Tag Archive for: Art

To start out with a somewhat-painful cliché – it is indeed that time of year again. The time where holiday fanatics mourn the conclusion of the beloved holiday season. The time where we ashamedly remember all the goals we had set for ourselves at the beginning of January that were eventually abandoned. The time where we pull a 180 and write up a whole new list of resolutions for ourselves as we boldly claim, “this upcoming year will be different!”

This sentiment is not to make you feel guilty or discouraged. I myself am the queen of setting a new year goal that is – more often than not – somehow magically forgotten after a mere week or two. Upon reflecting on our tendencies to hold the new year to such a high standard, I am humored by our human nature. The concept of time and the calendar are manmade instruments that are used to organize and make sense of our lives. Why do so many of us make excuses and put off the changing of a habit until the beginning of the following year? Essentially, New Year’s Day is simply another day, another hour, another minute. Though, it is true that many of us get accustomed to our habits, stuck in our ways, and as time passes, more unlikely to change. If ringing in a new year can signify the beginning of a new chapter and new motivations, then that in itself is worth celebrating!

Check Out the Playlist on Spotify!

Beginning a new chapter of life in general is most often bittersweet, and this playlist aims to capture some of that. This might mean leaving a piece of yourself behind – a home, a job, a relationship (The Kinks’ “So Long,” Ryan Adam’s “Outbound Train,” Tom Petty’s “Time to Move On”). This might simultaneously be the opening of a new door that brings new adventures, new people to meet, and a strong, wanderlust-fueled desire to dive deep into the unknown – even when you are not sure where it may lead you (Mac Demarco’s “The Stars Keep on Calling My Name,” The B-52s’ “Roam”).

There are songs of reinvention and longing on a personal level, particularly Joni Mitchell’s “Free Man in Paris” – a track that mirrors my heart’s wildest desires to a T.

“I was a free man in Paris
I felt unfettered and alive
There was nobody calling me up for favors
And no one’s future to decide…”
The playlist is closed by two power ballads, the first being pop sensation Lorde’s hit single “Green Light” from her sophomore album, Melodrama. Released this year to high critical acclaim, the twenty-one-year-old New Zealander described “Green Light” as a post-heartbreak rebuilding anthem.

“But I hear sounds in my mind
Brand new sounds in my mind
But honey I’ll be seein’ you, ever, I go
But honey I’ll be seein’ you down every road
I’m waiting for it, that green light, I want it…”
The last tune is my personal favorite Bruce Springsteen song – “Thunder Road.” The opening track on his 1975 album Born to Run, the lyrics are fueled by the desire to find a sense of meaning and purpose by stepping outside a life one has always known.

“Hey, what else can we do now?
Except roll down the window and let the wind blow back your hair
Well, the night’s busting open, these two lanes will take us anywhere
We got one last chance to make it real
To trade in these wings on some wheels
Climb in back, heaven’s waiting on down the tracks
Oh oh, come take my hand
We’re riding out tonight to case the promised land…”

In his VH1 Storytellers interview in 2005, Springsteen himself described the music as sounding like “an invitation. Something is opening up to you…a sense of a larger life, greater experience…a sense of personal exploration, your possibilities…the idea that it is all lying somewhere inside of you…just on the edge of town.”

“There were ghosts in the eyes of all the boys you sent away
They haunt this dusty beach road in the skeleton frames of burned-out Chevrolets
They scream your name at night in the street
Your graduation gown lies in rags at their feet
And in the lonely cool before dawn
You hear their engines rolling on
But when you get to the porch, they’re gone on the wind
So Mary, climb in
It’s a town full of losers, I’m pulling out of here to win.”

There is no time like the present, and there is no time to waste. Make the most of this new year – go create! Go pursue! Go explore! Go live!

This month’s Downtown Camas First Friday, to be held November 3 from 5-8 pm will be filled with fun activities centered around being “thankful for pie!”

Start the evening at the Downtown Camas Association (DCA) tables at Journey Community Church at 4th and Birch for your pie passport and activity list.

First Friday activities include:

  • Pie tastings in participating businesses — vote for your favorite pie and be entered to win prizes from the merchants, which include the pies themselves.
  • Pie Walk parties start at 7 pm at Journey Church — you can win a delicious pie, some other treats and have fun dancing. Truly Scrumptious and Cake Happy are donating some of the pies.
  • There will be a pie raffle at the DCA tables inside Journey Church, which is sponsored by Carla Edwards from allclarkcountyhomes.com
  • Kids’ autumn crafts at the DCA tables and painting with The Paint Roller.
  • Family friendly gratitude activities
  • Art shows at Camas Gallery, located at 408 NE 4th Avenue; Second Story Gallery, located at 625 NE 4th Avenue (featuring Annette Jackson); and Attic Gallery, located at 421 NE Cedar, featuring Mike Smith and Terri Axness.
  • S’mores roasting at Journey (weather permitting).

