Camas, WA — Copper Works Artist David Gerton has just released the first two pieces of his Indigenous Peoples Collection, and has this message:

Hello Everyone, 

I have always been fascinated with Native American traditions, cultures and legends. 

Copper Works Art is happy to present EAGLE PLUME and TASHENANAMI the first two pieces in the Indigenous Peoples of America Collection. These are Mixed Media Copper under crystal resin mounted in floating antique gold shadowboxes. Many more tribes will be forthcoming. 

FIND THE HEARTS! 

Native American culture sees color in Four Directions. From these Four Directions, West, North, East, and South, come the four winds. The special meanings of each are accompanied by specific colors, and the shape of the cross symbolizes all directions. Specific details regarding colors associated with directions varies by Tribe. 

To the West is Black where the sun sets, and the day ends. For this reason, west signifies the end of life … “toward the setting sun of his life”.  The great Thunderbird lives in the west and sends thunder and rain from its direction. For this reason, the west is also the source of water: rain, lakes, streams and rivers. Nothing can live without water, so the west is vital.

North brings the cold, harsh winds of the winter season. These winds are cleansing. They cause the leaves to fall and the earth to rest under a blanket of snow. If someone has the ability to face these winds like the buffalo with its head into the storm, they have learned patience and endurance. Generally, this direction stands for hardships and discomfort. Therefore, North represents the trials people must endure and the cleansing they must undergo.

The East yellow (gold). It is the direction from which the sun comes. Light dawns in the morning and spreads over the earth. This is the beginning of a new day. It is also the beginning of understanding because light helps us see things the way they really are. On a deeper level, East stands for the wisdom helping people live good lives. Traditional people rise in the morning to pray facing the dawn, asking God for wisdom and understanding.

South  is White (Silver). Because the southern sky is when the sun is at its highest, this direction stands for warmth and growing. The sun’s rays are powerful in drawing life from the earth. It is said the life of all things comes from the south. Also, warm and pleasant winds come from the South. When people pass into the spirit world, they travel the Milky Way’s path back to the south, returning from where they came.

These colors are particularly embraced by the Dakota and Lakota Sioux tribes.

“Tshenamani” also known as “Moving Robe Woman” was a Sioux woman warrior who fought against General George Custer in the Battle of Big Horn to avenge her brother, One Hawk, who had been killed by Custer and his soldiers when they charged on horseback into the large Lakota village near the Greasy Grass River.   She was 23 at the time. She died at age 81 in 1935.

RedDoor Gallery proudly presents the newest works of fine art by Matthew Clarkson at a special First Friday Art Walk reception on March 7th from 5 to 8 pm. The swanky artist reception features RedDoor Gallery’s complimentary refreshments and hospitality. Meet other represented gallery artists and discover what inspires their work.

The world of pottery and painting exposes me to two-dimensional and three-dimensional worlds,” says artist Matthew Clarkson. “Pottery is a tactile experience that seeks balance between form and function. I’m constantly aware of weight, feel and aesthetics as I’m hand building with clay.”

He says it’s very satisfying to create something with his own hands that someone else then holds in their hands in a functional way.  

Gorgeous hand-built clay works are just the beginning of Clarkson’s successful artistic pursuits. He is also an experienced painter. “I currently use alcohol inks in my paintings because they open up a  vibrant world of color and movement. I look to the outdoors for inspiration in my work,” said Clarkson. “The alcohol inks add a spontaneous element to my work and constantly surprise me as I explore abstract landscapes and horizons.”

“Matthew Clarkson has remained one of our top selling artists at RedDoor Gallery since we opened last May,” said Liz Pike, owner of the gallery. “Our clients love his original art and we are honored to represent his work. This new collection in large format are among Matthew’s finest works,” added Pike. 

