ArtsEd Washington eNews

April 2008

ArtsEd eNews is an e-mail news bulletin dedicated to informing and connecting all segments of the arts education community in Washington State. ArtsEd eNews is brought to you by ArtsEd Washington, the Washington Alliance for Arts Education: www.ArtsEdWashington.org.

ArtsEd Washington is a member of the Kennedy Center Alliances for Arts Education Network.

To view this eNews as a webpage, click here: http://www.artsedwashington.org/Frame_Newsletters.html

In This Issue:

Letter from the Vice-President

ArtsEd Washington UPDATE

- Our Annual Meeting & Arts Education Week Are Almost Here
- Learn about Arts Education Grants from the NEA
- We're Looking for a Few Great Principals!
- In Memoriam: Mark Sheppard, Former Board Chairman
- Thank You, New & Renewing Members!

Washington State Arts Commission Update from Lisa Jaret

OSPI Update from AnnRené Joseph, Program Supervisor, The Arts, OSPI

Washington State Arts Alliance Legislative Update from Mary Langholz

Local Highlights, Recent Arts Education News, Professional Development Opportunities, and Funding & Awards Information

Join ArtsEd Washington

Our Platinum Sponsor: Seattle Center Academy
IT'S MORE THAN JUST A SUMMER PROGRAM - IT CHANGES LIVES!

Letter from the Vice-President

Dear Friends and Members of ArtsEd Washington,

If you haven’t yet made plans to attend our Annual Meeting at Teatro ZinZanni on Monday, May 5, please give me a moment to tell you why I believe this event is something you don’t want to miss.

Like me, many of you are teachers or school administrators, and you’re rapidly approaching the end of the school year. Now more than ever, we need a jolt of something stronger than caffeine to inspire and energize us, to motivate and encourage us, as we close out this year and begin planning for the next.

I’ve been to Teatro ZinZanni, and I recently heard Dr. Sarah Cunningham speak at the Kennedy Center. Let me assure you: If you come to our annual meeting, you will leave inspired, energized, motivated, and encouraged!

Dr. Cunningham, Director of Arts Education for the National Endowment for the Arts, is an engaging speaker with a wealth of experience in arts education. But the best part of her presentation is what you take away. I immediately began using what I learned from Dr. Cunningham in my work, and I still carry around the handout from her presentation to inspire and motivate me.

As part of our annual meeting, you’ll also have the chance to connect with other educators and school administrators that have “been there, done that” in arts education. Share your successes and new initiatives; learn from one another’s experiences; get a jump-start on your plans to infuse more arts into your classroom and school next year.

You’ll meet other members and supporters of ArtsEd Washington, like arts organizations folks, local business leaders, and legislators. You will find strength in this enthusiastic community of arts education advocates.

You’ll hear about everything ArtsEd Washington has done this year to support you and arts education, from ongoing professional development opportunities, to exciting progress with our Curricula Bank, to our growing advocacy efforts in the Washington legislature.

Plus, you’ll have a really good time! Step into Teatro ZinZanni’s gorgeous Belgian mirror tent and enjoy light refreshments inspired by renowned Northwest chef Tom Douglas. Then take part in a magical evening that features a "sneak-peak" at Teatro ZinZanni’s lovely and chaotic cabaret, a dramatic recitation by 2008 Poetry Out Loud State Champion BreAnna Jones, and, of course, an inspiring presentation from Dr. Cunningham.

Have I convinced you? I hope so. Mark your calendar now for this unforgettable evening – Monday, May 5, 5 to 8 p.m. – and send your reservation today to associate@artsedwashington.org (or call 206.441.4501). You can also visit our website, www.ArtsEdWashington.org, for more information about this FREE event. Hope to see you there!

Mike Sandner, Board Vice-President
Director, Arts & Curriculum Integration, Bethel School District

ArtsEd Washington Update

Arts Education Week -- May 11-17, 2008 / ArtsEd Washington Annual Meeting -- Monday, May 5, 5 - 8 p.m.

Congratulations to the City of Kirkland Cultural Council for submitting the first community proclamation for Arts Education Week 2008!

