Gingerbread is Special

Visitor's Center in Gingerbread

I have been spending a lot of time with gingerbread lately. First, I wrote about it for the Columbia River Reader November edition. Check it out at crreader.com/2011/11/15/Gingerbread-is-special-and-life-is-good and add a comment.

Then my sister and I and my husband spent two days creating gingerbread creations for The Daily News Gingerbread Haus Contest. One of the categories was local landmarks, so I decided to replicate the Cowlitz County Visitor’s Center. You know the doublewide trailer off Exit 39. I am no baking pro by any means so I spend a lot of time trying to come up with edible substitutes for a metal roof, metal poles, wooden slates, white signs, black asphalt, rust and mold. In the process, I discovered edible sugar sheets, markers and paint. And a toy front end loader to make a political statement.

The contest was wonderful-37 entries of incredible imagination and professionalism. The Daily News has pictures of all the entries, along with awards and names of creators, on their website tdn.com/promo/homepage/photo-gallery-gingerbread-creations/collection_4be71234-1e03-11e1-9f1f-001871e3ce6c.html. 22 of the houses are currently displayed in downtown Longview at the following locations: Teague’s Interiors, ZoJo Coffee, Highlander Cycling Imports, Eyes on Commerce, Hospice Thrift Shop, Elam’s, The Gift Cottage and The Merk window facing Broadway.

Shop local, see the gingerbread houses, bake and eat some gingerbread (share with others), plan to attend First Thursday on January 5 and have a
Wonderful Holiday.

First Thursday Activities – January 5

Broadway Gallery, 1418 Commerce, Longview www.the-broadway-gallery.com/
Fiber Arts Show, Mia Schulte (paintings) and Margo Westall and Don Lovett (metal sculpture). Seconds Sale – January 16-21.
Reception 5:30-7:30pm. Music by John Crocker. Door Prizes.

The Gift Cottage, 1414 Commerce, Longview
Gourmet food tasting. Door prizes. In-store sale.
Open until 7pm.

Longview Public Library Koth Gallery, 1600 Louisiana, Longview www.longviewlibrary.org/
Kinzey Wilson (acrylics).
Open until 8pm.

Lord & McCord Art Works, 1416 Commerce, Longview http://www.lindamccord.com//
Will McCreery (woodturning) and winning artwork from the Columbian Artist Association Fall 2011 member show. Refreshments. Door Prizes.
Reception 5:30–7:30pm.

Teague's Mezzanine Gallery, 1267 Commerce, Longview http://www.teaguesinteriors.com//
Mary Ann Dawkins (photos gallery wraps), Wendy (batiks, “Winterlude” and “Holidays”) and Shirley (Faces).
Reception 5:30-7pm.

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

Public Art Uplifted

Public Art in Spokane

My husband and I took a quick trip east of the Mountains recently and visited Spokane and Wenatchee. The weather was not too rainy and cold and we walked around looking for public art. Spokane was wonderful with lovely walking paths along the Spokane River, a historic downtown, a cleverly renovated steam plant and many great restaurants. My favorite piece of public art was a footrace installation comprised of many runners rounding a corner in a park.

Wenatchee was a surprise. The town has 83 public sculptures. Their program, Art on the Avenues, was inspired in 1994 by a trip to Grand Junction, Colorado “…where they had the impression that they ran into art every time they turned around.” www.artontheavenues.org/ (Grand Junction was also a muse to our local public art program, Longview Outdoor Gallery.) They have met their goal and there is art everywhere.

Coyote

Ped

Lotus Seeker

Pre-Mathematics (I loved that name.)

But my favorite art installation was not a sculpture. When I approached the covered bridge that connects downtown with Water Front Park, I could see colorful fabric attached to the inside-decorated bras. It was a fundraiser for The Wellness Place, an organization that develops and supports health programs for local residents. The bras were so unexpected and so cleverly decorated that I laughed first and then reached for my camera.

If you can’t get away to Spokane or Wenatchee, here are a couple of local activities to check out:
• Visit the Broadway Gallery and see Scott McCray’s latest paintings – florals on a white background. The colors just pop and he says painting on white improves his concentration. His blog is scottmcrae.wordpress.com/.
• See “The Unexpected Guest,” playing at the LCC Rose Center for the Arts until November 26, (lowercolumbia.edu/community/art-and-entertainment/theatre/) read the review by Greg Zschomle on the Columbia River Reader website (http://www.crreader.com/) and add a comment. Let’s get some conversations going about art in our community!
• Learn about Cowlitz County during WWI At the Cowlitz County Museum on December 1 (See details below)

First Thursday Activities – December 1

Broadway Gallery, 1418 Commerce, Longview www.the-broadway-gallery.com/
Members Show
Reception 5:30-7:30pm. Music by Calvin. Door Prizes.

The Gift Cottage, 1414 Commerce, Longview
Gourmet food tasting. Door prizes. In-store sale.
Open until 7pm.

Longview Public Library Koth Gallery, 1600 Louisiana, Longview www.longviewlibrary.org/
Christmas Quilt Show
Open until 8pm.

Lord & McCord Art Works, 1416 Commerce, Longview www.lindamccord.com/
Gala Opening of Wearable Art Boutique featuring Walter Camerer, Cathy McCausland, Ken Knodell and June Trusty (jewelry), Billie Bevers (shawls and beaded purses), Daniela Nyberg (sweaters and scarves), Ms. Marie (wooden purses) and Billie Bevers, Jean Watson and the late Dorothy Connor (hats) Door Prizes.
Reception 5:30–7:30pm.

Teague's Mezzanine Gallery, 1267 Commerce, Longview www.teaguesinteriors.com/
Suzanne Long (jewelry)
Reception 5:30-7pm.

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

Cowlitz County Historical Museum, 405 Allen St, Kelso www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/museum/
“World War I Home Front in Cowlitz County” by Beth Kirby. Talk is in conjunction with CTPA’s presentation of “All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914” on December 4, 3 and 7pm.
Program begins at 7pm; museum open until 9pm.

How Does She Do That?

Gallery Director Diane Bartlett and Erica Melville painting

My curiosity seems to lie dormant for long periods. Then the need to know “how” or “why” suddenly demands my attention. The most recent example occurred when my husband and I attended the September 29 opening of the Erica Melville exhibit at The Art Gallery at Lower Columbia College (lowercolumbia.edu/community/art-and-entertainment/the-art-gallery/gallery-schedule/). We were both impressed with the colorful, nature-inspired painting of the young artist. I looked up her website and then checked the website for Alan Rose who opens at The Art Gallery on November 14. I then had to know: How does Diane Bartlett choose these artists? So I asked her.

Process

The Art Gallery has two exhibits every quarter for a total of eight. Two exhibits are annual–the LCC students and Columbia Artists Association and the LCC faculty show is semi-annual. For the others, Diane sends out a Call for Submissions for solo and group exhibitions from Washington and Oregon artists. Diane has an email list of artists who have indicated an interest in exhibiting (dbartlett@lowercolumbiacollege.edu). Diane said she did not limit the first call to regional artists and received submissions from artists as far away as England and Thailand. A very practical reason for local artists is that they are required to bring their artwork to the gallery, saving Diane the time and expense of unpacking, repacking and shipping. It is interesting that most artists do not choose to hang their work.

