, ,

Three Local Artists Plan Opening of RedDoor Gallery in Downtown Camas

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.  

/0 Comments/by
, , ,

Celebrate Pike Art Gallery’s 1st Anniversary Celebration March 1

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: PikeAdvertising@comcast.net

/0 Comments/by
, ,

Visit Pike Art Gallery’s Once in a Blue Moon Sale Saturday

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.

/0 Comments/by
, , ,

Pike Art Gallery Celebrates First Friday of New Year in Uptown Camas

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.

/0 Comments/by
, , ,

Pike Art Gallery Celebrates Festive Dec. 1 First Friday Art Walk in Uptown Camas

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.

/0 Comments/by
, ,

About the Artist: David Gerton and His Exquisite Copper Works Art

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
/0 Comments/by
, , ,

Annual Washougal Studio Artist Tour Holiday Art Market Coming Nov. 18-19

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
/0 Comments/by
, ,

Sunshine Forecasted for Sunday’s Autumn Flower Festival at Shangri-La Farm

Lizzy Jane’s Flower Market, located at Shangri-La Farm, is hosting its first ever Autumn Flower Festival on Sunday, October 22 from 11 am to 4 pm in Fern Prairie. The event is free to the public and Mother Nature promises mild temperatures without rain in the forecast! 

Attendees will park at the rented Grove Field Airport parking lot, located around the corner from Shangri-La at 632 NE 267th Avenue, Camas. From the airport parking lot, follow the meandering trail 1/4 mile through the woods to Shangri-La Farm or take a fun ride on the free Electric Sunflower Mobile shuttle to the farm.

Shangri-La Farm is currently growing about 350 dahlias, encompassing about 70 different varieties. 

“This year’s warm temperatures and mild autumn weather has made for one of the most brilliant dahlia seasons on record,” said Liz Pike, owner of the farm. “I’m thrilled to share the beauty of these flowers with our community. Be sure and bring the kids to this family friendly event!” 

Children will have an opportunity to feed the free-ranging chickens of Shangri-La Farm during the flower festival.

Flower arranging demonstrations will be provided hourly by Pike, who is also a local artist, Clark County Master Gardener and beekeeper. 

“Arranging flowers is a lot like painting in oils on a canvas,” said Pike. “Dahlias offer so many textures and colors in which to work with. One of my favorite times of the day is when I get to design beautiful bouquets of dahlias for my farm stand customers.”

In addition to hourly floral arranging demonstrations between 11 am and 4 pm, Shangri-La Farm is also hosting guided tours throughout the gardens. The public is invited to see organic flower gardens, vegetable beds, a fruit orchard, berry patches, herb gardens, and a brand new 50 plant rose garden and 50 plant English Lavender garden. View the farm’s apiaries and see busy honeybees in action.

Liz’s son, Richard Pike, will also be leading an apple cider press demonstration throughout the day at the Autumn Flower Festival. 

The public is invited to see Shangri-La Farm’s organic apples turned into fresh and delicious apple cider on a turn-of-the-century cider press. 

“We want to share our knowledge about the age-old tradition of pressing apples into cider,” said Richard. 

Free samples of apple cider will be offered to the public.

Several Plein-air artists from the Northwest Oil Painters Guild will also be making art in real time at the Autumn Flower Festival. The public is invited to see artists painting what they see, in and among the lush organic gardens at Shangri-La Farm.

Lizzy Jane’s Flower Market offers custom order dahlia bouquets in season for wedding flowers, all occasion celebrations or bouquets for your home or office. 

“All our flowers are 100% organic. Bouquets of roses, peonies, lilies and hundreds of perennials are also available in season,” added Pike. 

A country style farm stand is open every day of the year. Local residents stop in to purchase farm fresh eggs, flowers, farm-house pastries, raw honey from Shangri-La Farm honeybees, jams made from organic berries grown on-site and seasonal produce. Liz, together with her husband Neil Cahoon, established Shangri-La Farm in 2010, transforming a derelict property into a garden oasis for birds, bees and people. 

For more information, contact Liz Pike at 360-281-8720 or email pikeadvertising@comcast.net.

/0 Comments/by
, ,

Friday’s Art Festival Renamed ‘Marquita Call Memorial Plein-Air Event of Camas’

Camas Gallery together with Pike Art Gallery will be hosting the newly renamed “Marquita Call Memorial Plein-air Event of Camas” on Friday, September 1, 2023. Marquita Call, owner of Camas Gallery and founder of the annual Plein-air art event, passed away unexpectedly on August 29th. 

“Our community is still reeling from the news of Marquita’s death,” said Liz Pike, local artist and longtime friend of Marquita. “Marquita was loved by all who knew her. Since opening her Camas Gallery in 2010, she quickly became the unofficial Mayor of Camas because of her passion for the city and its residents. Having grown up in Camas, she was a living history book for the town. Her quick wit, million dollar smile and can-do attitude touched the lives of so many. Camas residents and visitors alike were welcomed as family, once inside Marquita’s Camas Gallery.” 

Pike noted it is both fitting and necessary to rename the event to honor Call. According to Pike, Call was a driving force to reignite fine art in downtown Camas. Undaunted by the Great Recession, Call marched ahead to open what would become the most popular art gallery in town. 

“Through her work at the gallery, Marquita helped launch the successful art careers of many local artists,” said Pike. “With grit and grace, she was a one-woman, non-stop promoter of local artists and the arts in our community.” 

