The increasing use of social media, instability in the world today, and the COVID-19 pandemic are just some of the reasons that many people are experiencing mental health disorders. The treatments that the mental health community has for this population result in unpleasant side effects that some people are unwilling to accept. CBD is a candidate that may be able to replace these medications and reduce the unpleasant side effects.

Why Do People Take CBD?

Research has demonstrated that CBD can improve the following medical conditions:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD

The mental health community characterizes PTSD as a condition in which people avoid activities that can trigger memories of an unpleasant event. It also causes people to experience nightmares, intrusive thoughts and relive traumatic events. The research demonstrates that CBD can reduce these symptoms. One study in particular from the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine reported that psychiatric treatment and one oral dose of CBD reduced the symptoms of PTSD.

Difficulties Sleeping

CBD is known to calm the nerves of people taking it. The adults in one study experienced anxiety and the inability to sleep well. After taking 25 milligrams of CBD daily for a month, 65% of this population registered improved sleep scores.

Depression

Researchers investigated whether or not CBD decreases depressive symptoms for those who take it. Antidepressants work to increase serotonin levels in the brain, and studies done on animals demonstrated that CBD increased the subjects’ serotonin levels. Another 2018 study found that CBD helps the brain respond to the serotonin levels that are already present.

Anxiety

Some studies show that CBD reduces anxiety levels in participants. A study done in 2015 also found that CBD improved the conditions for people experiencing PTSD, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.

Epilepsy

CBD demonstrated its ability to decrease the frequency of seizures in those diagnosed with epilepsy. Two epileptic conditions that improved because of CBD were two types of epilepsy that do not respond well to anti-epileptic drugs. In a study focusing on children with Dravet syndrome, one of the conditions that do not respond well to medications, CBD reduced seizures to half in 43% of the subjects. After this, the FDA approved a medication that contains CBD for children.

What Side Effects Does CBD Have on Mental Health?

In animal studies, CBD improved the psychotic symptoms that mice with schizophrenia experienced. Also, when introduced at high levels, CBD did not cause the mice to experience catatonia. Another study showed that CBD decreased the instances of visual hallucinations in the population.

How Can CBD Help Soothe Mental Health Issues?

Many people currently use CBD to medicate their psychiatric symptoms. However, half of these people are doing so without informing their physicians. This shows that CBD is working for many psychiatric patients, but the medical community is concerned that these patients are not informing their doctors. Because CBD use is not currently regulated, the risks are high because people could be taking low-quality CBD. It could also contain THC, which would cause them to experience a high. The industry needs CBD products that are of high quality and effective. Be sure to consult your doctor when considering using CBD to medicate your psychiatric symptoms.

By: Katherine Robinson, a writer for CBDistillery

The legalization of marijuana for recreational use is sweeping across the United States with now 21 states plus the District of Columbia making the use of cannabis in all forms legal. Additionally, 38 states have approved cannabis for medical use.

Along with this has come an array of products made from cannabis that range well beyond just a substance for getting high. Cannabis products include foods, cooking oils, clothing, health supplements, soaps, candies, animal feeds, textiles – even plastic!

Hemp, Marijuana, and CBD

As legalization opens up the cannabis market, more people are looking at these products for the first time. This had led to some confusion, however. For example, what is hemp and how is it different from marijuana or cannabis? And what’s this new CBD product everyone is talking about? Let’s talk about that.

Hemp vs Marijuana

Both marijuana and hemp are the same species of plant called cannabis sativa. Plants of the same species can have small to large differences. For example, think of all the different kinds of wheat — bulgur, farro, freekeh, spelt, buckwheat, red wheat, and einkorn. They are all different, but they are all wheat!

The most notable difference between hemp and marijuana is a psychoactive component called THC, which stands for tetrahydrocannabinol. That is the substance that makes people high when they smoke or eat marijuana. Hemp also has some THC but in very tiny amounts.

Hemp contains 0.3% or less THC so it simply can’t make a person get high.

CBD

CBD is a compound found in both hemp and marijuana. CBD stands for cannabidiol. There are hundreds of kinds of cannabidiols including THC. But CBD which is made from hemp is a highly valuable substance with many known health benefits. Because it comes from hemp, it can be used without the intoxication of marijuana-derived CBD.

Researchers believe CBD is effective because it interacts with human cell receptors that influence a variety of functions, such as appetite, anxiety, depression, and the sensation of pain. Clinical research has shown that CBD may be effective in treating seizure disorders like epilepsy. Other studies – although some scientists claim these studies are not yet conclusive or rigorous enough – show that CBD is an effective agent for treating pain.

Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil

This tends to be an area of major confusion because hemp oil and CBD are both oils, but they are two very different things.

For example, many supermarkets now sell hemp oil alongside all the other common cooking oils, such as olive oil, sunflower oil, canola oil, and so on. Hemp oil is used for cooking and salads like the other oils.

But hemp oil does not contain CBD! Hempseed or hemp oil is made by cold pressing only the seeds of the hemp plant.

CBD oil, on the other hand, is a complex compound made from all parts of the cannabis plant. One quick way to tell the difference while shopping is to look at the price. A small one- or two-ounce bottle of CBD oil is far more expensive than, say, a liter-sized bottle of hemp seed oil.

The careful shopper should always check the ingredients listed on a product. For example, some gummies are billed as “hemp gummies” but do not contain CBD. If you want to make sure you are getting gummies, oils, or other products with active CBD, make sure the ingredient list on the package specifies CBD not just hemp oil.

One last thing to remember: CBD may not be sold in the form of oil at all. It is made into pills or supplements, vaping juices, gummies, teas, and other products.

By: Katherine Robinson, a writer for Nothing But Hemp

Camas, WA — Pike Art Gallery is ushering in a great new year at Camas First Friday Art Walk this week. Gallery owner and local artist Liz Pike invites the public to a swanky artists’ reception – serving up lively conversation with complimentary beverages and charcuterie on Friday, January 5th from 5 to 8 pm. The gallery is located at the corner of Birch Street and Sixth Avenue, occupying the spacious lobby of Minuteman Press. The gallery features the work of both Pike and Vancouver artist Blue Bond at the popular art exhibition every first Friday of the month.

“I’m unveiling more new works this month,” said Pike. “I love winter painting,” said Pike. “The change of season brings me indoors to the studio.” 

After a successful year of art sales in 2023, Pike says she is inspired to create more work. Bond also has new works of art on display at Pike Art Gallery for the month of January.

In addition to monthly First Friday Art Walk receptions, Pike keeps her gallery open late each Thursday from 5-7pm. Each Thirsty ART Thursday, Pike performs a live painting demonstration in oil on canvas. Discover local art and enjoy complimentary beverages and charcuterie each Thursday evening from 5-7pm. 

“We invite area residents to drop into Pike Art Gallery every Thursday night on their way to dinner in downtown Camas,” she added.

Several pieces of Pike’s work are also on display for sale at Camas Cellars, located a few blocks away at 602 NE Third Avenue. Pike also shows her work at several summertime art festivals. She is a member of the Battle Ground Art Alliance, Artisans Guild of Camas, the Northwest Oil Painters Guild and Society of Washington Artists. Pike Art Gallery can be reached at (360) 281-8720. Her next festival on the calendar is HeART Fest on Saturday, February 10th at Lacamas Lake Lodge in Camas. The HeART Fest is presented by Artisans Guild of Camas and is open free to the public from 10am to 4pm.

Meet Aleksandra Cherednichenko, a surgical Family Nurse Practitioner, who owns and operates Pins and Needles, a medical aesthetics clinic in Camas. Lacamas Magazine interviewed Cherednichenko, and asked her several questions about her background, her clinic and the services she provides.

1. What services does Pins and Needles provide? 

I provide wrinkle relaxers to treat natural aging lines in addition to treating excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) and migraines, dermal fillers to replace lost volume in the facial area, microneedling of the facial area to reduce the appearance of fine lines, acne scars and to boost collagen, and chemical peels.

2. Can you explain your focus on the medical portion of aesthetics? 

As medical practitioners, I believe that it’s our duty to offer patients only evidence-based and FDA approved products. It is also up to us to educate patients on the risks of each procedure and say no to patients when something is not medically indicated. For example, when the “Barbie” movie came out, aesthetic providers started marketing Barbie tox to patients to reduce the size of their trapezius muscles. This is not medically indicated unless a patient is suffering from chronic pain or migraines, yet people were requesting this service and you saw this trend pop up all over social media. Aesthetic procedures are medical procedures that carry risks, they are not just beauty treatments.

3. What are some common misconceptions about aesthetics medicine? 

I think a common misconception about aesthetic medicine is that only wealthy people get treatments, when in fact people from all walks of life seek out these services. Aesthetic medicine is also a partnership between the provider and the patient, where goals are set and different treatment modalities are used to achieve desired results.