Also on tap for First Friday, March 7th, RedDoor Gallery presents Shirley Bishop’s “Winter of Birds” Glass Workshops. The public is invited to these casual, drop-in classes on Friday, March 7th from 4-8 pm and on Saturday, March 8th from 12-4 pm at RedDoor Gallery, 411 NE Dallas Street in downtown Camas. There’s no need to register; cost is just $25 per glass bird. Shirley will skillfully guide students of all ages as they design their own fused glass birds in about twenty minutes or less! Choose from three glass designs including robins, hummingbirds or cardinals.

“These popular drop-in classes are super fun and really easy,” said Shirley Bishop.  

Since opening last May, RedDoor Gallery quickly became the “art hub of Camas.” RedDoor Gallery invites visitors to experience the joy and transformative power of art inside its red door! The art gallery is located in the historic building at 411 NE  Dallas Street in downtown Camas, has featured new work each month by artists Sarah Bang, Shirley Bishop, Kimmie Burmaster, Matthew Clarkson, Wendy Davis, Cheryl Folkers, Dave Garbot, Gail Harrington, Cheryl Mathieson, Liz Pike, Tamra Sheline, Catherine Snyder and George Throop.  

The gallery’s mission is to provide a vibrant art space open to the public and foster a creative art-making community. In addition to a gallery of fine art, quality art instructional classes are offered in  RDG’s professionally equipped studio. Visit RDG on the web at RedDoorGalleryCamas.com. For more information, call 360-281-8720 or e-mail pikeadvertising@comcast.net.

VANCOUVER, WA — Clark College hosts the 61st Annual Clark College Jazz Festival in three full days of big band jazz on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, January 30 – February 1, 2025 in the Gaiser Student Center, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver WA 98663. Admission is $10 per day.  Clark College students and children under 12 accompanied by an adult will be admitted free of charge.

Sixty middle and high school jazz ensembles from throughout Washington and Oregon are scheduled to perform in this year’s competition with trophies presented to the top three jazz ensembles for middle schools and A through AAAA division high schools.  Individual outstanding musician awards will also be presented at the end of each division’s preliminary competitions.  At the end of Saturday evening, the Dale Beacock Memorial Sweepstakes Award will be presented to one outstanding band selected from the entire festival. 

Preliminary competitions for the 2025 festival will begin on Thursday (Jan 30) with middle schools performing from 8 am to noon and the Division A high school bands competing from 1:45-4:45 pm. The Finals competition for Middle School and Division A begins at 7:00 p.m. The AA Division competition runs from 9 am – 4:30 pm on Friday (Jan 31) and the AAA and AAAA jazz bands take the stage on Saturday (Feb 1) beginning at 8:00 a.m. Finals competitions will begin at 7 pm on Friday and Saturday evenings ending with the trophy presentations.

The Clark College Jazz Bands, under the direction of Festival Director Dr. Doug Harris, will perform at following times:

Jazz Band II – Thursday, Jan 30, 4:40 pm

Jazz Band I – Thursday, Jan 30, 8:30 pm

Jazz Band I – Friday, Jan 31, 7:45 pm

Jazz Band I – Saturday, Feb 1, 12:20 pm

The 2024 Sweepstakes Band, Bothell High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Phil Dean, will hold the spotlight on Saturday evening at 8:30 pm. 

A special ticketed fundraising concert by the Portland based JUJUBA (jujuba.org) will be on Wednesday, (Jan 29) at 7:30 pm to kick off the 61st Festival celebration.  The Clark College Jazz Band I opens the performance.  Only 400 seats.  Tickets $20 at the door (cash, check, cc).  more info at 360-992-2662 or sjwilliams@clark.edu.

