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Camas Public Library to Host Annual Saturday Spooktacular October 19

Camas, WA — The Camas Public Library is thrilled to announce the return of its highly anticipated annual Saturday Spooktacular, October 19 from 6 pm to 8 pm.

All ages are invited to participate in this free two-hour event. Activities include crafts, Boo Bingo, scary stories, and a Haunted Library. Little ghouls and goblins can hunt for a limited-edition Reading Dragon card, visit the preschool Pumpkin Playground, or stop by the puppet show.

“The community is in for a treat with an array of activities designed for all ages. Whether you’re looking for a classic scare in the Haunted Library or for festive crafts, this year’s celebration is set to be a fantastic blend of spooky and fun.” said Connie Urquhart, Library Director.

The Library will close at 5 p.m., in preparation for the event. The Haunted Library is recommended for older school-aged children and teens. Costumes and flashlights are encouraged for all ages.

Camas Public Library’s Saturday Spooktacular is funded by the Friends & Foundation of the Camas Library. No registration is required to attend.

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Columbia Gorge Museum to Open New Exhibition Called ‘Symbiosis’

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

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The Arts: Open Studios Tour Set For November 2-3

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.

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Dave Garbot Unveils Newest Works at RedDoor Gallery in Camas

Camas, WA — The public is invited to see the latest works of original pen and ink and oils on canvas, glass, Yupo paper, copper, wood and clay at RedDoor Gallery (RDG) at a special First Friday Art Walk reception on Friday, September 6th from 5-8 pm featuring complimentary refreshments and delicious charcuterie.

The art gallery, located in the historic building at 411 NE Dallas Street in downtown Camas, features 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 gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday from 12 pm to 7pm and by special appointment.

A signature piece in September titled “One Afternoon” is an original pen and ink on canvas created by Dave Garbot. The large 48” x 36” original will be on display along with several of his other works of art. Garbot is an accomplished illustrator of children’s books. He works predominantly in pen and ink on both paper and canvas.

“I wanted to convey the sense of fun and adventure that these characters were setting off into,” he said. “The drama of the boat bouncing up in the waves, makes me smile and I hope it will do the same for my audience.” 

Garbot says he wants to develop the story much further, and with more drawings. 

“I have to find out where they’re going, and I’m anxious to see where my mind and pen will take them,” Garbot said. This is all part of his simple life, and he is happy to share it with the public.

Experience the joy and transformative power of art inside the RedDoor! 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. RDG also includes a small artist community within the building for individual painters who desire a private art studio on a lease basis.

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 also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year. Visit RDG on the web at RedDoorGalleryCamas.com. For more information, call 360-281-8720 or e-mail RedDoorGalleryCamas@gmail.com

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Discover New Local Artists, Treasures at 2024 Camas Vintage & Art Faire

Camas, WA — The 15th annual Camas Vintage & Art Faire returns to Downtown Camas on Saturday, August 24th, from 9 am-3 pm, and will feature many new local artists and vintage vendors. Art enthusiasts will find a wide range of artists bringing a unique blend of creativity and history to the streets of Downtown Camas. Attendees can expect to see professional works of art including paintings, fiber art, ceramics, upcycled creations, photography, handcrafted jewelry, metal work, and much more. The vintage vendors will delight collectors and enthusiasts alike with an eclectic mix of indoor and outdoor vintage decor, vintage clothing, furniture, jewelry and accessories, offering something for every taste.

Located on 4th Avenue and Birch Streets, just steps away from Camas Antiques at 305 NE 4th Avenue, this event promises a vibrant showcase of artistry and timeless treasures, perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of vintage charm to their life or find their new favorite piece of local art.

This year brings many new artists and artisans to the show. Nature lovers will appreciate the authentic wildlife and scientific illustration of biology undergrad and Camas local Lux Johnson of Pale Relics. Stained glass collectors will enjoy the colorful and whimsical creations from Battleground artist Kelley McCarthy of Firefly Stained Glass. Camas maker Kierstyn Heilbrun will showcase her custom crocheted tops and other clothing, designed for all bodies. Her business, More Than Cotton, strives to empower women through her stylish handmade pieces.