4. What does it mean to be a surgical NP? 

My full-time job is being a liver transplant nurse practitioner and I get to practice as part of a multidisciplinary abdominal surgery team, with an emphasis on liver and kidney transplantation. This means that I am intricately aware of how our bodies work and can foresee complications from invasive procedures, like the kind that we perform in aesthetic medicine. 

5. What is your background as an FNP? 

I was an RN for almost a decade prior to obtaining my FNP from Maryville University, and spent my time at bedside in acute and critical care. After completing my clinical rotations for graduate school I knew that I wanted to specialize and found that my critical care background matched well with my current surgical specialty.

Pins and Needles is located inside Whole Glow Health and Beauty:

5420 NW 38th Ave

Suite #33

Camas, WA 98607

503.214.2431 and texts are welcome

Her Instagram handle is @pins_needles_aesthetics

Learn more at www.pinsneedlesaesthetics.com where you can book an appointment. 

Pins
Aleksandra Cherednichenko is a surgical Family Nurse Practitioner, who owns and operates Pins and Needles, a medical aesthetics clinic in Camas.

When you head out into public spaces, it is important to be considerate of those who may be bothered by the smoky air that you are creating. Here are six tips for smoking in public that do that.

1- Follow the Regulations

Of course, if there is any legal reason for you to not light up in an area, you should follow that as doing so will result in you being considerate of others as well as avoiding legal issues. As you surely know, restaurants and bars are no longer as legally smoker-friendly as they used to be, but also be observant of other things, such as signs stating that no smoking is allowed close to a building’s entrance.

2- Ask for Permission

If you are near others and it is legal for you to smoke there, you should still ask if they mind if you do. In many cases, they will say that they do not, even non-smokers, but doing so allows you to refrain when there are those there who will in fact be upset if they are unexpectedly breathing in second-hand smoke. This is especially frustrating for them if they cannot easily move to a different area.

3- Where Is the Wind Blowing?

Even when those around you do not mind or you are in a place where smoking is expected, it is considerate to be aware of which direction any breezes are blowing so that, when possible, you can direct your smoke away from others. Also be careful of smoking near a building’s entrance as the wind may be blowing your smoke into the structure, particularly if it is a non-smoking building.

4- Be More Considerate in Parks

Consider that many go to parks and other natural settings in order to breathe in the nature-infused air that exists there and may be much more upset at breathing second-hand smoke in that type of setting than they would somewhere else. For that reason, if you do smoke in a park, ensure that there is a considerable amount of space between you and others.

5- Treat Cigar Smoking Differently

If you are smoking cigars instead of cigarettes, you should treat that situation differently. For one thing, most people take longer to smoke cigars, meaning that you will be potentially annoying others for a longer time period. Also, keep in mind that cigars tend to produce more ash, and all of that ash should be disposed of in a manner that is least disruptive to others.

6- Avoid Places With Poor Air Circulation

Regardless of whether permission is given or implied, you should avoid smoking anywhere with poor air circulation unless it is an area that has been specially designed for smokers, such as a smoking room in an airport. Examples include cars and elevators as well as many indoor spaces but especially so if they are small. If you are smoking indoors, make sure that nearby windows are opened to improve the air circulation.

By: Katherine Robinson, a writer for Road Runner Cigars

Setting time aside to unwind is just as important as working hard. That is why medical practitioners emphasize the need for a person to have at least one hobby. These are five hobbies that are easy to pick up and start:

Painting

Remember how fun and calming painting was when you were in kindergarten? You can go back to these stress-free times by picking up a brush every so often. Time flies by with each stroke, and you’ll soon be lost in your world as you create beautiful paintings.

You can take some inexpensive classes online or use different social media platforms. The great thing about taking up painting as a hobby is that you can be good at it later. To get the maximum benefits, you can play music and sip your favorite drink. All you need is a painting kit and canvas, and you are ready to go.

Embroidery

Who doesn’t love a hobby that produces useful gifts in the end? No one. That is what you’ll have once you get into embroidery. This hobby allows you to create beautiful patterns and liven up old clothes and bags.

Using a needle and string requires a steady hand and great concentration. This means you will have to forget all your troubles as you focus on the task. This is one of the fastest-growing hobbies bringing back the sewing era. Different stores have curved-out serene spaces where people can sit and embroider for hours. You can join such clubs and make friends while at it. What was once a pass time reserved for grandmothers is now significant for the young and young-at-heart.

