Camas, WA — Local artists Heidi Curley, Liz Pike and Tamra Sheline are opening a new art gallery. RedDoor Gallery will occupy 411 NE Dallas Street in downtown Camas.  A soft opening is scheduled for First Friday Art Walk on Friday, May 3rd with an official ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration to follow on June 7th.  RedDoor Gallery will be open Wednesday through Saturday from 12 pm to 7 pm and by special appointment.

The mission of RedDoor Gallery is to provide a vibrant art gallery open to the public and foster a creative, inclusive art-making community, which provides access to quality art education in a professionally equipped studio. RedDoor Gallery promotes the joy and transformative power of art while actively supporting the work of local visual artists by promoting their work, and exposing them to the public, collectors and media. Artwork on display at Red Door Gallery will be as diverse as its artists, offering a unique blend of storytelling, self-expression, beauty and emotion.

RedDoor Gallery will feature original works of art by gallery owners Curley, Pike and Sheline. A limited number of other artists are invited to participate in a jury process to have their work represented at RedDoor Gallery. Those artists will be offered contracts with a favorable commission split on sold works.

Curley, Pike, and Sheline, all accomplished professional painters, have also developed a large following of art students in their respective styles of work. Curley and Sheline will hold monthly classes at RedDoor Gallery. Pike will continue to teach scheduled ART FARM classes at Shangri-La Farm in Fern Prairie. RedDoor Gallery will also lease its instructional art studio to other art teachers.

“I am on a mission to empower people to express their feelings through mixed media art,” said Curley. “I want everyone to know they matter and that they are seen. Through my classes and workshops, I show my students how to use color to express themselves and work through feelings and emotions when there are no words.” 

Curley is working toward certification as an Art4Healing instructor. She also teaches abstract impressionism classes for all skill levels.

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“I love inspiring others to create,” said Sheline, who specializes in watercolor on a plastic material called Yupo. “I cherish the ‘aha’ moments with students as they realize what they are capable of. Explaining my process to both students and art buyers brings such joy.” 

Sheline also offers private art parties to all skill levels and will continue her Thursday watercolor on Yupo classes at RedDoor Gallery. 

“This is an exciting adventure with Liz and Heidi as well as the other artists who become involved with RedDoor Gallery,” said Sheline.

Plans at RedDoor Gallery also include housing a small artist community within the building for individual painters who need space to make their art on a lease basis. 

Recently, three art galleries in downtown Camas announced plans for closure. 

“In this challenging economy, it’s imperative we create a sustainable business model for RedDoor Gallery,” said Pike. “Our goal is to develop a thriving hub of art activity for years to come. Camas has a long history of supporting a vibrant arts community and we are very excited about this new artistic partnership.” 

Pike noted her affection for the space at 411 NE Dallas Street. 

“I opened my first art gallery in this space in 2005. I love this building and I have so many fond memories here.” Pike noted that while she has enjoyed operating a small scale art gallery in the spacious lobby of MinuteMan Press since February, 2023, her art business has outgrown that location. “I really appreciate the collaborative relationship I’ve enjoyed with Jason Young and his staff at MinuteMan Press. We have become dear friends.”

Pike recently marked her 40th year as an oil painter. She is a member of Artisans Guild of Camas, Battle Ground Art Alliance, Northwest Oil Painters Guild, Ridgefield Art Association, Society of Washington Artists, Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Camas Association. Pike also shows her work at several summertime art festivals. Curley has been making art since 2012 and is a member of Artisans Guild of Camas and the Downtown Camas Association. Sheline has more than 25 years experience as a multi-disciplinary artist and illustrator. She is a member of Artisans Guild of Camas, SW Washington Watercolor Society, Society of Washington Artists and Plein Air Artists of Washington.

In addition to hosting an upscale First Friday Art Walk reception on the first Friday of each month from 5pm to 8pm, RedDoor Gallery will also host Thirsty Art Thursday featuring a live painting demonstration from 5-7pm every Thursday evening.

