Interested in Sewing? 5 Tips to Get You Started

If you’re like most people who’ve ever admired a creatively crafted handmade garment, quilt, or lovely piece of home decor such as a wall hanging, you probably wish you had the skills to make these things yourself. However, you may also feel intimidated by the complexity of sewing projects due to the seemingly endless array of supplies, tools and techniques. However, even the most complicated journeys begin with simple first steps, and with the right attitude and approach, you’ll not only find that sewing is not only achievable, but that it’s also a rewarding way to express your creativity. Following are five essential tips to help you get started:

1. Gather the Right Tools

A solid toolkit provides the foundation every crafter needs. Begin building yours with the basics and gradually expand your collection as you gain experience. Here’s what you’ll need to start out with:

  • Sewing Machine

Look for a beginner-friendly model with simple features such as straight-stitching, zigzag stitching, and a user-friendly tension dial.

  • Fabric Scissors

Scissors specifically designed for use on fabric will ensure clean cuts and save you hours of frustration.

  • Pins and Needles

These are the nuts and bolts of sewing, holding fabric in place and stitching by hand when necessary to finish off projects. Be sure to choose the right needle for the thread and fabric you will be sewing.

  • Measuring Tape

Well-fitting items start with an accurate, user-friendly measuring tape.

  • Seam Ripper

Errors are a normal part of the sewing process, and a seam ripper allows you to fix them easily and quickly.

2. Learn Basic Sewing Terms and Techniques

Understanding core sewing terms and techniques helps you navigate patterns and instructions with confidence and accuracy. Common terms include the following:

  • Seam Allowance: This refers to the extra fabric left at the edge of a seam to ensure durability.
  • Backstitching: Backstitches are used to reinforce the beginning and the end of a seam for added protection against fraying.
  • Hem: The finished edge of a fabric. This term is used for all finished edges, not just for skirts and dresses.

Practicing fundamental skills such as threading your sewing machine, straight stitching, and creating neat seams will help develop your confidence and precision.

3. Start with Simple Patterns

Choose beginner-friendly patterns that match your personal interests and taste. Patterns typically include skill levels on the labels, so look for those that specify “beginner” or “easy.” Popular projects for beginners include drawstring bags, aprons, tote bags, and simple skirts and pants. Be sure to carefully follow the pattern step-by-step, and don’t underestimate the value of online video tutorials and sewing publications for additional guidance.

4. Use the Right Fabric

The kind of fabric you choose can substantially impact your sewing experience. Beginners should stick with fabrics that are easy to handle, such as cotton and linen rather than their slippery counterparts like silk and satin. You should also avoid stretchy fabrics like jersey until you build up your skills. It’s also a good idea to wash the fabric you use prior to starting your sewing project to account for any shrinkage.

5. Be Patient and Practice

It takes time and patience to learn to sew, just like any new skill. Setting realistic expectations will help prevent you from becoming discouraged. Set aside regular times in your schedule to practice, take your time, and enjoy the learning process. Don’t let mistakes make you feel overwhelmed — consider them opportunities to learn your craft. Soon, you’ll see improvement with every project and

Like any new skill, sewing takes time to master. Set realistic expectations for yourself, and embrace the learning process. Don’t be discouraged by mistakes—they’re opportunities to learn. Dedicate regular time to practice, and you’ll see improvement with every project, and it won’t be long before you’re enjoying the satisfaction of creating something functioning or beautiful with your own hands.

By: Katherine Robinson, a writer for Rockywoods Fabrics

/0 Comments/by
, ,

Experience Clarkson’s Newest Alcohol Ink Paintings at RedDoor Gallery

RedDoor Gallery proudly presents the newest works of fine art by Matthew Clarkson at a special First Friday Art Walk reception on March 7th from 5 to 8 pm. The swanky artist reception features RedDoor Gallery’s complimentary refreshments and hospitality. Meet other represented gallery artists and discover what inspires their work.

“The world of pottery and painting exposes me to two-dimensional and three-dimensional worlds,” says artist Matthew Clarkson. “Pottery is a tactile experience that seeks balance between form and function. I’m constantly aware of weight, feel and aesthetics as I’m hand building with clay.”

