Tag Archive for: Art

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Discover New Local Artists, Treasures at 2024 Camas Vintage & Art Faire

Camas, WA — The 15th annual Camas Vintage & Art Faire returns to Downtown Camas on Saturday, August 24th, from 9 am-3 pm, and will feature many new local artists and vintage vendors. Art enthusiasts will find a wide range of artists bringing a unique blend of creativity and history to the streets of Downtown Camas. Attendees can expect to see professional works of art including paintings, fiber art, ceramics, upcycled creations, photography, handcrafted jewelry, metal work, and much more. The vintage vendors will delight collectors and enthusiasts alike with an eclectic mix of indoor and outdoor vintage decor, vintage clothing, furniture, jewelry and accessories, offering something for every taste.

Located on 4th Avenue and Birch Streets, just steps away from Camas Antiques at 305 NE 4th Avenue, this event promises a vibrant showcase of artistry and timeless treasures, perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of vintage charm to their life or find their new favorite piece of local art.

This year brings many new artists and artisans to the show. Nature lovers will appreciate the authentic wildlife and scientific illustration of biology undergrad and Camas local Lux Johnson of Pale Relics. Stained glass collectors will enjoy the colorful and whimsical creations from Battleground artist Kelley McCarthy of Firefly Stained Glass. Camas maker Kierstyn Heilbrun will showcase her custom crocheted tops and other clothing, designed for all bodies. Her business, More Than Cotton, strives to empower women through her stylish handmade pieces.

Many popular artists will return for 2024 including wildlife, landscape and pet portrait painter Mike Paulsen, fine jewelry maker Heather McMaster of Girl in the Pearl, vibrant painter and silk dyer Liz Nye of E.M. ENZ Designs, and local fabric artist Kathy Marty of Windy Hill Weavers, who specializes in crafting rugs and other home items from Pendleton fabric scraps.

Many new vintage vendors will also be joining this event. Longtime Camas Antiques vendor Neil Sater of Antique Frog will bring a wide selection of clothing, household goods, furniture and yard art. David Marshal of Junk Empire specializes in mid-century modern pieces and vintage toys and Tom Bliquez of Stonewood Rustics creates yard and garden art pieces out of reclaimed vintage wood and hardware.

Record collectors can find their missing album from returning vendor Bug Bones Records. For shoppers looking for bespoke home décor with a vintage twist, returning fan favorite vintage vendors Belle Flower Farms and the Friends and Foundation of the Camas Library offer a carefully curated selection of homegrown flower arrangements in vintage vessels and antique books sets. For a complete list of all art and vintage vendors, visit: https://downtowncamas.com/event/camas-vintage-art-faire.

Live music with a vintage feel will set the tone for the Faire. Jazz guitarist Bret Malmquist will play from 10am-12pm and the Carol Rossio Jazz Trio will perform their unique blend of French jazz and pop from 12:30pm-3:00pm. Longtime Sponsor Camas Antiques will once again provide the beautiful floral table arrangements that give the event an elegant feel. In addition to our many popular downtown restaurants, additional dining options will include Getta Gyro, My Chicago Hot Dogs, PNW Kettlecorn, and treats and pastries with an artistic flair from Blue Gem Baking Co. Dole soft serve ice cream will also be available from new vendor Swirled Frozen Goodness.

“This event is one we eagerly anticipate each year,” says Jan Carter, Marketing and Volunteer Coordinator for the Downtown Camas Association (DCA). “With a diverse array of artists and vintage vendors, there’s truly something special for every collector and enthusiast. Each booth is a treasure trove of unique finds, and every vendor brings their own distinct story to the table. We love art in Downtown Camas! We invite everyone to come and find an old favorite, discover something new, and explore this unique event.”