And, be sure to stop by at the fine restaurants in downtown Camas.

To learn more, visit www.downtowncamas.com

Pie

Summer berry tart with custard cream, food

During the day on September 1st from 9am-4:00pm, local artists will be doing Plein Air (Open Air)painting around town. So fun to watch! Then vote for your favorite during the First Friday event from 5-8pm.

The finished plein air art pieces will be on display at the Camas Gallery, 408 NE 4th, from 5-8 pm that evening. The community will vote for its favorites and “People Choice Awards” will be given. These works of art will then be auctioned off at the Dinner in White on the Columbia, a benefit for the Washougal Library Building Fund, on Saturday, September 9th at Marina Park at the Port of Camas Washougal. For artists who would like to participate, visit here for all the info: www.camasgallery.com/plein-air

Other art features, music, and activities that night are:

  • Elida Field’s “Art, Women & Wine” artists will be showcased in participating merchant locations; Meet the artists, enjoy the art, and be entered to win prizes from the merchants.  Arktana-Heidi Jo Curley; Caffe Piccolo-Grace Valentine; Cake Happy-Stephanie Rauch; Camas Antiques-Elida Field; Camas Beauty Bar & Boutique-Lara Blair; Camas Hotel Lobby-Gail McKenna & Camas Hotel Atrium-Suzanne Ferguson; Journey-Alison & Grace Benjamin; Lily Atelier-Bev Kadow; Lizzabeth A-Susan Mooney; Mill Interpretive Center-Ayn Lavagnino; Navidi’s-Jim Rodriguez; Salud!-Shelley Mincks. After party at Elida’s Art Studio! 8pm on, 735 NE 6th.
  • Hidden Bronze Bird Tour Dedication! 5pm at 4th and Cedar.Come find the thirteen bronze birds throughout downtown!The artists Georgia Gerber and Randy Hudson will be joining us for the celebration and there will also be a “Meet and Greet” with the artists from 4-5pm at Attic Gallery, 421 NE Cedar. Bird Maps will be given out at the dedication and then at the DCA tables in Journey, 304 NE 4th throughout the rest of the evening. Join us for the fun and to discover the flock!
  • Friends of Camas Arts Art Show in Journey
  • Live outdoor music at Mesa with Lance Kinnaird and Lauren Abraham, 228 NE 4th, from 6-9pm
  • Art shows and receptions at Camas Gallery, 408 NE 4th, featuring Julie Olson and at Attic Gallery, 421 NE Cedar, featuring David Allen Dunlop
  • Kids’ art crafts, including The Paint Roller Mobile Paint Party with rock painting; chalk art; and the fourth annual DCA First Friday Coloring Contest with prizes (at the DCA tables in Journey)
  • Our City Cares will be on hand to talk about City-wide initiatives in Camas to combat suicide, by Journey.
  • FREE hair art and face painting at The Wild Hair, 418 NE Cedar
  • The Soap Chest: get a FREE bar of Mona Lisa soap with purchase of $25 or more, 521 NE Everett
  • The artful film The Trip to Spain at the Liberty Theatre at 6:45pm
  • Shop, dine, & have artful fun in Downtown Camas! Receive a free prize ticket for every $10 you spend in downtown.

To learn more, visit www.downtowncamas.com

 

The 9th Annual Camas Vintage & Art Street Faire will feature 60+ vintage and local art vendors all in the charming tree lined streets of Downtown Camas.

Vintage offerings include a huge variety of indoor and outdoor furniture and home and garden items as well as clothing and accessories. Art offerings include quality paintings, woodworking, glass art, metal work, handmade jewelry, fiber art, repurposed art, and more. Live music and fresh, delicious food will also be available. The friendly and inviting ambience of the town will complete the experience!

The Faire will be hosted on Saturday August 26th, in Downtown Camas on 4th Avenue and Birch Streets, near Camas Antiques, 305 NE 4th Avenue.

Come early for fresh coffee at 9am, enjoy lunch at one of Downtown Camas’ many fine eating establishments, and stay until 3pm finding the perfect items for your home and garden.

