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Pike Art Gallery Returns to Downtown Camas With Feb. 2 Ribbon Cutting

Camas, WA — Following a 15-year hiatus, local artist Liz Pike is reopening Pike Art Gallery next month in downtown Camas in a shared space with Minuteman Press, located at 302 NE Sixth Avenue. The public is invited to an upscale ribbon cutting ceremony at the new Pike Art Gallery on Thursday, February 2nd at 4:30 pm featuring sumptuous appetizers and beverages.

The ribbon cutting will be conducted by the Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce. The new gallery space is at the corner of NE Sixth and Birch Street and will be open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm and on Saturdays by private appointment. 

“I’m thrilled to be going back to my roots as a downtown gallery owner,” said Pike. “I’m also looking forward to hosting a welcoming First Friday Art reception each month at this new location to unveil my new works of art with the public. I appreciate this unique opportunity to share space with my good friend Jason Young, owner of Minuteman Press.”

Upon implementing efficiencies with the latest technology in full service printing, Minuteman Press has made prime square footage available to Pike for use as an art gallery showroom. 

This new setting is a second location for Pike Art Gallery which opened a few years ago inside a stand- alone building at Pike’s organic Shangri-La Farm in Fern Prairie. She operated the original Pike Art Gallery in downtown Camas from 2005 to 2008 on Dallas Street. 

“Art galleries bring more visitors to Camas which boosts economic activity for our downtown restaurants, retail shops and service merchants,” said Pike. 

Her new gallery adds to the vibrancy of NE Sixth Avenue’s existing businesses which include a popular retail bike store and salon located directly across the street in the Clara Flats building, one of Camas’ newest eco-friendly mixed use buildings with spacious views. 

Pike has been painting in oils on canvas since 1984. Her work has been featured in restaurants in Honolulu where she lived for ten years and most recently at Camas Gallery, which has represented Pike’s original art since 2016. She has been juried into Clark County Open Studios Tour each year since 2017. Pike also shows her work at several regional art festivals including the Fern Prairie Art Fest, Washougal Art Festival, Battle Ground’s Art in the Park, and Camas Vintage and Art Faire. 

Pike can be reached at (360) 281-8720.


Pike
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‘Nostalgic Sugar’ Art Exhibit by Lara Blair Debuts February 3 For First Friday

Camas, WA – Lara Blair’s newest art collection will debut February 3rd from 4-8 pm in Camas at The Loft art gallery located inside Lara Blair photography. The address is 411 NE Dallas St, Camas, WA. This second show is titled Nostalgic Sugar and features mixed media pieces.

The theme of this current collection came from a look back to the things in Blair’s childhood that made her happy. Donuts, cupcakes, cookies, and oddly, miniature people. It sounds bizarre, but on a gallery wall, it all comes together.

Blair’s ultimate goal as an artist is to delight, amuse and inspire the viewer. She is aware that humans frequently pull from the same nostalgic memory bank to feel joy, especially when enjoying art.

The mediums used in her work are clay, wood, resin, paint, 3D printing and various ephemera to create realistic sweet treats and detailed dioramas.

All work is available for purchase. One piece will be raffled off at the end of the evening on February 3rd.

Blair
Ice cream mini people.
Blair
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Camas Gallery Features New Works by Blue Bond in November Show 

Camas, WA — The public is invited to view recent works by local artist Blue Bond at Camas Gallery throughout the month of November. Camas Gallery, located at 408 NE Fourth Avenue in downtown Camas invites area residents to attend the First Friday Art Walk Reception to honor Bond and his work on Friday, November 4th from 5 pm to 8 pm. Refreshments will be served. 

“We are thrilled to feature Blue Bond this month,” said Marquita Call, co-owner of Camas Gallery. “Blue Bond is a Northwest artist who has over 40 years of experience in the art field, painting in oil and acrylic. His bold, colorful, realistic portrayal of people, animals, and vast panoramas are vivid; evoking emotion and depth.”

