by James Whitely - SGN Staff Writer

On August 30, Three Dollar Bill Cinema (TDB) invited its members and supporters to join the staff of the LGBT arts organization at St. John's Bar & Eatery on Capitol Hill to celebrate TDB's 2012 Mayors Arts Award. TDB is one of ten winners of the annual award.

'It's wonderful that Three Dollar Bill Cinema is being honored with this award,' said Jason Plourde, TDB's interim executive director. 'I think it makes an important statement that an explicitly LGBT organization is being recognized. Queer people are an integral and innovative part of the arts community in Seattle.'

Ten recipients are being honored this year to mark the 10th anniversary of the Mayor's Arts Awards. Some of the other winners include the Freehold Theatre, KEXP, and Seattle Arts & Lectures.

Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn will present the awards at a ceremony on August 31 at Seattle Center, in partnership with the Bumbershoot festival. The ceremony will also serve as the official opening of the festival's visual arts exhibits.

'The arts are one of Seattle's greatest strengths and a powerful avenue of expression for our diverse communities,' said McGinn. 'I'm proud to live in a city where so many people and organizations are dedicated to making a difference through art and culture.'

The Mayor's Arts Awards recognize the civic contributions made by artists, arts and cultural organizations, and community members. This year's recipients were chosen by the Seattle Arts Commission from a pool of more than 500 nominations.

'As a non-profit arts organization, we simply couldn't do anything without the support of our members, sponsors, and volunteers,' Plourde told SGN. 'They believe in us and have generously donated time and money. This award recognizes the work we've been able to do together, and so we thank them as much as all the staff and board that have been a part of Three Dollar Bill Cinema.'

TDB hosts the annual Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, now in its 17th year. This year's festival opens October 11 and runs through the 21st. The opening night film, Struck by Lightning, stars Chris Colfer of TV's Glee.

Said Plourde of the upcoming festival, 'It is an incredible mix of U.S. and international films, including work from Asia and Africa. We also have a special selection of films intended to inspire our audience to learn about and take action on crucial issues facing our community.

'Our opening night is National Coming Out Day, and I hope to see many people coming out to the movies!'

Information on the Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival is available at www.seattlequeerfilm.com.

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