[cid:image001.png@01DAE995.10449560] Contact Robin Harrison Telephone 253.858.6722 Email operations@harborhistorymuseum.org Website www.harborhistorymuseum.org MEDIA RELEASE August 8, 2024 Harbor History Museum New Exhibit: Art Paddles, OARS, and IMAGERY On view at the Harbor History Museum [cid:image005.jpg@01DAE995.620785B0]Gig Harbor, WA - Harbor History Museum is pleased to announce the opening of a new lobby exhibit to coincide with our annual fundraiser History Rocks. This exhibit features 27 paddles, oars and artwork crafted by local artisans. There are works by much-loved local artists such as Hillarie Issacson, Susie Cowan, Ursula Alstead, Chuck Woodstock, Curtiss Hall, Linda Foster, Kristen Page, local quilter Laura McMonnies, and many more. Each piece has its own unique story. Visitors can vote for a single favorite to help decide our People's Choice award to be given at the end of the exhibit. People can also register for a free auction to bid on the art paddles as part of the History Rocks fundraiser. "The idea for the community project and exhibit was inspired by two paddles donated to the museum that were created by Les Eelkema, known for his Celebration Paddles," said Director Stephanie Lile. "We thought it'd be fun to invite local artists and paddle makers to make some magic...and they did. We even received a beautiful inlaid kayak paddle from Joe Dowling of Humpback Kayaks and Paddles in Illinois and an incredible quilt with a paddle design." The paddle and oar artwork will be on view through Saturday, August 24th, 2024, and will close at the end of the History Rocks fundraising event. We invite anyone and everyone to come see the exhibit and vote for their favorite piece. The winning artist will receive a cash prize sponsored by the Jennifer Lile Memorial Fund. Jennifer was an artist and arts advocate based in Northern California. Winners of the People's Choice and HHM Board Award will be announced on August 24. About Harbor History Museum: Harbor History Museum creates opportunities to experience the heritage of the greater Gig Harbor communities by collecting, preserving, and sharing the rich history of the area. Founded in 1964, the Gig Harbor Peninsula Historical Society, dba Harbor History Museum, opened its new facility in 2010. The museum campus includes an 1893 fully restored one-room schoolhouse; a 65-foot fishing vessel currently being meticulously conserved; 7,000 square feet of exhibition space; and a 900-square foot library, research, and meeting room. Masks are required for entry during this time. CURRENT HOURS - Wednesday-Saturday 11 am-4 pm ADMISSION - Complimentary Admission for all visitors CONTACT - 253-858-6722, www.HarborHistoryMuseum.org, Operations@HarborHistoryMuseum.org Robin Harrison | Operations and Marketing Manager [cid:image004.png@01DAE995.10449560] operations@harborhistorymuseum.org<mailto:operations@harborhistorymuseum.org> 4121 Harborview Drive Gig Harbor, WA 98332 253-858-6722