* The Yakima Valley Museum's 2007 special exhibit "In Memory Of: Expressions of Mourning in Victorian America" was recently presented an Award of Exhibit Excellence from the Washington Museum Association.

Curated by the museum's David Lynx and Andy Granitto, "In Memory Of" depicted the extensive culture surrounding funerals in the mid-1800s through the early 1900s.

According to the Washington Museum Association's Web site, the award recognizes the exhibit "for establishing a high standard of innovation and creativity in all phases of exhibit concept, content, design and programming. ... This exceptional exhibit represents an elevated level of achievement to which all museums in Washington state should aspire."

The awards were presented last month at the Washington Museum Association's annual conference, held this year in Vancouver, Wash.

* Several Kittitas County artists are the recipients of funds from Artist Trust's 2008 Grants for Artist Projects Program. The GAP Program provides up to $1,500 to individual artists for projects in all artistic disciplines.

The local recipients are visual artists Renee Adams, Howard Barlow and Maya Chachava.

Artist Trust is a Seattle-based, not-for-profit organization that provides direct funding to Washington artists and serves as a professional information resource.

* The Larson Gallery Guild is the recipient of a $4,000 Humanities Washington grant. It will be used for the upcoming exhibition "Yakima Honors Peoples of the Plateau: Photographs Past and Present," which will be on display from Jan. 11 to March 7.

The exhibition and related programs are part of a citywide project focusing on the area's Native American heritage.

Humanities Washington is a nonprofit organization and public foundation that provides cultural and educational programs throughout the state.

* On the Record is a compilation of arts and entertainment news and happenings around Central Washington. To get your news On the Record, call Kim Nowacki at 509-577-7680 or send e-mail to on@yakimaherald.com.