|
 "Expressing gratitude is a natural state of being and reminds us that we are all connected."
-- Valerie Elster --
|
|
 Thank you, Auburn, for coming out Wednesday to learn about the state of your city at the beautiful Muckleshoot Casino Events Center! And for those who couldn't make it in person, for checking out the livestream, made possible the gracious support of the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe and casino staff.
 The months and weeks leading up to the State of the City address is simultaneously a sprint AND a marathon for many of our City of Auburn staff, and I want to give a shout out to everyone who had a hand in making Wednesday night a success. Thank you Tamie, Melissa, Elizabeth and Keisha for securing the wonderful venue, coordinating the delicious food and putting together the beautiful table toppers. Thank you Jonathan, Jason, Chester, Angee, Kevin and Bridget for your multimedia support throughout. Thank you to my director team, for providing content and making sure the day-to-day in our city runs as smoothly as possible.
 And of course, thank you to all of you -- whether you’ve lived here for decades or recently joined our community, your love and support for Auburn inspires me daily. It takes me right back to my resolutions of joy and gratitude I shared in early January.
 For those unable to attend or watch live, we've got the full speech transcript available online, at auburnwa.gov/sotc, including all of the videos our team put together for the address, and the full video of the presentation and speech on YouTube and Vimeo.
Thank you for reading this newsletter each week, for engaging with our city, and for keeping us honest each and every day!
Here's to looking forward to next year!
 The latest episode of the Auburn on Main podcast is live on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and YouTube!
Like I said last week, these two young women are incredibly talented and have such an amazing story to share -- I hope you give the podcast a listen! Don't forget to like, subscribe and drop a positive review!
|
|
 |
|
Auburn Symphony: The Magical Music of Harry Potter
Escape to the magical world of Harry Potter through the iconic soundtrack. Hedwig’s Theme will lift you, Aunt Marge’s Waltz will make you laugh, every piece will conjure magic in the concert hall. Bring the whole family and don’t forget the NEW, family-friendly start time: 7 p.m.
###
* Saturday, March 1
* 7 - 9 p.m.
* Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center | 31510 Pete von Reichbauer Way S.
* Tickets ($10 - $45)
|
Make and Mingle @ Postmark
Stop by the Postmark for our Make & Mingle session! Join us for a cup of coffee with whatever art project you might be working on. A free, no-pressure environment for artists and creatives to gather... you can talk with other artists, ask for feedback or critique from on-site staff if available, bring your sketchbook to work out ideas, or just quietly draw in the gallery or work on your art! Intended for ages 18+.
###
* Wednesdays
* 10 a.m. - Noon
* Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
* Free
|
|
 |
 |
|
Art Gallery 101
Ever considered showing your work at an art gallery, but didn’t know where to start? Join City of Auburn arts staff as we teach students the following basics: how and where to apply for gallery shows, how to professionally prepare your artwork, transport it, and art installation basics. There is no experience required and all are welcome!
Ages: 15+
Fee: $15/$19 Resident/Non-Res
Instructor: Postmark Staff
###
* Thursday, March 6
* 4:30 - 6 p.m.
* Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
* Register ($15 resident, $19 non-resident)
|
Drop-In Drawing @ Postmark
Come stop by for our new Drop-In Drawing sessions at the Postmark! A free, no-pressure environment for artists and creatives to drop-in to draw from a still life or the gallery. Stay for whole two hours or only 10 minutes. Bring tools to either shade or color with, and your own sketchbook or drawing pad. There will be on-site help for critique/questions/advice. All are welcome.
Ages: 15+
Registration: $0
Instructor: Postmark Staff
###
* Fridays
* 10 a.m. - Noon
* Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
* Free
|
|
 |
 |
|
Drop-In Painting With Amy Sie @ Postmark
Amy Sie is offering Drop-In Gongbi Painting sessions at the Postmark! A free, no-pressure environment for you to start a new painting, or work on an old one. Please bring your own tools and materials for watercolor painting. On-site help for critique/questions/advice. All are welcome.
Ages: 18+
Fee: $0
Instructor: Amy Sie
###
* Fridays
* 10 a.m. - Noon
* Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
* Free
|
Auburn Community Players: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
The Auburn Community Players are at it again! This musical look at “Big Business” means Big Laughs in a delightfully clever lampoon of life on the corporate ladder! Tackling such familiar but potent dangers as the aggressively compliant "company man," the office party, backstabbing coworkers, caffeine addiction, and, of course, true love, we follow the rise of J. Pierrepont Finch as he uses a little handbook called How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying to climb the corporate ladder from lowly window washer to high-powered executive. Get your tickets today!
###
* March 7, 8 & 9
* Various times
* Green River College - Student Affairs Building | 12401 SE 320th St.
* Tickets ($22 student/senior, $25 regular, $27 & $30 at the door)
|
|
 |
 |
|
Postmark Second Saturdays
Visit Postmark Center for the Arts gallery, open to the public each Second Saturday from 12-4PM! Each month features new and exciting all ages events!
