On Sat., Feb. 28, at 7 p.m., the historic Joyce Garver Theater in Camas will come alive as the community gathers for an evening devoted to creativity and collaboration

Jessica Hofer Wilkinson 
for Clark County Today

Soon, artists of all ages will unite for a vibrant community celebration that blends world-class entertainment with a mission to empower the next generation of Clark County artists.

On Sat., Feb. 28, at 7 p.m., the historic Joyce Garver Theater in Camas will come alive as the community gathers for an evening devoted to creativity and collaboration.

The “Enspire Extravaganza” will spotlight over 150 local artists, featuring standout performances by jazz pianist Clay Giberson, singer-songwriter Owen Kortz, baritone Zachary Lenox, and the world premiere of an original piece by local composer Nicole Buetti.

These accomplished artists will join forces with rising stars and student groups from across the county, such as the Camas High School Choir, the Jennifer Santos Academy of Dance, and a community men’s ensemble. Their combined talents promise a rich tapestry of music, dance, and performance to delight audience members of every age.

Enspire Arts, the nonprofit founded by Camas resident Sarah Lightfoot in 2017, will host the event. Since its inception, Enspire Arts has championed access to quality arts education for Clark County youth, breaking down barriers for both individuals and schools.

“The arts are for everyone,” shares Lightfoot. “The arts can be our greatest cultural connector in an increasingly disconnected world.”

Driven by the belief that creativity fuels human flourishing, and aware that many students lack resources to access private lessons or professional mentors, Enspire Arts created three signature programs: the Arts Ambassador Scholarship Program, Arts in Residence, and Community Arts Events. Performances like the Extravaganza help make these opportunities possible.

The Arts Ambassador Scholarship program provides selected students with funding for private lessons and pairs them with professional mentors skilled in their chosen field.

This year’s Arts Ambassadors performing at the Extravaganza are Kana Yamazaki (11th grade, Mountain View High School), Orrin Brown (12th grade, Camas High School), Alexander Yu (10th grade, Camas High School), Eva Cryblskey (9th grade, River Homelink), and Samuel Perez (11th grade, Union High School). Returning ambassadors Erin Moriarty, Isabel Rush, Daniel Liu, Emily Liu, and Adelaide Skinner will also join them on stage.

Since its founding, Enspire Arts has awarded over $16,600 in scholarships to 29 student ambassadors, opening doors to advanced training for scholarship recipients. The ripple effect of this support, however, reaches far beyond each individual student.

Ambassadors join the program with a passion for giving back and for sharing their talents through performances and service. Their artistry enriches audiences across Clark County, from bustling farmers’ markets to welcoming senior living communities.

Referring to a particularly impactful experience with residents at a memory care facility, Erin Moriarity, a previous Arts Ambassador, shared, “I wasn’t just playing music [for them]; I was connecting through it. The biggest opportunity this scholarship gave me was the opportunity to see and experience the impact of art.”

On February 28, Erin will join others on stage for the world premiere of “The Dreamer’s Potential.” This piece is dedicated to showing “the power of creativity and imagination we hold to bring light and inspiration into the world through the art we create and the passion we ignite.”

Reflecting on her experience as an Arts Ambassador, Erin continued, “This scholarship allowed me to further my lessons with my teacher, Rebecca Towers, and pushed me to share my music within the community.”

Current Arts Ambassador, Eva Cryblskey, agrees. “Music is a medium that connects people in a way that nothing else can. Many musicians, including me, find music to be a source of comfort, joy, safety, strength, peace, self-expression, and hope.”

After applying for the Arts Ambassador program and being turned down over a year ago, Eva persevered. “I found the courage to apply again and was accepted.” She describes her experience this year: “The family-like community that surrounds Enspire Arts is something I cherish… Not only have I benefited musically, but I also feel that being a part of Enspire Arts has given me the opportunities I wanted to grow as a leader and individual.”

Eva has played the violin for seven years and will perform two pieces on the Extravaganza stage. “My hope is that this year’s Enspire Extravaganza will inspire more young musicians to take part in this wonderful program, to see its underlying message, and to develop a desire to give back to their community.”

Scholarship recipients echo a common theme: Enspire Arts believes that talent and training come with responsibility. Ambassadors grow not just as artists, but as leaders who use their gifts to serve their communities.

Orrin Brown, a current Arts Ambassador performing “Moon River” by Henry Mancini at the Extravaganza, echoes this sentiment when discussing his future plans. “In whatever community I end up in, I’d like to be someone who fosters connections within music, and opens up doors for young and old musicians, hopefully acting as a conduit for the community.”

While he admits his favorite place to sing is still in his car, Orrin shares, “More than anything, this program has given me a purpose behind what I do, which has been great to supplement my passion for music.”

With school districts facing budget cuts that shrink arts education and widen the well-documented “arts gap,” Enspire Arts launched the Arts in Residence program. Through this initiative, professional artists partner with schools to deliver high-quality arts instruction to students who might otherwise miss out.

“I want every kid to know that the arts are for them,” shares Lightfoot. “It’s not about being the best or an expert. Everyone has a place.”

Since it began, the Arts in Residence program has opened creative doors for more than 3,500 Clark County students through school partnerships. This achievement is especially significant given the hurdles of the Covid-19 pandemic. With a goal of reaching 4,000 students annually and support from grantors like the Firstenberg Foundation, their impact continues to grow.

The Enspire Extravaganza will include a community mural on display showcasing student artwork created during an Arts in Residence activity at Edgewood Elementary. The mural will be donated to the school, providing a visual reminder that “everyone’s gifts are to be celebrated and not separated,” shares Lightfoot.

One local superintendent has taken the community’s interest in the arts as a means to build stronger students and stronger communities. Dr. John Anzalone of the Camas School District has recently developed an Arts Advisory Committee, which could serve as a model for other school districts.

“The arts are an important part of a well-rounded education and contribute to student engagement, creativity, and connection,” said Anazalone. “Our Arts Advisory Committee is in the early stages of its work and will focus first on understanding our current programs and listening to a wide range of perspectives. That input will help inform future conversations as we balance student needs, community values, and our overall district priorities.”

The partnership between various school districts and Enspire Arts demonstrates what is possible for students when a community supports creativity. Thanks to community sponsors like Portland Piano Company, Classic Pianos, iQforKids, and Madison Bischoff Photography, each ticket purchased and donation made for the Enspire Extravaganza will further a commitment to the arts and the potential of Clark County’s young artists.

Tickets may be purchased in advance through the Enspire Arts website or at the theater on the evening of the event, with all proceeds supporting the scholarship programs and community arts outreach efforts.

Jessica Hofer Wilkinson is a freelance writer, home educator and mother of four and nursing home chaplain. She resides in Clark County.