Jujuba is a 10-piece Afrobeat and Juju band features Nigerian Master Talking Drum Legen, Nojeem Lasisi, a world-class West African and Cuban percussion section, a blazing horn section, and a funky electric rhythm section. Lasisi ranks among the world’s elite talking drum players. Nojeem was given his first drum at age four by his father, also a master drummer, who handed down to Nojeem its powerful language. As a member of Nigerian superstar King Sunny Ade’s group, the African Beats, Nojeem toured the world and appears on numerous recordings with King Sunny, including “Seven Degrees North” and “Odu”. Marc Silverman (keys) and Ethan Flaherty (guitar) moved to Portland in 1999 with a driven focus to start a band built on a foundation of West African drumming. Their studies of Ghanaian drumming, and Marc’s travels in Africa listening to and learning rhythms in Tanzania and Ghana, inspired an idea in Marc to apply these rhythms to bass, keyboard, and guitar parts in an electric rhythm section. After playing with hundreds of musicians during their first few years in Portland, Marc and Ethan met percussionist Tobias Manthey, who brought them together with his teacher, Nojeem Lasisi, for the first rehearsal of what would become Jujuba.

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

The History of the Clark College Jazz Festival

The heritage of the Clark College Jazz Festival dates back to 1962 when Hud­son’s Bay H.S. band director, Don Cammack, began organizing a one-day high school stage band invitational for schools from Clark and Skamania coun­ties. Organized by the Vancouver and Evergreen public schools, Fort Vancou­ver H.S. and Evergreen H.S took turns hosting the festival each year. Sponsors of the festival included Southwest Washington Music Association and Lower Columbia River Music Educators Association. In the early years, the trophies were made by middle school band director, Jack Ager, creatively construct­ing musician figures from miscellaneous hardware and car parts! In 1970, Dale Beacock, then the band director at both Fort Vancouver H.S. and Clark Col­lege, held the invitational “Clark Stage Band Contest” for the first time at its current home, Clark College. This inaugural event hosted 17 high school jazz bands with preliminary competitions held in what was then known as the Gaiser Hall dining area, with finals in the gymnasium. Dale’s vision of a competitive jazz showcase for schools throughout Washington and greater Portland pro­moted the growth of the festival and in 1971 the festival grew to 32 bands held over two days on Friday and Saturday. In 1976 the number of participating bands grew to 52, welcoming bands from Oregon and Idaho. In 1985, Chuck Ramsey took over the reigns as Festival Coordinator successfully organizing the festival for the next 22 years. Chuck’s achievements bringing consistency in the operations of the festival and increased student involvement set the ground­work for the educational enhancement, leadership, teamwork, and a sense of ownership the Clark student volunteers experience today. In 2008, Richard Inouye came onboard as Festival Director. His professional and educational experience has brought a new dynamic to the festival by encouraging a focus on jazz education and utilizing technology to promote community awareness, public support, and streamline festival operations. In 2012, the Clark College Jazz Festival celebrated its 50th Golden Anniversary. Highlights of this milestone included the Clark College Alumni Band directed by Chuck Ramsey which fea­tured Clark band alumni from three generations of Clark band directors. Dale Beacock and Chuck were also presented Legacy Sweepstakes Awards for their historic contributions to the festival. In 2013, the festival went international welcoming two bands from Tsawwassen, British Columbia! Today the Annual Clark College Jazz Fes­tival welcomes 60 middle and high school jazz ensembles, over 1,200 student jazz musicians to the campus, and over 3,000 people to the Vancouver com­munity throughout the three-day event.

Dr. Doug Harris is the Director of Bands at Clark College since Fall 2018, after serving as Assistant Director of Bands at Western Kentucky University, and Director of Bands at Santa Clara University and Southern Utah University. He also enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a high school band director in Florida. Dr. Harris received his Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Florida, his Master of Arts and Doctor of Arts from the University of Northern Colorado. Doug is active clinician and adjudicator in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Missouri, Colorado, Utah, California and Washington, is a freelance trumpet player and has worked on the brass staff of the Madison Scouts, Sacramento Mandarins, Teal Sound and Suncoast Sound Drum and Bugle Corps. He is active as a composer, arranger and transcriber and is published in the Grand Mesa Music catalog.

