For Immediate Release
Pull Date: July 17, 2006

Art by the Bay
Camano Island’s Arts Festival

	Where: Utsalady Elementary School
		 608 Arrowhead Road
		 Camano Island, WA                       

	When:	July 15-16, 2006 10am to 5pm

	Contact: Stanwood-Camano Arts Guild
       	   Connie Hevly 
               360-387-5815 cjhev@earthlink.net
       	   PO Box 778
       	   Stanwood, WA 98292
       
	Online: www.StanwoodCamanoArts.com 

Stanwood-Camano Arts Guild 
2006 Scholarship Recipient: 
Cassandra Olsen

The Stanwood-Camano Arts Guild, in furthering the appreciation of the arts, awards a yearly scholarship to an outstanding art student attending Stanwood High School. At its last monthly meeting, the Guild was proud to present the winner of its 2006 scholarship, Cassandra Olson. Cassie's been busy building her portfolio throughout her High School years, and has already received multiple awards and honors. Between 2005 and 2006, she garnered six regional Scholastic Awards, five Gold and one Silver, plus an additional Silver Key award for her entire portfolio. Her paintings received ribbons in both the 2005 and 2006 Art Bash, and Cassie's entry was chosen by the Stanwood Camano Community Fair for their 2006 T-shirt design. 

One of Cassie's biggest supporters is Gail Merrick, Stanwood High's inspirational art teacher with a track record of helping budding young artists find their muse. During a class outing to lend a helping artistic hand to some 4th grade students, Cassie discovered that she had an affinity for instruction. "The kids got so excited when I showed them what they could do with a simple piece of charcoal," Cassie said. "It was an unforgettable experience, and this event helped me realize what I wanted to do after High School ... to become an art teacher." Cassie plans on attending Everett Community College and Western Washington University to learn the finer points of art and art instruction, and to earn a teaching degree. 

Cassie thanked the Guild for their recognition: "I am deeply appreciative for having been chosen as your recipient for this year's scholarship. This award means a lot to me because your recognition of my talent gives me the confidence to work even harder." 

Keep up the good - and hard - work, Cassie!

NOTE: Cassie will have some of her best work on display this summer at Art by the Bay, Camano Island's Arts Festival, July 15 -16 at Utsalady Elementary School, 608 Arrowhead Road, Camano Island. Art by the Bay is in its 14th year, and features over 100 artists and crafts-persons, continuous live entertainment, a variety of great food, and a children's art participation area. For more information, see www.stanwoodcamanoarts.com 

Photo Editor:
See the following web page for med-high resolution images you can use for publication. http://www.stanwoodarts.com/abtb/ABB-2006-press.htm