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Clark College Orchestra Fall Concert Celebrates 35th Season with Appert

Vancouver, WA — The award-winning Clark College Orchestra performs their Fall Concert of the 2024-2025 Grand Finale season under the baton of Music Director/Conductor Dr. Donald Appert on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, 7:30 pm at Skyview High School, 81300 NW 139th St. Vancouver, WA. 

The program features works by Coleridge-Taylor, Harty, and Chadwick as well as one of Dr. Appert’s compositions, “Vignette for String Orchestra.” The admission is free and open to the public.  

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

Donald Appert has appeared as a guest conductor in Japan, Australia, Central America, and throughout Europe.  In Italy La’ovadese wrote, “…the performance of the ‘Serenade in C Major’ of Tchaikovsky, under the exceptional direction of Appert, was in such a style that it brought out the elegance and grace of the melodic lines with Mozartian inspiration.  …The L’Orchestra Sinfonica Città di Grosseto… performed the Barber ‘Adagio’ with rare effectiveness, emphasizing its intrinsically rich melody.”  Giornale di Sicilla praised his interpretation of Nielsen’s First Symphony as “lyrical with an airy freshness,” and his conducting as “precise, painstakingly accurate, and diligent.” He has guest conducted orchestras in France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Macedonia, Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria, Russia, El Salvador, and Japan.He currently serves as the Music Director/Conductor of the Oregon Sinfonietta and the Jewish Community Orchestra of Portland.

Dr. Appert was awarded the 2020 Winner of The American Prize in Orchestral Programming. He won this same award in 2011 and in 2015 was named an Honored Artist by The American Prize Competition.  He is a recipient of the 2019 – 2020 Clark College Exceptional Faculty Awards, several ASCAPLUS Awards in recognition of his performances of his own compositions in Italy, Qatar, Europe, Central America, Japan, and the United States.  In 2014, Dr. Appert received the Clark County Arts Commission Lifetime Achievement in the Arts Award, and in 2009, he received the Washington Community College Humanities Association Exemplary Status Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Humanities. 2024-2025 marks Dr. Appert’s 35th year of teaching at Clark College and of conducting the college orchestra. Under his leadership, the orchestra has grown from 15 to over 80 musicians and the orchestra library has grown from 100 titles to over 470.

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Clark College Fall Jazz Band Concert: Introducing Jazz Band II

Vancouver, WA —  The Clark College Jazz Bands, under the direction of Dr. Doug Harris present their Fall Concert on Saturday, November 23, 2024, 7:30 pm in the Gaiser Student Center, Clark College Campus. Admission to the performance free and open to the public. Donations to the Clark College Music Department are welcome at the door.

 “How often do you have a chance to witness history? Well, on November 23rd, 2024, you have the opportunity to do so! I am proud to introduce the newest ensemble at Clark College: our second Jazz Band! The growth of the program at Clark has been amazing and we are so excited to share it with you,” said Harris. “Our first concert this year showcases both Jazz I and II and we will present the music of a wide range of composers, to include Count Basie, Tom Kubis, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Gordon Goodwin and Mercer Ellington, among others. Along with the first performance of Jazz II, Jazz has begun its preparations for our upcoming trip to Cuba in the Spring of 2025…sure to be a life-changing experience for all of us. We look forward to seeing you there.”

For complete information about all the Clark College Music Department concerts including the orchestra, concert band, jazz band, and choirs, please see http://www.clark.edu/campus-life/arts-events/music/music-concerts.

Bio

Dr. Doug Harris is the Director of Bands at Clark College since 2018 after serving as Assistant Director of Bands at Western Kentucky University, and Director of Bands at both Santa Clara University and Southern Utah University. He also enjoyed a long and distinguished career as a high school band director in Florida. Dr. Harris received his Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Florida, his Master of Arts and Doctor of Arts from the University of Northern Colorado. 

His conducting teachers include Richard W. Bowles, Dr. Raymond Chobaz, Dr. German Gutierez, Dr. Richard Mayne and Dr. Kenneth Singleton, and has studied with Douglas Akey, Stanley Derusha, John Paynter and Frank Batiste. At his most recent high school, Palm Bay High School in Melbourne, FL., his concert and jazz bands were recognized as being among the elite in the state, regularly receiving highest marks at district and state festivals. The Wind Ensemble was invited to perform at the University of Florida Invitational Concert Band Festival as well as the prestigious Bands of America National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis. The top jazz band performed at, and won, jazz festivals in Florida, Georgia and Virginia, and has earned praise while performing with jazz notables such as Ira Sullivan, Bill Prince, Marc Dickman, Christian Tamburr, Maynard Ferguson, David Steinmeyer, Bobby Shew and Portland’s own Charlie Porter.

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Journey Theater Presents: Finding Nemo, Jr. Beginning Nov. 7

Battle Ground, WA — Journey Theater is bringing “Finding Nemo, Jr.” on stage beginning November 7. Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. But when Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. With the help of lovable characters such as optimistic Dory, laid-back sea turtle Crush, and the supportive Tank Gang, Marlin and Nemo both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves.

Tickets on sale now at journeytheater.org or by calling 360.750.8550. Youth and senior tickets are $13. Adult tickets are $16. Tickets for all performances will be $2 more at the door. School day performances take place on November 14 and tickets start at $7.

