Sculpture Will Brighten Museum

A new sculpture is sure to brighten up Cheney Cowles Museum.

Literally.

The museum, 2316 W. First, will install a neon-light sculpture at the south entrance on Monday. The work, which the museum loosely titles as “Rays of Hope for a Gloomy Winter,” was specifically created for the museum by George Wray, a Moscow artist and University of Idaho professor.

Eight neon tubes, 68 feet altogether, comprise the sculpture. Four arching tubes will accent the building’s curved architecture. For balance, four zig-zagging tubes will be installed on the aluminum columns on each side of the entrance. The neon sculpture is part of the neon art exhibit that opens Jan. 17 at the museum.

For more details, call 456-3931.

Opera singer advances

Spokane opera singer Wade Baker is one of three finalists to compete in the Metropolitan Opera’s regional auditions next January in Seattle.

Baker, who was among a field of nine vocalists competing two weeks ago at Spokane Falls Community College, is a 21-year-old student pursuing a bachelor of arts in music at Whitworth College. He has performed with Spokane’s Uptown Opera.

If Baker emerges as a regional winner, he will then vie in the national finals in New York City, home of the Metropolitan Opera. Winners receive $10,000 and will perform a concert with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.

The annual audition is a way for the Metropolitan Opera to scout new talent.

Local artist recognized

Gina Fruen, a Spokane ceramic artist, is featured in a coffee-table book called “The Best of Pottery.”

She is among 250 artists spotlighted in the book and one of only two representing Washington state. The name of her piece is “Water Vessel with Teapot Companion.”

“The Best of Pottery” is available from Rockport Publishers. You can order the book from Auntie’s Bookstore, or by writing Rockport Publishers, 146 Granite St., Rockport, MA 01966-1299.

, DataTimes