Diane receives 25-to 50 submissions. The artists are required to submit all application material on a CD, which allows for easy digital sharing with a four-person Advisory Committee. The members of the committee provide feedback to Diane; she “strongly follows their recommendations” in making the final decisions.

Criteria

The Call for Submissions states “Through exhibitions with diverse perspectives, the gallery is dedicated to providing cultural enrichment to the college and surrounding communities. The gallery has the unique opportunity to schedule exhibits that covers a wide range of styles using various media, and provides a venue for artists whose work is best suited to non-commercial spaces.”

Diane says she is “looking for art not normally seen in the community.” There are also practical considerations. If an artist applies for a solo show, Diane has to determine if the artist has enough work for the space. However, she can combine the work of various artists into one exhibit. The last exhibit, Divergent ART, was a combined exhibit. Diane plans to do more of these shows.

Diane Barlett

Diane has been the Gallery Director for four years. She was born and raised in this area and has a BA in art education. She taught high school art in Quincy, Washington and worked for 21 years in employment security. She took pottery classes at LCC and is now both a painter and a potter

First Thursday Activities – November 3

Broadway Gallery, 1418 Commerce, Longview www.the-broadway-gallery.com/
Scott McRae (paintings), Marisa Mercure (tiles), Don Quackenbush (stained glass) and Jane Gerdon (felting).
Reception 5:30-7:30pm. Music by Dave Mongeau. Door Prizes.

The Gift Cottage, 1414 Commerce, Longview
Local artists and gourmet food. Door prizes.
Open until 7pm.

Lord & McCord Art Works, 1416 Commerce, Longview www.lindamccord.com/
Pam Vawter (watercolor paintings); holiday preview of gifts and decorations by the gallery artists.
Reception 5:30–7:30pm.

Teague's Mezzanine Gallery, 1267 Commerce, Longview www.teaguesinteriors.com/
Mary Ann Dawkins (Giclee prints on canvas), Jacquilene Tufts (glass mosaics) and Shirley’s “Faces.”
Reception 5:30-7pm.

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

Cowlitz County Historical Museum, 405 Allen St, Kelso www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/museum/
Cowlitz Indian Tribal spiritual leader Roy Wilson will speak on Cowlitz Indian Culture: What Has Changed, What Remains “
Program begins at 7pm; museum open until 9pm.

Cycladic Art

My husband and I spent the month of June in Greece and Turkey. We spent half of the time with his son, daughter-in-law, 4-year-old granddaughter and two other sets of grandparents (the granddaughter called us the “Wrinkles”) on Rhodes and Bodrum, Turkey. The rest of the time was in Athens (during the economic protests) and on a weeklong bus tour of ancient ruins.

We loved Athens. It is very walkable and the food is inexpensive. Both hotels we stayed at had a view of the Acropolis. (I have noticed since we returned that most news reporters in Greece have the Acropolis in the background.) We went to the National Archeological Museum twice, before and after the tour, and were overwhelmed by the richness of Greek history and art. It is truly exhausting to visit that museum.

However, for me, the highlight of Athens was the Museum of Cycladic Art. The Cycladic civilization flourished in the islands of the Aegean Sea from 3300-2000 BC. The best-known art from these islands are flat idols carved out of the islands' pure white marble. A majority of the figurines is female, depicted nude, and with arms folded across the stomach. The Museum’s brochure says, “Their austere simplicity and abstract qualities have inspired artists of the 20th century such as Constantin Brancusi, Alberto Giacometti, Barbara Hepworth, Pablo Picasso and Henry Moore."

Updates

Longview Outdoor Gallery: In my September 15 post, I wrote about the installation of the 11 sculptures on Commerce Avenue in downtown Longview. LOG is inviting the public to vote for its favorite sculpture. Ballots and ballot boxes can be found in Elam’s, Teague’s, Captured Treasures and Ken’s Engraving.

Literary Art: I blogged about Kalama Word Catcher in my May 23 post. I was very impressed with Jack Hart, former managing editor of The Oregonian and author of “A writer’s Coach” and "Storycraft" (just published). Mr. Hart, along with David Rorden, former city editor of The Daily News, will appear at WordFest on Tuesday, October 4. (The Brits, 1427 Commerce).

You can see a interview with Willy Vlautin, author of "Lean On Pete," who appeared at WordFest in June, at http://www.alan-rose.com/bookchat/.

On October 3, Northwest Voices will feature children's author Jennifer Blomgren, award-winning author of "Where Do I Sleep?" She will be presenting a workshop at 3:30 pm in the LCC Room Main 119, and a reading at the Longview Public Library at 7:00 pm. Both events are free and open to the public.

On October 14, the Washington Poets Association is hosting "A Night of Poetry" at 7:00 pm at the Red Leaf coffee shop, 209 W Main, Kelso. This free event will also have books by local poets available for purchase.

Mary Stone and Charolette Conklin will be offering a Creative Writing Class through Longview. Parks & Recreation on Mondays, Oct. 17, 24 (skip Oct. 31), and Nov. 7 from 5:30-7:15 p.m. at the Recreation. Building, 2920 Douglas St., Longview. The cost is $35 in-city, $40 out-of-city. Info: 360-442-5400.

First Thursday Activities – October 6

Broadway Gallery, 1418 Commerce, Longview www.the-broadway-gallery.com/
Susy Halverson (paintings), Lee Boone (sculptures), Donna Patching (paintings) and Dan Sheridan (pottery); winner of Mask Show announced.
Reception 5:30-7:30pm. Music by Dian Norman. Door Prizes.

The Gift Cottage, 1414 Commerce, Longview
Local artists and gourmet food. Door prizes.
Open until 7pm.

LCC Gallery at the Rose Center, 15th & Washington, Longview lowercolumbia.edu/community/art-and-entertainment/the-art-gallery/
Erica Melville (paintings). Show runs Sept. 29-Oct. 28.
Open until 6pm.

Longview Public Library Koth Gallery, 1600 Louisiana, Longview www.longviewlibrary.org/
Columbia Artists Association Fall Show. Show runs Sept 22-Oct 19.
Open until 8pm.

Lord & McCord Art Works, 1416 Commerce, Longview www.lindamccord.com/
June Trusty (jewelry with a frontier theme) and Katie M. Berggren (acrylic paintings).
Reception 5:30–7:30pm.

Teague's Mezzanine Gallery, 1267 Commerce, Longview www.teaguesinteriors.com/
Original French country canvases by Shirley, custom framed batiks, icons and parable cards by Wendy, Dawkins Gallery Wraps from original photos and many cards.
Reception 5:30-7pm.