Jazz

The Artisans’ Guild of Camas is once again proud to host HeART Fest, our own local Fine Art Market. It’s happening just in time for Valentine’s Day shopping, on Saturday February 8, from 10 am to 5 pm. The market venue will once again be held at the beautiful Lacamas Lake Lodge. If you’ve never seen this special building by the lake, this is a great opportunity.

This 2nd annual fine art market promises a captivating showcase of creativity, featuring a diverse array of artistic expressions by local area guild members. Shoppers and art enthusiasts attending the event can explore a curated selection of fused glass, textiles, jewelry, acrylics, ceramics, gifts, and many other astonishing pieces of art.

“This is a rare opportunity for the community to witness the talent of 24 local artists gathered in one place,” said Jacqui Dowsett, HeART Fest Chairperson, of the Artisans’ Guild of Camas. “Our members are excited to share their unique creations and engage with the community in this vibrant celebration of art.”

The Artisans’ Guild of Camas, established in January 2022, serves as a hub for artists, artisans, and art enthusiasts in the greater Clark County area. As an unincorporated association or “club,” AGC is dedicated to inspiring enthusiasm for the visual arts and crafts through education and exhibition opportunities. The guild welcomes artists at all levels, art enthusiasts and anyone with an interest in supporting the arts or being a part of the thriving local art community.

For more information, please contact: https://www.artisansguildcamas.org/

The Columbia Gorge Museum is excited to unveil its new art exhibition, WALKING IN MY SHOES: A Perspective on Military Service by Charles Burt, opening on November 23, 2024. This exhibition will allow its viewers to experience a unique perspective on the military and the lives of its members. 

After 20 years of active-duty service Burt retired from the Army but had a tough time adjusting to civilian culture. Seeking a way to connect with other disciplined and dedicated people, he met artists who shared his work ethic and a strong drive to succeed.

From this spark, he started taking art courses at the local community college and completed five years of intensive fine art atelier training at Gage Academy of Art in Seattle. During his last two years of atelier training, Burt began a series of paintings titled Seven Army Values. These are invitations for civilians to find new ways of thinking about military service.

After retiring from the Army, he developed a tremor in his dominant hand and was later diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Painting fine art pieces while battling a tremor is another challenge that he faces head-on.

He hopes his art and his life story inspire other veterans to work toward their own goals even after they leave the supportive structures of the military.

A special public opening will be at 2 pm on November 23 where Charles Burt will be in attendance. For more details on the exhibition and to RSVP, please visit the Columbia Gorge Museum’s website.

The Columbia Gorge Museum is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in Stevenson, WA. It is known for collections honoring the tribal communities from the region, past and present, the largest rosary collection, as well as art and artifacts from industry and families throughout our history. It is open from 10 am to 5 pm daily. Every first Saturday of the month is free for Skamania County residents.

Camas, WA — RedDoor Gallery downtown Camas is proud to announce three new artists whose work is now on exhibit for show and sale. Area residents are invited to view original pastels by Catherine Snyder, original oils by Kimmie Burmaster and original acrylics by Gail Harrington at a special First Friday Art Walk reception in their honor on Friday, November 1st from 5-8 pm. The reception features complimentary refreshments, delicious charcuterie and RedDoor Gallery’s signature chocolate truffles.

Since opening in May, the art gallery, located in the historic building at 411 NE Dallas Street in downtown Camas, has featured new work each month by artists Sarah Bang, Shirley Bishop, Matthew Clarkson, Heidi Curley, Cheryl  Folkers, Dave Garbot, Cheryl Mathieson, Liz Pike and Tamra Sheline.  With the recent remodel of RedDoor’s new Mezzanine Gallery exhibition space, RedDoor Gallery is also representing acrylic artist George Throop and oil paint artist Wendy Davis. A reception for Throop and Davis will take place at First Friday on December 6th. The gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday from 12 pm to 7 pm and by special appointment.

Pastel artist Catherine Snyder is inspired by music, beautiful settings, loving acts of kindness and extraordinary courage.

“I have a passion for color and love to experiment with pastels,” said Snyder. 

