Press Release Benches are Back: Community Art for the Summer Contact: Mary Ellen Bowers, Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation 253-804-5043 arts@auburnwa.gov<mailto:arts@auburnwa.gov> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 11, 2019 [cid:image002.jpg@01D537EE.2134F300] For the fifth year, artistically altered benches have been placed throughout Auburn to be enjoyed by the public. This popular community art program was initiated in 2015, and works with local community groups to paint, carve and otherwise decorate plain wooden benches transforming them into works of sit-able art. The benches are now on display throughout Auburn - in parks, along the sidewalks and in neighborhoods where people gather. A number of community groups stepped forward to take on the challenge of modifying a bench and the results are diverse, interesting, and fun. The newest bench by Girl Scout Troop #40765 can be found in City Hall Plaza at 25 West Main Street. The program includes 13 benches created by local community organizations in cooperation with local artists. In early October the benches will be gathered and stored for the winter, to be redistributed next summer along with new community-created benches. [cid:image003.jpg@01D537EE.2134F300] Other community art projects occurring this summer include the popular Pianos on Parade, August - September; Artist in Residence at Mary Olson Farm, June-July; and free ArtRageous hands-on art activities at special events including AuburnFest on August 10, and at Summer Sounds and Cinema on July 26, August 2 & August 9 at 7pm. BenchMarks is coordinated through the City of Auburn, Parks, Arts & Recreation Department with the support of the Auburn Arts Commission. Information on City of Auburn cultural arts program can be found at http://www.auburnwa.gov/arts or call 253-931-3043. Mary Ellen Bowers Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation Arts and Special Events Assistant Desk: 253-931-3051 Cell: 253-289-8065 This message is private and privileged. If you are not the person meant to receive this message, please let the sender know, then delete it. Please do not copy or send it to anyone else.