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

Cowlitz County Historical Museum, 405 Allen St, Kelso www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/museum/
“Mountain Man-What was life like for the fur trappers and traders that traveled the American West in the Early 19th Century?” by Bob and Peggy Johnson and Karl and Rita Graichen.
Program begins at 7pm; museum open until 9pm.

Champions

Jeanene LeRae, cute dog and "Miracle Grow with Blue Birds" by Leon White

I have been remiss in not posting to this blog since May. I have a lot of catching up to do because, although I have not been sharing it, I have had a number of exciting art-related experiences.

The most exciting was the Longview Outdoor Gallery’s installation of 10 sculptures on Commerce Street in downtown Longview on Saturday, September 10. The LOG task force has been working on this project for only 18 months. In that time they organized, raised $15,000 from local sponsors and patrons, developed a selection process, jumped through numerous bureaucratic hoops, purchased bases, and hosted the artists who came to town to install their art. (The base for the 11th sculpture was not ready; it should be installed this week.) I was at the LOG headquarters room for the installation and I cannot describe how exciting it was to hear these first class Northwest sculptors praise Longview for its beauty and hospitality. Check out my LOG article and the pictures in the September 15 issue of Columbia River Reader or on the website: www.crreader.com/.

Not surprisingly, the major component to a successful enterprise is the person who will never give up-the “Champion.” There are many Champions in our community and most of them go unrecognized. Bill Kasch and his bulldogged efforts to get historical paintings, figures and signs in the downtown comes to mind. Lisa Allen from Banda’s Bouquets donates flower arrangements for so many causes. Janice and Scott Forbes not only opened up a bike shop but are also bringing bikers from throughout the west to compete in the Longview Grand Prix Criterium.

For LOG, Jeanene LeRae was our Champion. She worked endless hours on this project, including 19 Power Point presentations to local groups. She kept the other 10 members of the Task Force in line, on schedule and on budget with meetings and emails. The Longview Downtowners awarded Jeanene the first ever “Downtown Champion” I hope this award is the first of many. I would welcome your nomination for a local Champion.

Meanwhile, go downtown, interact with the sculptures, decide on your favorite, and spend some money at a local business.

On Writing

I was delighted to see Julie Rinard at the Chamber of Commerce Evening with the Stars, an event honoring outstanding local businesses and individuals. Julie told me that she reads my monthly column in the Chamber’s newsletter. I do not have a by-line on the column so I asked her how she knew I wrote it. She replied, “Because it sounds like you.”

Hooray, I have a voice. But what about structure, force, brevity, clarity, color? I have not thought much about writing for years. I was required to take a writing class in law school. The course helped me become a good technical write–just the facts, ma’am. I did not have to worry about those pesky adjectives and adverbs. I did do a lot of technical writing and editing in my various jobs. As a bureaucrat, I mastered the passive voice (a bad thing) and as a consultant, I concentrated on clarity and brevity (a good thing).

Now I am writing some articles and signed up for Word Catchers, a series of writing workshop sponsored by Envision Kalama as a fundraiser for the Kalama Library. The event took place on April 23-the only sunny day in April. I took a morning class on storytelling given by Jack Hart, an editor at large and writing coach for the Oregonian. I am reading his book, “A Writer’s Coach: The Complete Guide to Writing Strategies That Work.” I plan to buy his book on storytelling when it is published next month. (Up to this time, my writing bible has been Strunk and White’s “Elements of Style”.) The afternoon workshop was Reading for Writers led by Brian Doyle. His latest book, “Mink River,” is one of the best books I have ever read. Both of these workshops were inspirational. Thanks to Mary Putka and Molly Ciancibelli for a well-planned, educational and delicious event. I urge anyone who reads or writes to attend Word Catchers next year.

Meanwhile, the Columbia River Reader is looking for writers for its new website: http://www.crreader.com/. More information is available on the website or on page 10 of the May 15 issue. That issue also contains Alan Rose’s review of “Lean on Pete” by Scappoose writer Willy Vlautin. Mr. Vlautin’s novel won two Oregon Book Awards: the Ken Kesey Award for Fiction and Reader’s Choice. He will be discussing and reading from his book at WordFest on June 7. Let’s all do the write thing!

June Activities and Opportunities

June is the calm before the hurricane of summer activities. Enjoy.

First Thursday Activities – June 2

Broadway Gallery, 1418 Commerce, Longview www.the-broadway-gallery.com/
Student Art Show and Zimbabwe Artists Project.
Reception 5:30-7:30pm. Music by Farrell Harris and Connie Wallace. Door Prizes.

Lord & McCord Art Works, 1416 Commerce, Longview http://www.lindamccord.com/
Ms. Marie with collage boxes and purses. Linda McCord will talk about digital photography and reproductions at 6pm.
Reception 5–7pm.

LCC Gallery at the Rose Center, 15th & Washington, Longview www.lowercolumbia.edu/community/art-and-entertainment/the-art-gallery/
Annual Student Art Exhibit.
Open until 7pm.

Teague's Interiors, 1267 Commerce, Longview http://www.teaguesinteriors.com/
Photographs by Mary Ann Dawkins.
Reception 5:30-7pm.

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

Cowlitz County Historical Museum, 405 Allen St, Kelso www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/museum/
“Remembering Mount St Helens,” illustrated program about Mt St Helens by author Christine Colasurdo, joined by Susan Saul and Darryl Lloyd. Audience members will be encouraged to share their stories.
Program begins at 7pm; museum open until 9pm.

Activities

May 26-June 11: “The Adding Machine.” LCC Center Stage. 7:30pm. $8 adults, $7 students/seniors. LCC Rose Center for the Arts, 15th Ave & Washington, Longview Wash. Info: 360-442-2682.

June 7: WordFest Willy Vlautin, award-winning writer from Scappoose. 6-8pm. The Brits, 1427 Commerce, Longview, Wash. Info: 360-425-3430x280.

June 8: Lower Columbia College Jam Bank Concert
June 10: Lower Columbia College Symphonic Band Concert
June 14: Lower Columbia College Jazz Band Concert
June 16: Lower Columbia College Community Choir Concert
7:30pm. Wollenberg Auditorium, LCC Rose Center for the Arts, 15th Ave & Washington, Longview Wash. Info: lowercolumbia.edu/community/art-and-entertainment/music/.

Opportunities

Call for Vendors: The Longview Downtowners are seeking vendors for produce, crafts, art, flowers, plants, food, etc. for new downtown community market. 12' x12' booth space; $15 daily fee. Friday Night Market will open June 3, 4-9. Info: Jeannette Palfy 360-903-3329 or jeannette.live@gmail.com.

Call for Vendors: Kelso Downtown Spring Fling seeking artists, crafters, food vendors, etc. June 18, 10-4. Booths available for $15. 203 S. Pacific Avenue, Kelso, Wash. Info: 360-423-4816.

Call for Artists: Broadway Gallery seeking artists for their Miniatures show, July 1-30. Any medium; 2-D art, no larger than 5”x7” framed; 3-D art no larger than 4”x 4”. Info: 360-577-0544.