Gardening

There is something quite calming about getting in touch with nature. You don’t need a large area to get your gardening hat on. A small portion where you can plant herbs, vegetables, and flowers works well. You get double the benefits because you relax and enjoy healthy home-grown vegetables.

If you live in an apartment, you can develop your green thumb by planting and caring for potted plants. Be sure to leave the pots on your window so they can get the sunlight they need. Beginners are advised to start with plants that only require a little attention to thrive. This will ease you into the gardening world, and soon you’ll be able to nurture and grow complex houseplants. It is advisable to research the plants that do well in your region. Doing so ensures you will see the literal fruits of your labor. So get your gardening tools and boots on and get started.

Journaling

Old is gold, and nothing quite compares to the relief you get when jolting down your thoughts, hopes, fears, and dreams. Pen to paper is one of the oldest forms of unwinding and is encouraged now more than ever.

When journaling, you can plug off all your electronic gadgets and free your mind by simply writing. Journaling frees up your mind; this way, you can come up with new ideas and solutions for your problems. It is no wonder therapists highly recommend journaling for everyone. Journals now have many features that can help you start and allocate time each day to write.

Cooking Classes

There is no one who doesn’t enjoy a scrumptious meal. This is what makes cooking classes such a great idea. If you love getting in the kitchen and using different ingredients to create delicious recipes. In that case, this is the hobby for you.

After attending a few cooking lessons, you’ll make restaurant-quality meals right in your kitchen for a fraction of the cost. A common trend with cooking classes is frugal meals. The idea behind frugal cooking is to use inexpensive ingredients to make mouth-watering dishes. You get to save money and enjoy a unique meal. You can find night-time cooking lessons that you can attend after work. Virtual classes are also a great idea if you want to cook in the comfort of your kitchen.

So long as an activity allows you to come down and ease your mind and body, you can do it as a hobby. The list above can direct you in the right direction. Pick one that you enjoy and embrace the relaxation.

By: Katherine Robinson, a writer for Southern Sketch Designs

“Jurassic Park” movie fans are coming from all over the country to experience the Jurassic Retreat in Washougal, WA. Since its opening two years ago, guests are turning back time to 65 million years ago when dinosaurs ruled the world. This charming getaway, nestled in the Cascade mountains, isn’t far from the Columbia River, and is only a 25-minute drive from Portland International Airport, with access to many local amenities and sites. 

Guests that visit this prehistoric haven are greeted by a life-size T-rex, and his friends — a brachiosaurus, velociraptor, and triceratops companions — who stand watch over this 4-bedroom, 2,100 square foot vacation residence that’s filled with artifacts and decorations that take you back to the “Jurassic Park” movies while boasting modern conveniences, like WiFi, a giant smart TV, a hot tub, and a state-of-the-art kitchen in a comfortable ambiance. 

Featured on The Drew Barrymore Show, the Jurassic Retreat stands as one of America’s most unique getaway destinations. The Jurassic Retreat hosts a curated collection of authentic movie industry props, that immerse you in the heart of the prehistoric world. 

It’s a great place to host a party, a holiday event, a family reunion, a graduation, wedding, or to simply get away. It can accommodate up to 12 guests. 

Some of the retreat’s features include:

  • Bedroom 1: Queen Bed
  • Bedroom 2: Queen Bed
  • Bedroom 3: Twin/Full Bunk Bed with Twin Trundle Bed
  • Bedroom 4: Twin/Twin Bunk Bed with Twin Trundle Bed
  • Private hot tub, a retreat within a retreat.
  • Immerse yourself in cinematic splendor with a 75″ Smart TV and the entire collection of Jurassic Park movies.
  • Seamless flow of the open-concept interior, inviting shared moments and cherished memories.
  • Fully equipped kitchen w/ cooking basics, Keurig coffee maker, microwave, full service setup for 12.
  • Propane bbq with an outdoor picnic table to enjoy your culinary fare.
  • Bring your fur babies along – pets are allowed, free of charge.

Guest reviews:

“If you’ve read the description, and any of the other reviews, you probably don’t need to look at this review. Jurassic Retreat is definitely a very unique property and promised a unique experience and definitely delivered. Beautiful home In the woods with life-size dinosaurs, what more can you ask for. The youngsters had an experience they will never forget.If you’ve read the description, and any of the other reviews, you probably don’t need to look at this review. Jurassic Retreat is definitely a very unique property and promised a unique experience and definitely delivered. Beautiful home In the woods with life-size dinosaurs, what more can you ask for. The youngsters had an experience they will never forget,” said David, from Hot Springs, Arkansas. 

