The White River Valley Museum opens its eighth annual Small Works Big Presents, the Gift of Art exhibit on Wednesday, Nov. 16.

The juried show and sale highlights the Northwest’s active contemporary art scene, making small-scale, high-quality original works of arts and crafts available for holiday gift buying.

The exhibit – open through Dec. 18 – is sponsored by the museum and the City of Auburn Arts Commission.

Jurors reviewed nearly 300 entries, whittling the selection to 69 pieces to include in the exhibit. Pieces range from drawing and painting, to sculpted soap, stone and ceramics, and represent the work of 37 artists. $1,900 in prize money will be awarded to five artists whose work was particularly popular with the jury.

And during the first two weeks of the display, museum guests vote on the People’s Choice Award, the winner of which will receive $400 and have their artwork featured in next year’s publicity.

The museum, 918 H St. SE in Auburn, is open Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. On the first Thursday of each month the hours are extended from 6 to 8 p.m.

Regular admission is $5 adults, $2 seniors and children, children 2 years of age or younger are free. Admission is free for everyone all day on the first Thursday and the third Sunday of every month.

Call 253-288-7433 or visit wrvmuseum.org for event information.