Kenmore celebrated the grand opening of the City Hall Art Gallery with an impressive exhibit of “Portraits and Figures” by local artists Seiko Konya, Joe Mac Kechnie and Liana Bennett on May 10. The Arts of Kenmore (AOK) has partnered with the City of Kenmore to produce four to five art exhibits per year at no cost to the city.

The grand opening included a presentation by Mayor David Baker and AOK President David Maehren. The talented JIVE jazz choir from Bothell High School performed for visitors throughout the evening. The performance was led by BHS choir teacher, Sheryl Erickson.

The gallery, a design feature of the new city hall building, promotes the city’s goal of providing a free venue to showcase the works of local artists. The art adds a welcoming feeling as patrons enter city hall. City staff commented how nice it is to see visitors pause to take in the exceptional artwork. Konya, Kechnie and Bennett are accomplished, professional artists. Their bios are available on the AOK newly redesigned website and at the reception desk at city hall. All of the art work is available for sale.

This exciting exhibit will be on display through July 19.

David Maehren noted that it is no coincidence that this in the 15th anniversary of the Arts of Kenmore and the 15th anniversary of the City of Kenmore. The city has provided an enhanced sense of community that has encouraged and helped citizens get involved and make improvements.

AOK is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, whose goal is to encourage and promote both passive and active participation in all forms of the arts by the citizens of the area for the enrichment of the community. Every year, AOK produces the Kenmore Art Show, which features artwork by hundreds of local artists. This year’s show runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on June 27-30 at Bastyr University. AOK’s revenue support art equipment and education grants to local schools.

For more information about AOK please visit http://www.artsofkenmore.org. There you can purchase artwork from the exhibit, learn more about the upcoming Kenmore Art Show, the grants for schools program and how to get involved with the Arts of Kenmore.

For further information contact AOK President David Maehren at dmaehren@artsofkenmore.org.