Live music will include jazz guitar by Bret Malmquist from 10-12 and Carol Rossio Jazz Trio with French influence from 12:30-3pm

A special thank you to Georgia Pacific for providing public parking in their lot at 6th Avenue and Adams!

This event is a collaboration between the Downtown Camas Association and VV Larue Presents and is sponsored by Camas Antiques and Plum Deluxe Teas.

Information provided by the Downtown Camas Association. To learn more, visit: http://downtowncamas.com/events-and-festivals/2017-camas-vintage-art-faire/

Camas, WA — For First Friday, May 5th, downtown will be having a “Garden Gnome & Fairy Gala” in honor of the Camas Plant & Garden Fair the next week. Events are from 5-8pm.

Find those mischievous gnomes and cute fairies in each participating location and see what kind of fun each is having! You’ll earn tickets to win great prizes for each location you go to!

Other activities will include:

  • Find the fairy houses through town and feed the fairies! (get the fairy food at the DCA tables in Journey! :))
  • S’mores roasting with iQ Credit Union (weather permitting!)
  • Get your picture taken with our friendly gnome family!
  • Enjoy the “Secret Garden” window display at Camas Antiques.
  • Fairy flower crowns! Plus 3 Crafting will be selling very cool flower crowns to fit our theme! In Journey.
  • Art gallery shows and receptions with refreshments:
    • Attic Gallery: Encaustic paintings by Sheary Clough Suiter and Tyler Marchus. Free “Painting With Encaustic” demonstration by Sheary Clough Suiter; Live music
    • Camas Gallery: featuring paintings by Katey Sandy
    • Second Story Gallery: Douglas Keith – painting & sculpture and Earlene Holmstrom – soft pastels
    • Watch a craft beer brewing demonstration by the group Drib Pro Quo in honor of National Homebrew Day; next to Caps N’ Taps, 337 NE 4th
    • The movie “Labyrinth” at the Liberty Theatre at 8pm
    • Gnome and fairy kids’ crafts at the DCA tables in Journey
    • *Cinco de Mayo Celebration hosted by Mesa unfortunately had to be cancelled due to the weather. They will be having a fun celebration inside though! Thank you for understanding!
    • After Hours Shopping–get a ticket to win for every $10 spent in downtown!
    • Much more!

The fun begins at Journey, 304 NE 4th; May 5th, 5-8pm (Some activities are weather permitting).

Information provided by the Downtown Camas Association. To learn more, visit www.downtowncamas.com

CAMAS, WA — “Images from the Interior” is a dual art exhibit from two artists who were introduced when they were selected by Second Story Gallery for its May show.  Both use their chosen tools to explore beyond the surface.  Often that surface begins life as a portrait but goes deeper to capture an inner quality.
Interior
Earlene Holmstrom sticks to pastels to capture the spark.  She will be joined by Douglas Keith who paints and sculpts to get to the interior of his subject matter.  They will unveil their recent works at a reception on First Friday, May 5, from 5 to 8 pm in the gallery. Keith experiments with a variety of textures and styles to capture his subjects, but he also notes his ideas and images come to him for some internal source.  He says he suspects they may come from the same place where dreams and myths originate, and that capturing them becomes a dialogue between the creator and the created.  His pieces range from dreamy landscapes to what could be death masks from an ancient–or alien–civilization.  His mediums include mesh, wood, basalt, molded cloth and paper.
Interior
While Keith looks inward for inspiration, Holmstrom spends her time observing passersby.  She says she loves the challenge of capturing subtle nuances in each face as well as the emotional message in the figure.  Nothing inspires her painting more than the people she encounters daily, she says. Holmstrom spent her teen years working at the Ringling Art Museum in Florida but only recently settled on soft pastels for her own style.  She says she loves the vibrancy, the layers that can be built on paper and the feel of them in her hands.  Walking into her studio, she says, is like walking into a rainbow. Both artists have turned to their mediums after careers in other fields.  Their combined show, a mix of images that delve into the interior of each subject, will open May 5 and continue through May 27 in the Gallery, upstairs in the Camas Public Library.  In addition to the artists, keyboardist Brad Jensen will be at the First Friday reception with live music. To learn more, visit www.camaslibrary.org

Portland Japanese Garden to feature works of American bonsai artist Ryan Neil in American Bonsai: The Unbridled Art of Ryan Neil

Portland, Oregon – For over a thousand years, the Japanese art of bonsai has intrigued and delighted people with its artistic and painstaking approach to forming trees into beautiful and evocative miniature shapes. Using species native to the American West, bonsai artist Ryan Neil has translated and adapted techniques into an American vernacular. From May 21-June 19, 2016 the outdoor courtyard of the Portland Japanese Garden will host American Bonsai: The Unbridled Art of Ryan Neil, giving Garden visitors the opportunity to see iconic American trees, such as Ponderosa Pines, Douglas Firs, and Coastal Redwoods transformed into living works of art. The exhibit will feature about a dozen living art pieces with trees ranging from 100 to 500 years old to create a dialogue about the trees and places that shape American history and culture.

