Seattle, WA – December 9, 2005 – Pilchuck Glass School invites visual artists to submit design proposals for glass centerpieces to anchor its 28th annual fundraising auction to be held on October 13, 2006.

Auction centerpieces are featured at each of 100 tables, on the invitation, and in the catalog as well as in advertising and related publicity materials. Auction attendees may purchase the centerpieces during the event. Pilchuck auction centerpiece designers receive significant exposure to an international community of contemporary glass enthusiasts. Past centerpiece designers include William Morris, Ann Wåhlström, Greg Owen, Katherine Gray, and Pinkwater Glass (the design team of Kurt Swanson and Lisa Schwartz).

Once received, proposals are reviewed by a jury comprised of Pilchuck staff, artists, and auction chair. Designs should be dramatic, functional, and unique but should not be replicas of an artist’s current body of work. The jury ranks proposals based on design originality, skillful use of artistic media, audience appeal, transportability, and ease of production.

The designer will lead a 25-person production team of volunteers and staff in creating 120 centerpieces at Pilchuck’s Stanwood, Washington, campus from May 8 through 19, 2006. Additional benefits include a $1,000 honorarium, room and board at Pilchuck’s campus during production, travel expense reimbursement, acknowledgment and recognition in the auction catalog, and two complimentary tickets to the 2006 auction gala.

Professional artists with experience executing multiples, scheduling, and managing a large team of glassblowers are encouraged to submit proposals. Proposals require different components so interested artists are encouraged to request a proposal packet for complete information. To receive a proposal packet or for more information about submitting a centerpiece proposal, contact Carol Bobanick at (206) 621-8422, extension 36, or via e-mail at nechols@pilchuck.com.

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