Celebrating 45 years, Arts of the Terrace show runs through Sept. 27

What began 45 years ago with simple plywood panels at the former Mountlake Terrace Junior High School gym has grown into an event that draws hundreds of artists from across the U.S. Sponsored by the Mountlake Terrace Arts Commission and the Friends of the Arts, Arts of the Terrace features 376 pieces of artwork this year, including paintings, miniatures, sculptures and photography.

The juried art show opened Saturday, Sept. 20, and runs through Sept. 27 at the Mountlake Terrace Library event rooms at 23300 58th Ave. W. Admission is free, and the exhibit is open to the public.

Arts Advisory Commission member Judy Ryan said in some of the previous shows, the primary lighting were ceiling lights.

“One thing that artists tell us when they come to the show is they can’t believe how professional the show is and how every piece of artwork is lit in this show,” she said. “It’d be a big difference if it didn’t have the light on it.”

Mountlake Terrace Arts Advisory Commissioner Conner Ryan said the arts commission received about 840 entries this year, compared to about 510 last year. “So this is a record number of entries for us,” he said.

Judy said that the art commission charges 25% of the sale price, which goes to help fund the exhibit.

“These [artists] spend a lot of money on framing and their art supplies,” she said. “Because I’m a painter, I know how much it costs.”

Conner said the exhibit is funded annually through the Mountlake Terrace lodging tax grants, entry fees and commissions collected during the show. “Those who wish to contribute can donate to our 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Mountlake Terrace Friends of the Arts,” he said.

Exhibit hours are Monday to Thursday from noon-6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sunday from 1-5 p.m.

For the list of winners, visit mltarts.org.