“We had such a wonderful stay. Our 3 kids absolutely loved their time here. It was clean , relaxing and had everything we needed plus some. Cottonwood Beach is about a 20 minute drive, it is a nice place we stumbled upon for the kids to play in the water and sand. Hot tub, games, movies , toys , fresh air, & DINOS . Definitely memorable for the entire family,” said Jessika, Great Falls, Montana.

The retreat is owned by Investor Residences, a premier vacation rental company with a portfolio of more than 80 properties.

To book your stay, visit https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/848357161561531844?source_impression_id=p3_1702066380_%2F69N5hnKipEOOM1r or call Jenn Meyers at 808.987.7219.

Jurassic

House cleaning is one of those tasks that can simply be done on autopilot. The automatic nature of house cleaning makes it feel easy, but it can also mean that you get into a rhythm that is hard to break. This leads to several areas being perennially overlooked. Sometimes areas of the home are ignored in seasonal or annual cleaning because they are too difficult or because homeowners don’t know how to clean them properly. Whatever the reason, the next time you take on the task of deep cleaning your home, take a closer look at these areas of your home. You may be surprised at what you discover.

Outdoor Furniture Pieces

A lot of people have outdoor furniture pieces such as:

  • Patio tables, chairs, and umbrellas
  • Hammocks and frames
  • Suspension chairs
  • Awnings

These items should be regularly sprayed down and properly treated if mold and mildew are suspected. Cleaning your outdoor furniture at the beginning and end of seasonal use is best. In most cases, water and dish soap are adequate for getting these items clean. Use a stiff bristled scrub brush to remove any areas of stubborn dirt, then rinse grime away with the help of a hose and spray attachment. When you take the time to clean your outdoor furniture regularly, it becomes easier to do each time. You’ll also find that using your outdoor furniture is more comfortable and enjoyable. Everyone likes having a clean place to sit.

Throw Pillows and Other Accents

Did you know that most throw pillow covers can be removed? Nearly all throw pillow covers can be removed with the help of a zipper. Other covers are simply tucked tightly around the pillow form beneath. This makes it easy to toss covers and pillow forms into the washer and drier. Follow the washing instructions on the tags to preserve the quality of the items.

Throw pillows and similar accent items get very dirty because they are touched and used so frequently. They also attract food stains, pet stains, and bad odors. These items should be cleaned at least once a year because they are highly visible parts of your home and because they are so prone to soiling.

Air Ducts

The air ducts in your home channel warm and cool air all year long. This is an important system that keeps your home running comfortably. There are filters along the way to help prevent mold, pollen, and dust from settling where they shouldn’t. Dirty air ducts can make your home dusty, which makes cleaning harder in the long run. However, air ducts have to be kept clean in order to function at peak efficiency.

Unlike most areas of your home, air ducts can’t be cleaned on your own. You will need to partner with special service agents for this task. It only takes a little bit of planning to have this service taken care of. A quick call to a local agency is all it takes and you can enjoy a cleaner, nicer home.

Garbage Disposal

The garbage disposal is one of the hardest working appliances in your kitchen, but it is also one of the most overlooked. Bad kitchen odors often have their origin in the garbage disposal. Because so much food waste is run through the garbage disposal, it can be a site of mold growth. Mold as well as excess food pieces can be the source of those bad smells. Decaying food can also lead to clogs, preventing the disposal from working correctly.

Equal parts baking soda and vinegar are usually sufficient to clear a garbage disposal. Start by running hot water, and then pour the mixture down the disposal. Doing this once a week will keep everything running smoothly.

A Clean Home Is a Pleasant Home

Cleaning these overlooked areas will help you feel more at home in your living space. You can relax knowing you’ve done this job well. Most of these overlooked areas don’t need to be cleaned frequently, but they make a big difference in how your home looks and functions.

By: Katherine Robinson, a writer for Duct Doctor

Pets experience anxiety about a move, just like the other members of their family. While you can talk to young children to prepare them for an upcoming move, your favorite canine or feline simply can’t always understand your words. The good news is that you have many ways to help soothe your pet’s worries. Implementing these strategies as soon as you know you’re moving can ease your pet’s anxiety and help them acclimate to their new home faster.