Plans are starting to come together for this year's Arts Education Week celebration. Visit our online toolkit at www.ArtsEdWashington.org to view the City of Kirkland proclamation, check out the growing calendar of events, and find new ways that you can get involved in Arts Education Week.

Do you have an event or program scheduled for that week? Submit it to our calendar listing! Then download the Arts Education Week logo for your program, and use the provided curtain speech before each performance.

Interested in talking to your local and state policy-makers about arts education? Take advantage of the week's timing, as well as the advocacy resources posted in the toolkit, and start talking in your community about the importance of ongoing arts education.

What's the best way to kick-off this exciting week? Join us at the 2008 ArtsEd Washington Annual Meeting, featuring Dr. Sarah Cunningham of the National Endowment for the Arts. Dr. Cunningham is a passionate arts advocate and inspiring speaker who will share her insights about arts education policies and practices around the nation, and help us define what we can do to make the arts a part of the complete education of every student in Washington.

Mark your calendar now for Monday, May 5, 5 to 8 p.m., at Teatro ZinZanni (222 Mercer Street, Seattle). Don't forget to RSVP to associate@artsedwashington.org or call 206.441.4501. For more information about this FREE event, please read the Letter from the President, or visit us online at www.ArtsEdWashington.org.

And, if you begin or renew your ArtsEd Washington membership before May 5, you'll be entered into a drawing for a gift certificate for two from Teatro ZinZanni to enjoy some "Love, Chaos & Dinner!" Click here for membership details.

Learn More about Arts Education Grants from the National Endowment for the Arts

If you have ever applied for, or plan to apply for, a NEA "Learning in the Arts" arts education grant, ArtsEd Washington and Washington State Arts Commission have an exciting opportunity for you! As part of her visit to Washington on Monday, May 5, Dr. Sarah Cunningham will present a workshop focused on NEA arts education support. This meeting is a chance for Sarah to get to know current NEA grantees, to share information about NEA grant programs, and for you to ask questions about NEA funding priorities and explore the nuts-and-bolts aspects of the NEA grants process. NOTE: These grants are made to arts organizations; the NEA does not make awards directly to individual elementary or secondary schools.

This event will take place on Monday, May 5, from 10-11 a.m. at Seattle Children's Theatre. If you are interested in attending this workshop, please RSVP to Lisa Jaret at 360-586-2418 or lisaj@arts.wa.gov as soon as possible, and no later than 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30. Please include your name, organization, and contact information. If you know someone else from your organization who would benefit from attending this meeting, please forward this message as appropriate.

The Principals Arts Leadership Program is Looking for a Few Great Leaders!

Attention, Elementary School Principals: Have you spent the last few years wondering when you'll have a chance to get to the arts? The time is now!

As April comes to a close, we are shifting into high gear to recruit principal leaders for next year's Principals Arts Leadership Program. This program gives you and your team of teachers and volunteers the chance to create a plan that intentionally includes the arts, engages your community, and enhances teaching and learning in your school. We work alongside you to provide guidance and support as you develop your team, create an arts education plan, and implement and build that plan over the next three years.

But don't just take our word for it! Visit www.artsedwashington.org/Programs/PALI.html to view a list of participating and alumni schools. Maybe you know the principals in some of these schools - give one of them a call and find out how the Principals Arts Leadership program has made a difference for the arts in their school.

For more information, please send an email to Gail Frasier, Principals' Program Manager, at gail@artsedwashington.org or call 206.441.4501.

Tribute to Mark Sheppard, Theatre Teacher and Arts Education Advocate

On Sunday, April 13, loving friends, family, and students gathered at The Lakeside School to honor and celebrate the life of Mark Sheppard, who died of cancer, March 26, at the age of 57. An extraordinary theatre teacher and arts education advocate, Mark touched lives and hearts with his unfailing wit, incredible intellect, and passion for living in and through the arts, especially theatre. He believed in the power of theatre to changes lives and promote thinking, healing, and compassion. Mark never backed away from pursuing excellence in his work or in his life.