He says it’s very satisfying to create something with his own hands that someone else then holds in their hands in a functional way.  

Gorgeous hand-built clay works are just the beginning of Clarkson’s successful artistic pursuits. He is also an experienced painter. “I currently use alcohol inks in my paintings because they open up a  vibrant world of color and movement. I look to the outdoors for inspiration in my work,” said Clarkson. “The alcohol inks add a spontaneous element to my work and constantly surprise me as I explore abstract landscapes and horizons.”

“Matthew Clarkson has remained one of our top selling artists at RedDoor Gallery since we opened last May,” said Liz Pike, owner of the gallery. “Our clients love his original art and we are honored to represent his work. This new collection in large format are among Matthew’s finest works,” added Pike. 

Also on tap for First Friday, March 7th, RedDoor Gallery presents Shirley Bishop’s “Winter of Birds” Glass Workshops. The public is invited to these casual, drop-in classes on Friday, March 7th from 4-8 pm and on Saturday, March 8th from 12-4 pm at RedDoor Gallery, 411 NE Dallas Street in downtown Camas. There’s no need to register; cost is just $25 per glass bird. Shirley will skillfully guide students of all ages as they design their own fused glass birds in about twenty minutes or less! Choose from three glass designs including robins, hummingbirds or cardinals.

“These popular drop-in classes are super fun and really easy,” said Shirley Bishop.  

Since opening last May, RedDoor Gallery quickly became the “art hub of Camas.” RedDoor Gallery invites visitors to experience the joy and transformative power of art inside its red door! The art gallery is located in the historic building at 411 NE  Dallas Street in downtown Camas, has featured new work each month by artists Sarah Bang, Shirley Bishop, Kimmie Burmaster, Matthew Clarkson, Wendy Davis, Cheryl Folkers, Dave Garbot, Gail Harrington, Cheryl Mathieson, Liz Pike, Tamra Sheline, Catherine Snyder and George Throop.  

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. Visit RDG on the web at RedDoorGalleryCamas.com. For more information, call 360-281-8720 or e-mail pikeadvertising@comcast.net.

/0 Comments/by
, , ,

Journey Theater Presents Disney’s ‘High School Musical’ Coming March 14

VANCOUVER, WA — It’s the first day after winter break at East High. The Jocks, Brainiacs, Thespians and Skater Dudes find their cliques, recount their vacations and look forward to the new year. Basketball team captain and resident jock, Troy, discovers that the brainy Gabriella, a girl he met singing karaoke on his ski trip, has just enrolled at East High. They cause an upheaval when they decide to audition for the high school musical. Although many students resent the threat posed to the “status quo,” Troy and Gabriella’s alliance might just open the door for others to shine as well.  Come get close to the action in this immersive theater experience taking place in a gymnasium.

Journey Theater is thrilled to provide family-friendly musical theater, featuring a cast of talented, local youth, to the greater community!  Tickets are on sale now at journeytheater.org or by calling 360.750.8550. Adult tickets are $16. Youth and senior tickets are $13. Tickets are $2 more at the door.

Performances at  SummitView Church, Heritage Park Gym

  • Friday, March 14th at 7 pm
  • Saturday, March 15th at 2 pm and 7 pm
  • Thursday, March 20th at 6 pm
  • Friday, March 21st at 7 pm
  • Saturday March 22nd at 2 pm and 7 pm

Journey is a Jesus-centered theater arts program that exists to grow youth and their families in character and purpose to be difference-makers in their world.

Serving Clark County since 2002, Journey is a 501(c)3 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.

Journey
/0 Comments/by
,

Auditions for Journey Theater’s ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ Coming March 22, 25

Journey Theater is accepting auditions for roles in their upcoming play, “Singin’ in the Rain’ on March 22 and 25. Here are the details.