Many popular artists will return for 2024 including wildlife, landscape and pet portrait painter Mike Paulsen, fine jewelry maker Heather McMaster of Girl in the Pearl, vibrant painter and silk dyer Liz Nye of E.M. ENZ Designs, and local fabric artist Kathy Marty of Windy Hill Weavers, who specializes in crafting rugs and other home items from Pendleton fabric scraps.

Many new vintage vendors will also be joining this event. Longtime Camas Antiques vendor Neil Sater of Antique Frog will bring a wide selection of clothing, household goods, furniture and yard art. David Marshal of Junk Empire specializes in mid-century modern pieces and vintage toys and Tom Bliquez of Stonewood Rustics creates yard and garden art pieces out of reclaimed vintage wood and hardware.

Record collectors can find their missing album from returning vendor Bug Bones Records. For shoppers looking for bespoke home décor with a vintage twist, returning fan favorite vintage vendors Belle Flower Farms and the Friends and Foundation of the Camas Library offer a carefully curated selection of homegrown flower arrangements in vintage vessels and antique books sets. For a complete list of all art and vintage vendors, visit: https://downtowncamas.com/event/camas-vintage-art-faire.

Live music with a vintage feel will set the tone for the Faire. Jazz guitarist Bret Malmquist will play from 10am-12pm and the Carol Rossio Jazz Trio will perform their unique blend of French jazz and pop from 12:30pm-3:00pm. Longtime Sponsor Camas Antiques will once again provide the beautiful floral table arrangements that give the event an elegant feel. In addition to our many popular downtown restaurants, additional dining options will include Getta Gyro, My Chicago Hot Dogs, PNW Kettlecorn, and treats and pastries with an artistic flair from Blue Gem Baking Co. Dole soft serve ice cream will also be available from new vendor Swirled Frozen Goodness.

“This event is one we eagerly anticipate each year,” says Jan Carter, Marketing and Volunteer Coordinator for the Downtown Camas Association (DCA). “With a diverse array of artists and vintage vendors, there’s truly something special for every collector and enthusiast. Each booth is a treasure trove of unique finds, and every vendor brings their own distinct story to the table. We love art in Downtown Camas! We invite everyone to come and find an old favorite, discover something new, and explore this unique event.”

The DCA hosts the Camas Vintage & Art Faire, sponsored by Camas Antiques. The DCA works year-round to strengthen and promote Downtown Camas through partnerships, events, beautification and historic preservation projects, economic development, advocacy, and tourism functions. For information on the DCA and other downtown events, visit www.downtowncamas.com.  For further information about this event, visit the 2024 Camas Vintage & Art Faire Facebook event page.

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12-Year-Old Nia Thompson Concludes Reign as ‘Young Nala’ in Disney’s ‘The Lion King’

New York, NY — Twelve-year-old Nia Thompson is no stranger to the stage. As a young three-year-old, Nia watched KeKe Palmer in her historic performances as the first Black Cinderella on Broadway in RODGER’S + HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA. As the curtains closed she turned to her mother and said, “I’m supposed to be on the stage.” Years later, the young phenom is set to conclude her epic run as one of the few Haitian-Americans to portray “Young Nala” in Disney’s THE LION KING on Broadway on August 18th. The fairytale manifestation of words from a young toddler resulted in nearly 200shows that left audiences inspired and anxiously awaiting what is next from Thompson.

It is the kind of a story Walt Disney himself would write. On September 8, 2019, to celebrate her eighth birthday, Thompson set foot in the Minskoff Theater for the first time, to see THE LION KING with her two besties. As a special treat, her parents arranged a backstage tour led by seven-year ensemble member the late Sharron Lynn Williams. As the tour ended, Thompson stood on stage and shared her dreams of one day being in THE LION KING, to which Sharron responded by turning her around to face the empty theater and saying, “See yourself here one day…” Four years later on September 7, 2023, the night before her twelfth birthday, reality caught up with her dreams when Nia was cast to make her Broadway debut starring in the world’s number one musical as “Young Nala.”

Nia’s inspirational story began before she was even born. The rainbow child of her father, Marc Thompson, Jr., and mother, Coach Gessie Thompson, Nia is the manifestation of a 10-year battle with infertility caused by uterine fibroids.