The public is invited to experience RedDoor Gallery when it opens on Friday, May 3rd.  

Washougal, WA – The Two Rivers Heritage Museum will reopen their doors on Saturday, March 2, 2024, after their annual winter maintenance closure.  Open each Saturday through October from 11 am to 3 pm, volunteer guides accompany visitors through the museum to offer interesting extra information and stories as well as answer questions. 

The museum, located at 1 Durgan Street in downtown Washougal, is operated by Camas-Washougal Historical Society volunteers and features a wealth of photos, artifacts and information about the people, places, and businesses prominent in the early years of Camas and Washougal.  

“Our goals this year are for more members and volunteers, and to spread the word about why people should visit our museum,” said CWHS president, Dick Lindstrom.  “We are the ‘best kept secret’ in the area and actually get more visitors from out of town than from our own community. We hope more locals will come in and see all the artifacts we have on display that are sure to stir up some memories!”

During the maintenance shut down volunteers carefully cleaned and cared for the museum’s extensive Native American basket collection.  

“Our objective is to use best practices when working with these precious artifacts,” said Richard Johnson, a volunteer. “This means proper cleaning, updating our display using non-damaging plexiglass stands, and careful storage to give some baskets a resting period. All these steps will help preserve the collection.”

Recently museum leadership prepared for reopening with a volunteer training session and a clean-up day to make sure the space shines.  Popular displays include artifacts and information on Native American baskets and stone tools, early physicians, fishing, lumber and farming industries, a 30s style kitchen, woodworking tools, early mining, military uniforms and artifacts, teddy bears, Camas and Washougal High Schools, beautiful depression era glass bowls and vases, musical instruments and more.

The museum gift shop offers a new selection of postcards featuring historic photos of Camas and Washougal and images of artifacts in the museum, beautiful rugs woven onsite with Pendleton wool fabric trimmings, a variety of surplus antiques as well as many books about local history by local authors.

The Two Rivers Heritage Museum admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for students and free for children under 5 and all CWHS members.  Group tours are available any day of the week (by appointment only).  Leave a message at 360-835-8742 for scheduling.

CWHS is always looking for volunteers and new members to join and help support the preservation of local history. More information about the CWHS and the Two Rivers Heritage Museum can be found on their website at www.2rhm.com.

VANCOUVER, WA —  The Clark College Concert Choir and Chamber Choir under the direction of Dr. Jacob Funk, present their Winter Concert on Saturday, March 16, 2024, 7:30 pm at First United Methodist Church, 401 E 33rd St, Vancouver, WA.  The admission is free and open to the public. Donations to the Clark College Choral Fund accepted at the door. 

What makes this program especially meaning is the programing of a world premiere performance of a work composed by Clark music student Benjamin Friend. The Concert Choir will perform Friend’s “One Last Time,” a work for choral ensemble and string quartet. This is a deeply moving work and we are eager for our community to hear it. Programmed alongside it are well known works like Dawson’s “Soon Ah Will Be Done,” and Runestad’s “The Peace of Wild Things.” The not oft performed “After Music” by Barnum and Hagen’s “On My Dreams” are also on the program, as well “Temporal” by Puerto Rican composers Diana V. Sáez and Suzzette Ortiz.

The Chamber Choir will begin the program with two songs concerning existential anxiety and closing with a one-on-a-part gorgeous piece about eternity. You do not want to miss this concert.

 For complete information about all the Clark College Music Department concerts including the orchestra, concert band, jazz ensemble, and choirs, please see http://www.clark.edu/campus-life/arts-events/music/music-concerts.

Dr. Jacob Funk is the Director of Choirs at Clark College where he conducts three choirs in addition to teaching theory, ear training, music appreciation, rock history, and applied voice. Jacob completed his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Conducting from the University of Missouri—Kansas City where he was a Graduate Assistant to the Choral Department, Associate Conductor of the Conservatory Concert Choir and co-conductor of the University Singers. While at UMKC he also served as Opera Chorus Master and the director of Canticum Novum. Dr. Funk earned his masters in choral conducting from the University of British Columbia, and his undergraduate degree in vocal performance from John Brown University. Before coming to UMKC he was on the music faculty of John Brown University and Northwest Arkansas Community College, where he taught choir and voice. 

