Fern Prairie, WA — The fifth annual Fern Prairie ART FEST is a two-day event connecting local artists and the community on Saturday and Sunday, August 3rd and 4th from 10 am to 4 pm. The ART FEST is staged in the peaceful and tranquil setting of Shangri-La Farm, located 1.5 miles north of Lacamas Lake just outside the city limits of Camas, Washington. A total of 9 artist booths will be featured in the juried show. 

“These fine artists are excited to show and sell their work at ART FEST,” said organizer and local artist Liz Pike. Pike will be joined by artists Bev Birdwell, Matthew Clarkson, Cheryl Folkers, Dave Garbot, David Gerton, Charlene Hale, Gail Haskett and Keith Russell. Original work includes paintings in oils, acrylics and watercolor, pastels, mixed media, hand-built pottery, fused and enamel glass, jewelry, pen and ink, and copper mixed media. 

The public is invited to take in original works of art surrounded by the beautiful gardens at Shangri-La Farm. Attendees will park at rented Grove Field Airport parking lot, 632 NE 267th Avenue, Camas, WA. Guests may either walk the 1/4 mile trail through the woods to Shangri-La Farm or take the free “Sunflower Mobile” shuttle service. 

The Sunflower Mobile is an art piece all on its own, hand painted by Liz Pike in oils on fiberglass in her signature sunflower motif. The free shuttle will be available to transport attendees from the airport parking lot to Shangri-La Farm on both days, Saturday and Sunday, August 3rd and 4th between 10 am and 4 pm. 

The Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce is operating a beer and wine garden starting at noon both days with proceeds benefitting Chamber programs. Diamond Dogs will be selling its gourmet dogs and snacks next to the Chamber’s beer and wine garden.

For more information, contact Pike at 360-281-8720 or email [email protected]

Camas artist Elida Field is hosting several art events this summer. Here’s a list of what is coming:

Paint Night at Confluence Winery

Spring Highland Cow

Date: Thursday, June 13th, 6:30 -9:00 pm

Instructor: Elida Field

Location: Confluence Winery, 19111 NW 67th Ave, Ridgefield, WA 98642

Cost: $85 includes a glass of wine, small cheese board, painting materials & instruction. Additional wine will be available for purchase.

Link to register: https://www.elidaart.com/product-page/paint-night-at-confluence-2

Paint Night at Caffe Umbria

Pretty Blue Hydrangea

Date: Friday, June 21st, 6:30 -9:00 pm

Instructor: Elida Field, owner of Elida Studio & Art Gallery

Location: Caffè Umbria, 303 NW 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97209

Cost: $85 includes Prosecco, painting materials & instruction. Food and drinks will be available for purchase prior to the event.

Link to register: https://www.elidaart.com/product-page/paint-night-at-caffè-umbria-nw-12th-3

Paint Night at Valo Cellars

Beautiful Butterfly 

Date: Wednesday, June 26th, 6:00 -8:30 pm

Instructor: Elida Field

Location: Valo Cellars, 671 W Columbia Way Vancouver, WA 98660

Cost: $85 includes painting materials & instruction, glass of wine and cheese board. Additional wine will be available for purchase. 

Link to Register: https://www.elidaart.com/product-page/paint-night-at-valo-cellars-3

2023 marked an important turning point for tourism in Italy’s art cities. According to the Centre for Tourism Studies in Florence, the year ended with a return to pre-Covid levels, recording 445.3 million stays in accommodation facilities, an increase of 8.1 percent compared to 2022. The hotel segment saw significant growth of 9.3%, while the non-hotel segment experienced a more gradual recovery.

Italian art cities recorded an online accommodation booking rate of 38.9 percent, ranking first in the European Union, ahead of countries such as Greece, France and Spain, and welcoming tourists mainly from the United States and the United Kingdom.

Ten must-visit art cities

Italy’s art cities continue to be a favorite destination for travelers from all over the world. Not only do they preserve centuries of history and art, but they can also be easily accessed thanks to the rail connections offered by Trenitalia. So what are the ten unmissable art cities? We discover them together with True Italian Experience, a hub offering travel experiences designed to capture Italy’s most authentic essence.

World-renowned as the city of Romeo and Juliet, Verona offers a romantic atmosphere framed by medieval and Renaissance architecture. Its Roman amphitheater, the Arena, still hosts internationally renowned opera performances, attracting music fans from all over the world.