REHEARSALS:

June 13 through July 18

Fridays 5 – 9pm & Saturdays 9am – 2pm + select Thursday evenings

Performances to be held at Manor Church in Battle Ground

July 25 – August 2, 2025

Direction by Beka Hardt

Music Direction by Amy Forstrom

Choreography by Chelsea Nicole Lapp

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

Journey Theater is seeking performers ages 13 and up. Seeking tappers/actors/singers to play featured roles and actors, dancers and singers to play multiple ensemble roles. Please prepare 16 bars of a musical theater song that shows vocal range and technical ability. Bring an instrumental backing track (downloaded audio file – no streaming, please). If you are auditioning for a specific role, please be familiar with the songs from the show, as you may be asked to sing a selection at auditions.  All auditioning MUST bring a current headshot and resume in addition to audition forms. Auditions will be closed.  For more information or sign-up for an audition spot, go to: www.journeytheater.org, select SHOWS and then Singin’ in the Rain.

Requirements: $100 per cast member production fee. Each cast member must be represented by a volunteer production committee member (to serve on Costumes, Sets, Props, Refreshments, Programs, Public Relations, etc.). Volunteers will receive 1 ticket.  

Questions?  

Contact Shannon McIlroy – 425-306-1106, s.mcilroy@journeytheater.org

/0 Comments/by
, ,

61st ANNUAL CLARK COLLEGE JAZZ FESTIVAL RESULTS

Vancouver, WA — After three full days of the return of the Annual Clark College Jazz Festival, the outstanding musician awards and the evening finals results for the 61st Annual Clark College Jazz Festival have been announced. For 2025, the Dale Beacock Memorial Sweepstakes trophy was awarded to Mountain View High School Jazz I, Vancouver, WA.

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Middle School Silver division jazz ensemble finals results:

1st place – Eckstein Middle School, Seattle, WA

2nd place – Wy’east Middle School, Vancouver, WA

3rd place – Hockinson Middle School, Brush Prairie, WA

A Division:        

1st place – South Whidbey High School, Langley, WA

2nd place – Seton Catholic High School, Vancouver, WA

3rd place – Beaumont Middle School Jazz Ambassadors, Portland, OR

Outstanding Middle School Jazz Section Awards were presented to:

Wy’east Middle School, Vancouver, WA – Best Trombone Section

Hockinson Middle School, Brush Prairie, WA – Best Trumpet Section

Eckstein Middle School, Seattle, WA – Best Rhythm Section

Eckstein Middle School, Seattle, WA – Best Saxophone Section

Outstanding Section Awards for Division “A” were presented to:

Seton Catholic High School, Vancouver, WA – Best Saxophone Section

South Whidbey High School, Langley, WA – Best Trumpet Section

South Whidbey High School, Langley, WA – Best Trombone Section

Beaumont Middle School, Portland, OR – Best Rhythm Section

Outstanding Middle School Jazz Musician certificates were presented to:

Archer Kleiss – Sellwood Middle School, Portland, OR

Sean Hansman – Sellwood Middle School, Portland, OR

Maddy Gilbert – View Ridge Middle School, Ridgefield, WA

Maxton Hill – Chehalis Middle School, Chehalis, WA

Jackson Groberg – Chehalis Middle School, Chehalis, WA

Kylie Grier – Laurin Middle School, Battle Ground, WA

Henry Ormson – Wy’East Middle School, Vancouver, WA

Addie Sahler – Tukes Valley Middle School, Battle Ground, WA

Jack Levenson – Beaumont Middle School, Portland, OR

Ben Beadie – Beaumont Middle School, Portland, OR

Charles Moen – Skyridge Middle School, Camas, WA

Gio Ramirez – Aspire Middle School, Lacey, WA

Jack Andreev – Hockinson Middle School, Brush Prairie, WA

Landon Brown – Hockinson Middle School, Brush Prairie, WA

Ashton Clark – Hockinson Middle School, Brush Prairie, WA

Linnea Currens – Hockinson Middle School, Brush Prairie, WA

Keiran Ohta – Liberty Middle School, Camas, WA

Julia Vaughan – Eckstein Middle School, Seattle, WA

Audrey Senescall – Eckstein Middle School, Seattle, WA

Lenka Dzunic – Eckstein Middle School, Seattle, WA

Oren Sternberg – Eckstein Middle School, Seattle, WA

Carson Coker – Chief Umtuch Middle School, Battle Ground, WA

Outstanding high school musician awards for the A Division were presented to:

Lila Witherrite – Columbia High School, White Salmon, WA

Jeremy Solis – Henrietta Lacks High School, Vancouver, WA

Francisco Ramirez-Vasquez – Henrietta Lacks High School, Vancouver, WA

Graham Rank – Henrietta Lacks High School, Vancouver, WA

Eve Breithaupt – Northwinds Homeschool, Port Angeles, WA

Evan Krall – Beaumont Middle School, Portland, OR

Jack Flusche – Beaumont Middle School, Portland, OR

Stephen Samwell – Seton Catholic High School, Vancouver, WA

Gibson Lueck – Seton Catholic High School, Vancouver, WA

Brennan Richardson – Seton Catholic High School, Vancouver, WA

Kyler Dixon – Seton Catholic High School, Vancouver, WA

Leo Gerhart – Seton Catholic High School, Vancouver, WA

Nancy Nguyen – Seton Catholic High School, Vancouver, WA

Connor Porter – South Whidbey High School, Langley, WA

Liam Watkins – South Whidbey High School, Langley, WA

Abram Durham – South Whidbey High School, Langley, WA

Mila Wright – South Whidbey High School, Langley, WA

Olin Nelson – South Whidbey High School, Langley, WA

Felix Kehl – South Whidbey High School, Langley, WA

Irene Stewart – South Whidbey High School, Langley, WA

Friday, January 31, 2025

Outstanding middle school and high school musician awards for the Comments Only bands were presented to:

Soren Vrosh – Vancouver School of Arts and Academics, Vancouver, WA

Eli Lennick – Battle Ground High School, Battle Ground, WA

Joseph McKnight – Battle Ground High School, Battle Ground, WA

Beatrix Heller – Vernon Middle School, Portland, OR

Colton Woods – Covington Middle School, Portland, OR

Trinity Harter – Covington Middle School, Portland, OR

Keira Osburn – West Valley High School, Yakima, WA

Hyrum Jensen – West Valley High School, Yakima, WA

AA division high school jazz ensemble finals results:

AA Division:       1st place – Mountain View High School Jazz II, Vancouver, WA

2nd place – W.F. West High School, Chehalis, WA

3rd place – Heritage High School Jazz II, Vancouver, WA

Outstanding middle school and high school musician awards for the AA Division were presented to:

Maggie Eldridge – West Valley High School, Yakima, WA

Oliver Stub – La Center High School, La Center, WA

Sophie Ohle – Parkrose High School, Portland, OR

Daiel Gerber – Grant High School, Portland, OR

Zach Hillenbrand – Grant High School, Portland, OR

Reggie Kellog – Mountain View High School, Vancouver, WA

Joshua Leahu – Mountain View High School, Vancouver, WA

Elliott Emerson – Ingraham High School, Seattle, WA

Isaiah McCaw – Ridgefield High School, Ridgefield, WA

Furious Hill – Columbia River High School, Vancouver, WA

Macie MacDonald – Columbia River High School, Vancouver, WA

Caleb Gill – W.F. West High School, Chehalis, WA

Joy Sanchez – Heritage High School, Vancouver, WA

Cormac Saleem – Bishop Blanchet High School, Seattle, WA

Saturday, February 1, 2025

AAA and AAAA division high school jazz ensemble finals results:

AAA Division:    1st place – Mountain View High School Jazz I, Vancouver, WA

2nd place – Grant High School Jazz II, Portland, OR

3rd place – Heritage High School Jazz I, Vancouver, WA

AAAA Division: 1st Place – Garfield High School Jazz I, Seattle, WA

                                                2nd Place – Grant High School Jazz I, Portland, OR

                                                3rd Place – Union High School Jazz I, Camas, WA

Outstanding high school musician awards for the AAA Division were presented to:

Reese Billington – Union High School, Camas, WA

Reed Bevan – Grant High School, Portland, OR

Sasi Isreb – Grant High School, Portland, OR

Rowan Ducker – Lake Oswego High School, Lake Oswego, OR

Mia Jensen – Lake Oswego High School, Lake Oswego, OR

Gavin DeMoss – Prairie High School, Vancouver, WA

William Johnstone – Prairie High School, Vancouver, WA

Lillian LaFontaine – Vancouver School of Arts and Academics, Vancouver, WA

Jack Melton – Vancouver School of Arts and Academics, Vancouver, WA

George Powell – Vancouver School of Arts and Academics, Vancouver, WA

Levi Brown – Hockinson High School, Brush Prairie, WA

Mason Seal – Hockinson High School, Brush Prairie, WA

Thilo Kluth – Hockinson High School, Brush Prairie, WA

Jack Smith – Hockinson High School, Brush Prairie, WA

Brenden Weber – Hockinson High School, Brush Prairie, WA

Sam Brookover – Garfield High School, Seattle, WA

Gabe Lawrence – Lake Stevens High School, Lake Stevens, WA

Meler Eagan – Ingraham High School, Seattle, WA

Nathan Doyle – Ingraham High School, Seattle, WA

Beckett VanDyke – Ingraham High School, Seattle, WA

Riley Mason – Ingraham High School, Seattle, WA

Harrison Matz – Mountain View High School, Vancouver, WA

Rey Notarte – Mountain View High School, Vancouver, WA

Venunye Tamakloe – Mountain View High School, Vancouver, WA

Bella Fitzgerald, Kenji Tanaka – Mountain View High School, Vancouver, WA

Shiloh Rush – Mountain View High School, Vancouver, WA

Sachita Kadirvelu – Bothell High School, Bothell, WA

Nathan Jonart – Bothell High School, Bothell, WA

Henry Ngo – Heritage High School, Vancouver, WA

Dakotah Leach – Heritage High School, Vancouver, WA

Outstanding high school musician awards for the AAAA Division were presented to:

Holly Hesemann – Glencoe High School, Hillsboro, OR
Mila Kaplan – Lakeridge High School, Lake Oswego, OR

Elaina Stupples – Lakeridge High School, Lake Oswego, OR

Matsya Vinodh – Branham High School, San Jose, CA

Jonah Travers Powers – Skyview High School, Vancouver, WA

Aubrey Grier – Prairie High School, Vancouver, WA

Ruth Sprenger – Prairie High School, Vancouver, WA

Driggs Hemming – Battle Ground High School, Battle Ground, WA

Ekaterina Kalinin – Battle Ground High School, Battle Ground, WA

Maddox Cheen-Connley – Battle Ground High School, Battle Ground, WA

Isabelle Cryan – Union High School, Camas, WA

Cooper Givens – Union High School, Camas, WA

Timothy Park – Garfield High School, Seattle, WA

Brayden Wang – Garfield High School, Seattle, WA

Will Heath – Garfield High School, Seattle, WA

Bolan Delange – Garfield High School, Seattle, WA

Zia Doughty – Grant High School, Portland, OR

Sasha Burns – Grant High School, Portland, OR

Xander Buck – Grant High School, Portland, OR

Kylie Forston – Lake Stevens High School, Lake Stevens, WA

Brody Gray – Lake Stevens High School, Lake Stevens, WA

Congratulations to all the fine bands who participated!   Please join us next year on the last weekend of January for the 62nd Annual Clark College Jazz Festival!

/0 Comments/by
,

See Dazzling Fused Glass Art by Shirley Bishop Inside RedDoor Gallery 

Brilliant colors are bursting forth inside RedDoor Gallery (RDG) at a special First Friday Art Walk reception which spotlights new fused glass works by Shirley Bishop along with her signature collection of Valentine themed art. The swanky artist reception happens on Friday, February 7th from 5-8 pm and features RedDoor Gallery’s complimentary refreshments and hospitality. Meet other represented gallery artists and discover what inspires their work.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, RedDoor Gallery presents Shirley Bishop’s Heart of Glass Workshops. The public is invited to these drop in classes on Friday, February 7th from 4-8 pm and on Saturday, February 8th from 12-4pm. There’s no need to register; cost is just $20 per person. Shirley will skillfully guide students of all ages as they design their own fused glass hearts in about twenty minutes or less! “These popular drop-in classes are super fun and really easy,” said Bishop.  

Shirley Bishop discovered the art of glass fusing in 2013. Since then she has established herself as a premier fused glass artist and fused glass art instructor in the region. Her “Studio 13 Glass Art” studio is nestled within the serene landscape of rural Washougal. It’s more than just a studio; it’s a sanctuary where creativity thrives. 

“I love sharing my passion for fused glass with both art patrons and students,” said Bishop. In addition to teaching others in the art of fusing glass, she also books private and group sessions at her Washougal studio.