During the mid-1980s and 1990s, Mark served on the Washington Alliance for Arts Education (ArtsEd Washington) Board of Directors and became the Chairman in 1992. He was active on numerous statewide arts education committees and leadership councils, including the first-ever arts education coalition that produced ArtsTime ’89 (his title), a statewide arts education conference that continues to this day. He was a member of the Washington Alliance for Theatre Education. For more than 10 years, Mark served as secretary of the Winifred Ward Memorial Fund, Inc., a scholarship organization that serves Children’s Theatre graduates. His most recent volunteer community work revolved around Vashon Allied Arts. A fund in Mark’s name has been started to support young people’s involvement in the theatre.

It was an honor to work and serve with Mark Sheppard, promoting and supporting arts education. Like countless others, I will sorely miss his enthusiasm, good humor, and no-nonsense, “let’s get to the heart of the matter” approach to completing projects. Now his tasks are finished, and we can “sing him to his sweet rest.”

Gina May, Past President of ArtsEd Washington/Washington Alliance for Arts Education
April 14, 2008

Welcome and Thanks

ArtsEd Washington welcomes our newest members, and we offer continued thanks to those who recently renewed.

Individuals: Libby Reid, Christine & Dale Bateman, Michelle Massey, Jessica Garrick, Betty Nomura and Gail Frasier

Schools & Organizations: Larchmont Elementary School, PT Artscape, Center for World Music, Book-it Repertory Theatre, City of Kirkland Cultural Council, Birney Elementary School, PONCHO, Seattle Center Academy, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Seattle Children's Theatre, and Pacific Northwest Ballet

Washington State Arts Commission Update by Lisa Jaret,
ArtsEd Washington Board Member and WSAC Arts in Education Program Manager

Poetry Out Loud: Last month we held the statewide finals for Poetry Out Loud, graciously hosted by the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma. Ten high school students participated, having advanced through regional finals held in our four participating counties: Pierce, Thurston, Spokane, and Yakima.

We send our congratulations to the 2008 winner of Washington State’s Poetry Out Loud program: 10th grader BreAnna Jones from Yakima. Congratulations also go to the teachers at her school, West Valley High School, and to our regional partners, Allied Arts of Yakima Valley and ESD 105, for organizing a great program in our first year in the Yakima area. BreAnna will represent our state at the end of this month at the national Poetry Out Loud finals in Washington D.C., and will be a featured guest at the ArtsEd Washington Annual Meeting on May 5. For more information on our Poetry Out Loud event, go to http://www.arts.wa.gov/education/poetry-out-loud.shtml

Arts in Education Grants: The Community Consortium and First Step grant applications are currently in the review process; grant recipients will be announced during Arts Education Week, after the Commission votes on them on May 13.

Roster of Teaching Artists: We are now accepting applications for the WSAC Roster of Teaching Artists. WSAC seeks teaching artists who have strong skills and experience as individual artists, as well as strong skills and experience working with students in K-12 public schools. Teaching artists accepted to this roster will be articulate about how they impact and assess student learning in the arts, and will be able to demonstrate how they align their lessons with the Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs) in the arts. The roster is open to teaching artists working in any artistic discipline; applicants must be Washington State residents, or residents of Oregon or Idaho who live within 60 miles of a Washington State public school.

Applications are due by Monday, June 2. Click here to look at application guidelines and materials. Please visit the current Roster of Teaching Artists to find high quality teaching artists to work in your school or community.

As always, I welcome questions and comments regarding WSAC’s Arts in Education programs. I can be reached at 360-586-2418 or lisaj@arts.wa.gov.

The Washington State Arts Commission cultivates a thriving environment for creative expression and appreciation for the arts for the benefit of all. For more information, visit http://www.arts.wa.gov/

Update from AnnRené Joseph, Program Supervisor, The Arts, OSPI
ArtsEd Washington Board Member

Dear Arts Education Advocates,

I’m excited to share with you that Arts Education in Washington State is “green and growing,” full of compassion, and making positive progress towards all learners receiving quality, essential, academic, and basic education in dance, music, theatre and visual arts! All of your efforts are making the dream a reality across the state! Thank you.

The legislative session just ended, and beginning with the 2008-09 school year, The Arts, Social Studies, and Health and Fitness instruction and strategies will be reported to the OSPI.

