Camas, WA — Chocolate treats, fun themed activities, art shows, crafts, games,  prizes, and more will all be a part of this 12th annual “A Chocolate Affair to Remember” First Friday event in Downtown Camas on February 1.

Downtown businesses will be serving and selling chocolate goodies and other romantic gifts with wine tastings and specials at select locations, as well. The event, from 5-8pm, is hosted by the Downtown Camas Association (DCA) and downtown merchants.

In addition to the fun that is traditionally had at this First Friday event, this year there will also be a celebration of the First Anniversary of the First Friday Wedding of Nick & Tami Calais. The wedding was held on February First Friday 2018 in Downtown Camas and was themed “A Wedding Affair to Remember.” The community was invited and it was a strong example of people supporting each other, loving our town and coming together in community.

The evening’s activities include:

  • Guess the candy jar amounts in each participating location and be entered to win the candy and other great Valentine’s themed prizes!
  • Find “Nick & Tami” and get your picture taken with them and be entered to win a romance prize basket.
  • Art receptions with refreshments and live music: Attic Gallery; featuring Camas artist Mike Smith and a jewelry trunk show with Leslie McMillan who will be showcasing hearts in silver leaf and contrasting metals for Valentine’s Day; Camas Gallery featuring painter Gary Watson and complimentary sangria and champagne; and Second Story Gallery upstairs at the Camas library featuring 24 artists in the show “From the Heart”.
  • FREE ballroom dance lessons with certified ballroom dance instructor Daniel Martinez in Lisa Le Properties, 418 NE 4th.
  • Kid’s Valentine’s crafts and games at the DCA tables in Journey
  • Take the Candy Bar Challenge. Guess the candy bar types and win one
  • FREE hair glitter strands & sparkles at The Wild Hair, 418 NE Cedar
  • Kissing Themed Photo Booth at The Artful Attic, 217 NE 3rd, as well as FREE Valentine grab bags with every purchase
  • FREE chair massages by Therapeutic Associates-Camas at Arktana Shoes, 415 NE 4th
  • Special Sales and chocolate treats throughout downtown shops and restaurants
  • Earn tickets to win for every $10 you spend in downtown!

“We’re of course excited to taste delicious chocolate around town,” says Carrie Schulstad, Executive Director for the DCA, “but also be able to wish a Happy 1st Anniversary to the darling wedding couple Nick & Tami Calais from the February First Friday wedding last year! They still come to every First Friday and this time they’re bringing all their friends to join in again! We’ll have some new games and activities as well as the beloved candy guessing game in the businesses and truly spectacular art shows in the galleries. Come enjoy with us in Downtown Camas!”

Passport & Activity lists are available at the DCA tables in Journey.

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 develop community. For more information, visit https://downtowncamas.com/event/chocolate-affair-remember or the Downtown Camas First Friday Facebook page

PDX Playwrights Presents 27 plays by 26 diverse, emerging playwrights – several of them from Camas and Clark County – in 15 separately ticketed events (9 different runs-of-show) in 10 days!

PDX Playwrights returns for its tenth consecutive year as Fertile Ground’s “Festival Within the Festival,” presenting works ranging from ten-minute shorts and one-acts to musicals and full-length performances. About half the shows are off-book performances, with the remainder being presented as staged readings.

All shows will be performed at Hipbone Studios, 1847 E. Burnside St., Portland, OR. All tickets are $10, available at fertilegroundpdx.org  or at the door (unless sold out).

Camas’s own Gary Corbin, known primarily in recent years from his mystery and crime novels such as Lying in Judgment and The Mountain Man’s Badge, acts as PDXP’s “Producer in Chief,” overseeing production of all 27 of PDXP’s Fertile Ground shows. He contributed a ten-minute comedy, “Streaming Jesus,” to the group’s “Daisy Dukes Shorts Night” premiering January 25, and serves as the Festival’s pass coordinator and box office guru.

Other Clark County-based PDXP contributors include Camas’s Louise Wynn, who contributed a ten-minute piece to “Daisy Dukes” entitled “Toaster,” and Vancouver’s Dale Payne, with a full-length dramatic comedy, “The Sequelz.”

In addition to PDXP contributions, Camas resident Nicole Lane acts as overall Festival Director for Fertile Ground.

