Originally published Saturday, September 26, 1998

By NEIL MODIE
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER

Sunny Ruthchild operates the Gardens and Sun Spaces gallery in the two-story Odd Fellows and Cherry Valley Grange Hall, built in 1926.

Why so many creative types in Duvall?

"Part of it, I think, is the way the valley is: It draws artistic types. It's inspiring," says Ruthchild, Duvall's energetic arts maven.

"There is a constant influx," says Ruthchild. "There are lot of people out here who have day jobs but are of a creative inclination and do their art in the evenings and weekends."

They include musicians, songwriters, poets, dancers, sculptors and craftspeople.

Ruthchild is promoting the restoration of a big, old yellow barn south of town to house a music and performing arts hall and artists' co-op.