Dr. Jeongmi Yoon, currently, serves as the piano instructor and accompanist at Clark College. She has performed in numerous cities within the United States, China, and South Korea. As a soloist, she has performed with the Poland Katowice Silesian Philharmonic Orchestra and the Chonnam National University  Orchestra. In 2021, Dr.  Yoon received her D.M.A. in Piano Performance from the University of North Texas studying under Joseph Banowetz. Additionally, she holds a Masters’ degree from Portland State University and Bachelor’s degree from Chonnam National University. Dr. Yoon the faculties at the University of Portland and Clark College in January 2022. 

Clark College
Dr. Jacob Funk, Director of Choirs

Pike Art Gallery is celebrating its first anniversary just in time for Camas First Friday, March 1st. The gallery is located at the corner of Birch Street and Sixth Avenue, occupying the spacious lobby of Minuteman Press. The gallery features the work of both Pike and Vancouver artist Blue Bond at the popular art exhibition spot. During the special one year anniversary event from 5 to 8 pm on March 1st, guests will enjoy sumptuous appetizers and beverages along with Liz Pike’s famous chocolate truffles. A brand new body of original work will also be unveiled on this special evening. 

“I”m thrilled to be celebrating our one year anniversary,” said Pike. “I’m also very grateful to our Camas community for embracing art, following a record setting year in art sales.” 

Pike promises a lavish repeat of her opening night ribbon cutting event a year ago. 

“I’m working in several new palettes and having a lot of fun with my new works. Expose yourself to some great new art and join the fun at Pike Art Gallery,” she said.  

In addition to monthly First Friday Art Walk receptions, Pike keeps her gallery open late each Thursday from 5-7 pm. Each Thirsty ART Thursday, Pike performs a live painting demonstration in oil on canvas. Discover local art and enjoy complimentary beverages and charcuterie each Thursday evening from 5-7 pm. “We invite area residents to drop into Pike Art Gallery every Thursday night on their way to dinner in downtown Camas,” said Pike.

Several pieces of Pike’s work are also on display for sale at Camas Cellars, located a few blocks away at 602 NE Third Avenue. She is a member of the Battle Ground Art Alliance, Artisans Guild of Camas, the Northwest Oil Painters Guild, Society of Washington Artists, the Ridgefield Art Association, the Camas Washougal Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Camas Association. Pike Art Gallery can be reached at (360) 281-8720. Pike also shows her work at several summertime art festivals. Her first outdoor art festival on the calendar is the White Oak Art & Craft Fair on Friday and Saturday, July 5th and 6th in Washougal.  On Saturday and Sunday, Pike’s work will also be featured at the Fern Prairie Art Fest on August 3-4, and at the Camas Vintage and Art Faire on Saturday, August 24th in beautiful downtown Camas. (Featured Painting: “Vineyards of Paso Robles,” oil on 30”x48”canvas by Liz Pike).

PIKE ART GALLERY / TWO LOCATIONS

Downtown Camas: 302 NE Sixth Avenue, Camas 

Gateway to Fern Prairie: Shangri-La Farm, 26300 NE Third Street, Camas 

WEB: LizPike.Art  /  Email: [email protected]

VANCOUVER, WA — After three full days of the return of the Annual Clark College Jazz Festival, the outstanding musician awards and the evening finals results for the 60th Annual Clark College Jazz Festival have been announced. For 2024, the Dale Beacock Memorial Sweepstakes trophy was awarded to Bothell High School Jazz 1, Bothell, WA

Thursday, January 25, 2024 Middle School Silver division jazz ensemble finals results:

1st place – Beaumont Middle School, Portland, OR

2nd place – Chief Umtuch Middle School, Battle Ground, WA

3rd place – Eckstein Middle School, Seattle, WA

A Division:     

