Artist Trust News 

For Immediate Release
January 28, 2010

Contact: Nirmala Singh-Brinkman, EDGE Program Manager
nirmala@artisttrust.org, 206/467-8734 x20, toll free 1/866/218-7878 

ARTIST TRUST ANNOUNCES 16 ARTISTS SELECTED FOR 2010 EDGE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR WRITERS

Artist Trust is pleased to announce that 16 artists have been selected to participate in the 2010 EDGE Professional Development Program for Writers, made possible by generous funding from Amazon.com.

The EDGE Program offers artists a comprehensive survey of professional practices through a hands-on, interactive curriculum that includes instruction by professionals in the field, as well as specialized presentations, panel discussions and assignments. EDGE aims to provide artists with the relevant and necessary entrepreneurial skills to achieve their personal career goals and with the opportunity to develop peer support and exchange. Since 2003 the program has served 398 filmmakers, visual artists and writers. In 2009 Artist Trust held the inaugural EDGE Program for Writers, and 18 nominated writers of poetry, fiction and creative nonfiction successfully completed the program. For the 2010 EDGE Program a panel consisting of four arts professionals reviewed the applications and selected 16 writers to participate. See below for complete lists of the 2010 EDGE for Writers participants and selection panelists.

At the end of the program, the participating artists will present their work with a reception to follow, and Artist Trust invites you to attend! The Artists’ Final Presentations will take place at Jack Straw Productions (4261 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle) on Friday, March 26 from 7:00 to 10:00 pm. To RSVP for the event or for more information about the EDGE Program, contact Nirmala Singh-Brinkman, EDGE Program Manager, 206/467-8734 x20 or nirmala@artisttrust.org

“Amazon.com’s support for the Artist Trust EDGE Program for Writers and Literary Fellowship reflects our commitment to helping develop great authors and great works,” explains Jon Fine, director of Author & Publisher Relations at Amazon.com. “A love of reading and an appreciation for the people who create great books is part of our DNA at Amazon.com. We share our obsession with fostering the creation, discussion, and publication of books through our support of Artist Trust.”

2010 LIT EDGE Participants

Lana Ayers, Kitsap County
Ellie Belew, Kittitas
Amelia Boldaji, King
Sarah Callender, King
Cara Diaconoff, Snohomish
Katy Ellis, King
Lauren Fink, King
Robert Flor, King
Linera Lucas, King
Larissa Min, King
Jennifer Munro, King
Jessica Murphy Moo, King
Ruby Murray, Wahkiakum
Cody Pherigo, King
Ann Teplick, King
Elissa Washuta, King

2010 LIT EDGE Selection Panel

Rick Barot, Assistant Professor of English, Pacific Lutheran University
Angela Fountas, Instructor, EDGE Program for Writers
Nirmala Singh-Brinkman, EDGE Program Manager
Corry Venema-Weiss, 2009 Graduate, EDGE Program for Writers

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In addition to the EDGE Program, Artist Trust administers three grant programs: the Artist Trust Fellowship Program, the Grants for Artist Projects (GAP) Program, and the Twining Humber Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement. Artist Trust is also a vital information resource for artists, delivering professional development information to thousands of artists each year.

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Artist Trust is a not-for-profit organization whose sole mission is to support and encourage individual artists working in all disciplines in order to enrich community life throughout Washington State. Find out
more at www.artisttrust.org.

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