1. Hire Professional Movers to Free Up Time for Your Pet

Similar to children, pets need more supervision during a move than you might be able to give if you are constantly shuffling boxes around. Hiring professional movers allows you to delegate major tasks that take up your attention. As the movers work, you can tend to your pet, which helps to alleviate their anxiety. Whether you play with your pet in the backyard while the movers do the packing or take them to a special part of the house while they load boxes, you’ll be able to keep your attention directed towards your favorite animal.

2. Try to Stick to Your Normal Routine

Your pet depends upon their routine to feel safe in the world, and nothing fuels anxiety like wondering when they will get their next meal. While it might be difficult, sticking to a routine during the move helps your pet feel secure. If necessary, recruit help with making sure your pet gets their daily walk or assign another family member to feed them on time when you’re signing paperwork for your new home.

3. Visit Your New Home Before the Big Move

Animals prefer familiar places, and you can bet that your pet will want to explore their new environment. If possible, take your pet to the new house before the main moving day. If you cannot go inside just yet, then you might still be able to let them sniff around the front yard and neighboring areas.

4. Keep Treats and Toys Accessible

Many pets are territorial regarding their toys, and seeing their favorite ball or chew toy get tossed into a box is upsetting for animals. Plus, having a ball to play fetch with is a great way to help your pet burn off any anxious energy they develop. Try to make sure that your pet’s favorite toys stay close by, and let your movers know that you prefer to keep them around until the move is complete. You might also opt to pack your pet a special box of new toys that you can bring out anytime they are especially anxious. Distraction is a wonderful method for keeping pets calm as new people work around the house.

5. Stay Close to Your Pet During Moving Day

On the big day, you’ll find that your pet is happier when you are able to stick by their side. You might decide to designate a special room where you and other family members can hang out with your pet while the movers work. Or, you could opt to take your pet to their favorite dog park while the bulk of loading up the truck is completed by professionals. Where you hang out with your pet is up to you but making them a priority helps to eliminate potentially challenging behaviors such as excessive barking or trying to run away.

6. Give Them a Safe Space While You Set Up

Once you get to your new home, you’ll want to establish a safe space in the area where they can rest and play while you unpack all your boxes. If your pet is crate trained, then you might put them in the same room where most of the action is happening. If they tend to roam more freely, then you can set up a pet gate to block off a safe area where your pet won’t be in the way of people carrying heavy boxes or furniture. Soon, you’ll be able to let them roam free and explore their new environment. Most pets quickly adjust to their new home once it’s set up, but you might still need to give your favorite animal a little extra love and care for the first few days.

Throughout your move, you might notice that your pet’s anxiety comes and goes. Taking the time to stay attuned to their mood can make it easier to know when to give them a little extra love and care. Once you’ve all settled into your new home, you’ll love watching as your pet begins to explore their new surroundings as they return your efforts to keep them calm with plenty of affection.

By: Katherine Robinson, a writer for Allied Van Lines

Camas, WA — Pike Art Gallery has decked the halls for Christmas at Camas First Friday Art Walk this week. Gallery owner and local artist Liz Pike invites the public to a swanky artists’ reception – serving up conviviality with complimentary beverages and charcuterie on Friday, December 1st from 5 to 8 pm. The gallery is located at the corner of Birch Street and Sixth Avenue, occupying the lobby of Minuteman Press. The gallery features the work of both Pike and Vancouver artist Blue Bond at the popular art exhibition every first Friday of the month.

“I’m unveiling a new body of works painted in a new palette of soft shades of avocado greens and golds,” said Pike. “I’ve experienced a wonderful year of inspiration and I’m excited to share my latest body of work,” said Pike. 

She also noted the importance of shopping local during this Christmas season of giving. 

“We have so many wonderful hometown businesses that are owned and operated by local families. When we shop local, everyone wins,” she added. 

Bond also has new works of art on display at Pike Art Gallery for the month of December. Additionally, Pike keeps her gallery open late each Thursday from 5-7 pm.

Each Thirsty ART Thursday, Pike performs a live painting demonstration in oil on canvas. Discover local art and enjoy complimentary beverages and charcuterie each Thursday from 5-7 pm. 

“We invite area residents to drop into Pike Art Gallery on their way to dinner in downtown Camas,” said Pike.

Pike also shows her work at several summertime art festivals. She is a member of the Battle Ground Art Alliance, Artisans Guild of Camas, the Northwest Oil Painters Guild and Society of Washington Artists. Pike Art Gallery can be reached at 360.281.8720.