The DCA hosts the Camas Vintage & Art Faire, sponsored by Camas Antiques. The DCA works year-round to strengthen and promote Downtown Camas through partnerships, events, beautification and historic preservation projects, economic development, advocacy, and tourism functions. For information on the DCA and other downtown events, visit www.downtowncamas.com.  For further information about this event, visit the 2024 Camas Vintage & Art Faire Facebook event page.

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12-Year-Old Nia Thompson Concludes Reign as ‘Young Nala’ in Disney’s ‘The Lion King’

New York, NY — Twelve-year-old Nia Thompson is no stranger to the stage. As a young three-year-old, Nia watched KeKe Palmer in her historic performances as the first Black Cinderella on Broadway in RODGER’S + HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA. As the curtains closed she turned to her mother and said, “I’m supposed to be on the stage.” Years later, the young phenom is set to conclude her epic run as one of the few Haitian-Americans to portray “Young Nala” in Disney’s THE LION KING on Broadway on August 18th. The fairytale manifestation of words from a young toddler resulted in nearly 200shows that left audiences inspired and anxiously awaiting what is next from Thompson.

It is the kind of a story Walt Disney himself would write. On September 8, 2019, to celebrate her eighth birthday, Thompson set foot in the Minskoff Theater for the first time, to see THE LION KING with her two besties. As a special treat, her parents arranged a backstage tour led by seven-year ensemble member the late Sharron Lynn Williams. As the tour ended, Thompson stood on stage and shared her dreams of one day being in THE LION KING, to which Sharron responded by turning her around to face the empty theater and saying, “See yourself here one day…” Four years later on September 7, 2023, the night before her twelfth birthday, reality caught up with her dreams when Nia was cast to make her Broadway debut starring in the world’s number one musical as “Young Nala.”

Nia’s inspirational story began before she was even born. The rainbow child of her father, Marc Thompson, Jr., and mother, Coach Gessie Thompson, Nia is the manifestation of a 10-year battle with infertility caused by uterine fibroids.

Upon celebrating her 100th show in June, Thompson said, “This has been so very special. What a blessing. In this season I am building my confidence on the stage but also building my confidence in who I am and whose I am! When I think about me closing out my 100th show, all I can do is thank the LORD for all He’s done. I may be young, but this job requires lots of maturity, discipline and sacrifice. I’ve had to overcome a lot to be here. I’m so grateful for growth…100 shows later and I’m better than ever!”

Living her dream, Nia is the CEO of her own production company,Authentic Nia Inc., and was previously best known for singing Disney’s viral hit “Super Bonnet” from GRAMMY winners Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter’s NAACP Image Nominated animated short series “Rise Up, Sing Out.” The infectious bop championed diversity and inclusivity by inspiring young girls around the world to embrace and celebrate their curly, textured hair. She has also enjoyed recurring roles in the Obamas’ Netflix EMMY-winning animated series “Ada Twist Scientist” and Oscar winnerForest Whitaker’s “Godfather of Harlem” as well as an appearance alongsideQueen Latifah in “The Equalizer.” She was most recently seen in Season 54 episode 29 of “Sesame Street” and can soon be seen in the upcoming HULU miniseries “Washington Black.”

As she prepares to shift from “Young Nala,” Thompson continues to build on her momentum looking to make history starring in THE AMIGO FAMILY–the first of its kind identifiably Afro-Latino TV series–alongside The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air sitcom icon Tatyana Ali, who is starring in and executive producing the project; show creator and award-winning Bronx-Garifuna-Honduran born children’s book author and community activist Sulma Arzu-Brown; and writer Keisha Ansley (who has worked on many acclaimed shows, including Showtime’s Weeds, HBO’s Insecure and as a full-time writer on ABC’s hit show, Black-ish.) Thompson recently joined the cast for a live reading of the series pilot episode during the 2024 ESSENCE Festival of Culture as a feature of the ESSENCE Film Festival to rave reviews.

While fully committed to this project, Nia will also be very busy this fall performing at The 4th Annual Sustainable Goals Banquet in September and launching her “Authentic Voices” podcast in partnership with The Conscious Kid–an Education, Research and Policy Organization that supports families and educators in taking action to disrupt racism, inequity and bias.