Official Memorandum from Dr. Terry Bergeson, State Superintendent:
http://www.k12.wa.us/CurriculumInstruct/Arts/pubdocs/October18TBLetter.pdf

OSPI Memorandum on Classroom-Based Assessments and Classroom-Based Performance Assessments for Social Studies, The Arts, and Health and Fitness:
http://www.k12.wa.us/bulletinsmemos/memos2007/M057-07.doc

Draft of the Reporting Form:
http://www.k12.wa.us/bulletinsmemos/memos2007/M057-07Attach.pdf

More Information:
www.k12.wa.us/curriculumInstruct/arts and www.k12.wa.us/assessment/WASL/Arts

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Visit the OSPI home page at www.k12.wa.us for information about arts education activities, Arts Education Week, and the upcoming 35th Annual Superintendent’s High School Art Show, “The Art of Everything,” April 18 – May 28, 2008. Mark your calendar for the Awards & Reception program, Friday, May 16, 2-4 p.m., in the Old Capitol Building in Olympia.

2007-08 Art Show Calendar:
http://www.k12.wa.us/CurriculumInstruct/Arts/pubdocs/ArtsCalendar2007.pdf

2007-08 Art Show Guidelines:
http://www.k12.wa.us/CurriculumInstruct/Arts/pubdocs/2007-08ArtShowGuidelines.pdf

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New and revised Arts Classroom-Based Performance Assessments (CBPAs) are currently being piloted by the Arts Assessment Leadership Team. These student samples will be reviewed later this month, and those CBPAs that work across the state (psychometrically) will then be piloted by more than 150 school districts for feedback in May/June 08. The CBPAs that work across the state will then be added to the bank of CBPAs used to measure student achievement in The Arts beginning with the 2008-09 school year.

For More Information:
http://www.k12.wa.us/Assessment/WASL/Arts/default.aspx

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Arts Grade Level Expectations are being developed, and a “draft” for review is scheduled for posting and comment during the 08-09 school year.

View the Schedule:
http://www.k12.wa.us/curriculumInstruct/Arts/GLEs.aspx

View the Arts Elements, Principles, Techniques, and Foundations Used to Develop the GLE Document:
www.k12.wa.us/CurriculumInstruct/arts/pubdocs/ArtsElementsPrinciplesChart.doc

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We will present updated information on CBPAs, GLEs, professional development, ArtsTime 2009, laws, policies, initiatives, research, and support for Arts Education at the OSPI Summer Institute, July 29 - August 1, 2008, at the Tacoma Convention Center.

For More Information:
http://www.k12.wa.us/Conferences/summerinstitute2008/SummerInstitute.pdf

To Register for the Institute:
https://eds.ospi.k12.wa.us/EventsManager/Public/EventDetails.aspx?loc=6&eid=1523

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In closing, I ask each of you to daily ponder how compassion is demonstrated in and through The Arts. What does compassion look like, sound like, feel like, act like, taste like, smell like, and move like? How do each of us demonstrate compassion in all that we do?

My best to all, and many thanks for what you daily do to make arts education happen in your “circles of influence.”

Most sincerely,

AnnRené Joseph, Arts Program Supervisor, OSPI

OSPI Arts Mission
"The Arts - Communicating and integrating life, literacy, and learning through experience for all learners."

Washington State Arts Alliance - Legislative Update by Mary Langholz, Executive Director

Dear ArtsEd Washington Colleagues,

Thank you all for being such strong arts advocates during the 2008 state legislative session. Sometimes we all wonder if our messages make a difference. Be assured that they do! Elected officials will listen to their constituents and are influenced by a strong showing of messages from the public. Even though we didn’t win all of our arts-related bills this year, we did feel success in many areas and the legislators were impressed with our steadfast support. We are already starting to strategize for the 2009 session.

Last week five arts representatives from the state of Washington attended the National Arts Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C. We made 11 congressional appointments and shared messages on national arts issues with our Washington U.S. Senators and Representatives or their top aides. Issues discussed included support for increased funding of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH); and support for improving arts education funding, research and policies at the U. S. Department of Education.