In 2005, Bond was honored by being commissioned to do an oil painting commemorating the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II. The event, “America Celebrates Freedom,” which took place in Vancouver, Washington, was the largest held in the United States, and sponsored by the United States Department of Defense. Bond’s painting appeared on memorabilia and the original is on display at the Vancouver National Historic Reserve Trust in Vancouver. 

Another great highlight was an invitation to paint a portrait of one of the “Beautiful Lives Lost,” commemorating those who died in the mass shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2017. Blue chose to paint Rocio Guillen Rocha, a 41 year-old mother of four. Her youngest child was only six weeks old when she was killed. It is with great pride that the family has her painting as a gift, forever honoring her short life. Blue enjoys commissioned portraits, and strives to create the best possible picture of the subject. 

Camas Gallery has been open in Camas for more than a decade and is an award winning gallery owned by Marquita Call and her daughter Jennifer Senescu. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm and represents about 16 artists including three new artists to the gallery: Suzanne Grover, Sandra Longmore and Virginia Bittler.

Bond

 

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Downtown Camas November First Friday: ‘Thankful for Pie’ Theme

Downtown Camas will be celebrating gratitude for the season during the “Thankful for Pie!” themed First Friday on November 4. There will be pie raffles and tastings, gratitude activities, s’mores roasting, fall crafts, games, and the fan favorite Pie Walk Dance Party, with a selection of prize pies. This event also includes fall-inspired dining and cocktail specials, after hours shopping and art shows.

The Second Story Gallery, located upstairs at the Camas Library, will unveil the first exhibit from the newly formed Artisans’ Guild of Camas. The Guild strives to inspire enthusiasm for arts and crafts through education and exhibition opportunities, and they often participate in artful community engagement at Downtown Camas First Friday events. This exhibit, titled “The Gift of Art,” will feature 18 local artists in many different 2D and 3D mediums. Event goers can enjoy pie and an artist reception at the gallery from 5 pm-8 pm.

Additional activities include:

  • Pie Raffles in participating Downtown Camas businesses
  • Pie Tastings with the DCAat Fuel Medical building, 314 NE Birch
  • The Pie Walk Dance Party, sponsored by Carla Edwards, local Realtor, starting at 7pm with the Downtown Camas Association (DCA) in Journey Church, 304 NE 4th — win a delicious pie or other treat
  • S’mores Roasting (weather permitting) sponsored by IQ Credit Union
  • Fall Crafts for kids at LiveWell Camas, 417 NE Birch, and inside Journey Church  
  • Fill out the “Gratitude Passport” and be entered to win fall themed prizes from the downtown merchants
  • Art Shows & Receptions at Camas Gallery, 408 NE 4th and Attic Gallery, 421 NE Cedar, in addition to the Second Story Gallery reception listed above.

Pick up your First Friday passport and activity list for the evening at the DCA tables in Journey starting at 5pm.

“This First Friday is such an incredible celebration of both gratitude and pie, and who doesn’t love pie?” says Carrie Schulstad, Executive Director of the Downtown Camas Association. “This event has something for all ages and truly brings people together in a way that they can support local, have fun together, and have tasty treats. We are so appreciative for our community that shops local during the holidays, and this event is a great way to kick that off.”

First Fridays are Art, Activities, Dining, and After Hours Shopping themed family friendly events coordinated by the DCA each month of the year to support downtown and bring the community together. For all the information, visit https://downtowncamas.com/event/november-first-friday-thankful-for-pie  and www.facebook.com/camasfirstfriday

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Art Gallery Opens on 2nd Floor of Lara Blair Photography Studio

Camas, WA – Lara Blair’s grand opening of The Loft art gallery will be August 27, 2022 in her studio located at 411 NE Dallas St, Camas, WA. The inaugural show is titled A Sense of Place and features two exhibits, Aloft and Confectionery Landscapes.

In addition to running a portrait studio, Blair is a working artist who has featured her fineart photography and mixed media work in Northwest galleries and business establishments. The gallery on the upper floor of her studio will be a permanent home to display current work four times a year.

