A New Holiday Tradition

Hopefully, we all have holiday traditions involving food or decorations or family activities. These traditions are great and not to be tampered with.

But at the bottom of my activities list I have included an event that makes a wonderful tradition for that most boring of all the holiday events – New Years Eve. I say “most boring” because until I discovered the Year to Year Run, I was usually asleep by 11. I have tried parties and dinners and still managed to be asleep by 11.

Running (or walking) the Year to Year Run means that I am leaving my house at 11. At midnight my husband and I (and sister) are running and walking the streets of Longview along with many other families and feeling great about greeting another year on the move. The hot bath and champagne at 2am are just frosting on the cake.

This run has been a tradition in our family for 15 years. I recommend it. And the weather has been pretty cooperative for all those years. But there was the year we locked the keys in the car….

Happy Holidays

First Thursday Activities – December 2

Broadway Gallery, 1418 Commerce www.the-broadway-gallery.com/
The gallery is featuring work by members of the Lower Columbia Woodcarvers.
Reception: 5:30–7:30pm. Music by Calvin.

LCC Gallery at the Rose Center, 15th & Washington, Longview lowercolumbia.edu/community/art-and-entertainment/the-art-gallery/
Art exhibit by Dorothy McGuinness (baskets and masks) and Mark Perry (prints).
Open until 7pm.

Longview Public Library Koth Gallery, 1600 Louisiana, Longview www.longviewlibrary.org/
Ladies of the Lake Quilt Guild Holiday Exhibit.
Open until 8:00pm.

Lord & McCord Artworks, 1416 Commerce, Longview http://www.lindamccord.com/
Rosemary Powelson will be exhibiting her mixed media art and will talk about her work at 6. Carol Boudreau will be demonstrating watercolor in the classroom from 5-7.
Reception: 5–7pm.

The Bistro, 1329 Commerce Avenue Wine tasting. Live music.

Door prizes. Reservations recommended.
Hours: 5-8pm.

ZoJo Coffee, 1335 14th Avenue, Longview http://www.zojocoffee.com/
Featuring the works of Katie Mahoney. Live music.
Open until 7pm.

Activities
December 1-December 25: Landscapes, tapestries & original works. Teague’s Mezzanine Gallery, 1267 Commerce, Longview, Wash. Info: http://teaguesinteriors.com/.

December 3-4 and December 11: Holiday Bazaars at the Merk in Downtown Longview Dec 3-4, 10-6; Dec 11, 9-3pm. 1339 Commerce, Longview, Wash. Info: Mic McCoy 360-575-9440.

December 3-5, 10-12: “Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus”–a 1940s Radio Play. 7:30pm; Sun 2pm. $10 adults, $8 seniors/youth. Loves Street Playhouse, 126 Loves Ave, Woodland, Wash. Info: www.lovestreetplayhouse.com/.

December 3-5, 10-12, 17-19: “Plaid Tidings” Longview Stageworks. 7:30pm; Sun 2pm. LCC Rose Center for the Arts, 1600 Maple Street, Longview, Wash. Info: 360-575-8499.

December 5: "Ringing in the Holidays"- by a newly formed handbell choir. Celebration Concert Series. 3pm. Free will offering will benefit Community House. Reception to follow. St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 1428 22nd Ave, Longview. Info: Gary Lindstrom, 360-431-8653.

December 5: Holiday Concert. Northwest Jazz Orchestra. 3pm. $5 general, $4 seniors and students, free for children under 12. Trinity Lutheran Church, 2021 Washington Way, Longview.

December 7: Word Fest–Ed Putka, Kelley Jacquez and Joe Schwab will read short stories. 6-8pm. The Brits, 1427 Commerce Ave, Longview, Wash. Info: Alan Rose 360-425-3430.

December 7: Lower Columbia College Community Choir Fall Concert. 7:30pm. Wollenberg Auditorium, Rose Center for the Arts, LCC, 15th Ave & Washington, Longview Wash. Info: lowercolumbia.edu/community/art-and-entertainment/music/.

December 11-12: “Messiah.” Dec 11, 7:30pm; Dec 12, 3pm. Offering taken for charity. Longview Community Church, 2323 Washington Way, Longview, Wash. Info: 360-423-6380.

December 12: “The Nutcracker”-Eugene Ballet Company. 3pm. $25-$35. Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, 1231 Vandercook, Longview, Wash. Info: 360-575-8499.

December 12: North Oregon Coast Symphony and Clatskanie Community Choir Clatskanie Arts Commission. 3pm. $10 adults; $5 seniors and children. Clatskanie Middle/High School auditorium, 471 SW Bel Air Drive, Clatskanie, Ore. Info: http://www.clatskaniearts.org/.

December 16: Annual Potluck Christmas Party. Longview Garden Club. 11:30pm. Guests are welcome. Christmas gift exchange ($7.50 suggested cost) and raffle. Home of Betty Hastings, 2739 Florida, Longview. Info: 425-0755.

December 19: “An Nollaig”-An Irish Christmas with Grammy award winning violinist Eileen Ivers. 7:30pm. $25-$45. Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, 1231 Vandercook, Longview, Wash. Info: 360-575-8499.

December 31: 28th Annual Year to Year Run/Walk. Cowlitz Valley Runners. 11:50pm. Youth & Family Link, 907 Douglas Street, Longview, Wash. Info: http://www.cowlitzvalleyrunners.org/.

Opportunities
Call for Fiber Artists: Broadway Gallery Fiber Arts Show, February 1-28, 2011. First Prize: $100 Gift Certificate. Deadline: January 3, 2011. Info: 360-577-0544.

Call for Artists: Artwork for 2011 Salal Review. Deadline: January 30. Info: http://lowercolumbia.edu/salal or Hiedi Bauer 360-442-2630.

Call for Art Works for Display: Standing Ovation, a business located in the old Longview Theatre building at 1433 Commerce, Longview, Wash is looking for artists to hang work for sale. Contact Chris Siegrist at cjgrist@yahoo.com.

Writers Wanted: Valley Bugler seeking writers to produce 400 word essays on their profession or passion. Contact Michelle Myre, Publisher, at editor@valleybugler.com.

Grant Award: The Twining Humber Award. $10,000 award to female, visual artist, over the age of 60 from Washington State with 25 years of creating art. Artists must be nominated. Deadline: December 15. Information and nomination forms: www.artisttrust.org/grants/THA.

Homemade Gifts for the Holidays

Fractured Impressions Wall Hanging (unfinished)


How did this happen? Last month I was looking for summer in California (I didn’t find it but I did not get as far south as Los Angeles where they were breaking heat record) and now I am listing Holiday bazaars.

Four years ago the Greater Columbia ARTS Network distributed a poster with the caption “Rise above the Ordinary, Give the Gift of Art this Holiday Season.” I offer the suggestion again this year but with a twist. In addition to giving arts and crafts purchased at our great galleries and bazaars and tickets to theatrical events, make some gifts.

There is still time to take an art class and there are plenty of classes available. I have listed the fused glass classes given by Totally Crazed Ceramic and Glass Studio and the Holiday gifts classes offered by WSU extension and Tsugawa Nursery (See Classes). But there are classes offered by the Broadway Gallery, Lord & McCord and local quilt shops. And don’t forget the multitude of classes offered by the Longview Parks and Recreation Department (www.mylongview.com/reconline) and Lower Columbia College (lowercolumbia.edu/community/continuing-education/community-education/).

My sister and I signed up for a Fractured Expressions quilting class at Paisley Duck last week. The class was scheduled from noon to 4 and we did not know what to expect. Instructor Sandra Crow led an intense class (read no time for chatting, lunch, or restroom breaks) and we each left with a wall hanging (pictured above). Now I am musing about border colors and haven’t started the baby quilt I mentioned last month.

Hopefully, you can find the time to add a class to your busy schedule. Homemade gifts really are the best!

First Thursday Activities – November 4

Broadway Gallery, 1418 Commerce www.the-broadway-gallery.com/
The feature artists are Carol Boudreau (painting), Mike Smith (woodwork), Peggy Bodle (quilting) and Vicki Brigden (jewelry).
Reception: 5:30–7:30pm. Music by Joe Green.