1st place – South Whidbey High School, Langley, WA

2nd place – Seton Catholic High School, Vancouver, WA

3rd place – Tukes Valley Middle School, Battle Ground, WA

Outstanding Middle School Jazz Musician certificates were presented to:

Cody Halley – Laurin Middle School, Battleground, WA

London Coy – Laurin Middle School, Battleground, WA

Tyson Ruark – Wy’east Middle School, Vancouver, WA

Henry Ormson – Wy’east Middle School, Vancouver, WA

Oliver Armstrong – Hockinson Middle School, Brush Prairie, WA

Elliot Foster – Skyridge Middle School, Camas, WA

Daniel Liu – Skyridge Middle School, Camas, WA

Jacob Weinstock – Skyridge Middle School, Camas, WA

Dylan Her – Aspire Middle School, Lacey, WA

Nate Richardson – Aspire Middle School, Lacey, WA

Emily Chen – Eckstein Middle School, Seattle, WA

Ellie Bailey – Eckstein Middle School, Seattle, WA

Margo Cox – Eckstein Middle School, Seattle, WA

Oren Sternberg – Eckstein Middle School, Seattle, WA

Rowan Armintrout – Liberty Middle School, Camas, WA

Charlotte Summers – Liberty Middle School Camas, WA

Katie Evert – Liberty Middle School, Camas, WA

Gavin DeMoss – Chief Umtuch Middle School, Battle Ground, WA

Eli Lennick – Chief Umtuch Middle School, Battle Ground, WA

Marilyn Ruthruff – Beaumont Middle School – Portland, OR

Iris Ruthruff – Beaumont Middle School – Portland, OR

Nate Lyon – Beaumont Middle School – Portland, OR

Lhamo Doryang – South Whidbey Middle School, Langley, WA

Judah Macarro – South Whidbey Middle School, Langley, WA

Dante Churchill – South Whidbey Middle School, Langley, WA

Lizzy Bloom – View Ridge Middle School, Ridgefield, WA

Danica Jahr – VSAA, Vancouver, WA

Zach Pan – VSAA, Vancouver, WA

Ben Mittge – Chehalis Middle School, Chehalis, WA

Maxton Hill – Chehalis Middle School, Chehalis, WA

Outstanding high school musician awards for the A Division were presented to:

Olin Nelson – South Whidbey High School, Langley, WA

Corbyn Orchard – South Whidbey High School, Langley, WA

Lincoln Toland – Tukes Valley Middle School, Battle Ground, WA

Jackson Pierce – Tukes Valley Middle School, Battle Ground, WA

Basil Middlemas – Tukes Valley Middle School, Battle Ground, WA

Joseph DiPrima – Seton Catholic High School, Vancouver, WA

Parker Zaemann – Seton Catholic High School, Vancouver, WA

Kyler Dixon – Seton Catholic High School, Vancouver, WA

Stephen Samwel – Seton Catholic High School, Vancouver, WA

Danny McCarthy – Concordia Christian Academy, Tacoma, WA

Jason Nguyen– Concordia Christian Academy, Tacoma, WA

Anna Zendt – Columbia High School, White Salmon, WA

August Peterson – Columbia High School, White Salmon, WA

Jeremy Solis – Henrietta Lacks High School, Vancouver, WA

Graham Rank – Henrietta Lacks High School, Vancouver, WA

Kristin Dunlap – La Center High School, La Center, WA

Dominic Stub – La Center High School, La Center, WA

Aleks Chygasov – La Center High School, La Center, WA

Jordan Stout – Adna Middle/High School, Adna, WA

Myra Medina – Adna Middle/High School, Adna, WA

Stacti Dore – Woodland Middle/High School, Woodland, WA

Emma McCaullough – Woodland Middle/High School, Woodland, WA

Sam Purcell – Woodland Middle/High School, Woodland, WA

Harland Wakefield – Woodland Middle/High School, Woodland, WA

Friday, January 26, 2024 AA division high school jazz ensemble finals results:

