From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., the public is invited to see painters bringing blank canvases to life at the annual Camas Plein Air Event

This Saturday (Sept. 27), professional artists from all over the region will take to the charming tree-lined streets of downtown Camas to paint the urban landscapes draped in  Autumn colors. From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., the public is invited to see painters bringing blank canvases to life at the annual Camas Plein Air Event. 

This outdoor competition with cash prizes not only invites artists to capture the essence of downtown Camas but also presents a rare opportunity of front row seats to the general public. 

Perfect temperatures are predicted with a low of 53 and high of 72 degrees, making conditions ideal for not just the artists, but also the viewing public. Throughout the day, area residents are invited to stroll through downtown Camas to see art being made in real time. Official rules confine the artists to city blocks between Adams and Everett Streets and Third and Sixth Avenues. 

The public is also invited to a swanky artist reception at RedDoor Gallery, 411 NE Dallas Street from 4-6 p.m. to see finished art, meet the artists and experience the awards ceremony inside the gallery at 5 p.m. 

The competition not only showcases professional artists at work, but also honors the legacy of Marquita Call, the late founder of the Camas Plein Air event and passionate advocate for the local art community. 

“This celebration of art and community marks a cherished tradition in Camas’s cultural  calendar,” said Liz Pike, an organizer for the event.  “With grit and grace, Marquita was a one-woman, non-stop promoter of the arts in our community. 

“As a visionary gallery owner, she successfully launched the careers of numerous artists,” added Pike, who owns and operates RedDoor Gallery. “Camas is a destination for many tourists throughout the year. These visitors are always  looking for charming paintings of Downtown Camas to take home. This event provides a perfect opportunity to do just that.” Much of the art produced at Camas Plein Air will remain on exhibit and available for purchase at RedDoor Gallery from Sept. 27 through Oct. 25. 

In 2024, artist Ken Klos was awarded the $1,000 first prize for his depiction of Natalia’s Cafe. Official plein air rules and registration forms are at RedDoorGalleryCamas.com under the Camas Plein Air Event tab. Advance $30 registration by artists is required. Registration closes at 8 a.m. on Sept. 27. To request an official artist entry form, please call or text Liz Pike at (360) 281-8720 or email: LizPike7@icloud.com.