Her work has garnered many first place awards in shows around the region. See it now in the mezzanine level at RedDoor Gallery.

Kimmie Burmaster paints in oils on canvas and appreciates the rich texture and flexibility of working in oils. 

“People are among my favorite subjects to  paint,” says Burmaster. 

She also enjoys painting still life and landscape paintings. A variety of her work is now on exhibit in the mezzanine level at RedDoor Gallery.

Lastly, Camas artists Gail Harrington has also joined RedDoor Gallery. She works primarily with acrylic and mixed media. 

“I’m inspired by nature, music, scripture and other artists’ work,” said Harrington. 

Her work illuminates, with a quiet yet expressive freedom. See her large format works of art at RedDoor Gallery for the first time on Friday, November 1st.

Quickly becoming the “art hub of Camas,” RDG invites visitors to experience the joy and transformative power of art inside its red door! The gallery’s mission is to provide a vibrant art space open to the public and foster a creative art-making community. In addition to a gallery of fine art, quality art instructional classes are offered in RDG’s professionally equipped studio. Visit RDG on the web at RedDoorGalleryCamas.com. For more information, call 360-281-8720 or e-mail RedDoorGalleryCamas@gmail.com

RedDoor
“Misty River” original pastel by Catherine Snyder

RedDoor
“Green Vase” original oil on canvas by Kimmie Burmaster

Washougal Studio Artists proudly presents their 4th Annual Holiday Art Market Tour, Saturday and Sunday, November 16th and 17th, 10 am-4 pm.

This is your opportunity to visit 13 artists’ studios and enjoy the work of 25 talented local artists. Come learn what inspires the artists and learn how they have developed their processes. Ask questions and experience the creative studio environment where art is being made. The Washougal Studio Artists Tour is a biannual event that draws visitors from all over the region, and we are excited to share it with you. Explore an amazing array of works in fused glass, textiles, bronze sculpture, painting, jewelry, mixed media, collage, ceramics and photography.

Participating artists include the following:

  • Studio #1: Trish Johnson (studio owner), watercolors; Keith Russell, painting and drawing.
  • Studio #2: Sandy Moore (studio owner), mixed media fabric collage and home decor; Sharon Buckmaster, mixed media wearable art; Jeanine Clark, painting, drawing, wearables.
  • Studio #3: Tamara Dinius (studio owner), mixed media; Phyllis Carter, fused glass; Toni McCarthy, beaded and metal jewelry.
  • Studio #4: Liz Nye, mixed media, photography, textiles.
  • Studio #5: Regina Westmoreland, mixed media.
  • Studio #6: Debbie Nagano, mixed media.
  • Studio #7: Judi Clark, painting, drawing.
  • Studio #8: Ellen Nordgren, mixed media.
  • Studio #9: Shirley Bishop (studio owner), fused glass & home décor; Kathy Marty; hand-woven rugs and home décor; Marina Pearson, acrylic painting and drawing; John Relyea, woodworking.
  • Studio #10: /Susan Fronckowiak (studio owner), painting, photography; Anna Norris, painting, ceramics; Blythe Ayne, photography.
  • Studio#11: LesleyAnne Ezelle (studio owner), ceramics and alpaca fiber;
  • Studio #12: David Van Zandt (studio owner) bronze sculpture & acrylic painting; Charlene Hale, glass.
  • Studio #13: Mica Wilson (studio owner), painting, drawing; Elaine Lim, painting, drawing.
  • The Washougal Studio Artists Tour is a wonderful way to spend the day. There is a great joy in experiencing art firsthand, buying local and giving your special friends and loved ones original pieces of art. Here is your chance to meet the makers, to

learn about their processes, and to find truly special holiday or birthday gifts. Or maybe you’ll be inspired to sign up for a class. 