Nia Thompson
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Local Copper Works Artist David Gerton Releases Butterfly Series

Camas, WA — Lacamas Magazine asked Copper Works artist David Gerton about the release of his new Butterfly series.

1) What inspired you to do a series on butterflies? 

I’ve always had a love for butterflies stemming from my bug collection as a kid in Denver. So when I did the first one, I thought that was fun should do some more. Most of my butterflies, not all, but most are figments of my imagination. As are the stories that go along with them. I created a coffee table book with a number of them, including the stories, mostly fictional that went along with the butterflies. 

2) How many butterfly pieces have you created? 

I have created at least 30 different butterflies, all of them fictional, except for the monarch butterfly and the yellow swallowtail. 

3) How long have you been doing Copper Works art? 

I have been doing Copper Works art for about eight years ever since I retired from the real world where I was a corporate weenie and Entrepreneur. 

4) Do you have a favorite Butterfly? 

My favorite butterfly has to be the real yellow swallowtail, a fond memory from my youth. 

5) How do you decide which art to focus on? 

The art I focus on is what strikes my fancy at the time. For a while, it was bears, then it was big cats, then there were patriotic pieces, flags, and eagles. Followed by a series of hummingbirds.  

The next series will be owls and bees. My main focus initially was on trout and salmon. The trout again were fond memories from my youth fishing with my dad and granddad. I would have to say 50 percent of all my work has been of a piscatorial nature.   

6) How do people best contact you at Copper Works Art?

The best way to contact me is directly by my cell number 503-803-8921 which is also a good way to get a message to me. Or contact me by messenger on Facebook under David Gerton.  My website is www.copperworksart.com. A lot of my work can be viewed by category on the website which is currently being updated and revised my email address is David.gerton@icloud.com. I can also be reached at artist@copperworks.com

I gladly accept commissions on just about any subject matter, including pet memorials of which I have done a number.

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Artist, Mycophile, Educator Shares Colorful World of Fungi

Julie Beeler Creates Pigments & Dyes from Mushrooms in the Columbia River Gorge

Stevenson, WA — Using 40 varieties of fungi to create 825 vibrant natural pigments, dyes and paints, Julie Beeler expresses and educates using mushrooms for color. Layering on natural fibers, Beeler draws on the history of natural dyes to make textiles that are cut, sewn, stitched and constructed to reflect our relationship to the natural world. She shares her process, from foraging and identification to dyeing natural fibers through her studio Bloom & Dye in Trout Lake, Washington and through workshops, retreats and demonstrations.  

Beeler’s journey into the world of mushroom color began with a fascination for the vast and mysterious network of fungi beyond the commonly known edible and medicinal uses. Beeler describes herself as a self-taught mycophile, having spent the past decade delving into uses for these natural pigments. In addition to her studio and educational programs, Beeler developed an online resource The Mushroom Color Atlas to share the colors found in these mushrooms.  

“The universe of colors lurking inside mushrooms mirror the vast array of hues we see in the natural world, yet they are invisible and hidden in an immense underground fungal network of life that represents a new frontier,” expounds Beeler.

Through her work, Beeler was offered an opportunity to collaborate with award-winning publisher, Chronicle Books to create a comprehensive guide to her entire process. The Mushroom Color Atlasbook, written by Beeler and Illustrated by Yuli Gates, releases September 3, 2024.  As an art book, field guide and color distillation workshop, The Mushroom Color Atlas features botanical mushroom illustrations and clear instructions on how to find and positively identify more than two dozen color-filled mushroom species in the wild.

For those looking to experience her work, Beeler will be exhibiting at the Columbia Gorge Museum in Stevenson, Washington October 12 through November 22, 2024.  Her show, Symbiosis, will transport visitors through large sale, immersive ‘tree totems,’ each displaying the chromatic interplay of hues created from regional fungi. A series of textile pieces, mono prints, and photographs visualize their relationship to the environment and create a portrait of our local ecosystem. 