Performances at Manor Evangelical Church 17913 NE 72nd Ave., Battle Ground

  • Thursday, Nov 7-6 pm
  • Friday, Nov 8-7 pm
  • Saturday, Nov 9-2 & 7 pm
  • Friday, Nov 15 – 7 pm
  • Saturday, Nov 16 – 2 & 7 pm

About Journey Theater 

Journey is a Jesus-centered, nonprofit theater arts program that exists to grow youth and their families in character and purpose to be difference-makers in their world. Journey has been serving Clark County families and patrons since 2002. Offices located at 1400 NE 136th Ave, Suite 201, Vancouver WA, 98684. Contact at 360.750.8550 or www.journeytheater.org

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Washougal Studio Artists to Host Holiday Art Market Tour Nov. 16

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

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

Participating artists include the following:

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

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

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

– https://www.washougalstudioartists.org/

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Witch’s Night Out Comes to Camas Oct. 24 at Participating Merchant Locations

Camas, WA — The day after Camas’ famous Boo Bash, downtown Camas merchants are inviting the public to enjoy Witch’s Night Out – an enchanted evening of thrills, deals and chills. All the bewitching fun happens on Thursday, October 24th from 4-8 pm. Dress up in your favorite witch attire and compete for prizes in a costume contest inside Gallery 408 at 6 pm. Shop for spooky deals and specials at each location and enjoy complimentary treats in the historic district of downtown Camas.

Witch’s Night Out is sponsored by Gallery 408 and RedDoor Gallery. In addition to both art galleries, participating merchants include Allure Boutique, Arktana, Autumn Leaf Books, Camas Antiques, Camas Cheese Co., Camas Cellars, Lily, Lane Cellars and Sweet Intentions Gift Boutique. Vampire Unicorns is also doing a pop up sale at Lily.

“Who doesn’t love dressing up as a witch,” said Joanne Cavallaro, one of the sponsors from Gallery 408. “On October 24th, downtown Camas will be taken over by witches and their ghoul friends as they stop into local retailers, eateries and drinkeries to have a night on the town.”

For more information, call Joanne Cavallaro at 512-659-2351 or Liz Pike at RedDoor Gallery at 360-281-8720.

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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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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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Camas-Washougal Fire Dept. to Host Open House, Safety Fair Sept. 28

Camas, WA — The Camas-Washougal Fire Department is hosting their Open House, Health and Safety Fair Saturday, Sept. 28, from 10 am to 2 pm, at Station 42, 4321 NW Parker Street, Camas WA. 

The day’s events will include live kitchen fire demonstrations at 10:30 am and 12:15 pm, a kids interactive vehicle fire suppression demonstration at 11:15 am, a house fire simulation with sprinkler demonstration at 11:45 am, a vehicle extrication demonstration at 12:45 pm, and Clark County Sherriff’s K9 unit exhibition at 1:15. 

Local agencies and businesses will have exhibits focused on health, safety and emergency preparedness, including NW Natural who joins the event as part of their “Get Ready” emergency preparedness campaign.

Exhibits will include fire extinguisher demonstrations, emergency preparedness tips for families, and information on community support after crisis just to name a few. 

This free community event is family friendly with something for all ages.  There will be a balloon twister and face painting for the kids, and ice cream, hot dogs and treats will be provided!  

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Summer Nights Sips & Bites Event Sure to Provide Fun in Downtown Camas

Camas, WA — Get ready for a tropically themed evening of cocktail sips and chef inspired bites as the popular Summer Nights Sips & Bites event returns on Thursday, August 15th, from 5 pm-9 pm. Hosted by the Downtown Camas Association (DCA), this 21+ event is a delightful fundraiser supporting downtown efforts. Summer Nights Sips & Bites promises live music, island flair, and festive after-hours shopping throughout Downtown Camas.

After registering and receiving your passport at the DCA tables in the Journey lobby at 304 NE 4th Ave, you’ll set off down the charming streets to explore Downtown Camas. Pop in and out of participating shops, boutiques, and eateries while savoring island-inspired cocktails and bite sized creations from local restaurants. Adding to the tropical atmosphere, Terry Baber will perform live steel drum music, creating an upbeat, vibrant feel for the evening.

This year, even more Downtown Camas restaurants are joining the fun, offering chef-curated bites with a tropical twist. Look forward to delicious treats like Tommy O’s coconut shrimp, Grains of Wrath’s arepas with pork belly and mango salsa, and Feast 316’s truffle mushroom arancini. Don’t miss out on MOB Sauces (formerly Thrive Sauces) at Papermaker Pride with their award-winning sauces.

In addition to these culinary delights, over 15 Downtown Camas merchants are participating in this event. Juxtaposition offers a Grass Skirt Cocktail and 15% off your purchase. Sweet Intention Gift Boutique has a Huckleberry Press and 20% off one item. At Runyan’s Jewelers, enjoy a Sapphire Martini while browsing a large selection of jewelry at 50% off. For a complete list of participants, visit downtowncamas.com/event/summer-nights-sips-bites.

Tropical dress is encouraged! Ticket holders will receive an entry for a special “Summer Staycation in Downtown Camas!” prize, and wearing tropical attire gives you an extra chance to win. Save your shopping and dining receipts and present them at the registration table before you leave for even more chances to win with every $10 you spend.

“We are so excited to add more bites from our fantastic local restaurants for 2024!” says Leah Nichelson, Event and Project Manager for the DCA. “With refreshing cocktail sips, enchanting steel drum music, more tantalizing bites, and sizzling summer shopping specials, it’s sure to create a memorable evening for all in beautiful Downtown Camas. Let us bring the Summer vaycay vibes to you! This is a great way for you to make some Summer memories with friends while supporting the efforts of the Downtown Camas Association, which works all year long to help Downtown Camas thrive!”

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at Eventbrite. This event has limited capacity, so be sure to get your tickets ahead of time. Summer Night’s Sips & Bites is a fundraiser for the DCA, a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to strengthening and promoting Downtown Camas through partnerships, events, beautification, historic preservation projects, public art engagement, economic development, advocacy, and tourism functions. For more information on the DCA and other downtown events, visit downtowncamas.com

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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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