Children’s Auditions: Missoula Children’s Theatre Company will audition children grades 1-12 for Snow White & the 7 Dwarfs. June 27, 10am. Show performance will be July 2 at 3 and 5:30pm. Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, 1231 Vandercook Way, Longview, Wash. Info: 360-575-8499.

Glee-Singing and Sports

Encaustic Painting by Sue Jensen - featured artist at Lord & McCord

I wrote about the choirs at the Reno Jazz Festival last year. I said I was disappointed that they are performing more original compositions and no longer swing. I have been watching the TV show Glee, about a singing (and dancing) high school choir for the last two years, so I was curious to know if the popularity of Glee had impacted the middle and high schools that compete in Reno. I was sure that I was seeing changes the first day. The choirs were bigger and the songs were more traditional. I was less sure the second day when more original compositions were sung. So I asked the choir director of Hamilton School for the Arts in LA, a school that wins first place at least every other year. His answer was a definite Yes! For the first time ever, he had more boys that girls try out for the choir. And, like Glee, I assume these singing boys are also playing football.

May is Longview Historic Preservation Month and five events are planned. May 5, talk at the Cowlitz County Historical Museum (See First Thursday Activities). May 7, 1pm. Opening events, including two films, at the Longview Public Library. May 14, 10am. Walking Tours of Lions Island and Japanese Island. May 21, 10am. Walking (or bus) Tour of Old West Side homes. May 22, 2pm. Family Bike ride around historic Lake Sacajawea. Info: Bill Kasch 360-423-6704.

May is also the first anniversary for Lord & McCord Art Works. Stop by on First Thursday and congratulate Linda for a good year and a great gallery.

First Thursday Activities – May 5
Broadway Gallery, 1418 Commerce, Longview www.the-broadway-gallery.com/
Becky Knold (paintings and whimsical dolls), Marie Wise (paintings) and Della Moore (tables)
Reception 5:30-7:30pm. Music by Dian Norman and Mike Therault.

Longview Public Library Koth Gallery, 1600 Louisiana, Longview www.longviewlibrary.org/
Longview Historic Preservation Commission
Open until 8pm.

Lord & McCord Art Works, 1416 Commerce, Longview www.lindamccord.com/
First Anniversary featuring Sue Jensen (encaustics). 6pm talk.
Reception 5–7pm. Live music.

LCC Gallery at the Rose Center, 15th & Washington, Longview lowercolumbia.edu/
Art Faculty Biennial
Open until 7pm.

Teague's Interiors, 1267 Commerce, Longview www.teaguesinteriors.com/
"Trinity" Arts of Faith, an invitational show
Reception 5:30-7pm.

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

Cowlitz County Historical Museum, 405 Allen St, Kelso www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/museum/
"Reading Between the Lines: the Stories Old Buildings Tell Us" by Michael Herschensohn of Humanities Washington.
Program begins at 7pm; museum open until 9pm.

Activities
May 1-May 23: May Day Show. Broderick Gallery. Reception May 1 from 1-6. 313 E “B” Street, Rainier, Ore. Info: www.broderickgallery.com/

May 1: Columbia River Handbells Free Concert. 3pm. St Stephen's Church, 1428 22nd Ave, Longview, Wash. Info: 503-556-2524.

May 1: Peter Pan – the musical. Longview Stageworks. 7:30, Sun. 2pm. $20-35. Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, 1231 Vandercook, Longview, Wash. Info: www.longviewstageworks.com/

May 3: WordFest. Spike Walker True Adventures. 6-8pm, The Brits, 1427 Commerce, Longview, Wash. Info: 360-425-3430x280.

May 3: “The 39 Steps.”7:30pm. $25-$45. Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, 1231 Vandercook, Longview, Wash. Info: 360-575-8499.

May 6: “Jazz from the Heart.” Northwest Jazz Orchestra. 7pm. Suggested donation $5 adults, $4 Students/ Seniors, Free 12 and under. Trinity Lutheran Church, 2021 Washington Way, Longview, Wash. Info: 360-636-7362.

May 6-22: “Dirty Work at the Crossroads” A Gay 90’s Melodrama. 7:30pm; Sun 2pm. $10. Loves Street Playhouse, 126 Loves Ave, Woodland, Wash. Info: www.lovestreetplayhouse.com/.

May 8: St. Stephen’s Kaleidoscope Concert Mostly Mozart Program. 2pm. St. Stephens Episcopal Church, 22nd and Louisiana, Longview, Wash. Info: Gary Lindstrom 360-431-8653.

May 10: Wind Soloists of New York. Community Concert Association. May 10, 7:30. $25 adults, $10 students. Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, 1231 Vandercook, Longview, Wash. Info: Betty Houten at 360-425-5136.

May 13: Justin Shandor-Elvis tribute artist. 7:30pm, $25-$35. Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, 1231 Vandercook, Longview, Wash. Info: 360-575-8499.

May 13-21: “Done to Death” Student Production of Murder Mystery Spoof. Mainstage Theatre. 7:30pm; May 21, 2pm. $5. Dana Brown Mainstage Theatre, R.A. Long High School, 2903 Nichols, Blvd., Longview, Wash. Info: Susan Donahue 360-575-7733.

May 19-28: “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Kelso High School Theatre. 7:30pm.

May 26-June 11: “The Adding Machine.” LCC Center Stage Theatre. 7:30pm. $8 adults, $7 students/seniors. LCC Rose Center for the Arts, 15th Ave & Washington, Longview Wash. Info: 360-442-2682.

Opportunities
Call for Artists: West Gallery of Spokane, Wash invites artists to enter a Juried Exhibition to be held at the gallery during August. Prizes for Pottery and Painting. Deadline: May 20. Prospectus and entry forms available at www.avenuewestgallery.org/.

Call for Artists: Columbian Artists Association seeking artists to exhibit and sell fine arts and crafts at the third annual juried Art in the Park event scheduled for August 20. Deadline is May 15. Info: www.columbianartists.org/ or 360-425-0142.

Call for Vendors: Kelso Downtown Spring Fling looking for crafters, artists, food vendors, etc. June 4, 10-4. Booths available for $15. Info: 360-423-4816.

Call for Artists: Eco Park Resort, located at mile post 24 on the Spirit Lake Highway, is looking for artists to feature each weekend this summer. Lots of space for set up; no charge or commission fee. Check out the facility at www.ecoparkresort.com/. Info: Dawn Smith at: reservations@ecoparkresort.com/.