The fashion and design capital, Milan is a dynamic, modern city that is also rich in history and art. Milan Cathedral, with its impressive Gothic spires, and Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Last Supper’, conserved in the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, are just some of the treasures on offer in this metropolis.

In addition to its famous Leaning Tower, Pisa boasts the extraordinary Piazza dei Miracoli, home to the Baptistery and the Cathedral, splendid examples of Romanesque architecture. It is also a vibrant university city with a history intertwined with scientific and cultural progress.

With its unforgettable waterfront and bustling atmosphere, Naples is a treasure trove of art, history and gastronomy. The city is a crossroads of civilizations that has left a legacy of historical monuments, such as the Castel dell’Ovo and the National Archaeological Museum, which houses some of the world’s most important collections of ancient art.

Unique in the world, Venice is famous for its picturesque canals, gondolas and extraordinary architecture. St Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace testify to the Venetian Republic’s glorious past, while the Lido offers some tranquillity with a sea view.

The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is an open-air museum with masterpieces by artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo and Botticelli. The magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, with its Brunelleschi dome, dominates the skyline, while the Uffizi Gallery houses some of the world’s most famous works of art.

Once a powerful maritime republic, Genoa preserves incredible heritage in its maze of alleyways. The historical centre is one of the largest in Europe, culminating in splendid Renaissance buildings along the ‘Strade Nuove’, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Siena is world-famous for its ‘Palio’, a horse race held in the Piazza del Campo, the city’s shell-shaped heart. This Tuscan city is renowned for its medieval architecture, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, and the Palazzo Pubblico, which houses the Museo Civico with works of art from the 14th and 15th centuries.

Turin, the elegant capital of Piedmont, is a mix of Baroque architecture, Art Nouveau and modernism. It is home to the Egyptian Museum, one of the most important in the world. The Royal Palace and the Mole Antonelliana, the city’s symbol, are other iconic landmarks that tell the story of Turin’s political and cultural importance in Italy.

The capital of Italy is truly a stage for living history. From its ancient monuments such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon to its Baroque squares and the works in the Vatican, Rome offers a journey through different eras, making it one of the world’s most fascinating cities.

Extensive connections to art cities by train

Italy’s art cities are not only known for their beauty and cultural richness, but also for often being chaotic and busy. Getting around by car is complicated, and finding a parking space can be a challenge. This is why tourists increasingly choose to travel by public transport, and to reach Italian cities by train. This is a convenient and fast solution thanks to the extensive network of connections offered by Trenitalia, True Italian Experience’s main partner.

Convenience and sustainability are also combined with affordability thanks to various promotions intended to make train travel even more accessible: the most attractive offers include the Trenitalia pass for foreign citizens wishing to visit Italy on board Frecce, FrecciaLink, Intercity, Intercity Notte and EuroCity Italia-Svizzera on Italy’s domestic routes, and Italia in Tour, a perfect option for those who want to explore different cities in a short time frame, enjoying unlimited travel for 3 or 5 consecutive days on all Trenitalia’s Regionale trains.

Constantly alert to the evolution of tourism and to travelers’ needs, the Passenger Business Unit of the Italian State Railways Group therefore continues to be a point of reference for those wishing to discover art cities in a comfortable and sustainable way. This is also the mission of True Italian Experience, whose main partner is Trenitalia.

https://trueitalianexperience.it/en

Ponderosa
Ponderosa Garage Doors Who said your garage door has to look boring😏😏 Contact Ponderosa Garage Doors today and see what they can do for you. They also give back to the community. Plus, their team has a special! Just mention “Camas Athletics” when you place your order and the team at Ponderosa will donate 5% of the order to Camas Athletics Boosters Club, and it’s a good idea to have your garage doors inspected. Call 360.684.1933. They have a $100 coupon, too. Learn all about it.

Camas, WA — Camas Cellars, a boutique wine bar and bottle shop, located in downtown Camas, is thrilled to announce an exclusive opportunity for local artists to become a part of their upcoming private label wine release. In a celebration of creativity and community spirit, Camas Cellars is inviting artists from all backgrounds to participate in a unique contest designed to showcase the essence of Camas — its vibrant culture, natural beauty, and the community that makes it a special place to live and visit.