LCC Gallery at the Rose Center, 15th & Washington, Longview http://lowercolumbia.edu/community/art-and-entertainment/the-art-gallery/
Art exhibit by Dorothy McGuinness (baskets and masks) and Mark Perry (prints).
Reception: 5-7pm.

Lord & McCord Artworks, 1416 Commerce www.lindamccord.com
The featured artist is Scott McRae (painting). Columbian Artists Association member Jacques Drapeau will be demonstrating acrylic painting
Reception: 5–7pm. Live music.

ZoJo Coffee, 1335 14th Avenue, Longview http://www.zojocoffee.com/
Featuring the works of Terry Brown.
Open until 7pm.

Cowlitz County Historical Museum, 405 Allen St, Kelso www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/museum/
“Life and Landscape at Mr. St. Helens” presentation by author Christine Colasurdo.
Program begins at 7pm; museum open until 9pm.

Activities
November 1-December 25: “Women Who Dream Art”, featuring Melisse Laing and friends of the SW WA. Quilters Group. Teague’s will also have a St. Nicholas fest in November. Teague’s Mezzanine Gallery, 1267 Commerce, Longview, Wash. Info: http://teaguesinteriors.com/.

November 2: WordFest-Naturalist Robert Michael Pyle reading from his new book, “Mariposa Road” and poets Judith Irwin and Carolyn Norred leading a “Poet’s Night.” 6-8pm. The Brits, 1427 Commerce Ave, Longview, Wash. Info: Alan Rose 360-425-3430.

November 4: Legacy of Floyd Cramer featuring Jason Coleman. Community Concert Association. 7:30pm. Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, 1231 Vandercook, Longview, Wash. Info: Betty Houten 360-425-5136.

November 5-6, 12-13 and 19-20: “Uncle Kind Arthur” Rising Star Productions. Eve 7:30pm, mat 2pm. Kelso High School Auditorium, 1905 Allen Street, Kelso, Wash. Info: www.risingstarproductions.org.

November 5-7: “Seven Keys to Baldpate.” Loves Street Playhouse. 7:30pm, mat 2pm. Loves Street Playhouse, 126 Loves Ave, Woodland, Wash. Info: www.lovestreetplayhouse.com/.

November 6: Christmas & Art Sale-benefit for Youth and Family Link. 9am-4pm. Cash sales only. 907 Douglas Street, Longview, Wash. Info: Mary Putka 360-673-5310.

November 6: “Will the Real Rick Little Please Stand Up?” 7:30pm. Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, 1231 Vandercook, Longview, Wash. Info: www.columbiatheatre.com/.

November 7: Hill Memorial Concert-Northwest Quartet. 3pm. Longview Community Church, 2323 Washington Way, Longview, Wash. Info: 360-423-6380.

November 10-13, 18-20 and 26-27: “Charley’s Aunt.” LCC Center Stage. Rose Center for the Arts, LCC, 15th Ave & Washington, Longview Wash. Info: 360-442-2682.

November 12-13and 19-21: “Oklahoma.” Mainstage Theatre. Eve 7:30pm; mat 3pm. R.A. Long High School Auditorium, 2903 Nichols, Blvd., Longview, Wash. Info: Susan Donahue 360-575-7133.

November 14: “When Animals Were People” Tears of Joy Puppet Theatre. CTPA Rainy Months Series for families with young children. 2pm. Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, 1231 Vandercook, Longview, Wash. Info: www.columbiatheatre.com/.

November 20: Mark Morris High School Potter’s Association Arts and Crafts Sale. 9am-3pm. Mark Morris High School Auditorium, 1602 Mark Morris Court, Longview, Wash. Info: Julie Esche 360-575-7684.

November 23: Fall Concert. Lower Columbia College Symphonic Band. 7:30pm. Wollenberg Auditorium, Rose Center for the Arts, LCC, 15th Ave & Washington, Longview Wash. Info: http://lowercolumbia.edu/community/art-and-entertainment/music/.

November 30: Fall Concert. Lower Columbia College Jazz Band. 7:30pm. Wollenberg Auditorium, Rose Center for the Arts, LCC, 15th Ave & Washington, Longview Wash. Info: http://lowercolumbia.edu/community/art-and-entertainment/music/.

Opportunities
Call for Writers and Poets: 2011 Salal Review. LCC invites writers and poets to submit short stories, essays and poems for possible publication. Deadline: November 4. Info: Hiedi Bauer 360-442-2630.

Call for Artists: 5th Annual international juried exhibit, Au Naturel: The Nude in the 21st Century. February 17–April 14, 2011 at Clatsop Community College’s Art Center Gallery. Cash prizes. Deadline: November 7. Info: Kristin Shauck 503-338-2472 or http://www.clatsopcc.edu/.

Vendors Wanted: Mark Morris High School Potter’s Association Arts and Crafts Sale. November 20; 9am-3pm. $20 space rental includes two 8’ tables and chairs. Info: Julie Esche 360-575-7684.

Vendors Wanted: Holiday Bazaars at the Merk in Downtown Longview. December 3-4 (10-6pm) and December 11 (9-3pm). $15. 1339 Commerce, Longview, Wash. Info: Mic McCoy 360-575-9440.

Call for Artists: West Coast Biennial Art Show. Turtle Bay Exploration Park, Redding, Cal. Deadline: December 1. Info: www.turtlebay.org/biennialcompetition.

Call for Art Works for Display: Standing Ovation, a business located in the old Longview Theatre building at 1433 Commerce, Longview, Wash is looking for artists to hang work for sale. Contact Chris Siegrist at cjgrist@yahoo.com.

Writers Wanted: Valley Bugler seeking writers to produce 400 word essays on their profession or passion. Contact Michelle Myre, Publisher, at editor@valleybugler.com.

Grant Award: The Twining Humber Award. $10,000 award to female, visual artist, over the age of 60 from Washington State with 25 years of creating art. Artists must be nominated. Deadline: December 15. Information and nomination forms: www.artisttrust.org/grants/THA.

Classes
Totally Crazed Ceramic and Glass Studio. Glassapalooza!-learn to fuse glass. November 12, 5:30-9pm. Fall Fused Glass Platter Class. November 18, 5:30-8pm. 708 Triangle Mall, Longview, Wash. Info: 360-423-6560.

Brown Bag Workshop: Homemade Gift Ideas for the Holidays. November 16, Noon-1. Room 300, Cowlitz County Administration Building, 207 Fourth Avenue North, Kelso, Wash. Info: Gary Fredricks 360-355-3014.

Tsugawa Nursery: Mosaic Stepping Stones. November 20, Noon. Gifts from the Garden. November 21, 11am. Holiday Wreaths and Centerpieces, November 21, 1pm. 410 E. Scott Avenue, Woodland, Wash. Info: 360-225-8750.

Contempory vs Traditional?-Do Both!

Last Quilt I Made-for Granddaughter in January 2008

Quilting is a 3.58 billion dollar industry with over 21 million quilters. The average quilter is a 62 year old female who has been quilting for 16 years; 46% of these quilters make traditional and 50% make both traditional and contemporary style quilts.

I picked up these statistics when I was doing research for an article for the September issue of the Columbia River Reader. I interviewed Vivian Ross, the featured quilter, at the Ladies of the Lake Quilt Show that starts on October 1. Vivian “does not sew” but she does embroider, appliqué and embellish contemporary quilts. I also visited several quilt shops in Longview, Kelso and Kalama.

I have been an episodic quilter for 35 years-mainly baby and Christmas quilt. I haven’t made a quilt for 3 years but I am now inspired and have already signed up for a class. And I plan on taking advantage of the inspiration offered by the numerous quilt shows going on in September and October.