Looking for Art in Reno

My husband and I attended the Jazz Fest in Reno, Nevada again this year. We arrived a day early so I decided to spend the day seeing how visual and performing art is promoted in Reno. I always collect art brochures from the cities I visit, so I first wanted to go to the Reno tourism information center. I never found it; the following describes my attempt.
1. Resident: I asked Bob, our host for the Jazz Fest who has lived in Reno for at least 30 years, where I could find information about art in Reno. He had no idea where a tourism office was located but suggested we go to the Nevada Museum of Art. His girlfriend suggested the Stremmel Gallery.
2. Internet: I cannot remember exactly what search terms I used with Google but I was lead to believe that the Eldorado Hotel Casino Convention Center, located downtown, would have information for tourists. It didn’t. My husband and I went to the concierge desks at three downtown hotels/casinos before we found several brochures on dining and outdoor recreation and a helpful man who suggested we go to Sierra Arts .
3. Sierra Arts: A flyer for Sierra Arts states that “…it is proud to be the region’s only arts organization with an emphasis on teaching, nurturing and supporting the arts in our community. It provides education opportunities for artists of all ages, as well as development and training, financial support and promotional and marketing assistance.” Did it have any information about the arts groups in Reno? The volunteer who was at the front desk said it was his first day on the job so he went into another room to ask someone with more experience. The answer was NO. He suggested I go to the Chamber of Commerce located at City Hall.
4. City Hall: City Hall was very nice with an art gallery (closed) and some very nice brochures, including The Reno City Hall Art Collection, Reno Public Art and Historic Reno Walking Tours. The woman at the desk didn’t know where I could find additional information about art; the Chamber of Commerce had moved even though a sign posted outside indicated they were on the 16th floor.
5. Chamber of Commerce: Lots of brochures; none having to do with art. The woman at the desk was somewhat mystified by my request. She copied the arts and culture pages from a chamber of commerce membership book. This information listed some performing arts groups and activities but indicated that I should contact Sierra Arts for a listing of art galleries. I found the McKinley Arts & Culture Center listed under Arts Organizations.
6. McKinley Arts & Culture Center: This Center is in a beautiful historic building located along the Truckee River. It has gallery space, arts and crafts workshop, the city of Reno Arts and Culture Division and rental office space for local non-profit arts organizations–music, theatre, art and dance groups. The reception area contained a few arts brochures. A helpful woman who worked for the Arts and Culture Division said there was no master list of arts groups but that I should check with Sierra Arts for a list of art galleries. She gave me a Truckee River Arts District Map (located in downtown Reno) that had been produced several years back but now with budget cuts….
7. Nevada Museum of Art and the Stremmel Gallery: We did visit these galleries briefly on subsequent days (and while feasting on gourmet toasted cheese sandwiches because April is Toasted Cheese Sandwich Month). The Museum of Art has wonderful art, gift store and cafe but no brochures for other arts organizations. The same for the Stremmel Gallery-wonderful art but no brochures. This Gallery, operating since 1969, was featuring trompe l'oeil painting by Bill Braun, a Seattle artist. The man at the desk said that Reno galleries did not cooperate in any regular activities (i.e., First Thursday) because they were located too far away from each other and there was no use publishing a list of galleries because most galleries opened and closed quickly.

I left Reno feeling good about Longview. We do have lots of arts organizations brochures that are displayed at places tourists visit as well as on our tourism website. In addition, we have a local internet calendar and The Daily News (far superior to the Reno daily newspaper) where our arts activities are listed.

P.S. I checked again for a Reno tourism center after I returned and must have used better search words because I quickly found the Reno/Tahoe visitor’s site. The website has a link to arts and culture and list three art centers, 17 art galleries, five performing arts groups, and two theatre groups. And I found out where the visitor’s center is; the place to “enhance your visitor experience by stopping by…for destination brochures, area information, day trip and tour ideas”. Silly me, I thought it would be downtown but it is 3-4 miles from downtown. I don’t feel too bad I couldn’t find it because Reno residents don’t know where it is either.

Another friend in Reno sent me information about Downtown Reno , a website that covers art in downtown, and Artown , a series of events that “brings the arts to Reno each July.” I guess I chose the wrong month to find art in Reno. But I did make $4 playing the penny slots.

Update on Update

"Neighbors" by Rosemary Powelson

Last month I mentioned that the update for the Experience Art brochure had been sent to the printer. This month I planned on including a picture of the update with this blog post. But, no luck. My old printer doesn’t want to scan today. My husband has a brand new printer but it is early in the morning and I haven’t had enough coffee to learn how to operate new devices. With the new insert and thousands of brochures, I have hours of stuffing and distributing the next few months. If you know about an event or location where art needs to be included, please let me know.

Rosemary Powelson has left for a month long artist residency at the Kimmel Harding Nelson Art Center khncenterforthearts.org in Nebraska City, Nebraska She will continue work on her “Heartland” series. You can see examples from this body of work on her website: www.rosemarypowelson.com. She will be writing while she is traveling. You can follow her experiences and see her photographs and art on her blog: blog.rosemarypowelson.com.

I would like to promote local art blogs and websites. I know about four blogs and a few websites. Please send me information about others.

Meanwhile, here are the activities and opportunities for April. Looks like we are in for more rain, so art is the thing to do and see.

First Thursday Activities – April 7

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

Mitzi Christensen (paintings), Sandy Brown (pottery), Sharon Kelly (paintings), Gayle Kiser (pottery). Reception 5:30–7:30pm. Music by Ian Thompson and Shawn Harris.

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

For the Love of Art showing mixed media art. Open until 8pm.

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

Chuck Lafrenz exhibiting China Painting. Chuck will talk about her art process at 6pm. Reception 5–7pm. Live music.

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

"Trinity" Arts of Faith, an invitational show Reception 5:30-7pm. Music by Craig Clark.

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

Wine tasting. Live music. Door prizes. Reservations recommended. Hours: 5-8pm.

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

"Cowlitz Tribe" History, current status and future plans will be presented by representatives of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe. Program begins at 7pm; museum open until 9pm.

Activities

April 5:WordFest Husband & wife writing team Mike and Carolyn,authors of several murder mysteries set along the Oregon coast. The Brits, 1427 Commerce, Longview, Wash. Info: 360-425-3430 x280.

April 6: Terri Clark – country singer. 7:30. Tickets: $15 in advance from Bob’s Sporting Goods or $20 at the door. Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, 1231 Vandercook, Longview, Wash.

April 8: Young Artists Concert Southwest Washington Symphony. 7:30pm. $20 Adult, $15 Senior, $5 Student. Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, 1231 Vandercook, Longview, Wash. Info: 360-575-8499 or www.columbiatheatre.com.

April 10: Talent Show. Singers, dancers, magicians, etc invited to compete. Sponsored by Kiwanis of Kelso. 3pm. $25 entry; $10 admission. Kelso Theatre Pub, 214 S. Pacific St., Kelso, Wash. Info: 360-957-2515.

April 14-May 6: Art Faculty Biennial. Reception Apr 14, 5-7pm. Mon, Tues, Fri 10-4; Wed, Thurs 10-7. LCC Gallery at the Rose Center Lower Columbia College, 15th & Washington, Longview, Wash. Info: www.lowercolumbia.edu/community/art-and-entertainment/the-art-gallery/.

April 16: The Fab Four-the ultimate tribute. 7:30pm. $25-$45. Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, 1231 Vandercook, Longview, Wash. Info: 360-575-8499 or www.columbiatheatre.com.