Many of these artists also offer classes from their studios. For further information: Shirley Bishop 360-991-3081 —

https://www.washougalstudioartists.org/

RedDoor Gallery (RDG) is pleased to present works by Elaine Lim in a special Emerging Artist Exhibition that runs October 11th through December 11th. The public is invited to an artist reception honoring Lim on Friday, October 18th from 5 pm to 7 pm. 

”The Emerging Artist Exhibition is a brand new feature at RedDoor Gallery,” said Liz Pike, one of the partners inside the red door. “As an art hub in Camas, it’s important for RedDoor Gallery to lift up new, talented artists who are eager to launch their creative career. We are delighted to feature Elaine Lim in our inaugural exhibition for emerging artists.”

Elaine Lim, an emerging watercolor artist based in the Pacific Northwest, has carved out a niche for herself by capturing the beauty of the coast. Elaine’s artistic journey started at a young age, drawing inspiration from the vibrant colors and intricate patterns of nature. Over the years, she explored various mediums, but it was watercolor that truly stole her heart. The unpredictability and spontaneity of watercolor painting challenged her to embrace the unexpected and find beauty in the imperfections. Lim has taken several watercolor classes taught by Tamra Sheline, a partner and art instructor at RedDoor Gallery. 

“I have learned so much from Tamra. She is an inspiration to me,” says Lim. “My watercolor paintings are an ode to the ocean, a celebration of its power and ever-changing beauty.” 

Through her art, she strives to capture not only the visual splendor of the coast, but also its intangible qualities – the sense of curiosity it evokes and the power it embodies. 

“I want my paintings to transport viewers to the edge of the sea, and to feel the cool salty spray of the ocean on their skin,” she added.

Three of Lim’s works were accepted by a jury to enter the 2024 Vancouver Arts & Music Festival, showcasing her talent to a broader audience. Through her art, Lim strives to create pieces that resonate on a personal level with her viewers, believing that art is not just a visual experience but an emotional one. Her paintings offer a calming, immersive experience, inviting viewers to find beauty in the simplest of things. She aims to provide a sanctuary in her art collectors’ private spaces. Lim is also donating a portion of proceeds from her sold pieces inside RedDoor Gallery to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary to support ocean conservation efforts, reflecting her commitment to safeguard the beauty of oceans for future generations.

Every 60 days, a new emerging artist will be featured in the newly remodeled mezzanine level at RedDoor Gallery. Since opening last May, the art gallery, located in the historic building at 411 NE Dallas Street in downtown Camas, has featured new work each month by artists Sarah Bang, Shirley Bishop, Matthew Clarkson, Heidi Curley, Cheryl Folkers, Dave Garbot, David Gerton, Cheryl Mathieson, Liz Pike and Tamra Sheline. The recent remodel in RedDoor’s new Mezzanine Gallery exhibition space allowed the gallery to jury in five new artists. The gallery will honor artists Kimmie Burmaster, Wendy Davis, Gail Harrington, Catherine Snyder and George Throop at a special artists’s reception on First Friday, November 1st from 5-8 pm.

As the art hub of Camas, RDG invites visitors to experience the joy and transformative power of art inside its red door. The gallery’s mission is to provide a vibrant art space open to the public and foster a creative art-making community. In addition to a gallery of fine art, quality art instructional classes are offered in RDG’s professionally equipped studio. Visit RDG on the web at RedDoorGalleryCamas.com. For more information, call 360-281-8720 or e-mail RedDoorGalleryCamas@gmail.com

The Columbia Gorge Museum is excited to unveil Symbiosis, a new art exhibition, opening on October 12 and running through November 22, 2024. Artist Julie Beeler uses forty varieties of fungi to create 825 vibrant natural pigments, dyes, and paints, expressing artistry and educating others about mushrooms as a source of color. 

Beeler draws on the rich history of natural dyes to craft textiles that reflect a deep connection to the natural world. She has collaborated with the Columbia Gorge Museum to showcase her artistry in the exciting and unique exhibition, Symbiosis. 