For more information about her fused glass instructional programs, or to book a class, visit www.studio13glassart.com. 

Since opening last May, RedDoor Gallery quickly became the “art hub of Camas.” RedDoor Gallery nvites visitors to experience the joy and transformative power of art inside its red door! The art gallery is located in the historic building at 411 NE Dallas Street in downtown Camas, has featured new work each month by artists Sarah Bang, Shirley Bishop, Kimmie Burmaster, Matthew Clarkson, Wendy Davis, Cheryl Folkers, Dave Garbot, Gail Harrington, Cheryl Mathieson, Liz Pike, Tamra Sheline, Catherine Snyder and George Throop.  

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. Visit RDG on the web at RedDoorGalleryCamas.com. For more information, call 360-281-8720 or e-mail pikeadvertising@comcast.net.

/0 Comments/by
,

All You Need is Love … & Chocolate! For Feb. First Friday

The community is invited to join chocolate-themed games, tastings, activities, art shows, and more at the “All You Need is Love…& Chocolate!” First Friday event in Downtown Camas on February 7th from 5-8 pm. The evening will also feature a ribbon-cutting for a new business and the launch of a new specialty cocktail and dessert series at an established local roaster. Shoppers can find romantic gifts and assorted sweet treats for the upcoming Valentine’s holiday all throughout town. This delicious fan-favorite event is brought to you by the Downtown Camas Association (DCA) and Downtown Camas merchants.

A 5 pm ribbon-cutting will celebrate the grand opening of the family-owned Backpacker Pizza at 421 NE Cedar St. Owners Jami and Rod Harris proudly offer local house-made ingredients and fresh hand-tossed dough. They also have a selection of gluten-free and vegan pizza options available.

After the ribbon cutting, attendees are encouraged to check out the new specialty cocktail and dessert series from Hidden River Roasters, 536 NE 5th. This new series, Hidden River After Dark, is planned for upcoming First Fridays from 5 pm-8 pm, with an eye on expanding during the summer months. The evening will feature hand-crafted cocktails, like the classic Espresso Martini and the sweet Raspberry Love, alongside Hidden River’s house-made desserts and pastries. Their full menu of beverages and light fare will also be available.

Treasure seekers and art enthusiasts can look forward to the new Art Hearts Scavenger Hunt activity for First Friday. Search for a little hidden glass heart around downtown (50 in all!), bring the heart back to the DCA tables in Journey Church and receive a certificate for a handcrafted ceramic heart created by Norris Arts and sponsored by a local downtown business. Find a Heart, Get a Heart! (one per person).

Other First Friday activities include:

  • Guess the candy jar amounts at each participating location and be entered to win the candy and other great Valentine’s-themed prizes
  • Art shows, receptions, and classes, including a special jewelry show at Gallery 408, 408 NE 4th; a gallery reception and classes with fused glass artist Shirley Bishop at RedDoor Gallery, 411 NE Dallas; and “Buzz and Bloom: Art” by Joanne Adams Roth and Cindy Wilson Geffel at the Second Story Gallery, 625 NE 4th
  • Celebrate Love and the 7th anniversary of Nick & Tami Calais, who were married at the Liberty Theatre in Downtown on February First Friday in 2018. Get a selfie with them and receive a ticket to win a special prize.
  • Sample Healthy Chocolate from Downtown Camas specialty chocolate maker DownLow Chocolate at Journey, 304 NE 4th, and at Camas Cellars, 602 NE 3rd.
  • All ages singer-songwriter open mic at First Friday Unplugged, inside LiveWell Camas, 417 NE Birch, hosted by Minor Record Label
  • Free kids’ activities and crafts hosted by Journey Church and Girl Scout Troop 30376, 304 NE Birch
  • Spin the “Name That Candy!” Wheel with the DCA in the Journey lobby. Guess the candy bar featured and get a raffle ticket for a Candy Bar Bouquet.
  • Special sales and chocolate treats throughout downtown shops and restaurants

“This First Friday is full of so many sweet activities!” says Brie Marais, Volunteer Coordinator for the DCA. “Between the new Art Hearts Scavenger Hunt activity, the wonderful art shows, the Valentine’s Day shopping and crafts, and all the delicious chocolate, it’s truly an evening full of joy and fun! We’re looking forward to officially welcoming Backpacker Pizza, and we can’t wait to see everyone come together for another First Friday in Downtown Camas!”