Upon celebrating her 100th show in June, Thompson said, “This has been so very special. What a blessing. In this season I am building my confidence on the stage but also building my confidence in who I am and whose I am! When I think about me closing out my 100th show, all I can do is thank the LORD for all He’s done. I may be young, but this job requires lots of maturity, discipline and sacrifice. I’ve had to overcome a lot to be here. I’m so grateful for growth…100 shows later and I’m better than ever!”

Living her dream, Nia is the CEO of her own production company,Authentic Nia Inc., and was previously best known for singing Disney’s viral hit “Super Bonnet” from GRAMMY winners Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter’s NAACP Image Nominated animated short series “Rise Up, Sing Out.” The infectious bop championed diversity and inclusivity by inspiring young girls around the world to embrace and celebrate their curly, textured hair. She has also enjoyed recurring roles in the Obamas’ Netflix EMMY-winning animated series “Ada Twist Scientist” and Oscar winnerForest Whitaker’s “Godfather of Harlem” as well as an appearance alongsideQueen Latifah in “The Equalizer.” She was most recently seen in Season 54 episode 29 of “Sesame Street” and can soon be seen in the upcoming HULU miniseries “Washington Black.”

As she prepares to shift from “Young Nala,” Thompson continues to build on her momentum looking to make history starring in THE AMIGO FAMILY–the first of its kind identifiably Afro-Latino TV series–alongside The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air sitcom icon Tatyana Ali, who is starring in and executive producing the project; show creator and award-winning Bronx-Garifuna-Honduran born children’s book author and community activist Sulma Arzu-Brown; and writer Keisha Ansley (who has worked on many acclaimed shows, including Showtime’s Weeds, HBO’s Insecure and as a full-time writer on ABC’s hit show, Black-ish.) Thompson recently joined the cast for a live reading of the series pilot episode during the 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture as a feature of the ESSENCE Film Festival to rave reviews.

While fully committed to this project, Nia will also be very busy this fall performing at The 4th Annual Sustainable Goals Banquet in September and launching her “Authentic Voices” podcast in partnership with The Conscious Kid–an Education, Research and Policy Organization that supports families and educators in taking action to disrupt racism, inequity and bias.

Nia Thompson
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Artist, Mycophile, Educator Shares Colorful World of Fungi

Julie Beeler Creates Pigments & Dyes from Mushrooms in the Columbia River Gorge

Stevenson, WA — Using 40 varieties of fungi to create 825 vibrant natural pigments, dyes and paints, Julie Beeler expresses and educates using mushrooms for color. Layering on natural fibers, Beeler draws on the history of natural dyes to make textiles that are cut, sewn, stitched and constructed to reflect our relationship to the natural world. She shares her process, from foraging and identification to dyeing natural fibers through her studio Bloom & Dye in Trout Lake, Washington and through workshops, retreats and demonstrations.  

Beeler’s journey into the world of mushroom color began with a fascination for the vast and mysterious network of fungi beyond the commonly known edible and medicinal uses. Beeler describes herself as a self-taught mycophile, having spent the past decade delving into uses for these natural pigments. In addition to her studio and educational programs, Beeler developed an online resource The Mushroom Color Atlas to share the colors found in these mushrooms.  

“The universe of colors lurking inside mushrooms mirror the vast array of hues we see in the natural world, yet they are invisible and hidden in an immense underground fungal network of life that represents a new frontier,” expounds Beeler.

Through her work, Beeler was offered an opportunity to collaborate with award-winning publisher, Chronicle Books to create a comprehensive guide to her entire process. The Mushroom Color Atlasbook, written by Beeler and Illustrated by Yuli Gates, releases September 3, 2024.  As an art book, field guide and color distillation workshop, The Mushroom Color Atlas features botanical mushroom illustrations and clear instructions on how to find and positively identify more than two dozen color-filled mushroom species in the wild.

For those looking to experience her work, Beeler will be exhibiting at the Columbia Gorge Museum in Stevenson, Washington October 12 through November 22, 2024.  Her show, Symbiosis, will transport visitors through large sale, immersive ‘tree totems,’ each displaying the chromatic interplay of hues created from regional fungi. A series of textile pieces, mono prints, and photographs visualize their relationship to the environment and create a portrait of our local ecosystem. 

