For Immediate Release February 27, 2009 Media Contact: Michelle Merritt, Artist/Marketing Chair 253.444.7019 253Collective@gmail.com New Tacoma Artist Cooperative Opens Retail Shopping Space Tacoma, Washington (February 27, 2009) – After a hugely successful private event hosted during February’s 3rd Thursday Art Walk, Tacoma’s newest Artist Cooperative venture opens to the public this Saturday, February 28th. In addition to the jewelry designs of Tacoma visionary and founder, Linda Danforth, art of the 253 Collective includes functional, wearable, and visual work by Lynne Farren, Jena Marks, Michelle Merritt, Chuck Mullins, Sandra Murray, Sharika Roland, and Lorraine Toler. Located in the heart of Tacoma’s burgeoning University District, initially the shop will be open on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5:00 and for 3rd Thursday Art Walk events, but the artists hope to expand their hours as popularity demands and offer guest artists the opportunity to hold featured private events. 253 Collective Location: 1901 S. Jefferson Street, Suite 100, Tacoma, WA 98402 Map:http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=1901+S.+Jefferson+St.+Tacoma+wa+98402&sll=1.284906,103.852901&sspn=0.010683,0.013733&g=collyer+quay,+singapore&ie=UTF8&ll=47.245751,-122.438614&spn=0.007254,0.013733&z=16&iwloc=addr Hours: Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5:00 pm, and every 3rd Thursday from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. **Open 7 days a week by appointment** Web: www.253collective.com Images Attached: Michelle Merritt, Yellow Koi, 2008 Michelle Merritt www.michellemerritt.com Cell 253-444-7019