Highlights of PDXP’s lineup include the return of its flagship show, the “Daisy Dukes Shorts Night,” a collection of nine “short-shorts” all inspired by a common theme. This year’s theme, “The Disconnect,” inspired nearly 30 submissions, with nine selected by a blind jury, all directed by William Barry and performed by a 6-member ensemble cast. The show runs for only two performances, including kicking off PDXP’s run on Friday, January 25 at 7 PM, and a reprisal performance on Friday, February 1 at 9 PM.

The lineup also includes the third consecutive year of PDXP’s “Crazy Dukes Instant Play Festival,” where six playwrights selected by producer Katie Bennett will develop ten-minute plays in 48 hours based on random casting assignments and four prompts obtained from the “Daisy Dukes” audience on Friday January 25. This popular show runs only once, on Sunday, January 27, at 7 PM.

PDXP also presents seven “co-produced” shows with playwrights from among its hard-working ranks of emerging voices in Portland theatre. PDXP takes care of logistical issues such as venue (Hipbone Studio, 1847 E. Burnside), ticketing and box office, concessions, promotion assistance, casting assistance, and an army of show-night volunteers, while co-producers do the heavy lifting on the creative side: writing, directing, rehearsing, and performing the show.

Co-producers in 2019 include veteran PDXP Fertile Grounders such as Brad Bolchunos, Karen Polinsky, Redmond Reams, Gary Corbin, as well as newcomers Rebecca Petchenik, Olivia MacFadden, Caitlin Beckwith-Ferguson, Tracy Locke, Johanna Courtleigh, and Dale Payne.

Playwright

About PDX Playwrights

PDX Playwrights is a group for playwrights who want to meet, hear their scripts read aloud, and share feedback in a welcoming, constructive environment. We welcome playwrights at all stages of their career, from beginners to seasoned veterans.

Typically we have about twenty people at each meeting: playwrights, actors, and friends. Plays are read aloud by whomever is at the table that night (which may include actors recruited by the playwright). Our regular readings occur on the first Tuesdays and third Tuesdays of each month and are open to anyone who enjoys hearing new stage work being read aloud.

We also hold “Fifth Tuesday” workshops when applicable. These are open to anyone interested in developing their craft learning more about PDX Playwrights.

 

Camas, WA — Many of you love the game CLUE and now is your chance to play the First Friday version! Join in the “Case of the Missing Cupcakes” today from 5-8 pm. Dress in CLUE inspired game suspects attire and get extra tickets to win!

First Friday Activities:

  • Find fun clues in participating merchants to solve the “Case of the Missing Cupcakes” and earn tickets to win prizes!
  • Get a FREE mini-cupcake sponsored by Cake Happy when you solve the mystery!
  • Art Receptions & Shows at Camas Gallery and Attic Gallery!
  • Enjoy the movie “Clue” at the Liberty Theatre – Friday 1/4/18, show time will be 8pm … don’t forget the popcorn!
  • Fun Kid’s winter crafts and Lego table
  • Get 5 free tickets to win if you dress like one of the characters in the Parker Brothers “CLUE” game!
  • Earn extra tickets to win with every $10 spent in downtown!
TWO Ribbon cuttings! Come welcome Lori and Tyson from The Artful Attic as we celebrate the ribbon cutting for their new shop at 5 pm. Salon Magnolia will also have a ribbon cutting to celebrate their spa addition – their ribbon cutting will be at 5:30 pm.

New menu launch with tequila pairings at Mesa!

Friday

New menu at Nuestra Mesa launches today.

ALSO: You can also pick up your panels (if still available! Come early at 5pm–we only have a few sets left!)) for the “Little Art Camas” event at the DCA table in Journey Church (please bring your completed form).

Start your night at the DCA tables at Journey at 4th and Birch.

 

 

Camas, WA — Amanda Brinkman, host of The Small Business Revolution’s “Main Street” web TV series, and several members of their talented film crew will be visiting Camas this Wednesday and Thursday to see what makes Mill Town tick.

As part of their visit, city leaders will host the “Main Street” team at 6 pm Wednesday at Grains of Wrath, which is located in Downtown Camas. The public is invited to attend.

On December 11, Camas became a Top 10 contender to be chosen as the focus town for season four of their ground-breaking series, which is helping to reinvigorate small towns and businesses across the United States. They’re coming to Camas to learn about its accomplishments, history and current struggles. Following their visit, they will travel to Arlington, WA, another Top 10 contender, and all other cities on their list. Camas is their first stop.