April 16: Gianluca Luisi-Bosendorfer Piano Concert. 7:30pm. Wollenberg Auditorium, LCC Rose Center for the Arts, 15th Ave & Washington, Longview Wash. Info: www.lowercolumbia.edu/community/art-and-entertainment/music/

April 23: Kalama Word Catcher-writing workshops. Benefit for the Kalama Public Library. 9-6. $15/class; $25/2 classes. Kalama Community Building, 126 N. 2nd St, Kalama, Wash. Info: Mary Putka 360-673-5310.

April 23, 30, May 1: Peter Pan – the musical. Longview Stageworks. 7:30, Sun. 2pm. $20-35. Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, 1231 Vandercook, Longview, Wash. Info: www.longviewstageworks.com/

Opportunities

Open Auditions: Center Stage Spring Play “The Adding Machine.” Open to all LCC students, staff and members of the community. April 4, 6-9pm. LCC Center for the Arts-Center Stage Theatre and Green Room. Info: Don Correll 442-2682.

Call for Artists: West Gallery of Spokane, Wash invites artists to enter a Juried Exhibition to be held at the gallery during August. Prizes for Pottery and Painting. Deadline: May 20. Prospectus and entry forms available at www.avenuewestgallery.org.

Call for Artists: Longview Outdoor Gallery Task Force seeking artists to display an outdoor sculpture for display/sale for two years. Deadline: April 20. Info: LongviewOutdoorGallery@gmail.com.

Classes

Cool April Days-watercolor workshop with Carol Boudreau. April 15-17; 9am-4pm. Registration Deadline: April 8. Alder Ridge Studio, 565 Diebert Road, Longview, Wash. Info: 360-425-0142.

Broderick Gallery, Rainier, Oregon

George Broderick

Two days of stretching canvases with friends in Havana

Main Gallery Room, Galerie Guayasamin, Havana

When I wrote an article (“Art Tales along the River”) for the Columbia River Reader’s current issue, I visited George Broderick’s gallery in Rainier for the first time. I have known George casually for a couple of years but was not familiar with his art or his past. Now I am a fan and want to share his gallery with the rest of the world.

The Broderick Gallery is situated in a blue house on the main street (313 East B St., aka Highway 30). The interior has a number of sunny, colorful rooms stuffed with art. George has paintings everywhere and is more than willing to share the stories behind each picture. He represents around 30 artists, some world-renown. For example, Crawfurd Adamson (human figures and landscapes) is a Scottish painter who currently has a show in London and work in the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. I was drawn to Michael Cookinham’s glimmering still lifes and learned that George had studied with Michael in San Francisco.

But it’s George’s Cuban paintings and adventures that fascinated me. George first visited Cuba in 2002. A year later, the US Treasury Department gave him permission to bring Cuban art into the US and in June 2005 he was the first American to have a one-man show in a Havana Gallery. Since then, he has visited Cuba almost yearly; he is allowed to go wherever he wants and “feels safer than any place else in the world.” He currently represents three Cuban artists, Eduardo Labrtado, Ignacio Morida, and Ernesto Pumariga, each representing a different view of life in modern day Cuba.

George’s website (www.broderickgallery.com) characterizes his “narrative oil painting style as ‘hyperbolic reality’ as the figures and colors are overstated. The symbolism and color forms surrounding the figures define their environment, consequently giving considerable complexity to the figure's character. The distortion reflects how the individuals think other people see them.” His Cuban influenced paintings are large, stylized street scenes-with strong, colorful architectural features and figures. You can see for yourself if you check the website. It contains many paintings by all the artists, a description of the “nontraditional path” he trod to becoming a painter and gallery owner and information about past shows at the gallery.
George also does picture framing and has just started offering painting classes which he describes as “just a blast.”

But don’t settle for looking at this art on your computer. Go to the gallery. Stay for the stories.

Note: My article is in the March 15-April 14 issue of the Columbia River Reader. The CRR is available at various locations throughout Cowlitz and Columbia Counties (locations listed on the website: www.CRReader.com). The article is also on the CRR website.

Changes

I posted my first blog post in May of last year. One of my New Year’s resolutions was to make some changes to the site and here they are. I have changed the name and the logo. The name is now Experience Art to match the logo on the Experience Art brochure. I have included an email subscription feature so that you can receive new posts via email. And I have a list of local art blogs. Unfortunately that list is pretty short–just two blog (Marie Wise’s-Art Journey and The Broadway Gallery). But Longview has a secret–it is an Art Town-and the list will grow. Please send me a comment (click on Comment at the end of the posting) if you know about a local art blog.

Another change is that the Experience Art brochure is being updated with an insert. It was a very pleasant surprise to find that almost all the information that was published three years ago is still current. The insert will be sent to the printer this week.

January and February are welcome because I have time to do these kinds of “indoor” activities. But enough! The only change I want now is a change in the weather.

I have included a picture of Vicki Brigden’s jewelry. I have also been impressed with her recycled objects greeting cards. Vicki is one of the artists featured in March at the Broadway Gallery.

First Thursday Activities – March 3

Broadway Gallery, 1418 Commerce, Longview www.the-broadway-gallery.com/
Marquita Green (woodturning), Joe Green (letterpress poetry broadsides), Mike Rees (photography), Vicki Brigden (jewelry).
Reception 5:30–7:30pm. Music by John Kramer.

Longview Public Library Koth Gallery, 1600 Louisiana, Longview www.longviewlibrary.org/
Vintage Children’s Reading Posters. Show runs Feb 24-March 16.
Open until 8pm.

LCC Gallery at the Rose Center, 15th & Washington, Longview lowercolumbia.edu/community/art-and-entertainment/the-art-gallery/
Print Arts Northwest 30th Anniversary All-Member Show. Show runs Feb 17-Mar 11.
Open until 7pm.

Lord & McCord Artworks, 1416 Commerce, Longview http://www.lindamccord.com/
Marisa Mecure (paintings on tile). Mercure will talk about the process at 6pm. Free drawing.
Reception 5–7pm. Live music.

Teague's Interiors, 1267 Commerce, Longview http://www.teaguesinteriors.com/
Mariposa Paintings by Shirley, inspired by Robert Pyle's books "Roads.”
Reception 5-7pm.

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

Cowlitz County Historical Museum, 405 Allen St, Kelso www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/museum/
“Outlaws on The Big River” by Joe Schwab-25 years of stories and experiences from a game warden.
Program begins at 7pm; museum open until 9pm.

Activities

Thru-March 12: “Three Views of Love”-three one-act plays about love through the ages. Center Stage Theatre. 7:30pm. $8 adults, $7 students and seniors. Rose Center for the Arts, LCC, 15th Ave & Washington, Longview Wash. Info: 360-442-2682.

Thru-March 5: “Dracula”-student production of a biting drama. Mainstage Theatre. 7:30pm; March 5 2pm. $5. Dana Brown Mainstage Theatre, R.A. Long High School, 2903 Nichols, Blvd., Longview, Wash. Info: Susan Donahue 360-575-7733.

