GOLDENDALE — Maryhill Museum will open its 2004 season March 15 with the exhibit "It's More Than A Game: The Art of Chess Today." Drawn from the Museum's extensive collection and from the work of contemporary artists and designers, this exhibit features American chess sets and works of art made in the last 50 years that use chess as a visual metaphor.

Among the exhibit sets is one designed by Tim Alexander. Alexander makes his chess pieces from objects he has found at yard sales and thrift shops. The discarded odds and ends are loaded with cultural information. Old toys of super heroes, outdated military figures and unstylish decorations have been turned into cultural icons.

Portland artist Gideon Hughes uses plumbing pieces and ceramic tiles to fabricate his chess pieces. One set by Gene Zelazny is made from salt shakers, while the king in Stephen Pettengill's set stands more than four feet tall.

Other artists represented include, Steven Addams, Fritz Eichenberg, Gideon Hughes, Amen Irving, Richard Kaisch, Louise McDowell, Dede McKay, Kim Murton, Charles Perry, Dennis Peterson, George Ratkai, Rima, and Richard Quigley.

In addition to the special exhibit pieces, the museum will display the nearly 100 sets in the museum's permanent collection. There will also be a companion exhibit, "Candy, Clay & Crayons," featuring a collection of sets created by children.

Maryhill Museum, a castle-like mansion overlooking the Columbia River, is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily including holidays, through Nov. 15, and is located on Washington's Scenic Route 14, just west of U.S. Highway 97. General admission is $7, $6 seniors, $2 for youths 6 to 16. There is a cafe, gift shop, gardens and picnic area.