These two exhibits represent an energy and a rhythm to the streets we walk, fields we run through and horizons we take in. Confectionery Landscapes is a collection of candy colored architectural scenery and iconic buildings. Aloft is a series of large mixed media pieces featuring a bird’s eye view of farmland. The overall vision of the show is: whether standing in front of a man made structure, or taking in the vast picture of the world from above, we feel the spirit within it.

The opening celebration is open to the public at 7 pm on the 27th. There will be music, beverages and portrait studio giveaways.

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New Artists, Offerings Will Delight at Camas Vintage & Art Faire

The 13th annual Camas Vintage & Art Faire will return to the tree-lined streets of Downtown Camas on Saturday, August 27, from 9 am-3 pm. This event will feature over 60 vendors including local artists and artisans in a variety of styles and mediums, as well as merchants featuring vintage, antique, and repurposed items.

Artists will showcase their professional paintings, fiber art, ceramics, upcycled works, photography, hand-crafted jewelry, metal work, and more. Vintage vendors will feature a wide variety of indoor and outdoor vintage decor, as well as vintage clothing, furniture, jewelry, and accessories. The event is located on 4th Avenue and Birch Streets, near Camas Antiques at 305 NE 4th Avenue.

Washougal fabric, multimedia, and collage artist Sandy Moore of Sandy Moore Arts will join the faire for the first time this year. Her portrait and seascape collages combine hand dyed fabric, paints, ink, and free-motion stitching. Other new art vendors include Kary Lane Photography, who features images from the Pacific Northwest. Recycle With Soifer offers creatures made from upcycled metals and other materials. Keith E. Russell showcases realistic paintings of classic cars and other automobiles. Other returning art vendors include, Girl in the Pearl, Liz Pike Art, One Little Blackbird, Windy Hill Weavers, Women, Wine & Words, and many others.

Belle Flower Farm is also a new vendor at this event. Pam Richey Curtis offers home-grown flowers in vintage vessels. Her designs feature vintage teapots, bushel baskets, and curated antique vases. Lady Outlaw Antiques will add a Western flair to the faire with her collection of vintage boots, cowboy hats, and jewelry.  Moltwear, who creates apparel and accessories from vintage lace, buttons, and textile remnants will return for 2022. Other returning vendors include fan favorites like Dora Louin her vintage pink and white travel trailer, H Street Alley Antiques, Dickey’s Décor, Lil Red Barn and many more. For a complete list of all art and vintage vendors, visit https://downtowncamas.com/event/camas-vintage-art-faire.

Bret Malmquist will play jazz guitar from 10 am-12 pm and the Carol Rossio Jazz Trio will perform their unique blend of French jazz and pop from 12:30 pm-3 pm. In addition to our many popular downtown restaurants, additional dining options will include Getta Gyro, BlackDog Hotdogs, Doug’s Kettle Corn, and treats and pastries by Truly Scrumptious.

“We so look forward to this event each year. It’s such a lovely combination of funky finds and truly breath-taking works of art, all on the streets of our dynamic downtown.” Says Jan Carter, Event Coordinator for the Downtown Camas Association. “Chatting with local artists and collectors from all walks of life is one of the highlights of our whole Summer.”

Vintage Vendor registrations are still being accepted and registration information can be found here: https://downtowncamas.com/event/camas-vintage-art-faire.

The Downtown Camas Association hosts the Camas Vintage & Art Faire,  and the event is 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.  

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Fern Prairie ART FEST Features 10 Local Artists July 30-31

Fern Prairie, WA — The third annual Fern Prairie ART FEST is a two-day event connecting local artists and the community on Saturday and Sunday, July 30-31 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 10 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. Liz will be joined by artists Sarah Bang, Bev Birdwell, Cheryl Folkers, Dave Garbot, David Gerton, Suzanne Grover, Charlene Hale, Amy Jan Ernst, Cheryl Mathieson, and Keith Russell. Original work includes paintings in oils, acrylics and watercolor, pastels, mixed media, 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, July 30 and 31 between 10am and 4pm.

