Over the past thirty years, Earthenworks has earned a national reputation as a highly respected art gallery.

It is recognized as one of the top twenty-five art and craft galleries in America. Earthenworks’ focus has always been one of quality, integrity, and personalized service. Although contemporary art and crafts are emphasized, much of the artwork enhances a more traditional environment as well. Earthenworks continues to seek new work from emerging artists and from those who are currently represented.

We are happy to work with you and our artists to commission work and special orders that will meet your personal needs. Worldwide shipping, gift certificates, and complimentary gift-wrapping are available.

We look forward to your visit.
Located at 713 S. First Street, La Conner. 360-466-4422….

Ken Saunderson of Ken Saunderson marketing Group will review the La Conner Tourism Marketing Action Plan on Thursday, July 7th from 8:30-10 AM at Maple Hall.

This is an exciting opportunity to find out what we all can do to work together to improve marketing La Conner.

How can we increase year-round sales? How can we leverage individual marketing and advertising resources? What are the priority initiatives? How can he Chamber, Town and Port create new opportunities? What are the new steps? Maple Hall is located at 104 Commercial, La Conner. RSVP: Marci Plank at 360.466.4778

Participating in July’s Taste: La Conner Seafood & Prime Rib House, La Conner Pub & Eatery, Nell Thorn, Seed’s Bistro & Bar, Washington Sips Wine Bar, and Waterfront Café. Each location will offer a “Taste” featuring that chef’s creativity & showcase their unique talents and delicious specialties.

Tickets are pre-sold at the Visitor Information Center located at 606 Morris Street, just after the library on your left. Delight your pallets, Relax, Shop, and Stay. For more information please contact the La Conner Chamber : www.laconnerchamber.com, info@laconnerchamber.com or 360-466-4778.

Shakespeare Northwest (SNW) presents the Skagit River Shakespeare Festival’s tenth anniversary season in a brand new venue. The season runs from July 7 through August 6 at the Rexville-Blackrock Amphitheatre near La Conner.

The 2011 season features “Richard III,” directed by Matthew Riggins, and “As You Like It,” directed by Michael Wallace. A touring show, “Shakespeare’s Fools,” directed by Sarah Mickelson is in performance now, visiting several parks in Skagit and Whatcom counties.

“Richard III” marks Matt Riggins’ directorial debut though he has been in many SNW productions including playing Petruchio in last year’s “The Taming of the Shrew”. His elemental concept for “Richard III” is edgy with morphing characters.

Michael Wallace’s comedy “As You Like It” is a moveable feast walking through the 60’s from a mod urban lounge to flower children frolicking in a Mother Nature happening.

This is Shakespeare Northwest’s tenth year and the debut season for the new outdoor venue – the Rexville-Blackrock Amphitheatre. Located near La Conner, the natural amphitheater is designed for enjoying Shakespeare under the sun and evening light. Check SNW’s website at www.shakesnw.org for dates, times and more information. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome but, sorry, no dogs.

4th Annual Cash Cow Art is in shops all over La Conner. Over 30 artists will have pieces from paintings to quilts to sculptures on exhibit during the month of June and end with an auction on July 9th.

A map will be provided at each shop with the location of the art marked so you can walk the town and enjoy the fabulous pieces of art. Any of the art in the shops can be purchased during the month of June and July with a live auction to be held 3 p.m., Saturday, July 9th at the La Conner Fruit & Produce Market.

The art exhibit and sale is sponsored by the Kiwanis of La Conner as a fundraiser for their student scholarships. For more information call 360-466-3352 or e-mail jneal@lclib.lib.wa.us.

Be sure to stop by the Visitor Information Center as you enter La Conner at 606 Morris Street to pick up the 3rd edition of La Conner’s Coupon Book. Only $2.00 will get you more than 60 coupons for lodging, restaurants, shopping, museum and services. Value worth $100′s of dollars!
VIC Hours are Monday – Friday 9-3, Saturday 12-3, closed Sunday.

There are three bedrooms upstairs; each room has doors leading out onto the balcony and one bedroom downstairs with a private entrance and porch. All four rooms have private baths Breakfasts are always a highlight!

You will find a large wrap-around porch for rocking and reading, a deck with hot tub, covered lounging area with gas fireplace and BBQ area, and well manicured grounds. Katy’s Inn is open year-round and can also be booked for weddings, workshops, reunions, and special occasions. Voted #1 bed and breakfast in Skagit County for 2008, 2009 and 2010! Rent the Whole House for your Family Reunion, Girls Getaway or Couples Weekend! Current special; stay Sunday – Thursday and receive $50 off second night stay OR third night FREE! Located at 503 S. Third Street.

Book online at www.katysinn.com call 360-466-9909/866-528-9746.

As you may recall, our state has one of the healthiest unemployment funds in the country, yet the tax formulas in state law were triggering substantial tax increases for employers in 2011. The Governor asked the state Legislature to revise the tax formulas to reduce tax rates – and to vote on it early in the legislative session so the lower rates could take effect this year.

The legislation was the first to pass and be signed by the Governor this year. It succeeded due to considerable collaboration, spurred by a shared concern for how businesses and jobless workers have been affected by the recession. Not only was it adopted quickly, but it received almost unanimous votes in both the Senate and House.

As a result, tax rates for 2011 will be reduced for 90 percent of Washington employers, and about half of them will pay lower rates than in 2010. The reduction will save employers $300 million in 2011, and an estimated $360 million from 2011 through 2017.

Employment Security will recalculate tax rates and send new tax-rate notices in March to replace the ones sent to employers in December. Employers do not have to request an updated tax-rate notice; all employers will receive one in the mail.

The legislation also made some changes to the benefits side of the unemployment insurance system. It continues federally funded extended benefits through the end of 2011, makes the Training Benefits Program more accessible, and provides a temporary, $25 benefit increase for workers who file new unemployment claims during an eight-month window this year.