A Canvas for Creativity: The Essence of Camas

This contest is more than just an opportunity to design a wine label; it’s a chance to capture the heart and soul of Camas. We are looking for designs that reflect the city’s essence, whether it be through its stunning landscapes, historic landmarks, or the lively spirit of its people. This is an open call to all artists — whether you’re a professional painter, a digital designer, or a student with a passion for creativity, we want to see your vision of Camas.

Join Us in Celebrating Camas Through Art

We believe in the power of art to bring people together and tell the stories that define us. This contest is an invitation to all artists to share their love for Camas and leave a lasting imprint on a product that will be cherished by wine lovers everywhere.

For more information on the contest, including how to submit your artwork, please visit https://camascellars.com. Join us in making history with your art and celebrate the essence of Camas in a way that resonates with each sip.

About Camas Cellars

Camas Cellars is a boutique wine bar and bottle shop featuring a curated selection of wines from the Pacific Northwest. Based in the heart of downtown Camas, we are committed to supporting our local community and celebrating the unique culture that makes our city extraordinary.

Washougal, WA – The Washougal Art and Music Festival is thrilled to announce that Sandy Moore’s captivating artwork, “Sail Boats,” has been selected as the centerpiece for its 2024 festival poster. The event, scheduled for August 10th in Downtown Washougal’s Reflection Plaza, promises to celebrate the vibrant arts scene of the region with Moore’s stunning creation as its visual focal point.

“Sail Boats” by Sandy Moore captures the essence of the area’s natural beauty and maritime spirit. Inspired by Cottonwood Beach and the majestic Columbia River, Moore’s mixed media fabric collage technique breathes life into the serene scene of sailboats gently gliding across the water. With a palette of blues and greens meticulously layered and textured, the artwork evokes a sense of tranquility and appreciation for the picturesque landscapes that surround Washougal.

Reflecting on her inspiration, Sandy remarked, “We are lucky to be surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. I love the water and living near the Columbia is a joy. This piece is inspired by Cottonwood Beach, a favorite destination.”

Moore’s unique approach to artistry involves coloring fabric in various shades to create depth and dimension, then skillfully layering and arranging them to form intricate compositions. The result is a mesmerizing fusion of colors and textures that invites viewers to immerse themselves in the beauty of the natural world.

For those eager to explore more of her captivating artworks, her portfolio can be found at Sandy Moore Arts https://www.sandymoorearts.com

The Washougal Art and Music Festival invites art enthusiasts, music lovers, and community members to join in the celebration of creativity on August 10th in Downtown Washougal. Visit our website at  www.WashougalArts.org for more information. The Washougal Art and Music Festival is sponsored in part by the City of Washougal Hotel/Motel Tax Fund. 

Washougal Art

Camas, WA — On the 44th anniversary of the Mt. St. Helens volcanic eruption, local artist Liz Pike invites art patrons to view an explosion of new art at Camas Cellars. The event marks her second installment of Artful Intersect; titled “Vineyards” – featuring an unveiling of her latest original work in oils on canvas from 5 pm to 7 pm at Camas Cellars, 602 NE Third Avenue, Camas, WA. Guests will enjoy complimentary vineyard inspired appetizers, delicious wines and decadent chocolate truffles. Reservations are required; call or text Pike at 360-281-8720 to attend the 5 pm unveiling.

Earlier this year, Pike launched her first “Artful Intersect,” which is part of a series of art unveilings in local businesses. 

“Beautiful art in local shops is good business,” said Pike. “Camas has always been a great city for art.” 

Pike notes that beyond beautiful galleries, having art on display in local businesses provides an expanded opportunity to wider audiences. 

“It’s a good thing for artists and business owners, and a great way to bring more art to more spaces in our community,” said Pike.

“We love Liz Pike’s vibrant art,” says Debi Debasinskas, owner of Camas Cellars. “We are honored to host this unveiling of her new works in our popular wine bar and bottle shop.”

Pike 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. She is also an artist/partner at the newly opened RedDoor Gallery, located at 411 NE Dallas Street, in downtown Camas. 

RedDoor Gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday, from noon to 7 pm and by special appointment. The new gallery features works by Pike along with nine other artists and premiers new works at a swanky artist reception every First Friday from 5-8 pm. Pike also shows her work at several summertime art festivals and has a mini art gallery located at her Shangri-La Farm, a popular destination in Fern Prairie, located at 26300 NE Third Street, Camas, WA. Visit her website at LizPike.Art to view her summer art festival calendar of events. Pike can be reached at (360) 281-8720.