Beeler will also be conducting a demonstration at the Columbia Gorge Museum entitled Mushroom Pigments, Paints & Inks on October 19 from 1-2 pm as a free event for ticket holders in conjunction with The Stevenson Mushroom Festival.

About The Stevenson Mushroom Festival
The Stevenson Mushroom Festival is presented by Traverse PNW Market in Stevenson, Washington. The festival is designed to captivate attendees of all ages with an array of festivities to celebrate the enchanting world of mushrooms. Located throughout Stevenson, Washington, October 18-19, 2024. More at: stevensonmushroomfestival.com

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Feeling Discouraged? See How This Retreat Will Cheer You Up!

Maybe you’re in a major life transition or you’ve just experienced a deep loss. Perhaps the kids are all gone and the house feels empty or the kids and their schedules are so busy that it’s been a long time since you’ve experienced some quiet. All you know is that you feel: 

  • unsettled,
  • overwhelmed, and
  • uncertain.

“Trust me. I’ve been there,” says artist Elida Field. “I know what it’s like to be in a place you never thought you’d be and wondering … 

Who am I now that …?

What am I supposed to do next?”

Field has led hundreds of women through the process of finding their mojo again by helping them connect to their creativity. 

“Edenwild Retreat will give you the rest you deserve, the spark you’ve been lacking, and the friends you’ve been wanting. When the days get darker, this retreat will be a bright spot to look forward to,” said Field.

All you need to do is:

  1. Register for the Edenwild Retreat.
  2. Pack your bags.
  3. Prepare for painting, hikes, bikes, wonderful dinners and deep conversations.

https://www.elidaart.com/tours

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Sarah Bang Unveils ‘Brave Kids’ Series of Art at RedDoor Gallery

Camas, WA — The public is invited to see the latest works of original art on canvas, glass, Yupo paper, copper, wood and clay at RedDoor Gallery (RDG) at a special First Friday Art Walk reception this Friday, August 2nd from 5-8 pm featuring complimentary refreshments and delicious charcuterie. The art gallery, located in the historic building at 411 NE Dallas Street in downtown Camas, features new work each month by artists Sarah Bang, Shirley Bishop, Matthew Clarkson, Heidi Curley, Cheryl Folkers, Dave Garbot, David Gerton, Cheryl Mathieson, Liz Pike and Tamra Sheline.  The gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday from 12pm to 7pm and by special appointment. 

A signature piece this month is titled “Fierce,” an enhanced Giclee print on canvas, reproduced from the first in a “Brave Kids” series of original paintings by Sarah C. Bang.  Sarah is an accomplished painter who works predominantly in oils and acrylics on canvas. She was inspired to paint the piece after seeing a random photo and poem that she found on the internet. 

“I used every color on my palette to create a black and white image,” she said. “We can do more than we ever imagined, whether it’s standing up to a bully, defending someone who can’t defend themselves, or even fighting an illness.” 

Sarah says that bravery isn’t the absence of fear, it’s the ability to face fear, stand up and say, “Enough!” Sarah  believes the fate of the world depends on raising courageous kids today. 

Experience the joy and transformative power of art inside the RedDoor! The gallery’s mission is to provide a vibrant art space open to the public and foster a creative art-making community. In addition to a gallery of fine art, quality art instructional classes are offered in RDG’s professionally equipped studio. RDG also includes a small artist community within the building for individual painters who desire a private art studio on a lease basis.  