”We have such a compelling story to tell,” said Carrie Schulstad, Executive Director of the Downtown Camas Association. “We have a great history and we’re also a town in transition with the mill closing in the next couple of years.”

Schulstad said she hopes that Camas will make Top 5. Once that happens, those five cities will be subject to national voting. It’ll be a matter of which city gets the most votes.

It’s also one reason why Camas citizens have been posting #MyCamas on their social media posts and sharing stories about what it’s like living in Mill Town. It’s also a reason why Lacamas Magazine continues to produce the #MyCamas videos.

”It’s about getting the word out about what an amazing place this is,” said Schulstad. “We also have many businesses who could use the help that the Small Business Revolution provides.”

The winner of the contest will be featured in Season 4, in which six businesses will receive a total of $500,000 in revitalization funds. The show features Brinkman, and Ty Pennington, of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” fame.

”I’m so excited they’re coming,” said Camas Mayor, Shannon Turk. “I really look forward to meeting them, and showing them what we’re all about.”

The crew arrives mid-day on Wednesday at a private reception, and then they will be visiting local shops and store owners to hear their stories.

Schulstad is also grateful to Maria Gonser, owner of Attic Gallery, who nominated Camas to appear on the show.

”Camas would be great for Season 4 of ‘Main Street,’” said Gonser. “There’s so much to see here, and we have some real struggles.”

To learn more, visit www.smallbusinessrevolution.org

 

 

Camas, WA — Mixed Media Artist Heidi Jo Curley is celebrating the grand opening of her new studio this Friday at 5 pm in Downtown Camas. Her studio is located in the space above Arktana Shoes, at 417 NE 4th Avenue.

The new studio represents the success Curley has enjoyed as a relatively new professional artist.

Curley, who has been painting for eight years, didn’t have any formal training outside of taking local art classes, but after the sudden passing of her husband, Ed, in 2010, art became an outlet, a form of expression, and a source of healing.

“There’s no educational reasoning for my art,” said Curley. “It’s an expression of my feelings, and what I want to do. While renovating the Ferrell House after Ed died, I would go down to Caffe Piccolo every day, and I created a whole new set of friends. That’s when I considered doing art.”

Curley went to Italy in 2012 and that’s when she really started painting while being instructed by Camas artist Elida Field, and Father Bruno through the Art, Women and Wine Tour.

“When I went back, I realized I really needed to get into art,” said Curley. “Then, when my mom died, I remember asking ‘how do I go from here?’ So, I struggled for about a month, and then decided to get up. I did the Chair series because of my mom. I planted all my mom’s favorite flowers and they’re inspiring.”

Main Street

Call 360.696.9877

Fellow artists and critics encourage her to choose one style and stick with it, says the self-proclaimed Mixed Media Artist.

“I want to keep learning and growing,” she added. “In my art, I think of circles and people. I do a lot of studying of colors and textures. I use my fingers and hands anytime I can, and I don’t want to be pigeon-holed into doing a certain kind of art. I’ve dealt with so many emotions since those two passings.”

Her portfolio grows along with her fan base.

“Everyone loves Heidi, she’s kind to everybody, she’s as real as they get,” said Marquita Call, owner of Camas Gallery. “For such a relatively newcomer, she has a signature look. When when see her work, we know it’s Heidi’s. She’s become recognized through her art.”

As part of her signature look, Curley is known for her famous “Chair” series. So, why the chair?

“Gathering people around the table is really important for me,” said Curley. “I think the Chair series represents that there’s always a chair for you. At the holidays, if someone doesn’t have a place to go, we welcome them.”

To learn more, visit www.HeidiJoCurley.com

Curley

Heidi Jo Curley shows one of her pieces.

Washougal, WA — Art lovers and the entire community are invited to help welcome the newest piece of public art in Washougal.  “WATER,” created by Wendy Armstrong, will be celebrated at a dedication ceremony on Saturday, December 1 at 1 pm at the art’s location on the corner of Main and Pendleton Way in downtown Washougal. A reception will be held immediately following at Washougal Coffee Corner.  The event is hosted by Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance.

WATER is the final piece of the four-part ELEMENTS series of artwork (Earth, Wind, Water and Fire) created by artists of “Women Who Weld” for the Washougal Parks Board of Commissioners.  This piece was made possible through a generous donation from Kind Heart Free Spirit Foundation.