September 11-October 24: Quilt Show River City Strippers. Thurs-Sun, 12 noon-4:00. Redmen Hall, 1304 SR 4 (Ocean Beach Highway), Skamokawa, Wash. Info: 360-795-3007.
September 16-19: St Mary’s 40th Annual Quilt & Crafts Fair, 10-4. Admission $1. St. Mary’s Church, 960 Missouri Avenue, Vernonia, Ore. Info: 503-429-8841.
September 24-26: Pleasant Hill Quilters Quilt Show.10-3. $2 donation or 2 cans of food. Pleasant Hill Grange, 4741 Pleasant Hill Road, Kelso.
October 1-30: Teague’s Quilt Show. Artists Reception October 1. 5-8pm. 1267 Commerce, Longview, Wash. Info: 360-636-0712.
October 1-2: Quilt Show Ladies of the Lake. Fri 9-6; Sat 9-4. $5 donation. New Life Fellowship Church, 42nd, Longview, Wash. Info: Susan Cunningham at 425-6633 or Lenore Meyers 274-4636.

And it is time to do another baby quilt.

First Thursday Activities – October 7

Banda's Bouquets, 1310 Broadway www.bandasbouquets.com
Featuring paintings by Gayle Kiser.
Open until 7:00pm.

Broadway Gallery, 1418 Commerce www.the-broadway-gallery.com/
The feature artists are Quentin Robbins (painting), Melinda Brein, Suzanne Martin, (lampwork and jewelry) and Kathryn Marks (watercolor).
Reception: 5:30–7:30pm. Music by Dave and Dian.

LCC Gallery at the Rose Center, 15th & Washington, Longview www.lowercolumbia.edu/community/art-and-entertainment/the-art-gallery/
The featured artist is Michael Paul Miller, The Salvaged. Show runs until October 27.
Open until 7:00pm.

Longview Public Library Koth Gallery, 1600 Louisiana, Longview www.longviewlibrary.org/
Columbian Artists Fall Library Show. Show runs until October 6. (Handweavers Guild, October 7-October 27.)
Open until 8:00pm.

Lord & McCord Artworks, 1416 Commerce www.lindamccord.com
The featured artist is Karen Leback with watercolors. Columbian Artists Association member Alan Brunk will demonstrate collograph printing.
Reception: 5:00–7:00pm. Live music.

ZoJo Coffee, 1335 14th Avenue, Longview www.zojocoffee.com
Featuring the works of Sharron Simpson.
Open until 7:00pm.

Activities

September 16-October 10: Columbian Artists Fall Library Show. Reception: September 16, 5:30-7:30. Koth Memorial Gallery, Longview Library. Longview, Wash. Info: Barb Dunlap at dunlap5442@comcast.com or Amanda Kandoll at 360-673-3041.

September 18-19: 45th Annual Rock & Gem Show. September 19, 10-6; September 19, 10-4. Free. Castle Rock Fairgrounds, Castle Rock, Wash. Info: Fran Wolff at 360-560-2987 or fwolff@comcast.net.

September 18-19 and 25-26: ARTrails-Studio Tours of 60 artists. 10-5. Centralia, Wash .Info: www.ARTrailsofSWW.org.

September 18: Chor Anno Annual Choral Concert. 7pm. Free will offering will benefit Community Home Health and Hospice; reception. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 1428 22nd Avenue, Longview, Wash. Info: Gary Lindstrom 360-431-8653.

September 23: John Davidson Longview-Kelso Community Concert Association. 7:30. Single ($25) and season ($54) tickets available at the door. Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, 1231 Vandercook, Longview, Wash. Info: Betty Houten 360-425-5136.

September 26: Classical to Cabaret-An Afternoon of Song. 3pm. $25.Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, 1231 Vandercook, Longview, Wash. Info: 360-575-8499 or www.columbiatheatre.com.

October 5: WordFest Book Launch: Alan Rose reading from Tales of Tokyo and stories and poems that are creepy, scary, or ghoulish. 5, 6-8. The Brits, 1427 Commerce Avenue, Longview, Wash. Info: Info: 360-425-3430 x280.

October 6: Cirque Mechanics “Boom Town.” 7:30. $25-$40. Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, 1231 Vandercook, Longview, Wash. Info: 360-575-8499 or www.columbiatheatre.com.

October 10: Pops Concert Southwest Washington Symphony. 3pm. $20 adult; $15 senior, $5 student. Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, 1231 Vandercook, Longview, Wash. Info: 360-575-8499 or www.columbiatheatre.com.

October 14-16: Cabaret. 8pm, Sat 2pm. Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, 1231 Vandercook, Longview, Wash. Info: www.pioneerlions.org/cabaret.html.

October 14-31. “Murder at the Mansion”-dinner theatre. Longview Stageworks. 6-9. Rutherglen Mansion, 420 Rutherglen Road, Longview. Info: 360-636-4488.

October 22-November7: “7 Keys to Baldpate”. Loves Street Playhouse. 7:30, Sun 2. $10 Adults, $8 Seniors/Youth. Loves Street Playhouse, 126 Loves Ave, Woodland, Wash. Info: www.lovestreetplayhouse.com/.

Opportunities

Call for Northwest Authors Northwest Authors Day. September 25, 10-3. Rainier Marina Saturday Market, 2nd and “A” Streets, Rainier, Ore. Info: Sue Drummond 503-556-1220.

Original Script Competition Astor Street Opry Company seeks one-act plays and 5-minute monologues. The winning scripts and monologues will be produced by ASOC in Feb 2011 for its second annual New Works Festival. Deadline: September 30. Info: www.astorstreetoprycompany.com.

Call for Artists. Farms Forever Art Show and Dinner-fine art related to farming, agriculture or farmer’s markets. November 6, the Loft on Cherry, Olympia, Wash. Deadline: October 15. Info: Connie Allison 360-292-9842.

Call for Artists 5th Annual international juried exhibit, Au Naturel: The Nude in the 21st Century. February 17–April 14, 2011 at Clatsop Community College’s Art Center Gallery. Cash prizes. Deadline: November 7. Info: Kristin Shauck 503-338-2472 or www.clatsopcc.edu.

Call for Art Works for Display Standing Ovation, a business located in the old Longview Theatre building at 1433 Commerce, Longview, Wash is looking for artists to hang work for sale. Contact Chris Siegrist at cjgrist@yahoo.com.

Writers Wanted: Valley Bugler seeking writers to produce 400 word essays on their profession or passion. Contact Michelle Myre, Publisher, at editor@valleybugler.com.

Call for Artists. Gallery 110 in Seattle is looking for art that explores personal relationship for a Valentine show. Deadline: November 1. Info: juriedshow@gallery110.com.

Classes

Broadway Gallery. Art classes for children and adults: Oil Painting for Fun, Art’s Cool!, Into to Art A, Into to Art B, Beginning Stone Carving, Charcoal Drawing, Drawing, and Painting for Fun. Info: 360-577-0544 or www.the-broadway-gallery.com/classes.htm.

Day Camp for Adults

Examples of Fused Glass Ornaments and Pendants

by Linda Corder

I was sitting around a camp fire last summer with my three siblings (and other assorted relatives and friends), when my brother sung a song he had learned at Boy Scout camp. My other brother, a very good singer, rose to the challenge and sung a song he had learned at camp. My younger sister, also a good singer, then sung a song she had learned at some, unknown to me, camp. When it was my turn, I sang (very badly because my husband says I sing in the key of L), a song I learned on a family car trip, “99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall.” I never went to camp.

So when Pix Basso described the Kalama Art Event (September 11 from 9-5) as “Day Camp for Adults,” I realized that I can finally go to camp and not get homesick.

Sponsored by For the Love of Art, a local group of visual artists, and the Kalama Chamber of Commerce, artists will be showing and selling original arts and crafts in businesses and on the streets of Main Street. But artists will also be teaching arts and crafts classes.

The five adult workshops are:
• Ceramic Tile Building and Decorating-Danni Pederson, instructor
• Fused Glass Ornament or Pendant-Linda Corder, instructor
• Found Objects Garden Art-Wind Chime-Shirley Lowman, instructor
• Wire Wrapping-Barbara Lancaster, instructor
• Scrapbook Page Making, Dixie Loomis, instructor
Coco Edmunds will teach three Children’s Workshop Copper & Steel for children ages 5-12.