In addition to hosting an upscale First Friday Art Walk reception from 5pm to 8pm on the first Friday of each month, RDG also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year. Visit RDG on the web at RedDoorGalleryCamas.com. For more information, call 360-281-8720 or e-mail RedDoorGalleryCamas@gmail.com

Sarah
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Fern Prairie ART FEST Features 9 Artists This Weekend at Shangri-La Farm

Fern Prairie, WA — The fifth annual Fern Prairie ART FEST is a two-day event connecting local artists and the community on Saturday and Sunday, August 3rd and 4th from 10 am to 4 pm. The ART FEST is staged in the peaceful and tranquil setting of Shangri-La Farm, located 1.5 miles north of Lacamas Lake just outside the city limits of Camas, Washington. A total of nine artist booths will be featured in the juried show.

“These fine artists are excited to show and sell their work at ART FEST,” said organizer and local artist Liz Pike. 

Pike will be joined by artists Bev Birdwell, Matthew Clarkson, Cheryl Folkers, Dave Garbot, David Gerton, Charlene Hale, Gail Haskett and Keith Russell. Original work includes paintings in oils, acrylics and watercolor, pastels, mixed media, hand-built pottery, fused and enamel glass, jewelry, pen and ink, and copper mixed media.

The public is invited to take in original works of art surrounded by the beautiful gardens at Shangri-La Farm. Attendees will park at rented Grove Field Airport parking lot, 632 NE 267th Avenue, Camas, WA. Guests may either walk the 1/4 mile trail through the woods to Shangri-La Farm or take the free “Sunflower Mobile” shuttle service. The Sunflower Mobile is an art piece all on its own, hand painted by Liz Pike in oils on fiberglass in her signature sunflower motif. The free shuttle will be available to transport attendees from the airport parking lot to Shangri-La Farm on both days, Saturday and Sunday, August 3rd and 4th between 10 am and 4 pm.

The Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce is operating a beer and wine garden starting at noon both days with proceeds benefitting Chamber programs. Diamond Dogs will be selling its gourmet dogs and snacks next to the Chamber’s beer and wine garden.

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

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Downtown Merchants to Host Inaugural Camas Art & Wine Walk on Sept. 7

Camas, WA — A brand new event for wine and art enthusiasts is coming to Camas on Saturday, September 7 from noon to 5 pm. Attendees over the age of 21 will visit 17 wineries at 17 downtown Camas merchant locations as part of the first ever Camas Art & Wine Walk.

Advance tickets at $50 per person are available online now at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/camas-art-wine-walk-tickets-948027946107. Day of event tickets jump to $70 per person.

“This a great value,” said Kim Lane, owner of Lane Cellars. “Where else can you taste wine from 17 different wineries in the span of a few downtown city blocks? It’s absolutely recession-proof pricing.”

In addition to wine, original art will be on display inside participating art galleries and merchants, as well as sidewalk art vendors.

All proceeds from Camas Art & Wine Walk will benefit Camas Students and Families Foundation, (CSFF). CSFF helps students and families in need within the Camas School District, by providing a variety of goods including eyeglasses, school supplies, sporting equipment and even cap and gown rental for graduation. 

“We are thrilled to be partnering with CSFF to help local families in need,”said Lane.

Cost of admission includes a wine swag bag with a lanyard ticket, a walking map and a signature wine glass that will be

used at each location.

The lineup of merchants and wineries include:

4Ever Growing Kids • York Farm Vineyard • 440 NE 4th Avenue

Allure • Valo & Massalto • 407 NE 4th Avenue

Arktana • Confluence Vineyard & Winery • 415 NE 4th Avenue

Autumn Leaf Bookstore • Emanar Cellar • 334 NE 4th Avenue

Camas Antiques • Matranga Vineyards • 305 NE 4th Avenue

Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s Int. • Columbia Gorge Vintners • 418 NE 4th Ave.

