SEATTLE, WA.- The Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs seeks applications from established professional painters working within the Northwest (Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Alaska and British Columbia) for "STRUCTURE: Works Inspired by the Built Environment; Oil and Acrylic Painting" a purchase program for the Seattle Public Utilities Portable Works Collection.

Applications must be delivered to the Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs by 5 p.m., Friday, August 19, 2005 or postmarked by the U. S. Post Office by Friday, August 19, 2005.

The application is available at www.seattle.gov/arts (select "Funding Applications.") Those unable to download the application may call (206) 684-4186 or send an e-mail to arts.culture@seattle.gov.

Considered for purchase will be artworks painted on canvas, paper, or board with oil or acrylic medium and measuring no more than 48 inches by 48 inches x five inches. Paintings in other media such as watercolor, gouache, tempera, etc. are not eligible at this time. Preference will be given to paintings incorporating the use of color, as opposed to monochromatic colors. Paintings will be purchased unframed only. Artists whose work has been purchased in previous years may apply annually, however the artistic diversity of the collection takes precedence. No students of any level are eligible to apply.

Purchases will be chosen by juries of local and non-local arts professionals who are charged with selecting artwork of high quality and reflecting diversity of expression for the City of Seattle. The Seattle Public Utilities Portable Works Collection is exhibited throughout the utility's offices, engaging both employees and the public by helping to create an interesting and diverse work environment. This purchase is made possible through the support of Seattle Public Utilities.

The greater Portable Works Collection currently includes nearly 2,800 works exhibited throughout City of Seattle buildings. Artworks in the Portable Works Collection are also made available for exhibit loans to museums.

The Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs promotes the value of arts and culture in and of communities throughout Seattle. The 15-member Seattle Arts Commission, citizen volunteers appointed by the Mayor and City Council, supports the City agency.