A highlight of the day was a Congressional hearing entitled “Role of the Arts in Creativity and Innovation,” hosted by Representative Norm Dicks (D-WA), Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior. Singer John Legend, actors Robert Redford and Kerry Washington, The Conference Board CEO Jonathan Spector, Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann, and Americans for the Arts President and CEO Robert L. Lynch testified at the hearing and emphasized the importance of developing strong public policies and appropriating increased public funding for the arts.

ACT NOW to register for the 2008 Washington Cultural Congress (WCC) at Sleeping Lady Mountain Retreat in Leavenworth, April 28-30. WCC is popular 3-day retreat for statewide arts leaders, educators, board members, artists, community arts activists, and more to engage in peer-to-peer education and networking opportunities. Great music, great workshops, great keynote addresses, and wonderful fun with arts colleagues. Limited spaces remain, so register immediately online at www.wsartsalliance.com (click on Cultural Congress).

Best regards, Mary Langholz, WSAA Executive Director

SIGN UP FOR ACTION ALERTS! WSAA Action Alerts give you the tools to contact your legislators from your office or home, on issues that you care about, in a timely fashion. Sign up today: http://capwiz.com/artsusa/wa/mlm/signup/

The Washington State Arts Alliance is the statewide advocacy organization that works to promote public funding, legislation and policy favorable to the arts. Visit their website at http://www.wsartsalliance.com/ for more information.

Local Highlights

Eastside Arts Education Fair - Hear It, See It, Do It!
Saturday, April 26, 12 - 5 p.m. / Crossroads Shopping Center, Bellevue
Members of the Eastside Arts Coalition offer a wide variety of educational opportunities to audiences of all ages - to learn, to participate and to enjoy. To showcase these services, the EAC is holding the second annual Eastside Arts Coalition Arts Education Fair. Watch hands-on demonstrations, enjoy live performances, attend free workshops, sign up for classes, view art displays,and more! ArtsEd Washington will be there! We hope you will be there, too. For more information, visit www.eastsidearts.org.

Recent News & Publications

Insights Gained Into Arts and Smarts
EdWeek.org, March 7, 2008
Findings from studies by neuroscientists and psychologists at seven universities help amplify scientists' understanding of how training in the arts might contribute to improving general thinking skills. While the report doesn't provide any definitive answers to the arts-makes-you-smarter question, it disputes the myth that students are either right- or left-brained learners. It also offers hints on how arts learning might spill over into other academic domains.
http://www.ecs.org/00CL11447 (Premium Article Access Compliments of www.EdWeek.org)

Coloring Outside Curriculum Lines To Depict the Drop in Arts Education
Washington Post, March 6, 2008
The Center on Education Policy recently released a report which finds that many elementary schools across the nation have given more time to reading and math by taking away time from social studies, science, art and physical education. Some schools, like the Chevy Chase Elementary School, are fighting back with special events like the "Big Draw."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/05/AR2008030503695.html

Not on the Test
Take a listen to this powerful, satirical tune by Tom Chapin and John Forster, originally written and performed for NPR's "Morning Edition."
http://www.notonthetest.com

New Publication - AVAILABLE FREE
Arts Education: Spelling Out What Works
Edited By Barbara Rich, Ed.D., and Jane L. Polin
This new book examines innovations in arts-teacher training and features the best practices at 24 higher-education institutions. Also included are proceedings from Dana ’s 2007 national symposium on how colleges, universities and conservatories can enhance arts learning. (Free pdf version) http://dana.org/

We strive to collect the latest research reports, news, and information impacting arts education at the local, state, and national levels in one central location. Click here to read our latest listings.

Professional Development & School Outreach Opportunities

Stay Creative! Arts Corps Offers Hands-On Workshops in Cultivating Creative Classroom Habits
Saturday, April 26 / 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Intermediate Teachers
Saturday, May 10 / 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Primary & Intermediate Teachers
Arts Corps presents creative habits for the classroom and classroom teachers. Cultivate new, creative ways of thinking about your curricula and classroom practice in these fun hands-on workshops. Beginning with your own strengths, we invite you to explore arts-rich experiences and challenges to discover new dimensions for learning. Take away practical arts activities in visual art, music and theatre which can be used to deeply engage students in learning multiple subject areas. Workshops are held at the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center in West Seattle. Cost is $40 (includes a light breakfast and materials). Clock hour credits are available. For more information, visit http://www.artscorps.org/staycreative/

Professional development and school outreach opportunities offered by our member organizations are posted on our website. Visit the Professional Development Calendar and Tools for Schools Calendar to explore the options and plan your school year.