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

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Camas Days: ‘Experience The Magic of Camas’ Schedule of Events

The annual Camas Day celebration is returning Friday, July 22 and Saturday, July 23, with extended events on Sunday, July 24. There will be a special concert on July 21.

Sponsored by Georgia Pacific – Camas Mill, Waste Connections, Wafertech LLC, Columbia Credit Union, Vancouver Clinic, The Columbian Newspaper, You Move Me, Minuteman Press Camas, Sip & Paint for Fun Art Farm, Camas Boutique Hotel, The Camas-Washougal Post Record, City of Camas and the Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

THURSDAY, July 21

6:30 pm – 8:30 pm CONCERT IN THE PARK @ Crown Park featuring Kevin Selfe and the Tornadoes (Blues)

FRIDAY, July 22nd

10:00 am – 8:00 pm VENDOR BOOTHS OPEN Six City blocks, downtown Camas. Handmade crafts, gifts, food and more!

10:00 am – 8:00 pm FOOD BOOTHS Birch between 3rd and 4th Avenue. Food from all over the world, and your classic festival favorites!

11:00 am – 8:00 pm KIDS STREET: 50ft inflatable slide, obstacle course, games and more on Dallas & 4th.

11:30 am KIDS PARADE LINE UP & JUDGING: In front of City Hall, 4th & Franklin. 12:15 pm KIDS PARADE BEGINS

5:00 pm – 11 pm (Gates close at 10:30) BEER & WINE GARDEN. On Birch Street, between 4th & 5th. Live Music! Blues rock & classic rock all evening long! $5 entry at the door, 21 and over only.

Entertainment: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm The Beth Willis Band & 7:00- 10:30: The Caddies

Camas Days

SATURDAY, July 23

10:00 am – 8:00 pm VENDOR BOOTHS OPEN Six City blocks, downtown Camas. Handmade crafts, gifts food and more.

10:00 am – 8:00 pm FOOD BOOTHS Birch between 3rd and 4th Avenue. Food from all over the world, and your classic festival favorites.

USED BOOK SALE at the Camas Library Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 10am to 3pm.

11:00 am – 8:00 pm KIDS STREET: 50ft inflatable slide, obstacle course, games and more on Dallas & 4th.

11:00 am CAMAS DAYS GRAND PARADE – “Experience the Magic of Camas” themed parade.

4th Avenue, Oak to Adams.

Immediately following the grand parade – SENIOR ROYALTY LUNCHEON honoring Camas Days’ Royal Queen, Molly Coston, at Zion Lutheran Social Hall 3rd and Garfield.

1:00 pm BATHTUB RACES 4th & Franklin. Sign up sheet is on the Chamber website.

5:00 pm – 11 pm (Gates close at 10:30) BEER & WINE GARDEN. On Birch Street, between 4th & 5th. Live Music! Blues rock & classic rock all evening long! $5 entry at the door, 21 and over only.

Entertainment: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm: The Beth Willis Band & 7:00- 10:30: The Hot Shots

5:30 pm – 8:00 pm STEAK FEED AT GROVE FIELD: Flyit Hangar, Grove Field Airport CWAA Steak Feed!

$30.00 per plate!
A 12 oz. top sirloin steak barbecued to how you like it!
Baked potato, salad, and rolls.
Cake for dessert.
Barbeque Auction!!
The Ever Popular Pie Auction!!!
First 100 Steaks to sell, first-come, first-served!

Proceeds benefit CWAA scholarship fund. Bring your own steak knife!

SUNDAY, July 24

8:00 am – 7:00 pm ANNUAL SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT, contact George Eckman (360) 713- 2510.

11:00 am – 4pm PICNIC IN COLOR: Held in downtown Camas on Cedar between 4th and 5th Avenue.

12:00 pm DUCKY DERBY drawing at the Picnic in Color!

Camas Days

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Events: Camas Summer Concerts in the Park to Kick Off July 7

CAMAS, WA — For the 28th year, Camas Parks & Recreation is set to host the popular Summer Concerts in the Park series in Crown Park. This free concert series offers family-friendly performances in a variety of musical styles.