Ponderosa
Ponderosa Garage Doors Who said your garage door has to look boring😏😏 Contact Ponderosa Garage Doors today and see what they can do for you. They also give back to the community. Plus, their team has a special! Just mention “Camas Athletics” when you place your order and the team at Ponderosa will donate 5% of the order to Camas Athletics Boosters Club, and it’s a good idea to have your garage doors inspected. Call 360.684.1933. They have a $100 coupon, too. Learn all about it.

Camas, WA — The public is invited to experience RedDoor Gallery (RDG) for the first time on Friday, May 3rd from 5-8 pm. Renovations are complete at the new art gallery, located in the historic building at 411 NE Dallas Street in downtown Camas. An official ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration will follow on Friday, June 7th. The gallery will be open Wednesday through Saturday from 12 pm to 7 pm and by special appointment.

RDG’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. The vibrant art space is designed to include a small artist community within the building for individual painters who desire a private art studio on a lease basis.

RDG seeks to promote the joy and transformative power of art while actively supporting the work of local visual artists. Artwork on display features diverse fine art from ten locally acclaimed artists: Sarah Bang, Shirley Bishop, Matthew Clarkson, Heidi Curley, Cheryl Folkers, Dave Garbot, David Gerton, Cheryl Mathieson, Liz Pike and Tamra Sheline.

“We are developing a thriving art space that will last for years to come. Camas has a history of supporting a vibrant arts community and we are very excited about this new artistic partnership,” said Liz Pike. 

She is joined by business art/partners Heidi Curley and Tamra Sheline in the new venture. In addition to having fine art in the gallery, Curley and Sheline will also occupy a spacious portion of the upstairs mezzanine as their personal art studio space as well as teaching several on-site art classes each month.

Pike noted her affection for the space at 411 NE Dallas Street. She opened her first art gallery there in 2005. “I love this building; it feels like coming home,” said Pike. 

Curley and Sheline also have history with the space, having leased art studio space there previously. 

“We are thrilled to be involved with this new art experience in Camas,” said Curley. “We look forward to sharing art with the general public,” added Curley. 

“We are delighted to open our space up to the community to create an authentic art hub for creative people and art patrons alike,” added Sheline.

In addition to hosting an upscale First Friday Art Walk reception from 5 pm to 8 pm on the first Friday of each month, RDG will also host weekly Thirsty Art Thursday featuring a live painting demonstration from 5-7 pm. Visit RDG on the web at RedDoorGalleryCamas,com. For more information, call 360-281-8720 or e-mail [email protected]

Ponderosa
Ponderosa Garage Doors Who said your garage door has to look boring😏😏 Contact Ponderosa Garage Doors today and see what they can do for you. They also give back to the community. Plus, their team has a special! Just mention “Camas Athletics” when you place your order and the team at Ponderosa will donate 5% of the order to Camas Athletics Boosters Club, and it’s a good idea to have your garage doors inspected. Call 360.684.1933. They have a $100 coupon, too. Learn all about it.

Sign up for a magical evening of wine and painting with local professional artist, Elida Field. No experience necessary —just a willingness to have fun! Elida will guide you through the step-by-step process of painting a pretty red poppy. You will go home with a finished 11×14″ painting full of color and dimension — perfect for your decor.

Date: Sunday, April 14th, 6:30 – 9:00 pm

Instructor: Elida Field, owner of Elida Studio & Art Gallery

Location: 677 W Columbia Way Vancouver, WA 98660

Cost: $85 includes a glass of wine, small cheese board, painting materials & instruction.

Additional wine will be available for purchase.

Register by scanning the QR code or visiting www.ElidaArt.com and select “Create Art” and “Specialty Art Classes.”

This can be some messy fun – be sure to wear clothes that can get a little paint-y or bring an apron/smock!

Elida

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.

Ponderosa
Ponderosa Garage Doors Who said your garage door has to look boring😏😏 Contact Ponderosa Garage Doors today and see what they can do for you. They also give back to the community. Plus, their team has a special! Just mention “Camas Athletics” when you place your order and the team at Ponderosa will donate 5% of the order to Camas Athletics Boosters Club, and it’s a good idea to have your garage doors inspected. Call 360.684.1933. They have a $100 coupon, too. Learn all about it.

“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.  

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]