Workshops will be entry level with all or most of the supplies provided. A small fee will be charged for each class. The workshops will be repeated throughout the day. Registration will be on the day of the class and class sizes are limited, so early registration is recommended. Workshop tickets will be for sale at the Kalama Art Event booth in the VFW Parking lot (220 Block of Main Street) starting at 8am.

The committee is still looking for artists. An application is available on the For the Love of Art website, http://www.ftloa.org/. The deadline is August 30.For information about the event, contact Pix Basso at 360-673-4696 or Linda Corder at 360-673-5179 (res) or 360-423-67560 (bus).

The other not-to-be-missed art event in September is the ARTrails 2010 Studio Tour (September 18-19 and 25-26). For more information, visit their website at www.ARTrailsofSWW.org/.

First Thursday Activities – September 2
Broadway Gallery, 1418 Commerce www.the-broadway-gallery.com/
The feature artists are Bill Smith, photography, June Trusty, jewelry, and Dennie Simpson, painting. Reception: 5:30–7:30pm. Music by Dian Norman.

Lord & McCord Artworks, 1416 Commerce http://www.lindamccord.com/
The featured artists are McThreads Quilt Designs with Dorothy Connor and Linda McCord and Mary Huels, pottery. Columbian Artists Association member Scott McRae will be demonstrating monotype printing. Reception: 5:00–7:00pm. Violin music by Kaitlyn Lee.

Banda's Bouquets, 1310 Broadway http://www.bandasbouquets.com/
Featuring paintings by Gayle Kiser. Open until 7:00pm.

The Bistro, 1329 Commerce Avenue www.thebistrobuzz.com/
Wine tasting. Live music. Door prizes. Reservations recommended. Hours: 5:00-8:00pm.

Events
Sept 2: 13 Nights on the River. Music, food, crafts. Vendors at 2; music 6-9. Columbia River Park, St. Helens, Ore. Info: http://13nightsontheriver.com/

September 11: Kalama Art Event. Art walk and classes. 9-5. Downtown Kalama, Wash. Info: Pix Basso at 360-673-4696 or Linda Corder at 360-673-5179 (res) or 360-423-6560 (bus).

September 11: Cash–The Living Tribute. 8:00. Tickets $26.50.Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, Longview, Wash. Info: www.columbiatheatre.com/.

September 13-17. For the Love of Art Show. Hoffstadt Bluffs Visitor Center, 15000 Spirit Lake Highway, Toutle, Wash. Info: www.ftloa.org/.

September 16-October 10: Columbian Artists Fall Library Show. Reception: September 16, 5:30-7:30. Koth Memorial Gallery, Longview Library. Longview, Wash. Info: Barb Dunlap at dunlap5442@comcast.com or Amanda Kandoll at 360-673-3041.

September 18-19: 45th Annual Rock & Gem Show. September 19, 10-6; September 19, 10-4. Free. Castle Rock Fairgrounds, Castle Rock, Wash. Info: Fran Wolff at 360-560-2987 or fwolff@comcast.net.

September 18-19 and 25-26: ARTrails-Studio Tours of 60 artists. 10-5. Centralia, Wash .Info: http://www.artrailsofsww.org/.

September 25: A Woman’s Affaire-Celebrating Women Serving Women. 10-3. Canterbury Inn, 1324 3rd Avenue, Longview, Wash. Info: Diane Craft 360-425-7947.

Opportunities
Call for Artists: Artists wanted for Kalama Art Event. September 11, 9-5. Application form available at http://www.ftloa.org/. Deadline: August 30. Info: Pix Basso at 360-673-4696 or Linda Corder at 360-673-5179 (res) or 360-423-6560 (bus).

Caricature Artists Wanted: Nonprofit wants to hire an artist for a fundraiser on September 25. Contact Carey Mackey at cmackey@redcanoecu.com or 360-578-5364.

Vendors Wanted. A Woman’s Affaire. Sept 25, 10-3. Deadline: September 7. Canterbury Inn, 1324 3rd Avenue, Longview. Info: Diane Craft 360-425-7947 or womensaffaire@gmail.com.

Call for Artists. Farms Forever Art Show and Dinner-fine art related to farming, agriculture or farmer’s markets. November 6, the Loft on Cherry, Olympia, WA. Deadline: October 15. Info: Connie Allison 360-292-9842.

Call for Artists. Gallery 110 in Seattle is looking for art that explores personal relationship for a Valentine show. Deadline: November 1. Info: juriedshow@gallery110.com.

Call for Art Works for Display: Standing Ovation, a business located in the old Longview Theatre building at 1433 Commerce, Longview, Wash. is looking for artists to hang work for sale. Contact Chris Siegrist at cjgrist@yahoo.com.

Auditions: Mainstage Theatre production of Oklahoma. Community production. September 7, 6-9. R.A. Long High School, 2093 Nichols Boulevard, Longview, Wash. Info: sdonahue@longviewk12.wa.us.

Auditions: Rising Star Production of Uncle King Arthur, a children’s musical with roles for ages 8 and up. September 7. Children’s auditions at 7; adults at 8:30. Evergreen Dance Center, 1430 Commerce, Longview, Wash. Info: www.risingstarproductions.org/.

Original Script Competition: Astor Street Opry Company seeks one-act plays and 5-minute monologues. The winning scripts and monologues will be produced by ASOC in Feb 2011 for its second annual New Works Festival. Deadline: September 30. Info: http://www.astorstreetoprycompany.com/.

Grant. The Washington State Arts Commission has announced that The Project Support grants deadline for FY 2011 Round Two, is October 4, 2010, for projects taking place between January 1, 2011 and June 30, 2011. Info: www.arts.wa.gov/grants/project.shtml.

Classes
Grant Writing Workshop: Find the funding you need. Presented by Debra Kollock, WSU Extension. September 7, 9–3. $40. Registration Deadline: September 2. Cowlitz County Training Center, 1942 First Avenue in Longview, Wash. Info: Gary Fredricks 360-577-3014 ext 3, or garyf@wsu.edu.

Serendipity

Cathy Breslaw's "Weightless" Installation at the LCC Gallery (August 4-31)

I love serendipity because it often leads to a good story and I want to be a raconteur when I grow up. For example, I was traveling with my brother, who has no time for the unplanned, and we stopped in St. Johnsbury, Vermont (www.town.st-johnsbury.vt.us) for gas. He dragged me out of town many hours later because I had discovered the Dog Chapel and the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum (library and art gallery) and the teachers and students from St. Johnsbury Academy willing to chat and the elderly men staging their weekly anti-war rally and and and. Earlier this year I was traveling on the steam train in Durango and met a woman I had laid off from work 25 years ago in Alaska (She called me the “meanest woman in Alaska”).

My latest encounter with serendipity occurred last weekend at The Blues Festival in Portland. My husband and I, his son and daughter-in-law and three-year old granddaughter arrived there late afternoon (after naptime). It was crowded and we were more interested in finding enough room to lay out a blanket than in listening to any particular music group. We were also interested in getting as far away as we could from the main stage because the music was LOUD. So we settled down on the fringe, snacked the granddaughter, and discovered we were three rows back from an empty stage with the speakers pointed straight at us. Up close and personal to the upcoming performance of Super Chikan & the Fighting Cocks (superchikan.bandzoogle.com) . That name raised images of very loud music and lyrics not appropriate for children. Oh Oh.

It was the greatest Delta Blues set I have ever heard! Super Chikan, whose real name is James Johnson, is a truck driver from Mississippi who makes his own ornately decorated stringed instruments and writes his own songs. He is the ultimate showman. Johnson won the 2010 Blues Music Award for Traditional Blues Album, his Chikadelic, and had been nominated for three other awards-BB King Entertainer of the Year, Song of the Year for "Fred's Dollar Store" and Traditional Blues Male Artist of the Year. The Fighting Cocks were three fabulous women, a young, cool base player, his daughter on drums, and LaLa Craigdelong, a keyboard player originally from Portland who could ruffles feather as well as the “Chikan.”. The set was intense, good humored blues that kept me and my granddaughter dancing. And it wasn’t too loud.