Beeler’s fascination with fungi evolved into a decade-long exploration of their potential for natural pigments. This initiative led Beeler to collaborate with Chronicle Books on an upcoming release, The Mushroom Color Atlas book, authored by Julie Beeler and illustrated by Yuli Gates. This resource will reveal the universe of colors lurking inside fungi, mirroring the hues found in nature’s vast palette. This publication is slated for publication on September 3, 2024, and will be available for purchase at the Columbia Gorge Museum.

The exhibition opens at 6 pm on October 12, 2024, for members of the museum and invited guests. For more details on the exhibition and to purchase a membership to attend the private opening, please visit the Columbia Gorge Museum’s website. Symbiosis will be made available to the general public on the following day, October 13, 2024.

The Columbia Gorge Museum is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in Stevenson, WA. It is known for collections honoring the tribal communities from the region, past and present, the largest rosary collection, as well as art and artifacts from industry and families throughout our history. It is open from 10 am to 5 pm daily. Every 1st Saturday of the month is free for Skamania County residents.

To learn more, visit https://columbiagorgemuseum.org

VANCOUVER, WA – The Clark County Open Studios Tour is back on the calendar for this fall, Saturday and Sunday, November 2-3. Now in its eleventh year, the free self-guided tour continues to build connections as local artists open their studio doors to inquisitive visitors. A program of Artstra, Open Studios is an annual juried art event designed to enhance community awareness of talented local artists while enriching the cultural life of Clark County neighborhoods.

“It’s more than just admiring art. It’s about the experience. Visitors engage directly with the creative process, seeing where and how the art is made, asking questions, and learning from the artists themselves,” says Jennifer Williams, Open Studios Director. “You’ll learn first-hand about painting techniques, printmaking, sculpture, glass, ceramic, jewelry, fiber arts, photography, and more. While visitors gain deeper insights into the art-making process, the artists receive invaluable feedback, each inspiring one another.”

The art and the studios where the creative process happens are as diverse as the artists themselves, and each year, there is always something new. This year, thirteen new artists are participating for the first time. Among those are three emerging artists: photographer Nicholas Dill, potter Molly Gustafson, and painter Nyssa Medel, awarded the Christine Rice Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship provides support to young artists through $1000 funding and mentorship. 

Two unique mixed media artists, Deborah Nagano and Sandy Moore, are on the east edge of the county in Washougal.Nagano‘s process begins by collecting and creating paper for collaging, forming initial shapes with torn paper, and adding layers of paint, oil pastels, chalk pastels, inks, and charcoal. Sandy Moore uses commercial and hand-dyed fabrics, acrylic inks, ink pencils and crayons, pens, digital editing, raw edge applique, fabric printing and stamping, and free motion stitching to create her colorful, layered fabric collages. 

With 53 artists, it’s almost impossible to see them all, but the nice thing about the tour is that it is self-guided so that the visitor can customize their route. Visitors can start in a neighborhood or look through the artists’ directory to see what type of art interests them. They can customize their tour by planning which studios they’d like to visit using the category filters to find mediums, wheelchair-accessible studios, available classes, and more.

Preview Exhibit and Reception

Another great way to plan before the tour is by attending the Preview Exhibit at Art at the Cave Gallery at 108 East Evergreen Blvd. in downtown Vancouver. The exhibit opens on First Friday, November 1, from 5 to 8 p.m., the night before the tour. The show offers a taste of what to expect on the tour and will remain at the gallery through November. Visitors can view all fifty artists’ work, pick up a printed tour guidebook, and mark the studios they want to visit, customizing their route for the weekend tour.

During the two-day tour, visitors are encouraged to use their mobile devices to access a user-friendly Google map showing all studio locations. For those who prefer a printed guide, the tour guides can be picked up early from one of the following local gallery sponsors: Art at the Cave Gallery and Aurora Gallery in downtown Vancouver, and in Camas at The Red Door Gallery and Gallery 408, or any studio location during the tour.

Learn more about the 53 participating artists and all the details to take the tour at artstra.org/openstudios.