March 8, 2025 | 1-3PM - The Real Lady A: Welcome to the Porch Performance
Join us from 1-3PM for an afternoon of music and fun provided by The Real Lady A! Welcome to the Porch is a soulful storytelling community-driven performance, front porch-style, fostering unity, conversation and shared musical heritage.
FREE | ALL AGES
###
* Saturday, March 8
* 1 - 3 p.m.
* Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
* Free
|
Fly For Freedom: HomeFront/WarFront
Who were the real “Rosie the Riveters?” How did Black Americans fight for democracy on two fronts?
Learn the little-known contributions of Black women in World War II aviation, as one trailblazing young pilot flies for Double Victory— championing democracy at home and abroad.
Antoinette and her family join the millions of Black Americans serving their country in the defense industries while bravely confronting racism, sexism and fascism on every front.
Home Front / War Front Fly for Freedom: new historical multimedia program featuring the little-known stories and contributions of working women in the World War II aeronautics industry, amplifying the experiences of Black women through the Rosie the Riveters who built planes in Boeing’s factories, the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs), the Tuskegee Airmen, and the Double Victory campaign. Using a unique blend of live theatre and archival film, Living Voices brings life to history
Developed in partnership with the Museum of Flight, Museum of History & Industry and The Boeing Company.
Seating is limited. Please let us know you are coming.
###
* Sunday, March 9
* 2 p.m.
* White River Valley Museum | 918 H St. Southeast
* Free (please register)
|
|
 |
 |
|
Salvadoran Folk-Art Block Printing
In this block-printing class, you’ll make a card based on the colorful and whimsical style of Fernando Llort, who has been dubbed El Salvador’s National Artist. You will have to chance to learn how to carve, ink and print from soft linoleum blocks and create your own unique cards inspired by the folk art of El Salvador! All materials for this class will be provided. If you want to print on more unique papers or make more than ten cards, please purchase packs of 5" × 6-7/8"cards and matching envelopes at: Dick Blick
Ages: 12+
Fee: $20/$25 Resident/Non-Res
Instructor: Alex Mojica
###
* Thursday, March 13
* 5 - 7 p.m.
* Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
* Register ($20 resident, $25 non-resident)
|
Auburn Community Players: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
The Auburn Community Players are at it again! This musical look at “Big Business” means Big Laughs in a delightfully clever lampoon of life on the corporate ladder! Tackling such familiar but potent dangers as the aggressively compliant "company man," the office party, backstabbing coworkers, caffeine addiction, and, of course, true love, we follow the rise of J. Pierrepont Finch as he uses a little handbook called How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying to climb the corporate ladder from lowly window washer to high-powered executive. Get your tickets today!
###
* March 14, 15 & 16
* Various times
* Green River College - Student Affairs Building | 12401 SE 320th St.
* Tickets ($22 student/senior, $25 regular, $27 & $30 at the door)
|
|
 |
 |
|
Hunting, Fishing, and Native Sovereignty
Free Event courtesy of Humanities Washington
What happens when the sovereignty of one nation conflicts with the laws and practices of another?
The Treaty of 1855 is a document signed by Native American leaders, Washington Territory’s Governor Isaac Stevens, and Oregon Territory’s Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Joel Palmer. Palmer and Stevens pushed for “exploitative treaties” by “cajoling and threatening the delegates,” according to historians at the National Park Service. Despite resistance from Yakama Chief Kamiakin, Nations were confined to reservations and other areas were opened for white settlement, including “ceded land.” While the Yakamas could continue to hunt and use this land, the treaty removed the Yakamas’ exclusive use of it, granting wide access of the land to white settlers.
Aaron Paul Whitefoot (he/him) graduated from Haskell Indian Nations University. Whitefoot served as a tradition bearer in the Heritage Arts Apprenticeship Program from the Center for Washington Cultural Traditions, teaching hunting, fishing, tying nets, and cutting and processing elk. He runs the Yakama Nation Hunters and Gatherers Facebook page and a YouTube channel where he demonstrates his craft.
###
* Wednesday, March 19
* 6 - 7:30 p.m.
* White River Valley Museum | 918 H St. Southeast
* Free (please register)
|
Artist Statement & Grant Writing for Creatives
Artist statements and grants are hard to write, but they are an important tools for artists working in any discipline. In this workshop, led by the City of Auburn’s arts staff, you will learn the basics of writing successful artist statements and begin creating your own, as well as tips and best practices for grant writing. By the end of the workshop, you will have the start to a solid artist statement and knowledge about how to write successful grant applications.
Ages: 15+
Fee: $15/$19 Resident/Non-Res
Instructor: Postmark Staff
###
* Thursday, March 20
* 4:30 - 6 p.m.
* Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
* Register ($15 resident, $19 non-resident)
|
|
 |
 |
|
Different Drummer @ Postmark
Different Drummer is a multi-genre chamber ensemble comprised of violin, cello, double bass and percussion. This unlikely quartet creates an exhilarating visual and musical show, adding a whimsical element to the chamber/jazz ensemble. Percussionist Don Dieterich delights audiences with his “drum set” comprised of a desk, typewriter, telephone, lampshade, trash can, desk bells, stampers, and a suitcase kick drum! Experience the fun of Different Drummer!