I have listed a number of music festivals in our area this summer. I urge you to pack a picnic, grab a child, and go dancing.

Note: I am a new blogger and been having trouble with getting the "comments" button to appear. It was on my first two posts and then disappeared. I hope I have resolved the problem. So if you have read previous posts and wanted to commment, please do so. Constructive Comments are much appreciated.

Music Festivals

Clatskanie Rhythm on the River Blues Festival July 31, Noon-10. Free. City Park, Clatskanie, Ore. Info: http://sites.google.com/site/clatskaniebluesfest2010.

Clatskanie Bluegrass Festival August 6-8. Free. Clatskanie City Park and Copes Park, Clatskanie, Ore. Info: www.clatskanie.com/chamber.

Blues and Seafood Festival August 13-14, Fri-7-10pm, Sat. 4-10pm. $10 Fri, $20 Sat. Ilwaco, Wash. Info: 360-783-1143 or http://bluesandseafood.com/.

Mount St. Helens Bluegrass Festival August 13-15. Toledo, Wash. Info: 360-866-2601 or www.washingtonbluegrassassociation.org/2010fest/index.php.

Jazz and Oysters August 15, 10:30-5. $15. Oysterville Schoolhouse, Oysterville, Wash. Info: 360-665-0102 or http://www.jazzandoysters.com/.

The 13th Annual Vancouver Wine & Jazz Festival August 27-29. $17-$25. Fri 4-10:00 pm, Sat 11-10 pm, Sun 11-9 pm. Esther Short Park, Downtown Vancouver, Wash. Info: www.vancouverwinejazz.com/.

First Thursday and Downtown Live!

First Thursday will be on August 5 and the featured artists are listed below. In addition, downtown Longview is celebrating Downtown Live! every Friday night in July and August. Many shops will be open until 9 with special promotions and live music.

1. Broadway Gallery, 1418 Commerce www.the-broadway-gallery.com/

The feature artists are Gayle Kiser (painting), Darla Anderson (ceramics), and new members Marisa Mercure (painting), Bill Smith (photography) and Diane Springer (painted gourds and origami).
Reception: 5:30–7:30pm. Music by Dian Norman.

2. LCC Gallery at the Rose Center, 15th & Washington lowercolumbia.edu/gallery/

The featured artist is Cathy Breslaw, multimedia wall sculptures (Exhibit runs August 4-August 31; Opening Reception August 4, 5-7pm)
Open until 6:00pm.

3. Lord & McCord Artworks, 1416 Commerce http://www.lindamccord.com/

The featured artist is Cathy Causland, porcelain. Columbian Artists Association member Scott McRae will demonstrate acrylic painting with a palette knife.
Reception: 5:00–7:00pm. Violin music by Kaitlyn Lee.

5. Teague’s Interiors Mezzanine Gallery, 1267 Commerce http://www.teaguesinteriors.com/

Teague’s will be featuring work by over 15 local artists.
Open until 7:00pm.

6. Banda's Bouquets, 1310 Broadway http://www.bandasbouquets.com/

Featuring paintings by Gayle Kiser.
Open until 7:00pm.

7. Java Joy Coffee House (in The Treasure House), 1252 Commerce Avenue

Featuring artists from For the Love of Art. www.ftloa.org/.
Open until 7:00pm.

8. The Bistro, 1329 Commerce Avenue www.thebistrobuzz.com/

Wine Tasting. Live music. Door Prizes. Reservations Recommended.
Hours: 5:00-8:00pm.

Plain Sewing Samplers: Needle for Hire

I read in The Daily News (June 10, 2010) that the Sons of Norway are offering a six week class on Swedish Weaving with Huck Cloth (Mondays, beginning June 14 at 1:30, Norway Lodge, 224 Catlin St, Kelso. Info: 360-577-6578.) I have no idea what Swedish Weaving or Huck Cloth is. The world of fabric art is vast and I know so little. But, because I recently visited an artist friend in Durango, CO, I know what a plain sewing sampler is. She had just returned from a two week trip to museums in England and had taken 4000 pictures of fabric art, mostly plain sewing samplers. I found the subject fascinating because it shows how the education of women changed the art.

The term sampler comes from the French word, essamplaire, meaning example. A sampler is a piece of material containing different stitches and patterns–part practice, part reference. For many centuries, needlework was a fundamental part of a young girl’s education and samplers played a key role in the teaching of these skills.

Many schools for girls were founded during the 18th century and making samplers was an important part of the curriculum. However, it gradually became less important to master a large range of complicated stitches. Girls were taught geography, mathematics and morality. Samplers began to be used for training for professional employment as a maid, teacher, or seamstress. By 1900 most samplers no longer featured decorative embroidery but demonstrated plain sewing techniques.

These strangely shaped samplers allowed a young needle-woman to demonstrate her ability to perform a variety of dressmaking, plain sewing, and decorative techniques. The sampler material could be flannel, cotton, or linen. A gusset, pocket, tucks, pleats, patches, darns, buttonholes and hand-made buttons were usually included. Minutely hand-stitched seams and hems were often decorated with simple embroidery stitches.

Most plain sewing samplers are dated, the greatest number falling to the years 1890-1920 and are usually initialed by their maker. By 1920, the domestic sewing machine was firmly established, hand sewing declined, and the making of school and institutional samplers was almost completely abandoned.

New in Longview

Banda's Bouteque, a flower shop at 1310 Broadway, is now hosting local artists on First Thursday. See the following list for more information.

First Thursday Activities – July 1

1. Broadway Gallery, 1418 Commerce www.the-broadway-gallery.com/

The featured artists are Jeanne Hamilton, pastels, Richard Roth, pottery, David Vik, photography and Lorena Birk, sculpture/paintings.
Reception: 5:30–7:30pm. Music by John Kramer.

2. LCC Gallery at the Rose Center, 15th & Washington http://lowercolumbia.edu/gallery/

The featured artist is Paul Adams, photography. (Exhibit runs June 30–July 23.)
Open until 7:00pm.

3. Lord & McCord Artworks, 1416 Commerce http://www.lindamccord.com/

Featuring the art work of Linda McCord. Columbian Artists Association member Gert Martini will demonstrate watercolor in the classroom. .

Reception: 5:00–7:00pm. Violin music by Kaitlyn Lee.

4.Teague’s Interiors Mezzanine Gallery, 1267 Commerce http://www.teaguesinteriors.com/

Teague’s will be featuring work by over 15 local artists.
Open until 7:00pm.

5. Banda's Bouquets,1310 Broadway http://www.bandasbouquets.com/

Featuring lthe watercolors of local artist Gayle Kiser.
Open until 7:00pm.

6. Java Joy Coffee House (in The Treasure House), 1252 Commerce Avenue

Featuring artists from For the Love of Art. www.ftloa.org/.
Open until 7:00pm.

7. ZoJo Coffee, 1335 14th Avenue http://www.zojocoffee.com/

Featuring an exhibit of mixed media sculpture by Max Wade.
Open until 7:00pm.

Parks and Rec - Government That Works

Did you know that there is a television show called “Parks and Recreation?” It is on Channel 8 (NBC) on Thursdays nights at 8:30 and stars Amy Poehler from Saturday Night Live. The show is a mockumentary that examines the “exciting world of local government.” I don’t watch it.

But I do keep an eye on the City of Longview Department of Parks and Recreation and am very impressed by the many classes they offer on a regular basis. The June art classes include Crochet, Furniture Making, Toe-Up Sock Knitting, Photoshop, Art Discovery, Adult Basic Sewing Solutions and Beginning Guitar. And I am not the only admirer. A Mr. Russ Dood, from Longview wrote a letter to The Daily News (published May 21) after receiving a copy of their summer programs. Mr. Dood said, “It is refreshing to be able to heap praise on an agency of government seldom mentioned for its contribution to all of us living in and near Longview.” Kudos to Director Richard Bemm, the staff and all the volunteer teachers.