Funding & Award Opportunities

City of Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs: Youth Arts Program
Deadline: April 28, 2008
Youth Arts is an annual funding program that makes a difference in the lives of Seattle middle- and high- school youth by supporting arts training in out-of-school time. Funds and technical assistance from this program help experienced teaching artists lead training programs and projects in all arts disciplines, ranging from the traditional arts to theater to film and media. Priority is placed on serving youth or communities with limited or no access to the arts. In 2008, $201,000 will fund 25 artists, cultural organizations, and community-based organizations serving youth.
http://www.seattle.gov/arts/funding/youth_arts.asp

The Philip B. Swain Scholarship for a Seattle Public High School Senior
Deadline: May 23, 2008
The Philip B. Swain Scholarship awards $1,000 (which is renewable for three additional years) to a graduating senior in a Seattle public school. The student must: be a graduating senior from any Seattle Public high school; have a 2.50 cumulative GPA; anticipate enrollment for fall 2008 and be enrolled at least one-half time at an accredited institution of higher education; maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or above in his/her chosen institution of higher education; and demonstrate financial need. http://alliance4ed.org/news/swain.htm

NEA Grants for Learning in the Arts for Children and Youth
Deadline: June 9, 2008
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Grants for Learning in the Arts for Children and Youth are given to advance arts education for children and youth in school-based or community-based settings. The program supports in-depth, curriculum-based arts education experiences that occur over an extended period. Projects must provide participatory learning and engage students with skilled artists, teachers, and excellent art. Maximum Award: varies. Eligibility: 501(c)(3) organizations that administer school-based projects for children and youth between kindergarten and grade 12, are directly connected to the school curriculum and instructional program and ensure the application of national or state arts education standard; or community-based projects for children and youth between ages five and 18. http://www.arts.gov/grants/apply/GAP09/LITA.html

New funding opportunities are regularly added to our website. Click here to find the right fit for your arts education program.

ArtsEd Washington is your Resource Headquarters!
Bookmark the ArtsEd Washington website and check back regularly for news, information, and opportunities at the national, state, and local level.

Every Child. More Arts. Together We Can Make This Real!

Join ArtsEd Washington Today!
We depend on your membership dues to help us provide tools and programs to advance arts education and support you in your work by keeping you informed of the latest news and developments locally and nationally. Please support our efforts by renewing or beginning your ArtsEd Washington membership today!

And, if you begin or renew your membership before May 5, you'll be entered into a drawing for a gift certificate for two from Teatro ZinZanni to enjoy some "Love, Chaos & Dinner!"

Visit the ArtsEd website at http://www.artsedwashington.org/ to support our vital efforts today. Thank you for your help!

Our Platinum Sponsor: Seattle Center Academy
IT'S MORE THAN JUST A SUMMER PROGRAM - IT CHANGES LIVES!

Looking for an amazing, affordable summer program to unleash a 7th or 8th grader’s creative potential? Then check out Seattle Center Academy. Offering unique classes in performance, visual, literary and media arts taught by professional artists in partnership with more than 20 premier arts organizations, Seattle Center Academy is perfect for young people of all experience levels.

The program also includes both specialized and integrated classes serving students with disabilities. Students are supported by professional staff and paired with mentors who provide friendship, support and one-on-one assistance. Transportation, meals and all materials are provided. Scholarships are available and tuition can be as low as $75. Call 206.233.3959 or visit
www.seattlecenter.com/academy for more information or to apply online.
Application deadline is May 16th.

          Seattle Center Academy 2008 – Create Inspiration!
          Dates: July 28 – August 8
          Times: Monday – Friday; 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
          Location: Seattle Center

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