The free Summer Concerts in the Park will take place every Thursday in July from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm, at Crown Park, located at 120 NE 17th Ave.

This year’s first act will be CJ Mickens, July 7, featuring his iconic Pop/Urban/Contemporary style. 

The 4 Kings with their amazing Soul-Jazz groove follows July 14. On July 21, Kevin Selfe & 

The Tornadoes bring award-winning Blues music to the stage. 

Finally, Shades of Huey will wrap up the series July 28, featuring the well-known cover songs of Huey Lewis and the News.

Food concessions will not be available this year, however, you can support your local restaurants by purchasing take-out meals from a variety of Downtown Camas restaurants or from Top Burger, located across the street from the park. Picnic dinners are always welcome.

The Summer Concerts in the Park series is coordinated by Camas Parks and Recreation. The concerts are offered to the public for free due to the generous support and sponsorships from Riverview Community Bank and Camas Parks Foundation. No alcohol, dogs or other animals are allowed in the park. 

For the concert details, closer to the events, visit www.cityofcamas.us/parks and click on “Special Events.”

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Events: Washougal Youth Art Gallery Opens March 25

Washougal, WA – Washougal School District and Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance have joined forces again to shine a spotlight on student art during Washougal Youth Arts Month (WYAM). March is recognized nationally as Youth Art Month.

The cornerstone event for WYAM is the Washougal Youth Arts Month Gallery, showcasing student works created in art and Career and Technical Education classes from all Washougal schools. This year it will be held in a new location at the Washougal High School Excelsior Building at 1401 39th Street on March 23-25 from 5-7 pm and March 26 from 2-5 pm.  It’s free! 

“Our young artists have been working hard all year to create art to share with our community,” said Cape Horn-Skye Elementary and Canyon Creek Middle School art teacher and WYAM gallery organizer, Alice Yang.  

Art pieces to be displayed include multimedia, watercolor, clay, video, and include works by WHS Career and Technical Education students with photography, metal and wood pieces.  In addition to the displays of art, music has been added to the gallery with WHS choir students Lily Barrett and Megan West to perform one song each on Saturday at 4:20 pm.

“Making the event even more special, the student-operated Panthers’ Cafe will be open on Wednesday from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm for coffee creations for purchase,” said Margaret Rice, WSD CTE Director. “And on Saturday from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm CTE Culinary program students will be serving free appetizers they prepared in class, while supplies last.”

Yang will also have a loom set up for gallery visitors to be a part of a community weaving project to create fabric art. 

“The Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance has a wonderful partnership with our schools and have funded and helped facilitate a number of student-created public art pieces,” said WACA Board Member, Rene Carroll.  “But our favorite collaboration is WYAM and the gallery specifically.  The level of talent these young artists exhibit is impressive. It is wonderful to help share this work with the community and give students recognition for their efforts.”

Natalia's

Like so many other events in 2021, last year’s WYAM gallery was presented online. 

“Although the online gallery was so beautifully done, there’s nothing like seeing an artwork up close and personal,” Yang remarked. “The art teachers and students are so excited to have an in-person art show this year.” Past in person WYAM galleries have hosted hundreds of families and art lovers stopping by each day to enjoy the student work.

Washougal Youth Arts Month received formal recognition from both the City of Washougal and Washougal School Board with proclamations being signed at City Council and School Board Meetings last month.

“By collaborating in this rich arts endeavor with our community, we are supporting a partnership opportunity to know, nurture, and challenge all students in Washougal to rise to their creative potential,” said WSD Superintendent Mary Templeton. 

Youth Art Month started nationally in 1961 when the Council for Art Education and National Art Education Association named March as Youth Art Month to recognize art education and the value of art to create a better quality of life for all people.   Research indicates that high-quality art educational opportunities can improve critical-thinking skills and even help to foster important values such as empathy and acceptance.

For a full list of scheduled art activities and events throughout the month of March, go to http://www.washougal.k12.wa.us/

WYAM
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