About Ryan Neil

Ryan Neil grew up on the western slopes of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. From an early age, he was fascinated by the natural and ever-changing beauty of the region’s windswept trees and by their resilience, which allowed the trees to survive years of harsh conditions. After studying horticulture, Ryan moved to Japan for six years, where he apprenticed with bonsai master Masahiko Kimura, a revolutionary figure in contemporary Japanese bonsai art.

After returning from Japan in 2010, Neil moved to Portland, Oregon, to develop and practice his art. Diane Durston, the Portland Japanese Garden’s Curator of Culture, Art and Education brought Neil in to show the connection of Eastern and Western cultures coming together. Says Durston, “We are so excited to show Ryan’s work. He does a remarkable job of channeling the craftsmanship and discipline of this ancient Japanese art form while reflecting the untamed landscape of the American West.”

Bonsai

New maple leaves are bright green, as the Portland weather turns warm again. Photo Credit: David Cobb

What is Bonsai?

The Japanese art of bonsai, which literally translates into “tray planting,” combines art with the natural world, mindfulness, and a dedication to detail. While contemporary bonsai artists, such as Neil, are constantly developing and exploring new techniques, the roots of contemporary bonsai can still be found in the centuries-old traditions of paying attention to every branch, needle, leaf, and delicate detail.

Through using tree species of the American West and pushing the traditional boundaries of bonsai art, Ryan works to challenge his viewers’ conceptions of bonsai art as purely contemplative and seeks to evoke a range of emotions and responses.

Exhibition Details

American Bonsai: The Unbridled Art of Ryan Neil will run from May 21-June 19 during regular hours in the Garden’s outdoor courtyard. Access to the courtyard is included in the general admission ticket. The Garden is open on Mondays from noon to 7 p.m. and on Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are $9.50 for adults; $7.50 for seniors (65+) and college students with ID; and $6.75 for youth aged 6-17. Children under five are admitted free.

About the Portland Japanese Garden

For 53 years, the Portland Japanese Garden has been a haven of serenity and tranquility, nestled in the scenic West Hills of Portland.  It is considered the most authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan and is one of the foremost Japanese cultural organizations in North America.  Its Cultural Crossing expansion project, which adds space for exhibitions, educational programming, and cultural events, will be completed in Spring 2017.

Learn more at japanesegarden.com.

Bonsai

Japanese Garden, garden, Portland, OR, spring, azaleas, flowers, shrubs, walk way

Each month, beginning on the First Friday, the Camas Public Library hosts a new art exhibit in the Second Story Gallery. For the month of March, the library is displaying the exquisite Raku Ceramics artwork of clay artists, Dave and Boni Deal.

The couple work full-time at their craft, producing quality art pieces at their rustic, off-the-grid home in the Columbia Gorge. Their work is recognized for its size, classical form, and surface design that has a Pacific Northwest feel.

Raku Ceramics are known for dramatic firings, and Dave pulls his work out of the 2000 degree F kiln, and lowers it into a barrel of organic burnables. The rapid cooling, as well as the flames, and smoke, give rack its hues, crackled glaze, smoky tones, and metallic accents.

Raku Ceramics Background

According to the library, Raku is a pottery technique with an ancient Japanese origin. “American Raku” was popularized by Hal Riegger and Paul Soldner in the 1950s and 60s. Dave learned the art form at Clark College and at PSU/Haystack school in Cannon Beach, Oregon. The couple eventually took Raku workshops from Riegger and Soldner, and started working full-time in their chosen craft in the mid-1970s.

Their work is a collaborative effort. While Dave creates clay forms on the wheel, Boni draws in the clay, and does the glazes. She earned her degree in graphic design from Portland State University.

“Clay offers a lifetime of possibilities for expression in form and surface design,” said the couple. “Awe of nature motivates us. A high aspiration is to reflect the beauty of God’s creations: plants, geology, and wildlife of rustic places are recurring themes — timeless, relevant today and even more so for the future.”