I urge you to pick up a summer schedule (or check out the classes online - www.mylongview.com/reconline) and take a class. Meanwhile, here is the schedule of other late May and June art events, opportunities, workshops and classes.

May/June Events

May18-May30: For the Love of Art exhibit. Mount St. Helens Visitor’s Center, Open 9-5 every day. 3029 Spirit Lake Highway (Mile 5, Route 504), Castle Rock. Info: 360-274-0962

May 27–June 10: Community Conversations. Wings on the Human Spirit, the Visual and Performing Arts. May 27, “Theatre as Consciousness” by Kurt Beattie from A Contemporary Theatre in Seattle. June 3 “Why Poetry” by Joseph Green, LCC English instructor and poet. June 10: “Blues with a Feeling” by LCC instructors Dale Groff and Dennis Shaw Thursdays, Noon-1. Wollenberg Auditorium, Rose Center for the Arts, Lower Columbia College, Longview. Info: 360-442-2311 or lower.columbia.edu.

May 27-28: LCC SLIP Club Pottery Sale. May 27, 5-7; May 28, 12-5. Upper Gallery Level, LCC Gallery at the Rose Center, 15th & Washington, Longview. Info: lowercolumbia.edu/gallery

May 26-29, June 2-5, 10-12. The Three Cuckolds–LCC Center Stage production of masked commedia. 7:30pm. Rose Center for the Performing Arts, 15th and Washington, Longview. Info: lowercolumbia.edu/theatre

May 27–June 11: LCC Annual Student Art Show. Opening Reception: May 27, 5-7pm. LCC Gallery at the Rose Center, 15th & Washington, Longview
lowercolumbia.edu/gallery

June 1-June 30: Columbian Artists Association exhibit. Mount St. Helens Visitor’s Center, Open 9-5 every day. 3029 Spirit Lake Highway (Mile 5, Route 504), Castle Rock. Info: 360-274-0962

June 7-10: Sahara Nights-Kelso High School production of spoof of Arabian Nights Stories. June 7-10, 7pm. Tickets $7 adults, $5 seniors and students. Kelso High School Auditorium, 1904 Allen Street, Kelso. Info: 360-501-1800.

June 8: Lower Columbia College Jazz Band. Spring Concert. 7:30. Wollenberg Auditorium, Rose Center for the Arts, Lower Columbia College, Longview. Info:
lowercolumbia.edu/music

June 9: “River of Promise-Lewis and Clark on the Columbia”. Dave Nicandri, Washington State Historical Society Director, will discuss the book he has recently completed about this neglected part of the Lewis and Clark journey. 7:00. Cowlitz County Historical Museum, 405 Allen Street, Kelso. Info: 360-577-3119 or co.cowlitz.wa.us/museum

June 11: Lower Columbia College Symphonic Band. Spring Concert. 7:30. Wollenberg Auditorium, Rose Center for the Arts, Lower Columbia College, Longview. Info: lowercolumbia.edu/music

June 15: Lower Columbia College Community Choir. Spring Concert. 7:30. Wollenberg Auditorium, Rose Center for the Arts, Lower Columbia College, Longview. Info: lowercolumbia.edu/music

June 19: Improv After Planters Days Parade. Love Street Playhouse. 1- 3. 126 Love Street, Woodland. Info: 360-263-6670 or lovestreetplayhouse.com

June 26: Robin Hood-Students, ages 6 – 18, will perform this fun play from the Theatre Camp (See Classes, below). 2 and 7:30. $5. Love Street Playhouse, 126 Love Street, Woodland. Info: 360-263-6670 or lovestreetplayhouse.com

Opportunities

Writers Wanted: Valley Bugler seeking writers to produce 400 word essays on their profession or passion. Contact Michelle Myre, Publisher, at editor@valleybugler.com

Call for Vendors: Second Annual Kelso Downtown Spring Fling. Event features food, music, and a flea market. June 5, 10-4. More Information: Mike Zonich 360-636-3000; Robin Stout at 360-423-4816 or fringe9@msn.com

Call for Vendors: Bowtie Blast Bazaar. Event featuring arts and crafts, flea market, etc, sponsored by the Longview Downtowners. July 3, 9-3. $12 for an 8’x4’ space in The Merk, Broadway and Commerce, Longview. Bring your own table or rent a 4’ oval table for $6 each (limited number available). Contact: Mic McCord at 360-575-9440.

Call for Artists: Art in the Park–juried exhibition of fine arts and crafts. August 14, 10-5. If you are interested in participating, please contact Columbian Artists Association, PO Box 2862, Longview, WA 98632, csbartist@yahoo.com or columbianartists.org

Workshops

I Am an Artist: Professional Development Weekend for Artists. Presented by Artists Trust. June 5-6. Vancouver, WA. Info: 206-467-8734 x20 or 1-866-21-TRUST (toll free) or emailing nirmala@artisttrust.org

Grant Writing for Artists. Presented by Artists Trust. June 12. Vancouver, WA. Info: Miguel Guillen at 206/467-8734 x11, 866/218-7878 x11 (toll-free) or miguel@artisttrust.org

Classes

Theatre Camp: Young actors (ages 6 to 18) will have the opportunity to audition for the summer children’s show, Robin Hood. June 21–26, 9–noon. Love Street Playhouse, 126 Love Street, Woodland. Info: 360-263-6670 or lovestreetplayhouse.com

Mountains and Madonnas

Mount St. Helens 30th Anniversary
May 18, 2010 is the 30th anniversary of the eruption of Mount St. Helens. I was living in Alaska at the time, so I do not have story (See May 16th below). The volcanic eruption that is impacting Europe resonates more with me because I was trying to fly out of Alaska at Christmas time when Mount Redoubt erupted in 1989. A KLM flight flew through the ash, lost all its engines and flights stopped for several days. (The plane did land safely at the Anchorage airport.) I was luckier than most frustrated travelers because I lived near the airport and could drive back and forth several times a day to check on flights and get to sleep in my own bed. But many families had flown in from the Bush and were stuck sleeping on the floor of the airport for up to 5 days. Kudos to Alaska Airlines. Their employees didn’t know any more than anyone else, but they were nice.

I have been working with the Mount St. Helens Anniversary Planning Committee for several months. The committee decided to celebrate the event throughout the 2010 tourist season. Everyone is invited to plan a new or promote an existing activity throughout the state. The Committee will promotion and advertise activities in three different categories: Signature Events (“It’s all about the 30th Anniversary”), Related Mountain Events (It’s all about the Mountain”) and Regional Events – everything else that is happening. A number of the signature events are taking place starting May 15th. (Check the Mount. St. Helens@30 calendar at CowlitzToday.com for all the activities.)

• May 15th - The Mount St. Helens Institute has organized the annual "It's a Blast" event at Coldwater Lake and Johnston Ridge, focused on volcano science in your back yard.
• May 16th - Cowlitz County Tourism Bureau is featuring a "Tell Your Story" event and display at the Hoffstadt Bluff Visitors Center. This event will highlight oral histories of firsthand accounts of the 1980 eruption.
• May 17th - The Mount St. Helens Visitors Center operated by Washington State Parks Recreation Commission will host a special event.
• May 14th to 18th - The Forest Learning Center operated by Weyerhaeuser, will be open extended days. Normal days of operation are Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
• May 18th - Official Commemoration Program, Seismic Exhibit Unveiling and Amphitheater Ceremonial Ground Breaking at Johnston Ridge Observatory. The program will feature elected officials remarks culminating with a visual presentation by the National Geographic Magazine, highlighting the magazines M.S.H. 30th Anniversary May 2010 edition.
• August 14th - The "Awesome Hike" This ten mile hike starts early and goes from Johnston Ridge

Here are some websites that are covering all the activities:

Mount St. Helens Cowlitz County Tourism Bureau (official Web site)
http://www.visitmtsthelens.com/

Mount St. Helens Cowlitz County Tourism YouTube Channel (videos about Mount St. Helens)
http://www.youtube.com/user/CowlitzCountyTourism

Mount St. Helens Cowlitz County Tourism on Facebook (click the Facebook icon at top left of page, then log in)
http://www.visitmtsthelens.com/

Mount St. Helens Institute
http://mshinstitute.org/

Mount St. Helens Twitter Institute- get daily updates on what the volcano did 30 years ago
http://twitter.com/mshinstitute

Mount St. Helens Information Resource Center
http://www.mountsthelens.com/

Mount St. Helens Information Resource Center Twitter
http://twitter.com/mountsthelens

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument - US Forest Service
http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/mshnvm/

Mount St. Helens - Natures Discovery site
http://www.mt-st-helens.com/index.html

I was impressed with the members of the committee because they were very interested in having art activities connected to the anniversary. To this end, the two Visitor’s Centers – Mount St. Helens (Mile 5, SR 504) and Hoffstadt Bluffs (Mile 13, SR 504) - are available for use by arts organizations. So far, two visual arts groups are mounting exhibits at the Silver Lake Visitor’s Center. For the Love of Art will be there May 18 to May 31 and the Columbian Artists Association will be there the month of June.

