In honor of The Postmark Center for the Arts’ upcoming one-year anniversary, a new exhibition intends to capture the uniqueness and diversity of its own growing community with a focus on themes of space, place and identity.

It’s called “Postmarked: Connecting Communities,” and it’s a mail-art project that aims to bring creatives from all backgrounds together under one theme: What does community mean to you?

Hundreds of postcards will be on display, bringing definitions of community from artists of all ages and abilities together. The exhibition will be on view from July 25 to Oct. 2, 2024. Visitors are encouraged to join in the creation of postcards in the gallery.

An opening reception to celebrate the work of the community will be held 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 25, at the center, 20 Auburn Ave.

Gallery and gift shop hours are Wednesdays, 12-4 p.m.; Thursdays, 12-6 p.m.; and Fridays, 12-4 p.m. Additional summer hours are Saturdays, 12-4 p.m.

National Night Out

National Night Out returns to Auburn this summer, marking an important night of community-building, communal partnerships, and neighborhood camaraderie across the city. National Night Out takes place each year on the first Tuesday in August in cities and communities across the nation. This year’s event is on Aug. 6. Many communities throughout the city will be hosting a variety of special events such as block parties, cookouts, youth activities and visits from City of Auburn officials, staff, and police to get better acquainted with neighbors and promote a more connected Auburn. Get your neighborhood registered before July 26 to receive promotional items such as postcard invitations, flyers, posters, and an event banner free of charge. Any Auburn resident can coordinate and host any type of National Night Out event including stuff like potlucks, ice cream socials, barbecues and more. To register, visit www.auburnwa.gov/city_hall/police/national_night_out.

Shakespeare in the Garden

Emerald Theatre presents “Shakespeare in the Garden.” Enjoy this family friendly Shakespearean comedy in a beautiful, outdoor garden setting. Bring your lawn chairs or use one at the venue. Two shows are available. The first runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, and the second runs 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4. Tickets are $20 general admission. Seniors, military and youth are $15 at the gate. Children 5 and under free. Gates open one hour prior to shows. No alcohol. The Soos Creek Botanical Garden is located at 29308 132nd Avenue SE, Auburn. Visit www.sooscreekbotanicalgarden.org.

Art in Bloom

Join Soos Creek and the Arts Alliance NW group for Art in Bloom. At this free event you’ll see fine art displayed in our Pavilion and craft booths all around the Nursery area. There will be food trucks and live music to enjoy the day. Event runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 17 at Soos Creek Botanical Garden, 29308 132nd Avenue SE, Auburn.