As this article goes to press, the Maple Valley Creative Arts Council is putting the finishing touches on its preparation for the 11th Annual Maple Valley Days Arts Festival. For the past 11 years, a dedicated group of volunteers has worked behind the scenes to provide the opportunities for artists to showcase their talents and for performers of various mediums to perform for local families, friends and neighbors.

The arts festival has annually been the culminating project for the arts council. Our volunteers, especially Christina Grachek, have dedicated many hours to organize a fabulous weekend of the arts. The MVCAC owes a debt of gratitude to the city of Maple Valley for the use of the beautiful Lake Wilderness Lodge, a perfect setting for the arts festival. 4 Culture, the former King County Arts Commission, provided the funding for the necessary expenditures. We hope that you were able to visit our arts festival this year. Photos will be posted on our website, www.maplevalleyarts.com to acquaint you with our festival or re-live the weekend.

This year, though, the arts festival will not be our culminating project. Since our Creative Arts Center opened in September 2008, our programming is offered year round. We seek to make the Creative Arts Center a vibrant, on-going celebration of the arts throughout the year. Come visit us at 23220 Maple Valley Hwy. SE, Suite 15, Maple Valley, WA 98038 (425) 432-0810, mvcac@comcast.net.

As I reflect on the past year, I am grateful for the growth we have achieved. Our membership has grown and our arts offerings have expanded. The Creative Arts Center has afforded board member, Jim Hanna, the ability to host an open mic every second and fourth Saturday evenings. Local musicians, singers, poets and, even a magician, have performed in our beautiful venue, which is equipped with a state of the art sound system and great acoustics. We invite you to enjoy the entertainment at each open mic.

Last summer was devoted to remodeling the space to allow multiple uses. Little did we know that our vision would come to fruition as well as it has the past nine months. We opened the art gallery for local artists to display their work for viewing and selling. We felt such excitement for both the artists and the buyers when we knew the artwork would be enjoyed in local homes. We have held three separate artists rotations since we opened. At the opening receptions, Dave Hall, of Maple Valley Shell and Home of Fine Wines, has offered wine tasting. Just the right touch to complement the occasions. Martin Freelund is the current featured artist. His spun metal creations will be available for viewing until mid-July. Kathleen Fruge-Brown will be the next featured artist.

We are thrilled to offer a variety of classes at the Creative Arts Center. This summer, we are offering improv classes, two drama camps and four painting classes for youth. Check out the dates and details on our website, www.maplevalleyarts.com. Each fourth Thursday, we offer life drawing classes in the evening. Both Jazzercise and Yoga classes are held at the CAC.

Jessica Hamblen-Klepper, artistic director of Maple Valley School of Ballet, and Kimberly Wooten, artistic director of Ensemble Ballet Theatre exhibited their support for the Maple Valley Creative Arts Council by co-sponsoring a dance benefit in May. It was a wonderful showcase of young talent. We can’t thank them all enough.

Another benefit, A Pairing of Wine and Art, will be held at the Lake Wilderness Lodge on October 16. Susanna Fuller, local vocalist, and the Cascade Jazz Trio, will be our featured performers. The evening will be one not to miss.

There are many people to thank for a year of rapid growth. I must first thank the board of directors for their unwavering support and dedication: Christina Grachek, public relations director; Ken Fox, technical director; Carrie Sundstrom, treasurer and Jim Hanna, entertainment director. Jim Flynn, our landlord, has been exceptionally helpful and generous. Both 4Culture and the Seattle Foundation granted us funds for the remodel. Greg and Louise Bartol have been our ardent promoters. Greg designed and sculpted the metal maple tree art in front of our building. They both host the 2nd Friday Gallery night. Elisa Lewis, while juggling her many duties with the Maple Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra, has also managed to devote many hours to the MVCAC. Our neighbors, Dace’s Rock ‘n More, Maple Valley Signs, Cedar River Mortgage and Carol’s Florists have welcomed us.

We plan to hold many on-going and new arts activities in the next year. In the economic times we’re experiencing, it’s nice to stay close to home for our arts enrichment and entertainment.

Mary Jane Glaser is president of the Maple Valley Arts Council