If you would like to plan a special activity or have an activity promoted by the committee, please send me a comment.

First Thursday Activities – June 3
Be sure and check out the Icons at Teague’s Gallery on June First Thursday. Bernadette Weber has been teaching an Icon Class at Teague's and student icons will be featured.

I was first introduced to Icons when I traveled to Russia in 1982 and visited many Russian Orthodox churches. An icon (from a Greek word for “image’) is a religious work of art. The icon is generally a flat panel painting of Jesus, Mary, saints, angels or the cross. I would have loved to purchase one but it was illegal to take Icons out of the country. So I had to wait until 1991 when an Alaskan artist, Bryan Birdsall, had an exhibit of Icons. My Icon is a copy of a 15th century Russian Icon.

Broadway Gallery, 1418 Commerce www.the-broadway-gallery.com/
The featured artists are Gini Smith (painting), Scott McRae (painting) and Gallery Students (various media).
Reception: 5:30 – 7:30pm. Music by John Crocker.

LCC Gallery at the Rose Center, 15th & Washington http://lowercolumbia.edu/gallery/
Annual Student Art Show. (Exhibit runs May 27 – June 11.)
Open until 7:00pm.

Longview Public Library Koth Gallery, 1600 Louisiana www.longviewlibrary.org/artschedule09.html
The featured artist is David Huffman (Photography)) (Exhibit closes June 3.)
Open until 8:00pm.

Lord & McCord Artworks, 1416 Commerce http://www.lindamccord.com/
The featured artist is Mike Smith, wood turning. Alan Brunk will be demonstrating collograph printing and Linda McCord will give a class in screen printing for children and adults.
Reception: 5:00 – 7:00pm.

Teague’s Interiors Mezzanine Gallery, 1267 Commerce http://www.teaguesinteriors.com/

Teague’s will be featuring Icons from the class taught by Bernette Weber.
Open until 7:00pm.

Java Joy Coffee House (in The Treasure House), 1252 Commerce Avenue
Featuring artists from For the Love of Art. www.ftloa.org/
Open until 7:00pm

ZoJo Coffee, 1335 14th Avenue http://www.zojocoffee.com/
Featuring a selection of African art from the private collection of Brian and Dana Cummings.
Open until 7:00pm.

The Bistro, 1329 Commerce Avenue www.thebistrobuzz.com/
Wine Tasting. Live music. Door Prizes. Reservations Recommended.
Hours: 5:00 - 8:00pm.

All That Jazz and May Activities

All That Jazz

I am on the road with my first laptop; struggling with Word 7 and Wi-Fi. The reason for this trip was the Reno Jazz Festival (April 22-24) www.unr.edu/rjf. My husband, Ed, had attended this annual competition between middle and high schools and colleges for years. It had been a guy thing; a high school buddy (Bob) of Ed’s. a retired University of Reno professor and serious jazz trumpeter, would host a small high school reunion. But as the guys dropped out, I began attending.

The Festival consists of two days of jazz choir, combo and big band performances and three nights of concerts. The Friday night concert features a “big name” guest artist and the Saturday concert showcases some of the competition winners. We usually skip the Thursday night concert because it features the Collective, a University of Reno jazz faculty ensemble that is a little too avant-garde for our taste. Ed says they are doing the equivalent of presenting papers. And it is the only time we have time to play the penny slots.

The talent is amazing and it is encouraging to see that some schools still consider art important. Ed had come back with stories of 12 year old vocalists or trumpet players bringing tears to his eyes. The talent is still there but what is changing each year is jazz. All the groups are spending more time “outside the chord.” This is a term that I learned from Bob that describes the increase in dissonance in modern jazz. (Inside the chord describes church music, conventional and comfortable.) There is also a trend toward performing original compositions rather than standard tunes. Modern jazz doesn’t swing and I miss it.

This is not to say that the Festival wasn’t wonderful. We spent most of our time listening to the choir competition and were very pleased that the choir from Columbia Basin Community College in Pasco, WA won their category. They had an older female soloist that we suspected had a singing career in a previous life. The winning high school, Hamilton High School in Los Angeles, sung an acapella version of "In the Wee Small Hours" that caused Bob to weep. The winning small school combo from Sisters, OR performed two sweet, melodic songs with vibes in the lead. And the winning bands from Seattle’s Garfield High School (they always do well) and Portland’s Sunset High School did swing – on one of their two tunes.

The other highlight was the Friday Night performance by the Bill Holman Big Band. Bill Holman, a gentleman in his 80’s, is a Grammy Award Winning saxophonist and arranger. He has arranged and composed for many of the best jazz musicians – Count Basie, Stan Kenton, Buddy Rich, Mel Torme, Tony Bennett, Sarah Vaughan, Natalie Cole. He has some outstanding musicians in this band (Ed says he had some of the Stan Kenton band) and they could swing. But they didn’t swing the traditional tunes; they swung bebop and Thelonious Monk. And these songs had melodies buried beneath complex rhythmic structures and cascades of notes. Ed said it was the best big band concert he had ever heard. I appreciated Monk for the first time.

NOTE: The picture at the top is of the Contra Costa College, San Pablo CA, choir.

May Activities

April 29, May 6, 13, and 27: Community Conversations. Wings on the Human Spirit, the Visual and Performing Arts. April 29: “Music and Dance in the Balkans” by Daniela Ivanova-Nyberg, Professional dancer and teacher; May 6,“The Play’s the Thing” by Don Correll, LCC Drama instructor; May 13, “An Exploration in Dance” by Megan Jasurda, LCC Dance instructor; May 27, “Theatre as Consciousness” by Kurt Beattie from A Contemporary Theatre in Seattle. 12pm-1pm. Wollenberg Auditorium, Rose Center for the Arts, Lower Columbia College, Longview, Wash. Info: 360-442-2311 or http://www.lcc.ctc.edu/.

April 30-May 1-2, 7-9, 14-16: The Fantasticks. Dinner Theatre by The Storefront Theatre Company. 6:30pm; Sunday matinees1:30pm. Three Rivers Mall (next to Bath & Body Works), 351 3 Rivers Drive, Kelso. Info: Phillip A. Kennedy 360-487-6190 or e-mail thefantasticks@comcast.net.

May 1, 8, 15, and 16: Longview Historic Preservation Month. May 1, Opening festivities, walking tour of old Westside homes, presentation of Historical Preservation awards. 10:00am-11:45am. The Merk on Commerce and Broadway, Longview. May 8: Walking tour of Historic Downtown. 10:00am-11:30am. The Merk on Commerce and Broadway, Longview. May 15: Walking Tour of Lake Sacajawea. 10:00am-11:30am. Meet at lake entrance at Kessler and Hemlock. May 16: Tour of Donnie Doble’s dairy barn. 1:00pm-4:00pm. 2703 Pacific Way, Longview. Info: 360-423-4427.