March 1: Greg Mortenson-co-author of “Three Cups of Tea” Fundraiser for Longview-Kelso Altrusa. 7pm. $35. R.A. Long High School, 2903 Nichols, Blvd., Longview, Wash. Info: www.lowercolumbiacap.org.

March 11-26: “Martyrs’ Crossing”-story of Joan of Arc Rising Star Productions. Eve 7:30pm, mat 2pm. $5-10. Kelso High School Auditorium, 1905 Allen Street, Kelso, Wash. Info: www.risingstarproductions.org.

March 11: Lower Columbia College Symphonic Band Winter Concert. 7:30pm. Wollenberg Auditorium, LCC Rose Center for the Arts, 15th Ave & Washington, Longview Wash. Info: http://lowercolumbia.edu/community/art-and-entertainment/music/.

March 13: Best of the Northwest-Concert featuring Northwest composers Portland Vocal Consort. 8pm. $20 general; $15 seniors; $10 students. Longview Church of the Nazarene, 814 15th Avenue, Longview, Wash. Info: www.portlandvocalconsort.org.

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

March 17: Lower Columbia College Community Choir Winter Concert. 7:30pm. Wollenberg Auditorium, LCC Rose Center for the Arts, 15th Ave & Washington, Longview Wash. Info: http://lowercolumbia.edu/community/art-and-entertainment/music/.

March 18: 3rd Annual Spell-ebration. Altrusa of Cowlitz County Breakfast Bunch Fundraiser. 7pm. Kelso Theatre Pub, 214 S. Pacific, Kelso, Wash. Info: 360-673-1983

March 19-20: Vernal Equinox Art Fair. 10am-5pm. Morgan Arts Centre, 190 Plomondon Road, Toledo, Wash. Info:http://www.morganartscentre.com/

March 19: TAIKOPROJECT in (re)generation-Japanese taiko drummers. 7:30pm. $25-$40. Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, 1231 Vandercook, Longview, Wash. Info: 360-575-8499 or www.columbiatheatre.com.

March 25-April 1: Columbian Artists Association 35th Annual Judged/Juried Spring Show. Featured artist is Sharon Kelley. Mon-Thurs 10am-5pm; Fri 10am-3:30pm. Reception: March 25, Noon-5pm. LCC Rose Center for the Arts, 15th Ave & Washington, Longview Wash. Info: Irene 360-575-9751; www.columbianartists.org.

Opportunities

Call for Spellers: Altrusa of Cowlitz County Breakfast Bunch is seeking adult teams for the 3rd Annual Spell-ebration. Mar 18, Kelso Theatre Pub. Info: 360-673-1983.

Call for Artists: Columbian Artists Association invites local artists to participate in Annual Juried Spring Show. Mar-25-Apr 1; LCC Rose Center for the Arts. Artists 18 years of age or older who reside in Cowlitz, Clark, Wahkiakum, Lewis and Pacific Counties in Washington and Clatsop and Columbia Counties in Oregon are invited to enter. Artists can submit their work at the Gallery on Monday, March 21, 10am to 5 pm. A prospectus with details for entering is available by calling Irene at 360-575-9751, John at 360-261-7652, or Nancy at 360- 225-6118. Prospectuses are also available online at www.columbianartists.org. and at the Broadway Gallery and LCC Art Gallery in Longview.

Call for Artists: Teagues 2nd Quarter Show; Celebrating the Trinity-religious inspirational theme works in all media. $5 per entry, limit of 3 per artist. All works must be ready for hanging or display. A Peoples Choice Award will be given at the conclusion of the show. Deadline: March 25. Show opens First Thursday, April 7.Info: Wendy at 360-636-0712.

Classes

Cool April Days-watercolor workshop with Carol Boudreau. April 15-17; 9am-4pm. Registration Deadline: April 8. Alder Ridge Studio, 565 Diebert Road, Longview, Wash. Info: 360-425-0142.

Are You an Artist?

Photo by John Crocker

I recently gave a talk about the local art scene to a rotary club. The Greater Columbia Arts Network (ART-NET) has been working on updating its Experience Art brochure which lists the local arts venue and groups. The brochure was printed three years ago. I wanted to talk about the changes that have occurred during this economic downturn (more art, but more about that on a later blog post), but also wanted to make the audience think about their personal relationship to art. So I asked them to answer five questions on a handout:
1. Are you an artist?
2. Have you ever experienced an emotional reaction to art?
3. Have you ever tried to be an artist?
4. Have you been to an art event in the last three months?
5. Do you support any arts organizations?

I was very pleasantly surprised by the results of this survey. Thirty members answered most or all of the questions.
1. 57% were artist
2. 86% had experienced an emotional reaction to art
3. 67% had tried to be an artist
4. 76% had attended an art event in the last three months
5. 78% support the arts

These results appear to reflect a community that supports the arts? Or was this group special? What do you think?

A Couple of Announcements

On February 1 and 2, the Washington State Arts Alliance (WSAA) will work together with the Washington Museum Association (WMA) on behalf of the arts and heritage of Washington State. You are invited to attend a special legislator reception on Tues. Feb. 1 from 5-7pm at Olympia's State Capital Museum (211 21st Ave).and join in all-day on Wed. Feb. 2 for Arts & Heritage Day in Olympia. Meet with your district representatives and senators regarding support for important cultural issues during the 2011 session. Let Tracy Schreiber of WSAA know if you plan to attend: staff@wsartsalliance.com or call 206-448-1909.

It is especially important to show support for the arts this year because the Governor has proposed dramatic changes for the Washington State Arts Commission: eliminating WSAC as an independent agency, moving some arts functions to the Department of Commerce, and dramatically reducing funding and staffing. If you cannot attend Arts & Heritage Days, contact your elected officials and tell them how important WSAC is to you, our community and our state.

Diane Bartlett let me know that the LCC Gallery has put together a series of questions for individual artists to answer. It is optional for the artist to complete and exhibits involving a large number, i.e. the next exhibit – Print Arts Northwest 30th Anniversary All Member Show, will not be asked to complete the questionnaire. But the current featured artist, Photographer Larry Cwik, has answered the questions and they are worth reading. The Gallery will be added the Q & As to the gallery page: http.//lowercolumbia.edu/gallery.

I have included a photo by John Crocker who is being features at Lord & McCord Gallery this month.

First Thursday Activities – February 3

Broadway Gallery, 1418 Commerce www.the-broadway-gallery.com/
Fiber Art Show (over ten local artists participating) and works by members Mike Morgan (sculptures) and Di Morgan (clothing).
Reception 5:30–7:30pm. Live Music.

Longview Public Library Koth Gallery, 1600 Louisiana, Longview www.longviewlibrary.org/
Ron Gaul, the coffee artist. Show runs Feb 3-23.
Reception 5-7pm.

LCC Gallery at the Rose Center, 15th & Washington, Longview www.lowercolumbia.edu/community/art-and-entertainment/the-art-gallery/
Larry Cwik (photography). Exhibit ends Feb 4.
Open until 7:00pm.