AA Division:  

1st place – Hockinson High School, Brush Prairie, WA

2nd place (tie) – Richland High School Freshman, Richland, WA

2nd place (tie) – Lakewood High School, Lakewood, WA

Outstanding middle school and high school musician awards for the AA Division were presented to:

Michael Grove – Ridgefield High School, Ridgefield, WA

Naomi Halbrook – Heritage High School, Vancouver, WA

Cynthia Reyes-Mendoza – Heritage High School, Vancouver, WA

Jocelyn Cole – Heritage High School, Vancouver, WA

Preston White – Columbia River High School, Vancouver, WA

Amanda Linwood – W.F. West High School, Chehalis, WA

Parker Morrison – W.F. West High School, Chehalis, WA

Zandy Owens – Bishop Blanchet High School, Seattle, WA

Henry Van Mason – Richland High School, Richland, WA

Victor Zinchuk – Richland High School, Richland, WA

Leo Sandoval – Lakewood High School, North Lakewood, WA

Isaias Fuentes-Palominos – Lakewood High School, North Lakewood, WA

Hayden McCarty – Battle Ground High School, Battle Ground, WA

Chloe Kalson – Battle Ground High School, Battle Ground, WA

Thilo Kluth – Hockinson High School, Brush Prairie, WA

Jack Smith – Hockinson High School, Brush Prairie, WA

Levi Brown – Hockinson High School, Brush Prairie, WA

Adam Haunreiter – Hockinson High School, Brush Prairie, WA

Blake Bruning – Hockinson High School, Brush Prairie, WA

Saturday, January 27, 2024 AAA and AAAA division high school jazz ensemble finals results:

AAA Division:           

1st place – Heritage High School Jazz I, Vancouver, WA

2nd place – Bothell High School Jazz II, Bothell, WA

3rd place – Battle Ground High School Intermediate Jazz I, Battle Ground, WA

AAAA Division:        

1st Place – Bothell High School Jazz I, Seattle, WA

 2nd Place – Lake Stevens High School Jazz I, Lake Stevens, WA

3rd Place – Grant High School Jazz I, Portland, OR

Outstanding high school musician awards for the AAA Division were presented to:

Cooper Givens – Union High School, Camas, WA

Kieran Iyer – Union High School, Camas, WA

Liam Purcell – Skyview High School, Vancouver, WA

Cadence Sempk – Skyview High School, Vancouver, WA

Nathan Lauruhn – Grant High School, Portland, OR

Cannon West – Richland High School, Richland, WA

Tyler Hornell – Richland High School, Richland, WA

Heidi Anderson – Kamiak High School, Mukilteo, WA

Ryan Jackson – Kamiak High School, Mukilteo, WA

Allison Llubit – Lake Stevens High School, Lake Stevens, WA

Mark Rodeheaver – Lake Stevens High School, Lake Stevens, WA

Christian Oversvee-Choi – Bothell High School, Bothell, WA

Nathan Bardsley – Bothell High School, Bothell, WA

Sachita Kadievelu – Bothell High School, Bothell, WA

Aliah Bragg – Bothell High School, Bothell, WA

Logan Gillespie – Battle Ground High School, Battle Ground, WA

Janae Clark – Battle Ground High School, Battle Ground, WA

Gavin Williamson – Heritage High School, Vancouver, WA

Sam Arslanian – VSAA, Vancouver, WA

McKelvey Brewer – VSAA, Vancouver, WA

Kyle Davenport – Prairie High School – Battle Ground, WA

Judah Bollock – Prairie High School – Battle Ground, WA

Maggie Roth – Ingraham High School, Seattle, WA

Felix Lewis – Ingraham High School, Seattle, WA

Outstanding high school musician awards for the AAAA Division were presented to:

James Brady – Richland High School, Richland, WA

Henry Rice – Richland High School, Richland, WA

Gavin Bunbury – Edmonds-Woodway High School, Edmonds, WA

Addisyn Johnson – Edmonds-Woodway High School, Edmonds, WA

Henry Goss – Ingraham High School, Seattle, WA

Nathan Doyle – Ingraham High School, Seattle, WA

Kono Tiyaamornwong – Buchanan High School, Clovis, CA

Will Damrose – Buchanan High School, Clovis, CA

Trevor Nix – Buchanan High School, Clovis, CA

Alejandro Santana – Skyview High School, Vancouver, WA

Sean Malcom – Skyview High School, Vancouver, WA

Ethan Park – Kamiak High School, Mukilteo, WA

Ian Park – Kamiak High School, Mukilteo, WA

Izzy Cryan – Union High School, Camas, WA

Evelyn Lo – Union High School, Camas, WA

Andie Townsend – Battle Ground High School, Battle Ground, WA

Carter Stafford – Battle Ground High School, Battle Ground, WA

Phineas Ruji – Lake Stevens High School, Lake Stevens, WA

Jack Santos – Lake Stevens High School, Lake Stevens, WA

Sasha Burns – Grant High School, Portland, OR

Xander Buck – Grant High School, Portland, OR

Oli Rangle – Grant High School, Portland, OR

Dylan Reed – Bothell High School, Bothell, WA

Thomas Holmes – Bothell High School, Bothell, WA

Aaron Mamula – Bothell High School, Bothell, WA

Nicholas Ang – Bothell High School, Bothell, WA

Congratulations to all the fine bands who participated!  

Pike Art Gallery is participating in the downtown Camas annual “Once in a Blue Moon Sale” happening this Saturday, January 27th from 10 am to 5 pm. 

The gallery is located at the corner of Birch Street and Sixth Avenue, occupying the spacious lobby of Minuteman Press. The gallery features the work of both Pike and Vancouver artist Blue Bond at the popular art exhibition spot. During the special sales event, all fine art is offered at 15 percent off. Plus, pick up a FREE gift of ART for your Valentine, one per family, while supplies last on Saturday, January 27th.

“Come visit us this Saturday at our Once in a Blue Moon Sale and get a sneak preview of new works of art ahead of our next show on First Friday, February 2nd,” said Pike. “All that snow and ice provided an abundance of quality time in my studio,” said Pike. “I’m thrilled to share my latest original works of art on canvas with the public.”

In addition to monthly First Friday Art Walk receptions, Pike keeps her gallery open late each Thursday from 5-7pm. Each Thirsty ART Thursday, Pike performs a live painting demonstration in oil on canvas. Discover local art and enjoy complimentary beverages and charcuterie each Thursday evening from 5-7  pm. 

“We invite area residents to drop into Pike Art Gallery every Thursday night on their way to dinner in downtown Camas,” said Pike.

Several pieces of Pike’s work are also on display for sale at Camas Cellars, located a few blocks away at 602 NE Third Avenue. Pike also shows her work at several summertime art festivals. She is a member of the Battle Ground Art Alliance, Artisans Guild of Camas, the Northwest Oil Painters Guild, Society of Washington Artists and the Ridgefield Art Association. Pike Art Gallery can be reached at 360.281.8720. Her next festival on the calendar is HeART Fest on Saturday, February 10th at Lacamas Lake Lodge in Camas. The HeART Fest is presented by Artisans Guild of Camas and is open free to the public from 10 am to 4 pm.

Camas, WA — Pike Art Gallery is ushering in a great new year at Camas First Friday Art Walk this week. Gallery owner and local artist Liz Pike invites the public to a swanky artists’ reception – serving up lively conversation with complimentary beverages and charcuterie on Friday, January 5th from 5 to 8 pm. The gallery is located at the corner of Birch Street and Sixth Avenue, occupying the spacious lobby of Minuteman Press. The gallery features the work of both Pike and Vancouver artist Blue Bond at the popular art exhibition every first Friday of the month.