May 2: Kaleidoscope Concert. Classical, opera, tango and Broadway music. Celebration Concert Series. 3pm. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 1428 22nd Ave., Longview. Info: Gary Lindstrom 360-431-8653.

May 8: KUKN Country Nashville Unplugged presents Billy Dean.7:30pm. Columbia Theatre. www.columbiatheatre.com/.

May 14-15, 21-22: The Matchmaker: Mainstage Theatre production of Thornton Wilder play on which “Hello Dolly” is based. 7:30pm; 2:00pm on May 22. R.A. Long High School auditorium, 2903 Nichols Blvd, Longview.

May 15: 3rd Annual Antique Appraisal Day- Up to three items-art, jewelry, furniture, ceramics, glass, etc. to be appraised by Robin Caton and other guest appraisers from Portland and Seattle. Donation $5.00 to the Downtown Street Decorations fund. 10:00am-2:00pm.Teague’s Interiors, 1267 Commerce, Longview http://www.teaguesinteriors.com/.

May 15: Frank Ferrante as Grouch Marx (substitute for Jack Benny Show). 7:30pm. Columbia Theatre. www.columbiatheatre.com/.

May 24: KLASS – concert of the Kelso-Longview associated schools symphony for children in grades 3-12 and Mark Morris band. 6:00pm. Mark Morris Cafeteria, 1602 Mark Morris Court, Longview.

May 26-29, June 2-5, 10-12. The Three Cuckolds – LCC Center Stage production of masked commedia. 7:30pm. Rose Center for the Performing Arts, 15th and Washington, Longview. Info: http://lowercolumbiacollege.edu/.

May 27 – June 11: LCC Annual Student Art Show. Opening Reception: May 27, 5:00-7:00pm. . LCC Gallery at the Rose Center, 15th & Washington, Longview. lowercoluhttp://lowercolmbiacollege.edu/

Opportunities
Writers Wanted: Valley Bugler seeking writers to produce 400 word essays on their profession or passion. Contact Michelle Myre, Publisher, at editor@valleybugler.com.

Workshop
Grant Writing for Artists. Presented by Artists Trust. June 12. Vancouver, WA. Info: Miguel Guillen at 206/467-8734 x11, 866/218-7878 x11 (toll-free) or miguel@artisttrust.org.

Classes
Zydeco Dance Lessons: Thursdays April 22-May 20. Classes 6:30pm-7:30pm; CD dancing 7:30pm-8:30pm. Public Welcome. No experience or partner necessary. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 1428 22nd Ave. Longview. Info: Chere Weiss 360-430- 8865.

Welcome and May First Thursday Activities

Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez

Welcome to my first blog post. I have named my blog "ARTS Lagniappe." The "ARTS" part of the name is because this blog will focus on art happenings in the cities and towns along the western Columbia River (the border between Oregon and Washington states in the USA). I have been sending out a monthly email for the last several years listing First Thursday activities, a calendar of art events for the month, and information about opportunities, classes, etc. This blog will continue that effort.

"Lagniappe" is a word used in Southern Louisiana that means an extra or unexpected gift or benefit. So along with information about art activities and opporunities, I will try and add a little dollop of whimsy. My life motto is "Easily Amused" and I think there is no such thing as too much fun.

The web address for this blog is for a group that was started 4 years ago - the Greater Columbia ARTS Network (ART-Net). This group's mission is to promote the wonderful art and artists in our little part of this big world.

Mardi Gras in New Orleans
My husband and I lived in New Orleans for 6 months in 1991. We were there for Mardi Gras and it was fun. Mardi Gras is so much more than the day before the start of Lent. Depending on when Lent falls, the celebration, which really starts after New Years Day, can run from 6 - 10 weeks. And every week there are several parades - float parades, day parades, night parades, truck parades, walking parades - leading up to the major parades that take place the last 4 days of Mardi Gras. We saw at least 25 parades and were in the French Quarter on Mardi Gras. At midnight, the city water trucks come through the Quarter and wash everybody off the streets (and into the bars).

King Cake
But, I must confess, my favorite part of Mardi Gras is the King Cake - a gooey, yeast coffee cake covered with frosting and colored sugars (purple, green and gold) and, if you want to pay more, filled with cream cheese and fruit preserves. They are sold in every grocery store (and I have eaten more than my share of mass produced King Cakes) but some bakeries and restaurants specialize in putting out a premium product and I attempted to eat them all. There are lots of parties and office parties and King Cake is a must. Each King Cake contains a tiny plastic baby figure (I am pretty sure it is pushed into the cake after it is baked) and whoever gets the baby has to buy the next cake for the next party. I miss them a lot. I have been known to order them from New Orleans (quite expensive) and to bake them myself (I just can't get them gooey enough).

I had guests around Mardi Gras this year and decided to make the King Cake recipe in "Kneedlessly Simple" by Nancy Baggett. I have been making no-knead, slow rise breads out of this cookbook for about a year and could not be more satisfied. I was surprised that she included a King Cake recipe and, after making it, think it should have been omitted. But it had the essential essence of a moist, sweet yeast bread and we ate it all.

So, even though I long to be listening to live jazz, eating beignets and drinking cafe au lait in New Orleans, I know that the good times roll here also!

First Thursday - May 6, 2010

This first post covers the activities happening on May First Thursday. The exciting new news is the opening of a new downtown gallery - Lord & McCord at 1416 Commerce Street. The gallery is wonderful; don't miss it. Linda's 92 year old mother has very colorful quilted and beaded purses and glasses cases for sale at the gallery at very reasonable prices. I have included one of Linda's watercolor picture of her mother that is included in Linda's show at the Koth Gallery at the Longview Library; the exhibit closes on April 21. It is called "Stir Crazy" and I hope she is stirring up King Cake!

1. Broadway Gallery, 1418 Commerce, Longview www.the-broadway-gallery.com/

The featured artists are Jinx Victor (painting), Heidi Bishop (paper), David Myers (Photography) and Suzy Halversen (knitting, painting, jewelry).
Reception: 5:30 – 7:30pm. Music by John Kramer.

2. LCC Gallery at the Rose Center, 15th & Washington, Longview lowercolumbia.edu/community/art-and-entertainment/the-art-gallery/

Featuring Mary J. McInnis (Pastels), Chaim Bezalel and Yonnah Ben Levy ((Paintings). (Exhibit closes on May 7.)
Open until 7:00pm.

3. Longview Public Library Koth Gallery, 1600 Louisiana, Longview www.longviewlibrary.org/artschedule09.html

The featured artist is David McDonough (Oil Paintings) (Exhibit closes May 12.)
Open until 8:00pm.

4. Lord & McCord Artworks, 1416 Commerce, Longview www.lindamccord.com/

Grand Opening. The featured artists are Michelle Cooper (jewelry), Ken Knodell (glass) and Kathryn Marks (painting.)
Reception: 5:00 – 7:00pm. Live Music.

5. Teague's Interiors, 1267 Commerce, Longview www.teaguesinteriors.com/

"Celebrating Spring," a juried show of works with a floral theme. Local Author Jane Still will be signing her new book “Mothers Daze”.
Open until 7:00pm.

6. ZoJo Coffee, 1335 14th Avenue, Longview www.zojocoffee.com/

Featuring the works of Carine Crooks, Kimberly Palmer, Heather Steely, Julianna Dunning, Dana Marie Cummings, Jubilee Steely, Kassy Kandle, Hadassah Cummings and Mary Dumke in a wonderful mix of styles and mediums.
Open until 7:00pm.

7. The Bistro, 1329 Commerce Avenue, Longview www.thebistrobuzz.com/

Wine Tasting. Live music. Door Prizes. Reservations Recommended.
Hours: 5:00 - 8:00pm.

8. Cowlitz County Historical Museum, 405 Allen Street, Kelso www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/museum/

"A Small Newspaper’s Biggest Challenge: Covering the Eruption of Mount St. Helens” by former Daily News Managing Editor Bob Gaston.
Program begins at 7:00pm; Museum open until 9:00pm.