the commission. She took some time off and returned to the commission in June. Due to her extensive knowledge of issues and her leadership abilities, the commission elected her as president,” said Marlette Buchanan, the county’s Arts and Cultural Services manager.
The Lakewood resident has been with WTCTA since 1997. The Trade Center is the primary regional resource for international trade information, service and business referrals. Willis is immediate past president of the Trustees Association of Community Colleges and a board member of the Broadway Center for the Performing Arts and the World Affairs Council.
The Arts Commission is composed of nine members appointed by the county executive and confirmed by the County Council. The members represent each of the seven County Council districts and two at-large positions.
2. Ethnic Fest Poster Contest winner announced
Jacob Hildebrand of Gig Harbor High School is the 2005 Pierce County Ethnic Fest Poster Contest winner. He received a $200 award.
The poster is used to promote Ethnic Fest, the Tacoma-Pierce County community’s annual celebration of ethnic and cultural diversities. “We were greatly pleased with this year’s entries and the use of bright vibrant colors,” said Victoria Woodards, festival manager. Ethnic Fest 2005 will be held July 30-31 at Wright Park in Tacoma.
Runnersup were Kristine Atchinson of Gig Harbor High School, who received $100, and Danny Shon of Spanaway Lake High School, who received $50. Leticia Suarez of Gig Harbor High School and Anthony Greinke of Oakland Alternative High School won Honorable Mention and received $25 each.
This years’ contest was sponsored by JayRay Advertising. The winning artwork will be used on the Ethnic Fest 2005 poster, t-shirt, and other promotional materials. It will be carried on the back of Pierce Transit buses.
Since its introduction in 1987, Ethnic Fest has drawn celebrants Pierce and surrounding counties. Attendance at the free, two-day event has been estimated in the 50,000 range in recent years.