The ELEMENTS project began several years ago when Suzanne Grover and Janice Ferguson of the Parks Board approached Women Who Weld to create an art piece at Steamboat Landing Park.  Originally the plan was for each Element to sit atop the tall pilings of the Steamboat Landing Park dock, but after a flood occurred that would have placed the art located there in danger, it was decided that the Elements would be located around town; separated by distance but linked by a common theme.

EARTH was installed in September of 2013 at the entrance to the Pedestrian Tunnel under Hwy 14.  It was created by Sharon Warman and sponsored by Washougal resident and Park Board member, Shirley Scott. WIND, created by Kathy Willson, was funded by a collaboration of Washougal residents and the Dick Beaver family and was installed in Beaver Park in April 2015.  FIRE at Steamboat Landing was created by the husband and wife artist team, Jennifer Corio and Dave Frei in 2016.  Mayor Molly Coston sponsored the piece as a tribute to her late husband, Phil Harris, Executive Director of the Two Rivers Heritage Museum, in recognition of his love of the rich history of the local area.

After WATER, the next public art to be welcomed to Washougal is a mural to be placed on the outside wall of the public library once the area is prepared for display.  It celebrates Washougal’s Betsey Ough, also known as Princess White Wing, by Native American artist Toma Villa.

WACA is currently raising funds for a full-sized bronze bear sculpture from gorge artist Heather Soderberg.  For more information about WACA, how to become and member and their efforts to bring public art to Washougal visit their website at www.washougalarts.org

Water

“Water”

Washougal, WA — This charming stage musical is an adaptation of the classic Charles Dickens tale, “A Christmas Carol.” Scrooge tells the timeless story of the quintessential miser, Ebenezer Scrooge, as he’s visited one Christmas Eve by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet-To-Come. They lead him through a fanciful journey as he comes to terms with his miserly ways and has a change of heart.

Performances are November 30 – December 9, 2018 at Washburn Performing Arts Center at Washougal High School, 1201 39th Street, Washougal WA, 98671. Tickets are on sale now at journeytheater.org or by calling 360.750.8550. Pre-sale adult tickets are $12. Youth and senior tickets are $10. Our “family day” performance is December 1 at 7:00 pm with all tickets $10 in advance. Tickets for all performances are $4 more at the door.

Public Performances

Friday, November 30th – 7:00 pm
Saturday, December 1st – 7:00 pm
Sunday, December 2nd – 2:00 pm
Friday, December 7th – 7:00 pm
Saturday, December 8th – 2:00 pm
Saturday, December 8th – 7:00 pm
Sunday, December 9th – 2:00 pm

About Journey Theater Arts Group

Our mission: “Growing youth in character, confidence and creativity, in a Christ centered community.” Throughout the Portland/Vancouver area, Journey offers dozens of classes for ages 6-18, in drama, dance, voice and more. In addition, we produce 12 Broadway-style shows in four locations during the school year, improv competitions, multiple summer camps and professional-level community theater musicals for all ages in summer. Journey is a nonprofit educational organization, with offices located at 1400 NE 136th Ave, Suite 201, Vancouver WA, 98684. Contact at 360.750.8550 or www.journeytheater.org

Photo Gallery

VANCOUVER, WA —   The Clark College Music Department is hosting the 5th Annual Fall Choral Festival on Friday, November 9, 2018 in Gaiser Student Center on the campus of Clark College.  Over 15 area middle and high school chamber and concert choirs will sing in this non-competitive festival which runs from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Tickets are $5/person for the day.

“We’re very happy the festival is returning this year,” says Festival Director Dr. Jacob Funk, who is also is the Director of Choirs at Clark College. “Participating choirs get the chance to work with some highly skilled clinicians and receive written feedback on their performance. Each choir will also get to have a mini-clinic onstage, allowing for the other schools to see how a different choir learns new ways to succeed. Two of the Clark College Choirs will perform for all the participating choirs in the middle of the festival. It will be a wonderful time of music making, learning, and supporting each other in song.”

Laser

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/

Join Downtown Camas merchants for pie tastings, a pie walk dance party, pie raffle, autumn crafts, family-friendly kindness and gratitude activities, art shows, rock painting with The Paint Roller, shopping, dining and so much more at November’s First Friday, on November 2.