Passport & Activity lists are available at the DCA tables in Journey, 304 NE 4th, starting at 5pm.

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/all-you-need-is-love-and-chocolate/ or the Downtown Camas First Friday Facebook page. Sign up for the weekly DCA newsletter for more downtown event info at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/peBo4oV

/0 Comments/by
, , ,

61st Annual 3-Day Clark College Jazz Festival Coming January 30

VANCOUVER, WA — Clark College hosts the 61st Annual Clark College Jazz Festival in three full days of big band jazz on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, January 30 – February 1, 2025 in the Gaiser Student Center, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver WA 98663. Admission is $10 per day.  Clark College students and children under 12 accompanied by an adult will be admitted free of charge.

Sixty middle and high school jazz ensembles from throughout Washington and Oregon are scheduled to perform in this year’s competition with trophies presented to the top three jazz ensembles for middle schools and A through AAAA division high schools.  Individual outstanding musician awards will also be presented at the end of each division’s preliminary competitions.  At the end of Saturday evening, the Dale Beacock Memorial Sweepstakes Award will be presented to one outstanding band selected from the entire festival. 

Preliminary competitions for the 2025 festival will begin on Thursday (Jan 30) with middle schools performing from 8 am to noon and the Division A high school bands competing from 1:45-4:45 pm. The Finals competition for Middle School and Division A begins at 7:00 p.m. The AA Division competition runs from 9 am – 4:30 pm on Friday (Jan 31) and the AAA and AAAA jazz bands take the stage on Saturday (Feb 1) beginning at 8:00 a.m. Finals competitions will begin at 7 pm on Friday and Saturday evenings ending with the trophy presentations.

The Clark College Jazz Bands, under the direction of Festival Director Dr. Doug Harris, will perform at following times:

Jazz Band II – Thursday, Jan 30, 4:40 pm

Jazz Band I – Thursday, Jan 30, 8:30 pm

Jazz Band I – Friday, Jan 31, 7:45 pm

Jazz Band I – Saturday, Feb 1, 12:20 pm

The 2024 Sweepstakes Band, Bothell High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Phil Dean, will hold the spotlight on Saturday evening at 8:30 pm. 

A special ticketed fundraising concert by the Portland based JUJUBA (jujuba.org) will be on Wednesday, (Jan 29) at 7:30 pm to kick off the 61st Festival celebration.  The Clark College Jazz Band I opens the performance.  Only 400 seats.  Tickets $20 at the door (cash, check, cc).  more info at 360-992-2662 or sjwilliams@clark.edu.

Jujuba is a 10-piece Afrobeat and Juju band features Nigerian Master Talking Drum Legen, Nojeem Lasisi, a world-class West African and Cuban percussion section, a blazing horn section, and a funky electric rhythm section. Lasisi ranks among the world’s elite talking drum players. Nojeem was given his first drum at age four by his father, also a master drummer, who handed down to Nojeem its powerful language. As a member of Nigerian superstar King Sunny Ade’s group, the African Beats, Nojeem toured the world and appears on numerous recordings with King Sunny, including “Seven Degrees North” and “Odu”. Marc Silverman (keys) and Ethan Flaherty (guitar) moved to Portland in 1999 with a driven focus to start a band built on a foundation of West African drumming. Their studies of Ghanaian drumming, and Marc’s travels in Africa listening to and learning rhythms in Tanzania and Ghana, inspired an idea in Marc to apply these rhythms to bass, keyboard, and guitar parts in an electric rhythm section. After playing with hundreds of musicians during their first few years in Portland, Marc and Ethan met percussionist Tobias Manthey, who brought them together with his teacher, Nojeem Lasisi, for the first rehearsal of what would become Jujuba.