###
* Friday, March 21
* 7:30 p.m.
* Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
* Tickets ($19 student/senior, $22 regular)
|
Radical Poetics: Erasures as Reclamation
Erasure or blackout poems are created by covering up or “erasing” parts of pre-existing texts including books, medical papers, legal documents, and more. In this two-day generative workshop students will work with Auburn's Poet Laureate, Mateo Acuña, to create blackout poetry and analyze erasures as conversing with and countering the original source text as a means for advocacy, social justice, and dissent against mainstream narratives.
Dates: March 26th and 27th, 6 - 7:30PM Ages: 15+
Fee: $25/$32 Resident/Non-Res
Instructor: Mateo Acuña
###
* Wednesday, March 26
* 6 - 7:30 p.m.
* Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
* Register ($25 resident, $32 non-resident
|
|
 |
 |
|
Book Explorers with KCLS - Gifts From Georgia's Garden
Free Program!
Calling all Book Explorers! Looking for a literary adventure? Join us for book discussions and museum activities.
Do you have a garden? Why are we so drawn to natural beauty? Celebrate spring and Women’s History Month with an artist who painted the nature she loved. Then dig into activities connected to gardens and art.
Ages 7 and older.
###
* Thursday, March 27
* 4:30 p.m.
* White River Valley Museum | 918 H St. Southeast
* Free
|
Comedy at the Course
Comedy at the Course will keep you laughing all night long as three comedians work to twist your funny bone. Ages 18 and over only.
###
* Friday, March 28
* 7:30 p.m.
* Auburn Golf Course - Bogey's Public House | 29630 Green River Road
* Tickets ($19 student/senior, $22 regular)
|
|
 |
 |
|
Framing for Beginners
Framing artwork can be expensive and intimidating, so being able to DIY is a wonderful skill to have! In this workshop City of Auburn arts staff will teach students how to use basic supplies to mat, frame, and install hardware to artworks for professional-looking display. There is no experience required and all are welcome!
Ages: 15+
Fee: $15/$19 Resident/Non-Res
Instructor: Postmark Staff
###
* Thursday, April 3
* 4:30 - 6 p.m.
* Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn Ave.
* Register ($15 resident, $19 non-resident)
|
Sound Worlds featuring violinist Ilana Zaks
Sound Worlds is a one-hour program featuring music for violin and electronics. This program features music by Hunter Prueger, ('Silent Moment', 2023), Brannon Warn-Johnston's A Year with Cancer', (2024), Patrick Long ('Shadow Steps', 2011; finished 2021), Aaron Levin's Videogame Vespers' (2023). This program is intended to bring awareness to underrepresented composers innovating and bringing sounds from their life experiences to one of the oldest existing instruments: the violin.
FREE | ALL AGES
###
* Friday, April 4
* 7 - 8 p.m.
* Postmark Center for the Arts | 20 Auburn. Ave.
* Free
|
|
 |
 |
|
Stonesy – The Music of The Rolling Stones
STONESY is a Seattle based band faithfully reproducing the timeless music of the Rolling Stones on stage! Their vocals, instrumentals and precision drumming combine to create riotous rock 'n' roll like only the Rolling Stones and Stonesy can deliver. Hold onto your top hat and join in the fun – “It's a gas, gas, gas…”!
###
* Saturday, April 5
* 7:30 p.m.
* Green River College - Student Affairs Building | 12401 SE 320th St.
* Tickets ($22 student/senior, $25 regular)
|
Auburn Symphony: Visions of America
Journey with the Orchestra through the breadth and depth of the American landscape. From the quiet beauty of rural America in Aaron Copland’s The Tender Land Suite, to the joyful praise break of a church in Carlos Simon’s Four Black American Dances, to the inspirational march of a band in William Walton’s Spitfire Prelude and Fugue, revel in the triumphant sounds of the American dream.
Join us at 1:30 before the concert for a talk with Dr. Gwynne K. Brown.
###
* Sunday. April 6
* 2:30 - 4 p.m.
* Auburn Performing Arts Center | 702 4th St. NE
* Tickets ($10-$45)
|
|
 |
(Click image to view video)
Speaking of gratitude, I'm so thankful I got to meet Aaron Baker a little over a year ago, just as he was making his way out of homelessness and into recovery. This year, we included an update from Aaron in the State of the City address, and I'm so happy to share that Aaron is thriving -- in so many ways. Please click the image above or follow this link to hear directly from Aaron on how he's doing these days.
 Auburn is rich with history — from historical Main Street to the artifacts preserved throughout White River Valley Museum — I am excited to share these stories with all of you each week.
(Image courtesy of White River Valley Museum)
South King County has long been a destination for local tourism, especially for people wanting to enjoy the outdoors. In this 1934 photo, Tetsuo Kamo stands on the dock at Star Lake where he was visiting as part of the Young Buddhist Association picnic being held there. Angle Lake, Star Lake, and Lake Meridian were all popular waterfront destinations for visitors throughout King County.
|
|
|
|
|