The theme is “Thankful for Pie!” and we will be doing pie tastings in participating merchants!! Stop by the DCA tables at Journey at 4th and Birch for your pie passport and activity list. Yum!!  The Pie Raffle at the DCA tables in Journey Church sponsored by Carla Edwards with allclarkcountyhomes.com

Featured Artists

Local artist Tommer Gonser will be featured at the Attic Gallery tomorrow! Tommer Gonser’s oil paintings with their bold palettes and dynamic patterns are reminiscent of the early modernist abstractionists. The uniqueness and mystery of his art is in large part the essence of his abstractions. He is influenced by his daily life and carries over on to the canvas his recent or more distant past. “Today I am painting yesterday. Tomorrow I will be painting today.”

Experiences such as a childhood spent surrounded by the beauty of Colorado and later years spent in the outdoors of Alaska rock climbing, fishing, kayaking, bike riding, hiking, and camping are among his influences. An inspired song writer and musician, Tommer plays the guitar, sings and writes music in a style that is as unique as his paintings. The Opening Reception will be during the First Friday event tomorrow, November 2nd from 5-8 pm. Enjoy wine, refreshments and music!

Mehrdad Shojaei will be the featured artist at Camas Gallery for the November “Thankful For Pie” First Friday. He bought his first DSLR camera in 2010 and started photography as a serious hobby.  He has always loved nature and wildlife and living close to Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge inspired him to be there when not working.  Mehrdad is a self-taught photographer and has learned photography mostly through trial and error as well as using online resources.

Friday

Featured artwork at Camas Gallery.

 

Join Camas Gallery at the  First Friday Event gallery reception tomorrow from 5 to 8 p.m.

See you in beautiful Downtown Camas for a sweet time!

Pie

Local artist, Tommer Gonser will be featured at the Attic Gallery tomorrow! Tommer Gonser’s oil paintings with their bold palettes and dynamic patterns are reminiscent of the early modernist abstractionists.

Vancouver, WA — Journey Theater Arts Group presents Disney’s “The Lion King Jr,” which will run for two weekends, November 16-25 at Fort Vancouver High School.

A lively stage adaptation of the Academy Award-winning 1994 Disney animated film, “The Lion King Jr.” is the story of a young lion prince living in the flourishing African Pride Lands. Born into the royal family, precocious cub Simba spends his days exploring the sprawling savanna grasslands and idolizing his kingly father, Mufasa, while youthfully shirking the responsibility his position in life requires. When an unthinkable tragedy, orchestrated by Simba’s wicked uncle, Scar, takes his father’s life, Simba flees the Pride Lands, leaving his loss and the life he knew behind. Eventually companioned by two hilarious and unlikely friends, Simba starts anew. But when weight of responsibility and a desperate plea from the now ravaged Pride Lands come to find the adult prince, Simba must take on a formidable enemy, and fulfill his destiny to be king. With music and lyrics by Elton John and Tim Rice, additional music and lyrics by Lebo M., Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, and Hans Zimmer, and book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi, Julie Taymor’s vision has been brought to life for audiences all over the world.

Performances are November 16-25, 2018 at Fort Vancouver High School, 5700 E 18th St, Vancouver, WA 98661.   Tickets are on sale now at journeytheater.org or by calling 360.750.8550.  Pre-sale adult tickets are $12.  Youth and senior tickets are $10. Tickets for all performances will be $4 more at the door.  Saturday November 17 is family day with all tickets at $10.

Public Performances

Friday, November 16th – 7:00 pm

Saturday, November 17th – 7:00 pm

Sunday, November 18th – 2:00 pm

Friday, November 23rd – 7:00 pm

Saturday, November 24th – 2:00 pm

Sunday, November 25th – 2:00 pm

About Journey Theater Arts Group

Our mission: “Growing youth in character, confidence and creativity, in a Christ centered community.”  Throughout the Portland/Vancouver area, Journey offers dozens of classes for ages 6-18, in drama, dance, voice and more.   In addition, we produce 12 Broadway style shows in four locations during the school year, improv competitions, multiple summer camps and professional-level community theater musicals for all ages in summer.  Journey is a nonprofit educational organization, with offices located at 1400 NE 136th Ave, Suite 201, Vancouver WA, 98684.  Contact at 360.750.8550 or www.journeytheater.org.