Beeler will also be conducting a demonstration at the Columbia Gorge Museum entitled Mushroom Pigments, Paints & Inks on October 19 from 1-2 pm as a free event for ticket holders in conjunction with The Stevenson Mushroom Festival.

About The Stevenson Mushroom Festival
The Stevenson Mushroom Festival is presented by Traverse PNW Market in Stevenson, Washington. The festival is designed to captivate attendees of all ages with an array of festivities to celebrate the enchanting world of mushrooms. Located throughout Stevenson, Washington, October 18-19, 2024. More at: stevensonmushroomfestival.com

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Feeling Discouraged? See How This Retreat Will Cheer You Up!

Maybe you’re in a major life transition or you’ve just experienced a deep loss. Perhaps the kids are all gone and the house feels empty or the kids and their schedules are so busy that it’s been a long time since you’ve experienced some quiet. All you know is that you feel: 

  • unsettled,
  • overwhelmed, and
  • uncertain.

“Trust me. I’ve been there,” says artist Elida Field. “I know what it’s like to be in a place you never thought you’d be and wondering … 

Who am I now that …?

What am I supposed to do next?”

Field has led hundreds of women through the process of finding their mojo again by helping them connect to their creativity. 

“Edenwild Retreat will give you the rest you deserve, the spark you’ve been lacking, and the friends you’ve been wanting. When the days get darker, this retreat will be a bright spot to look forward to,” said Field.

All you need to do is:

  1. Register for the Edenwild Retreat.
  2. Pack your bags.
  3. Prepare for painting, hikes, bikes, wonderful dinners and deep conversations.

https://www.elidaart.com/tours

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Third Annual Taco Fest Coming August 10 at A Beer At A Time

Taco lovers, rejoice! The third Annual Camas Taco Fest at A Beer At A Time is almost here! Get your tickets now and enjoy a day filled with tacos, burritos, margaritas, and live music from The Playlist, Northwest Transit, The Southern Sons, and Tacos In Hell! 🎶🥳 

Fans have really enjoyed this event, and the hosts are looking forward to another day filled with fun, good food, drink and music.

Click the link to join the fiesta and grab your free entry, drink, and food tickets by volunteering!👇

Ticket Link:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/camas-taco-fest-2024-tickets-942533582317?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

Volunteer Sign-up:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4BABAB2FA2F8C43-50292346-camas

Taco Fest
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Sarah Bang Unveils ‘Brave Kids’ Series of Art at RedDoor Gallery

Camas, WA — The public is invited to see the latest works of original art on canvas, glass, Yupo paper, copper, wood and clay at RedDoor Gallery (RDG) at a special First Friday Art Walk reception this Friday, August 2nd from 5-8 pm featuring complimentary refreshments and delicious charcuterie. The art gallery, located in the historic building at 411 NE Dallas Street in downtown Camas, features 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 gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday from 12pm to 7pm and by special appointment. 

A signature piece this month is titled “Fierce,” an enhanced Giclee print on canvas, reproduced from the first in a “Brave Kids” series of original paintings by Sarah C. Bang.  Sarah is an accomplished painter who works predominantly in oils and acrylics on canvas. She was inspired to paint the piece after seeing a random photo and poem that she found on the internet. 

“I used every color on my palette to create a black and white image,” she said. “We can do more than we ever imagined, whether it’s standing up to a bully, defending someone who can’t defend themselves, or even fighting an illness.” 

Sarah says that bravery isn’t the absence of fear, it’s the ability to face fear, stand up and say, “Enough!” Sarah  believes the fate of the world depends on raising courageous kids today. 

Experience the joy and transformative power of art inside the RedDoor! 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. RDG also includes a small artist community within the building for individual painters who desire a private art studio on a lease basis.  

In addition to hosting an upscale First Friday Art Walk reception from 5pm to 8pm on the first Friday of each month, RDG also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year. Visit RDG on the web at RedDoorGalleryCamas.com. For more information, call 360-281-8720 or e-mail RedDoorGalleryCamas@gmail.com

Sarah
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