Marquita founded the Plein-air art event several years ago to help connect the Camas community to local art. Since its humble beginnings, more and more artists participate each year on the first Friday of September. Marquita believed such an event would attract people to downtown Camas and help struggling merchants during those lean times of the economic downturn.

Participating local artists will take to the streets beginning at 9 am to paint the town this Friday, September 1st. Artists must start and finish their respective plein-air art between the hours of 9 am and 4 pm on September 1. Beginning at 4 pm, artists will move their easels and finished art to the sidewalk area in front of Camas Gallery, 408 NE Fourth Avenue, where the public may view all of the finished art in one location. As in past years, the community will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite finished work of plein-air art and also purchase any of the pieces for a flat rate of $200 each from 5 pm to 7:30 pm on Friday, September 1st. 

Proceeds from the sale of all plein-air pieces will be split between the selling artist and Camas Gallery. 

Artists may pick up an application form to participate in the newly named “Marquita Call Memorial Plein-air Event of Camas” at Camas Gallery, 408 NE Fourth Avenue or at the Pike Art Gallery at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Birch Street in #UptownCamas, 302 NE Sixth Avenue. All artist applications must be returned with a $10 entree fee to Camas Gallery no later than 9 am on September 1st. 

For more information or questions about the plein-air event, contact Liz Pike at 360.281.8720. 

/0 Comments/by
, ,

New Comic Con Theme Brings Fandom to Downtown Camas First Friday

Camas, WA – The organizers of First Fridays in Downtown Camas are excited to bring you a new and colorful First Friday theme for August. “Camas Comic Con” will take place on August 4, 5 pm-8 pm and will celebrate fandom of many different pop culture phenomena for an evening of photo ops, cosplay, special guests, games, art, crafts, interactive activities and more. Fandom will include comics, sci-fi, cosplay, anime, Disney, fantasy, and everything in between. If you are a fan of it, it counts! This free event has something for all ages and is organized and hosted by the Downtown Camas Association(DCA). 

Start your evening at the DCA tables inside Journey, 304 NE 4th to pick up your Camas Comic Con Passport & Activity list. The first 500 people to check in will receive a free Jonna and the Unpossible Monsters comic book, donated by local PDX comic publisher Oni Press. Family friendly costumes are highly encouraged for this event. Attendees will each get a Comic Con Costume bingo card to try to complete throughout the evening, with categories like Marvel, DC, Disney, Ghostbusters, Star Wars, Star Trek, Anime and more. Secret costume judges will be wandering throughout downtown, giving out chances to win a special prize to those who go above and beyond with their Comic Con cosplay attire.

The PDX Ghostbusters, a donation-based charity cosplay group, will be hosting a slime-making activity for kids of all ages. This activity has been generously sponsored by 4Ever Growing Kids Children’s Consignment Boutique. PDX Ghostbusters will also be bringing their Ecto-1S, a replica of the car used in the Ghostbusters movies. Find the Ghostbusters from 5pm-8pm outside 4Ever Growing Kids at 440 NE 4th.

Other Camas Comic Con First Friday activities include:

  • “Fandom Fun!” Passport Activity with fandom trivia and puzzles throughout downtown businesses–enter to win prizes for every location you visit.
  • Collectible Lanyards for the first 300 people to check in. These 2023 Camas Comic Con lanyards and badges are sponsored by these downtown businesses: 4Ever Growing Kids, Mandi MOON Artistry, The Wild Hair, PNW Financial Concierge, Sweet Intention Gift Boutique, LiveWell Camas and Juxtaposition.
  • Speed Pin Trading sponsored by the DCA inside the lobby at Fuel Medical from 5pm-7pm or while supplies last. Participants will each receive 5 free fandom pins to start and will check out new pins on 10 different display boards—you will have 30 seconds at each board to trade a pin or pass!
  • Light Saber Lessons and comic book art activity from the talented people at Torchsong Entertainment
  • Kawaii Doodle Challenge–learn to draw a “Kawaii” (Japanese for cute) style doodle and get a free chibi style Joe Papermaker sticker, designed by local artist and recent WHS graduate Stella Van Horn
  • Selfie Stations throughout downtown, with themes like Marvel, Pop Art, Disney, and more
  • Checkout the new “Book Bike” brought to us for this event from the Camas Public Library. 
  • Wandering Photo Ops with the  501st Star Wars Legion of Oregon
  • FREE themed Kids’ Craft at LiveWell Camas, 417 NE Birch, from 5-8pm with Girl Scout Troop #47503 
  • Art Shows & Receptions at Attic Gallery, 421 NE Cedar; Camas Gallery, 408 NE 4th; Pike Art Gallery, 302 NE 6th; and the Second Story Gallery, 625 NE 4th
  • Shopping and Dining Specials throughout Downtown Camas 

“The excitement for the first Camas Comic Con themed First Friday is palpable in Downtown Camas!” says Leah Nichelson, Event and Project Manager for the DCA. “Every First Friday invites people to dress up, but we can’t wait to see creativity come alive with people cosplaying as superhero, Disney, Star Wars, Star Trek, anime, and other possibly unexpected pop culture characters! Merchants will offer later shopping hours, and event goers can enjoy special one night only outdoor dining at certain downtown restaurants, all while celebrating the fandoms that bring them joy.”

First Fridays are family-friendly themed Art, Activities, Dining, and After-Hours Shopping events coordinated by the DCA each month to bring the community together and to help the town thrive. For all the information, visit https://downtowncamas.com/event/camas-comic-con and www.facebook.com/camasfirstfriday. To sign up for the weekly DCA newsletter, visit https://downtowncamas.com/newsletter-signup

/0 Comments/by