Camas Cellars • featuring their wines • 222 NE Everett Street, Suite 1

Feast 316 • Brian Carter Cellars • 316 NE Dallas Street

Gallery 408 • Burnt Bridge Cellars • 408 NE 4th Avenue

Juxtaposition • Pomeroy Cellars • 425 NE 4th Avenue

Lane Cellars • featuring their wines • 340 NE 4th Avenue

Lily Boutique • English Estate Winery • 237 NE 4th Avenue

Papermaker Pride • Windy Hills Winery • 339 NE 4th Avenue

Poppy & Hawk • Stavalaura Vineyard & Winery • 223 NE 4th Avenue

RedDoor Gallery • Columbia Ridge Winery • 411 NE Dallas Street

Runyan’s Jewelers • Willamette Valley Vineyards • 327 NE 4th Avenue

Sweet Intentions Gift Shop • Rezabek Vineyards • 218 NE 4th Avenue

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Fern Prairie ART FEST Features 9 Artists Aug. 3-4 at Shangri-La Farm

Fern Prairie, WA — The fifth annual Fern Prairie ART FEST is a two-day event connecting local artists and the community on Saturday and Sunday, August 3rd and 4th from 10 am to 4 pm. The ART FEST is staged in the peaceful and tranquil setting of Shangri-La Farm, located 1.5 miles north of Lacamas Lake just outside the city limits of Camas, Washington. A total of 9 artist booths will be featured in the juried show. 

“These fine artists are excited to show and sell their work at ART FEST,” said organizer and local artist Liz Pike. Pike will be joined by artists Bev Birdwell, Matthew Clarkson, Cheryl Folkers, Dave Garbot, David Gerton, Charlene Hale, Gail Haskett and Keith Russell. Original work includes paintings in oils, acrylics and watercolor, pastels, mixed media, hand-built pottery, fused and enamel glass, jewelry, pen and ink, and copper mixed media. 

The public is invited to take in original works of art surrounded by the beautiful gardens at Shangri-La Farm. Attendees will park at rented Grove Field Airport parking lot, 632 NE 267th Avenue, Camas, WA. Guests may either walk the 1/4 mile trail through the woods to Shangri-La Farm or take the free “Sunflower Mobile” shuttle service. 

The Sunflower Mobile is an art piece all on its own, hand painted by Liz Pike in oils on fiberglass in her signature sunflower motif. The free shuttle will be available to transport attendees from the airport parking lot to Shangri-La Farm on both days, Saturday and Sunday, August 3rd and 4th between 10 am and 4 pm. 

The Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce is operating a beer and wine garden starting at noon both days with proceeds benefitting Chamber programs. Diamond Dogs will be selling its gourmet dogs and snacks next to the Chamber’s beer and wine garden.

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

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Elida Art to Host Several Paint Night Events This Summer

Camas artist Elida Field is hosting several art events this summer. Here’s a list of what is coming:

Paint Night at Confluence Winery

Spring Highland Cow

Date: Thursday, June 13th, 6:30 -9:00 pm

Instructor: Elida Field

Location: Confluence Winery, 19111 NW 67th Ave, Ridgefield, WA 98642

Cost: $85 includes a glass of wine, small cheese board, painting materials & instruction. Additional wine will be available for purchase.

Link to register: https://www.elidaart.com/product-page/paint-night-at-confluence-2

Paint Night at Caffe Umbria

Pretty Blue Hydrangea

Date: Friday, June 21st, 6:30 -9:00 pm

Instructor: Elida Field, owner of Elida Studio & Art Gallery

Location: Caffè Umbria, 303 NW 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97209

Cost: $85 includes Prosecco, painting materials & instruction. Food and drinks will be available for purchase prior to the event.

Link to register: https://www.elidaart.com/product-page/paint-night-at-caffè-umbria-nw-12th-3

Paint Night at Valo Cellars

Beautiful Butterfly 

Date: Wednesday, June 26th, 6:00 -8:30 pm

Instructor: Elida Field

Location: Valo Cellars, 671 W Columbia Way Vancouver, WA 98660

Cost: $85 includes painting materials & instruction, glass of wine and cheese board. Additional wine will be available for purchase. 

Link to Register: https://www.elidaart.com/product-page/paint-night-at-valo-cellars-3

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