First Friday activities include live music and dance performances, artist demos, a ribbon cutting, plein air painting, art receptions, games and prizes, collaborative art, after-hours shopping and more

CAMAS — Calling all art lovers to create, enjoy and collaborate for September First Friday in Downtown Camas. The theme “Celebrate Art!” will bring art in many forms to the town’s charming tree-lined streets on Sept. 2 from 5-8 p.m. First Friday activities include live music and dance performances, artist demos, a ribbon cutting, plein air painting, art receptions, games and prizes, collaborative art, after-hours shopping and more. 

“From Art to Finish” is a new element for this year’s First Friday festivities. Local artists will begin a work of art and event goers will be invited to add their own artistic touches to the pieces throughout the evening. Local artists include Kathy Marty of Windy Hill Weavers, who will be bringing her mini loom and encouraging people to try artful weaving for themselves. Artist Tamra Sheline will participate, with a focus on creating memorable art while bringing smiles to others. Artist Spike Palmer is also joining the From Art to Finish activity and his piece will be full of recognizable city landmarks, including The Liberty Theatre and the Little Bronze Girl sculpture. Spike Palmer is a fan of bringing art and community together, saying “We should emphasize that they can only add to the art, meaning if they cover something up, that’s totally okay. That’s what happens when I paint. It’s just a journey to have fun and enjoy the collaboration.” The finished art pieces will be displayed in the windows of the new Attic Gallery expansion space at 340 N.E. 4^th Ave, which is slated to open soon.  

Visitors can watch artists paint their surroundings in “plein air” from 9am-4pm throughout downtown. Camas Gallery has been coordinating a “plein air” (French for open air) painting event in Downtown Camas for over seven years on this First Friday. The tradition of “plein air” painting gained popularity in France in the 1870’s and was vital to the impressionist painting movement. You can vote for your favorites from 5-8pm and People’s Choice awards will be given. Spectators can peruse other pieces from participating artists on display inside the gallery from 4pm-8pm. For artists interested in participating, please contact Jennifer Senescu at jennifer@cwchamber.com for an application. 

Other artful activities that night will include:  

• “Choose Your Favorite Art” passport game for all ages throughout town with prizes 
• Ribbon Cutting (5pm) & Grand Re-Opening for Camas Bike and Sport at 303 NE 6^th 

• Youth Dance Performances by Vega Camas at 6pm and 7pm in front of the Liberty Theatre  
• Take the Downtown Camas Mural Tour and be entered to win 
• Art Shows and receptions 5-8pm at Attic Gallery, 421 NE Cedar; Second Story Gallery, upstairs in the Camas Library, 625 NE 4^th; and Camas Gallery, 408 NE 4^th 
• Kids’ arts & crafts at LiveWell Camas, 417 NE Birch 
• Live Outdoor Music hosted by Mesa, 228 NE 4^th  
• Shop, dine, & have artful fun all throughout Downtown Camas 

Start your evening by picking up a First Friday Passport & Activity list at the DCA table inside Journey at 304 NE 4^th Ave. 

“Art is such an important facet of our thriving community in Downtown Camas,” says Jan Carter, Event Coordinator for the Downtown Camas Association. “We are excited to bring people together to celebrate art in all its forms, as well as encouraging them to discover the artist within themselves.” 

The plein air part of the event is sponsored by Camas Gallery and the other art activities are hosted by the Downtown Camas Association and downtown merchants. 

First Fridays are free, accessible, and family friendly events coordinated by the DCA each month of the year to support downtown and bring the community together. Each themed event includes art, games, activities, shopping, dining, and more.  For all the information, visit downtowncamas.com/event/celebrate-art and www.facebook.com/camasfirstfriday .  

Information provided by Downtown Camas Association.