The Camas Public Library is located at 625 NE 4th Ave, Camas, WA 98607. To learn more, visit http://www.ci.camas.wa.us/index.php/camaspubliclibrary

 

Ceramics

This is the Raku work of Dave and Boni Deal.

Ceramics

This is a Raku Ceramics vase made by Dave and Boni Deal.

Nostalgia artist and designer, Mario AC Della Casa, was recently named Artist of the TV Land Award bottle, an honor given to him after years of creating one-of-a-kind artwork enjoyed by fans worldwide. Each year, the award show’s winners are given their own customized bottle as a gift when they receive their TV Land honor.

“The TV Land Award’s winners all get my bottle,” said Della Casa. “So, I made bottles for all of them. It’s fun being the official artist of the TV Land Award’s bottle. I made about 90 bottles for the show, which went to the stars, directors and producers.”

Several years ago, Della Casa was granted the only license to re-create customized “Jeannie” bottles that are just like the ones used in the 1960’s hit comedy, “I Dream of Jeannie,” which starred Barbara Eden, the late Larry Hagman, also of “Dallas” fame, and Bill Daley. Della Casa frequently travels with Eden on publicity tours, which promote the show — and the bottles.

“I absolutely love what I do,” says Della Casa, “and I’m grateful to TV Land for giving me this great opportunity.”

The artist has certainly found a market for his work. He says people who buy his bottles and artwork are people who appreciate the history of television, particularly in the 50s, 60s and 70s. He has also painted many celebrity portraits, including Joan Collins, Lucille Ball, Linda Gray, Lindsey Wagner, and many others.

“People love the Jeannie bottles because it reminds them of a simpler time,” he says. “They remember when they were kids or young adults, and they fell in love with these characters and the actors who played them. My work represents those times, and those talented people.”

 

TV Land Show

Mario AC Della Casa, and his mother, appear on the set of the TV Land Awards show.

 

 

In addition to having his work featured at the TV Land Awards show, he is also the official artist for the Roger Neil Oscar Suite. He said any show has suites that are sponsored by an individual or company. His bottles get signed by celebrities and then go up for auction at charity events.

“It’s a lot of fun,” he adds. “Celebrities like Barbara Eden and Faye Dunaway are some of the celebrities we’re working with.”

Della Casa greatly misses his friend, and mentor, Larry Hagman, who passed away in 2012. He says Hagman inspired him to market his artwork and achieve his dreams.

“He was a great talent and friend,” he adds. “I really miss him.”

To learn more about Della Casa’s artwork, please visit www.JeannieBottles.com

 

Charlene Tilton

Mario AC Della Casa, right, takes a photo with “Dallas” star, Charlene Tilton.

On Saturday, October 25th Nick Carulli’s Visual Expressions Gallery will host their first Annual Haunting Images Show. From 7 to 10 pm, visitors can witness artist Nick Carulli’s stunning ethereal photography.  
For one night only, the gallery on 192nd Avenue in Camas will be dedicated to Carulli’s collection of ghostly, gothic and spooky images. Spanning the countryside, Nick and his brave ensemble of models have ventured into abandon buildings, cemeteries and conversely beautiful sites like the overlook at Cape Horn to bring the collection to life.
Carulli is no stranger to exploring the macabre as set physician to the locally filmed television series Grimm. Dubbed the “Doctor to the Stars” has also worked with the crew of Leverage and other local films. Tack on his relationships with area artists, writers and civic leaders, you never know who will be in attendance at a Carulli showing.

Art of the Supernatural

Interest in the supernatural doesn’t stop with photography for Carulli. He is in the midst of completing a book on actual reported hauntings in the Columbia River Gorge and SW Washington, his photography a major component.  Carulli’s own investigations into supposedly haunted historic sites and local businesses undoubtedly lends him countless stories to tell while sharing his art. The stories are compelling, and will give the reader some entertaining copy.
Visitors to the Haunting Images Show will also get a sneak peak at Carulli’s stunning new durable media for his photography.
 
With his artistic touch, Carulli shows that the supernatural can be absolutely beautiful as well haunting. His work has been well received by the community for its originality and thoughtfulness. His fans eagerly await Carulli’s latest collection.
Carulli Medical Clinic and Visual Expressions Gallery is located in 192nd Station at 2115 SE 192nd Ave, Suite 100, Camas, WA.
To learn more about Nick Carulli’s Visual Expressions Gallery, call 360-210-7393.