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

The History of the Clark College Jazz Festival

The heritage of the Clark College Jazz Festival dates back to 1962 when Hud­son’s Bay H.S. band director, Don Cammack, began organizing a one-day high school stage band invitational for schools from Clark and Skamania coun­ties. Organized by the Vancouver and Evergreen public schools, Fort Vancou­ver H.S. and Evergreen H.S took turns hosting the festival each year. Sponsors of the festival included Southwest Washington Music Association and Lower Columbia River Music Educators Association. In the early years, the trophies were made by middle school band director, Jack Ager, creatively construct­ing musician figures from miscellaneous hardware and car parts! In 1970, Dale Beacock, then the band director at both Fort Vancouver H.S. and Clark Col­lege, held the invitational “Clark Stage Band Contest” for the first time at its current home, Clark College. This inaugural event hosted 17 high school jazz bands with preliminary competitions held in what was then known as the Gaiser Hall dining area, with finals in the gymnasium. Dale’s vision of a competitive jazz showcase for schools throughout Washington and greater Portland pro­moted the growth of the festival and in 1971 the festival grew to 32 bands held over two days on Friday and Saturday. In 1976 the number of participating bands grew to 52, welcoming bands from Oregon and Idaho. In 1985, Chuck Ramsey took over the reigns as Festival Coordinator successfully organizing the festival for the next 22 years. Chuck’s achievements bringing consistency in the operations of the festival and increased student involvement set the ground­work for the educational enhancement, leadership, teamwork, and a sense of ownership the Clark student volunteers experience today. In 2008, Richard Inouye came onboard as Festival Director. His professional and educational experience has brought a new dynamic to the festival by encouraging a focus on jazz education and utilizing technology to promote community awareness, public support, and streamline festival operations. In 2012, the Clark College Jazz Festival celebrated its 50th Golden Anniversary. Highlights of this milestone included the Clark College Alumni Band directed by Chuck Ramsey which fea­tured Clark band alumni from three generations of Clark band directors. Dale Beacock and Chuck were also presented Legacy Sweepstakes Awards for their historic contributions to the festival. In 2013, the festival went international welcoming two bands from Tsawwassen, British Columbia! Today the Annual Clark College Jazz Fes­tival welcomes 60 middle and high school jazz ensembles, over 1,200 student jazz musicians to the campus, and over 3,000 people to the Vancouver com­munity throughout the three-day event.

Dr. Doug Harris is the Director of Bands at Clark College since Fall 2018, after serving as Assistant Director of Bands at Western Kentucky University, and Director of Bands at 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. Doug is active clinician and adjudicator in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Missouri, Colorado, Utah, California and Washington, is a freelance trumpet player and has worked on the brass staff of the Madison Scouts, Sacramento Mandarins, Teal Sound and Suncoast Sound Drum and Bugle Corps. He is active as a composer, arranger and transcriber and is published in the Grand Mesa Music catalog.

Jazz
/0 Comments/by
, , ,

The ARTS: 2nd Annual HeART Fest Coming on February 8

The Artisans’ Guild of Camas is once again proud to host HeART Fest, our own local Fine Art Market. It’s happening just in time for Valentine’s Day shopping, on Saturday February 8, from 10 am to 5 pm. The market venue will once again be held at the beautiful Lacamas Lake Lodge. If you’ve never seen this special building by the lake, this is a great opportunity.

This 2nd annual fine art market promises a captivating showcase of creativity, featuring a diverse array of artistic expressions by local area guild members. Shoppers and art enthusiasts attending the event can explore a curated selection of fused glass, textiles, jewelry, acrylics, ceramics, gifts, and many other astonishing pieces of art.

“This is a rare opportunity for the community to witness the talent of 24 local artists gathered in one place,” said Jacqui Dowsett, HeART Fest Chairperson, of the Artisans’ Guild of Camas. “Our members are excited to share their unique creations and engage with the community in this vibrant celebration of art.”

The Artisans’ Guild of Camas, established in January 2022, serves as a hub for artists, artisans, and art enthusiasts in the greater Clark County area. As an unincorporated association or “club,” AGC is dedicated to inspiring enthusiasm for the visual arts and crafts through education and exhibition opportunities. The guild welcomes artists at all levels, art enthusiasts and anyone with an interest in supporting the arts or being a part of the thriving local art community.

For more information, please contact: https://www.artisansguildcamas.org/

/0 Comments/by
, , ,

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.

/0 Comments/by