In brief: Auction nets money for art

SPOKANE VALLEY – The Spokane Valley Arts Council sold $67,000 worth of art at its annual fundraiser last Saturday, a 10 percent increase from last year’s Artist Showcase event.

Half of the proceeds goes to the council and half to the artists whose work was auctioned.

In addition to 65 items that were auctioned, the $75-per-ticket show offered nine pieces of art at posted prices.

Council President James Harken said the fundraiser at the CenterPlace Regional Event Center will enable the nonprofit council to finish paying for the 8½-foot bronze sculpture the group donated to the city of Spokane Valley last month.

Colville artist Jerry McKellar’s statue of a mountain man working his trap line was placed near CenterPlace in Mirabeau Point Park, at the corner of Mansfield Avenue and Mirabeau Parkway.

Harken said the arts council will develop a new civic project, and already has booked CenterPlace for next year’s art auction, on Sept. 18.

John Craig

Valleyfest marks 20 years

TERRACE VIEW – Celebrate 20 years of Valleyfest with a party Sunday in Terrace View Park, where the annual community festival began. From 4 to 7 p.m. there will be live music and other activities. Pizza and root beer floats will be available for purchase. At 4:30 p.m. the “Spuds” and “Spokane” hot air balloons will be inflated and launched, weather permitting.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the city of Spokane Valley parade float. The park is located at 13525 E. 24th.

Valleyfest tickets now on sale

MIRABEAU – Tickets are now available for the new “Taste of the Valley” event next Saturday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at CenterPlace during Valleyfest.

The event will feature wines from Spokane Valley wineries, appetizers from Beacon Hill Catering and live music by Six Foot Swing. The cost is $30 and tickets can be purchased by calling (509) 922-3299.

Nina Culver