TACOMA, WA.-Tacoma Art Museum presents the works of the eight 2008 Neddy Artist Fellowship nominees this summer, May 31 through August 24, 2008. The Neddy Artist Fellowship is one of the few unrestricted cash awards granted to visual artists in the Northwest, established by the Behnke Family and the Behnke Foundation. The Foundation recently announced this year�s finalists. The artists selected for painting are Catherine Cook, Randy Hayes, Denzil Hurley, and Robert Yoder. The finalists for ceramics are Doug Jeck, Peter Olsen, Akio Takamori, and John Taylor. The names of the two Fellowship recipients � one in each category � will be announced at the Tacoma Art Museum Members� Opening Saturday, June 14 at 7 pm. Admission to that event is free for members and $10 for non-members.

This is the fourth year Tacoma Art Museum has collaborated with the Behnke Family and the Behnke Foundation to host the exhibition of finalists for this prestigious award. �Our partnership with the Behnke Family and the Behnke Foundation is an important and productive one because we share the common goal of highlighting exemplary artists in the Northwest,� said Tacoma Art Museum Director Stephanie Stebich . �The Neddy Fellowship is one of only a handful of prestigious regional awards for visual artists. We are honored to be a part of their efforts to celebrate the unique talents of our area�s artists.�

�The Neddy showcases some of the region�s most intriguing artists,� said Rock Hushka, Tacoma Art Museum �s Director of Curatorial Administration and Curator of Contemporary and Northwest Art. �This year�s nominees represent the diversity of artistic production in the Northwest. Each has made important contributions to the creative dialogue of the Northwest.�

The Neddy was established in 1996 as a memorial to Robert E. (Ned) Behnke (1948-1989) by the Behnke Family and the Behnke Foundation, who sought to honor Ned�s contributions to the Northwest artistic community. The Fellowship is presented to Northwest artists who demonstrate artistic excellence, innovation, unique vision, and a passionate commitment to their art and community. Originally conceived as an award for painters, the Neddy was soon expanded to recognize work by artists in other media. Fellowship recipients are awarded $15,000.

The exhibition will include works by each of the finalists that will be selected primarily from the artists� studios, private collections, and Tacoma Art Museum �s permanent collection.

Tacoma Art Museum connects people and builds community through art. The museum serves the diverse communities of the region through its collection, exhibitions, and learning programs, emphasizing art and artists from the Northwest. The museum�s five galleries display an array of top national shows, the best of Northwest art, creatively themed exhibitions, and historical retrospectives. In addition, there is an Education Wing for children, adults, and seniors with an art resource center, classroom, and studio for art making. Tacoma Art Museum is located in Tacoma �s Museum District, near the Museum of Glass , the Washington State History Museum , and historic Union Station.