“I’m unveiling more new works this month,” said Pike. “I love winter painting,” said Pike. “The change of season brings me indoors to the studio.” 

After a successful year of art sales in 2023, Pike says she is inspired to create more work. Bond also has new works of art on display at Pike Art Gallery for the month of January.

In addition to monthly First Friday Art Walk receptions, Pike keeps her gallery open late each Thursday from 5-7pm. Each Thirsty ART Thursday, Pike performs a live painting demonstration in oil on canvas. Discover local art and enjoy complimentary beverages and charcuterie each Thursday evening from 5-7pm. 

“We invite area residents to drop into Pike Art Gallery every Thursday night on their way to dinner in downtown Camas,” she added.

Several pieces of Pike’s work are also on display for sale at Camas Cellars, located a few blocks away at 602 NE Third Avenue. Pike also shows her work at several summertime art festivals. She is a member of the Battle Ground Art Alliance, Artisans Guild of Camas, the Northwest Oil Painters Guild and Society of Washington Artists. Pike Art Gallery can be reached at (360) 281-8720. Her next festival on the calendar is HeART Fest on Saturday, February 10th at Lacamas Lake Lodge in Camas. The HeART Fest is presented by Artisans Guild of Camas and is open free to the public from 10am to 4pm.

Camas, WA — Pike Art Gallery has decked the halls for Christmas at Camas First Friday Art Walk this week. Gallery owner and local artist Liz Pike invites the public to a swanky artists’ reception – serving up conviviality with complimentary beverages and charcuterie on Friday, December 1st from 5 to 8 pm. The gallery is located at the corner of Birch Street and Sixth Avenue, occupying the lobby of Minuteman Press. The gallery features the work of both Pike and Vancouver artist Blue Bond at the popular art exhibition every first Friday of the month.

“I’m unveiling a new body of works painted in a new palette of soft shades of avocado greens and golds,” said Pike. “I’ve experienced a wonderful year of inspiration and I’m excited to share my latest body of work,” said Pike. 

She also noted the importance of shopping local during this Christmas season of giving. 

“We have so many wonderful hometown businesses that are owned and operated by local families. When we shop local, everyone wins,” she added. 

Bond also has new works of art on display at Pike Art Gallery for the month of December. Additionally, Pike keeps her gallery open late each Thursday from 5-7 pm.

Each Thirsty ART Thursday, Pike performs a live painting demonstration in oil on canvas. Discover local art and enjoy complimentary beverages and charcuterie each Thursday from 5-7 pm. 

“We invite area residents to drop into Pike Art Gallery on their way to dinner in downtown Camas,” said Pike.

Pike also shows her work at several summertime art festivals. She is a member of the Battle Ground Art Alliance, Artisans Guild of Camas, the Northwest Oil Painters Guild and Society of Washington Artists. Pike Art Gallery can be reached at 360.281.8720.

Camas, WA — Known for his exquisite copper works, David Gerton grew up in Colorado until the age of 16 when his family moved to the Bay Area in California. Many happy hours were spent fishing with his dad, his grandfathers, and cousins.  They fished all over the state with occasional forays into Wyoming and Montana. They were always chasing the wily trout, and these adventures formed the foundation for his love of the natural world. 

David’s father, mother and grandparents taught him to love his country, freedom and how fortunate he was to be a citizen of the United States, and that patriotism often shows in his works.

David’s professional career was spent in the commercial and industrial lighting industry, but his avocation and passion were always in design and art. His goal is to produce patriotic works of art and works celebrating the wild things found in nature. Included are wild critters, wolves, cougars, bears, fish, turtles, eagles, owls and raptors, and landscapes. A number of pets have been memorialized in copper.

Gerton

Mixed Media Copper is the Medium

So, how does it work? An image is drawn on thin copper sheet with a marker, then by use of a series of small hammers and embossing tools the copper is shaped into the likeness of what Gerton is trying to depict. Once the three-dimensional image is complete, a variety of paints, patinas and washes are used to “antique” and color the copper. A torch is used in concert with color mediums to create subtle colors. A variety of transparent alcohol inks and a couple of special coloring techniques create the final color palette.  