Lord & McCord Artworks, 1416 Commerce http://www.lindamccord.com/
John Crocker (photography).
Reception 5–7pm. Live music.

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

Cowlitz County Historical Museum, 405 Allen St, Kelso www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/museum/
Railroading on the Cowlitz’s West Bank presented by Ed Barnes and Jim Elliott. Program begins at 7pm; museum open until 9pm.

Activities

February 2-26: Castle Rock Quilt Show. Wed-Sun, 10-2. Free but donations accepted. Castle Rock Exhibit Hall, 147 Front Street, Castle Rock, Wash. Info: 360-274-6603.

February 4-27: “Leaving Iowa”-a comedy about family vacations. 7:30pm; Sun 2pm. $10. Loves Street Playhouse, 126 Loves Ave, Woodland, Wash. Info: http://www.lovestreetplayhouse.com/.

February 5: International Guitar Night. 7:30pm. $25-$35. Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, 1231 Vandercook, Longview, Wash. Info: 360-575-8499 or http://www.columbiatheatre.com/.

February 8: Greg Giannascolli-marimbist and percussionist. Community Concert Association. 7:30pm. $25 adults; $10 students. Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, 1231 Vandercook, Longview, Wash. Info: Betty Houten at 360-425-5136.

February 11: The Perfect Gentlemen-four man vocal group. Clatskanie Arts Commission. 7:30pm. $10 adults; $8 seniors/students; $5 children. Donavon Wooley Performing Arts Center, Clatskanie Middle/High School, 471 SW BelAir Drive, Clatskanie, Ore. Info: http://www.clatskaniearts.org/.

February `13: Peter and the Wolf.-CTPA Rainy Months Series for families with young children. 2pm. $5. Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, 1231 Vandercook, Longview, Wash. Info: 360-575-8499 or http://www.columbiatheatre.com/.

February 17-March 11: Print Art Northwest – 30th Anniversary All-Member Show. Reception February 17, 5pm-7pm. LCC Gallery at the Rose Center, 15th & Washington, Longview, Wash. Info: www.lowercolumbia.edu/community/art-and-entertainment/the-art-gallery/

February 18-19: 7th annual Plomondon Independent Film Festival. Fri 7pm, Sat 1pm and 7pm. $2 adults; $1 children. Morgan Arts Centre, 190 Plomondon Road, Toledo, Wash. Info: http://www.morganartscentre.com/.

February 19: Linda Lee Michelet – jazz singer. Fundraiser for the Red Cross. 7pm-10pm. $20. Monticello Hotel Ballroom, 1405 17th Avenue, Longview, Wash. Info: 360-423-7880.

February 23-March 12: “Three Views of Love”-three one-act plays about love through the ages. Center Stage Theatre. 7:30pm. $8 adults, $7 students and seniors. Rose Center for the Arts, LCC, 15th Ave & Washington, Longview Wash. Info: 360-442-2682.

February 25-March 5: “Dracula”-student production of a biting drama. Mainstage Theatre. 7:30pm; March 5 2pm. $5. Dana Brown Mainstage Theatre, R.A. Long High School, 2903 Nichols, Blvd., Longview, Wash. Info: Susan Donahue 360-575-7733.

Opportunities

Audition: Gay ‘90s Melodrama titled “Dirty Work at the Crossroads” by Bill Johnson. Auditions are Monday, February 7; 7pm. Show dates are April 29 – May 22 (Fri/Sat at 7:30pm and Sun at 2pm). Loves Street Playhouse, 126 Loves Ave, Woodland, Wash. Info: http://www.lovestreetplayhouse.com/.

Artists Wanted: ARTrails is looking for artists for the 9th Annual Studio Tour. Artist who live in SW Washington and can show within 10 miles of Lewis County are eligible. Deadline: March 1. Info: 360-864-2681; http://www.artrailsofsww.org/.

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

Happy New Year

My New Year’s Resolution is to update the list of Arts Organizations in our community. As soon as this is accomplished I will let you know. Meanwhile, here is what is happening in January.

First Thursday Activities – January 6
Broadway Gallery, 1418 Commerce www.the-broadway-gallery.com/
Featuring works by members Debbie Lou Harrison (drawings), Becky Ledtke (stone jewelry), Aaron Garoutte (mixed media paintings) and Janis Newton (sculptures).
Reception: 5:30–7:30pm. Live music by Shawn Harris and Ian Thompson.

Longview Public Library Koth Gallery, 1600 Louisiana, Longview www.longviewlibrary.org/artschedule09.html
Featuring works by Leon Lowman.
Reception: 5-7pm.

Lord & McCord Artworks, 1416 Commerce www.lindamccord.com
Featuring the winners of the Columbian Artists Association Fall Library Show.
Reception: 5–7pm. Music by John Henry.

Teague’s Interiors Mezzanine Gallery, 1267 Commerce www.teaguesinteriors.com
Teague’s will host a Downtown Forum at 6 with Guest Jeannette Palfy. The Gallery is showing Landscapes, Tapestries & Original works.
Open until 7pm.

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

Cowlitz County Historical Museum, 405 Allen St, Kelso www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/museum/
Bike Journeys presented by Mark Plotkin and Stephanie Dunn. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be 15 years old and take a bicycle ride across the United States?
Program begins at 7pm; museum open until 9pm.

Activities
January 13-February 4: Larry Cwik, photography. LCC Gallery at the Rose Center, Lower Columbia College, 15th & Washington, Longview, Wash. Info: http://lowercolumbia.edu/community/art-and-entertainment/the-art-gallery/gallery-schedule/.

January 15: High School Honor Band Concert. 7:30. Wollenberg Auditorium, Rose Center. , LCC, 15th Ave & Washington, Longview Wash. Info: www.lowercolumbia.edu/community/art-and-entertainment/music/.

January 16: BodyVox 2-CTPA Rainy Months Series for families with young children. 2pm. $5. Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, 1231 Vandercook, Longview, Wash. Info: 360-575-8499 or www.columbiatheatre.com.

January 21:’Swonderful-The New Gershwin Musical. 7:30. $25-$45. Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, 1231 Vandercook, Longview, Wash. Info: 360-575-8499 or www.columbiatheatre.com.

January 22: Winter Concert-Sneak Preview. Southwest Washington Symphony. 7pm. $5, 13 and under free. Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts, 1231 Vandercook, Longview, Wash. Info: 360-575-8499 or www.columbiatheatre.com.

January 23: Winter 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.

January 31: Northwest Voices-Poet Lana Hechtman Ayers. Longview Public Library, 4:30pm workshop in LCC Main Building, Room 119; 6:30pm reading at Longview Public Library, 1600 Louisiana, Longview, Wash. Info: www.lowercolumbia.edu/community/art-and-entertainment/northwest-voices.

Opportunities
Audition. Rising Star Production “The Martyrs’ Crossing. Jan 18, 7pm. Kelso High School Auditorium. Roles for men and women 16 years and older.

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.