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Joie De Vivre

By David Varnau - [email protected]

Cast Bronze | $9,950

Artist Statement

This piece “reflects the moments of our lives when all is well, our senses are heightened and we feel the grace of being alive,” said Varnau.

About David Varnau

David Varnau draws his inspiration for each new sculpture by a desire to capture the wonder and appreciation he feels with witnessing the beauty of the human form.

His career serving amputees for over 40 years was inspirational and gave him a real appreciation for the human spirit’s capacity to transform loss into triumph, as well as a heart for those experiencing the struggles related to their condition.

Varnau traveled to Western Europe more than 15 times studying the art of the masters, and said Bernini, Michelangelo and Rodin influenced his work. 

View Artist Website

Varnau said the process of actually sculpting is nearly mystical for him. “I simply revel in the transference of the visual details to my hands as they model the clay,”
- David Varnau

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partner organizations

Marcie Shannon

Marketing/Print Media
My name is Marcie Shannon, and I’m a graphic designer, aspiring photographer, and lover of all things creative. I hold an associate’s degree in digital design and a certificate in social media marketing, both from Pierce College, where I studied at both the Puyallup and Fort Steilacoom campuses. 
 
Creativity is my passion and my strength. While I’ve spent the majority of my career in print media as a graphic designer in the publishing business, I continually seek inspiration beyond the page. One of the ways I stay creatively engaged is by supporting and exploring public art, especially local efforts like Arts Downtown Puyallup’s Public Galleries program. As a Washington state native and ardent nature lover, I deeply appreciate how programs like this bring both natural beauty and artistic expression into our everyday environment, reflecting the unique character of the Pacific Northwest.
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John Hopkins

Vice President

I have always appreciated the mission of Arts Downtown. I was involved in the very early days, when the first artists displayed their work. More recently, I coordinated efforts with the Foothills Rails to Trails Coalition for the All Along the Riverwalk event. Additionally, I serve as a board member for the Pierce Conservation District. I believe that board collaborations are beneficial for everyone.

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Elizabeth Abbgy

Committee Chair - Membership/Sponsorships

Elizabeth is a dedicated mother, experienced real estate professional, and passionate community leader. She has been a Realtor since 2016, holding both a Managing Broker license and a Real Estate Instructor license. Deeply committed to her profession, she currently serves on the board of the Tacoma-Pierce County Association of Realtors, advocating excellence and integrity in the industry. Elizabeth is also an engaged board member for the Good Samaritan Foundation, supporting healthcare initiatives in her community. Her leadership extends to Rotary, where she is a past president of the Puyallup South Hill Rotary and an active member of the Graham Frederickson Eatonville Rotary.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Elizabeth is a devoted homeschool mom to her two children, a 10-year-old daughter and an 8-year-old son. She and her partner, Damien, an Army veteran, have been together since 2013 and share a deep commitment to family and service. A lifelong animal lover, Elizabeth’s home is filled with a variety of pets, including three dogs, two rabbits, a turtle, a frog, and a bearded dragon. Her love for creativity shines through her passion for upcycling, photography, digital design, and exploring the outdoors with her family.

Elizabeth’s strong sense of community drives her to stay actively involved in local initiatives. She is excited to contribute to the Puyallup Arts Downtown board and help promote arts and culture in the region. Whether through her work in real estate, education, philanthropy, or the arts, Elizabeth brings enthusiasm, leadership, and a heart for service to everything she does.

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Paige Johansen

Committee Chair - Indoor Galleries

Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. Special interest in art, which is why I volunteer with Arts Downtown. Gardening is also an interest, but I do consider it an art form as well. Puyallup is my home, and I find great pleasure in being a part of the art world at home. I so enjoy the outdoor galleries as I walk through town, and consider working with the artist for our indoor galleries a delight. I love their enthusiasm and talent. Hoping some of it will rub off on me.

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Tammy Montevideo

Electronic Media
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Shannon Bennett

Board Member

Shannon is a passionate and dedicated public servant currently managing human services programs for the City of Lakewood. In her role, she facilitates the Lakewood’s Promise Advisory Board and the Community Services Advisory Board, and leads community collaboration meetings to strengthen partnerships and address local needs. The role Shannon holds most dear is facilitating the City of Lakewood Youth Council, where she mentors, advocates for, and empowers young people to use their voices to drive positive change and reach their full potential. Before transitioning into human services, Shannon managed affordable housing programs for municipalities in Washington and California, bringing a strong foundation of public policy and community development to her current work.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Shannon enjoys traveling and spending time at home with her husband, Jeff, and their two dogs. On many days, you can see Shannon, Jeff, and their two large dogs walking or riding their bikes through downtown Puyallup, enjoying everything the community has to offer. A deeply engaged community member, Shannon has served as a bridge builder and volunteer at Oasis Youth Center for the past three years, was recently elected to the Puyallup Arts and Culture Commission, and has been accepted as a Puyallup Library volunteer. She hopes to one day support the City of Puyallup in establishing its own Youth Council, sharing her experience and passion for youth empowerment to help expand opportunities for young leaders in her home community.

 

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Becky Condra

Acting Secretary

I have been involved with Arts Downtown for over 15 years. I am a retired elementary school teacher, and I strongly support the power of Art.

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Gary Condra

Treasurer

I am new to the Arts Downtown board, but a strong supporter of the Arts. I retired after 20 years in the Army to work for Washington State’s Department of Veterans Affairs for 21 years.

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Jeff Martineau

Art Maintenance

Jeff assists Arts Downtown with grant writing and maintenance of the art.

Jeff graduated from Washington State University with a degree in criminal justice.  Jeff has over 20 years of experience in law enforcement. Jeff, who is married to Nicole, is a proud parent of a Puyallup HS Viking student.

District. I believe board collaborations benefit everyone.

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Nicole Martineau

President

As an advocate for the arts and a longtime resident of Puyallup, I have seen the impact that creativity and culture can have on a community. From local galleries to public performances, I believe in the power of art to bring people together, inspire growth, and enhance the beauty of our downtown.

Our Board, membership, and volunteers are committed to improving opportunities for artists, enhancing public art installations, organizing community-engaging events, and ensuring that the arts remain a vital part of the downtown experience. Together, we can build a more vibrant, inclusive, and creative future for our city.

I look forward to the opportunity to work alongside all of you to make Arts Downtown Puyallup a dynamic and welcoming place for everyone.

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