The result: the flat copper is turned into three dimensional “paintings” appearing to have much more depth than they do. The goal is to make the works look like art but as life-like as possible. Each work is signed twice, one visible and one hidden. A wax seal of an American Eagle is applied before pouring a layer of crystal-clear epoxy resin over the finished piece. The resin provides a finish which is clearer and tougher than glass.  No glass is used when framing the art.

Each work contains a hidden heart.  It is up to the viewer to find the second signature and heart hidden in each piece.  

Most works, including the largest, are made of single sheets of copper. High Definition Giclée images of the original copper are available on aluminum in several sizes up to and including 4’ by 8’.  Many large pieces have left the studio with the largest being 5’ x 10’.

Copper Works Art can be found in collections around the country with pieces being acquired by collectors in Europe and the Middle East. Copper Works has participated in many shows, festivals, and Plein-Aire events, and has been honored to receive People’s Choice, Artist of the Month and Best in Show awards. 

The Copper Works Art studio is in Southwest Washington overlooking the Columbia River. To learn more, visit: https://www.copperworksart.com

Gerton

Washougal, WA – Explore the world of unique and exquisite holiday gifts by stepping inside the studio workshops of local artists during the annual Washougal Studio Artist Tour Holiday Art Market. This special event is scheduled for Saturday, November 18 and Sunday, November 19, running from 10 am to 4 pm both days.

The idea for this event emerged following the success of their springtime Mother’s Day tour, where customers were captivated by the exceptional artistry they encountered. Event organizer and talented fused glass artist, Shirley Bishop, shared her insight: “Customers at our Mother’s Day tour asked if we held anything like this near the holidays. Customers were impressed with what they saw. They were impressed with the quality and uniqueness of the art. They wanted access to our local artists for their holiday shopping.”

This year’s third annual tour, the Washougal Studio Artist Tour (WSAT) Holiday Art Market, will showcase the creations of sixteen artists at four unique Washougal art studios, most of whom have been part of previous studio tour events, with new ones we are also excited to share! Because this endeavor proved successful, it is sure to continue to be a cherished Washougal holiday tradition. 

“The tour provides an opportunity to invite customers into artists’ studios to better understand the process they go through to create these works of art,” explained Bishop. “People love to buy directly from the artist, see their workspace, and learn more about them. The pieces in the tour are exceptional and unique. These artists are not ‘crafters.’  They are truly artists making a living selling their art.”  

Ry Luikens
Visit www.Ry4Camas.com

Some of the artists even offer art classes for the public to learn their techniques.

Participating artists in our 2023 Holiday Tour includes: 

  • Studio #1: Linda Andrews-Riggs, specializing in watercolors; Sharon Buckmaster who creates wearable art, and Sandy Moore (studio owner) with her creative fiber art.  
  • Studio #2: Regina Westmoreland, talented mixed media artist, Phyllis Carter, celebrated for her fused glass artistry, Ellen Nordgren also known for her work in mixed media, Deborah Nagano mixed media artistry, Liz Nye specializing in mixed media art, Toni McCarthy with her boho style jewelry, and Tamara Dinius an expert in mixed media artistry and owner of the Adret’ Collective of artists.  
  • Studio #3: Kathy Marty with her hand-woven rugs and home goods from Pendleton woolen scraps, LesleyAnne Ezelle an alpaca fiber & clay artist, Roxanne Turley works in alcohol ink/mixed media, Shirley Bishop (studio owner) known for her beautiful glass artistry.  
  • Studio #4: holds David Van Zandt (studio owner) as a bronze sculptor & his oil artistry and Charlene Hale also well known for her unique glass art works.

The event is sponsored in part by a City of Washougal Lodging Tax Fund grant. For event details, artist profiles and contacts, and a map to the studio locations go to https://www.washougalstudioartists.org

Holiday art