Welcome to your new and improved streamlined source of local arts news.
ARTS brief
is designed to intrigue you while sharing useful information, events, happenings, and current news related to arts growth in our region. If you love what you see here, please forward this to your friends and encourage them to
subscribe
. Enjoy!
|
|
|
|
The Visitor, Matthew Dockrey, 2016
|
The Visitor 'interacts' successfully with the community stirring artful conversations
by Jackie Genis
The shower is where Seattle metal artist Matthew Dockrey was when inspiration struck to masterpiece the large steel tentacle bursting through a manhole in Uptown Village on the corner of West 23rd and Main Street.
"I had been thinking about designs for the application," said Dockrey, after successfully applying and then capturing Arts of Clark County's call for artists to create the first interactive public art work to complement the street life of Uptown Village. "I was stuck on some vague ideas for a tree shape involving lots of exposed hex bolt heads and getting nowhere."
That dilemma didn't last long for the skillful and award-winning artist.
When the tentacle inspiration entered the artist's creative heart, Dockrey said he had already been experimenting with a technique for taking a 3D model, "unfolding" it, and cutting it out of steel to form that kind of tessellated (tiling of a plane) shape.
"I knew I could make it," said Dockrey, whose artistic journey began at the Burning Man festival in Nevada in 2012 with his first large-scale art installation, The Harmonic Fire Pendula. His body of work has since grown into bigger and bigger installations.
Aptly named The Visitor, Dockrey's monster-like sculpture is now here to stay. A formal celebration event took place last month to reveal the magnificent, quirky, and cool new piece of $9,500 public art. The city of Vancouver issued a $12,000 grant to cover the project's cost. The purpose of the project has been successful, as The Visitor is indeed interactive and generating thoughtful and fun comments from the community. The clever creature also fits in nicely with the character of Uptown Village.
"We chose The Visitor because it was unique and iconic, and we hoped people would become attached to it and others would search it out to have a photo with it," said Karen Madsen chair of Arts of Clark County."
Madsen said that among the received proposals and the limited funds to manage the project, the organizing committee was amazed to be able to select such a unique and contemporary piece of work. The art work was ultimately selected, said Madsen, due to the belief that The Visitor would not just be a street decoration, but instead, it would draw people to the area.
This belief is gathering evidence too. Jake Ike, 20, a musician from Wenatchee, Washington, is in town visiting his family. Ike grew up here and is thinking about returning. Observing The Visitor, Ike looked amused.
"It's really cool -- a great contrast between creativity and imagination," said Ike. "It's not a monster - maybe he is just waving at everyone - What's up?"
Ike said walking trails along the confluence of the Columbia and Wenatchee rivers features public art like this. A big sphere ball and a massive and detailed horizontal foot are among metal sculptures triggering conversations among communities there.
For us, Dockrey's intentions are simple and clear.
"Honestly, I just wanted people to smile and maybe do a double-take," said Dockrey, who also has a strong background in science, technology, and engineering. "I love being surprised by public art when exploring a city, and I hope that The Visitor provides that experience for other people."
|
|
Arts+Biz to network and bridge the gap between artists and businesses
You are invited to join area creative professionals at the first Arts + Biz Quarterly Mixer, a new networking event for artists of all disciplines wanting to grow their businesses by networking with other local artists and businesses. The businesses will either provide a useful service to the artist or have opportunities to employ the services of the artist. The agenda at each mixer will include ample time for networking and socializing. Expect a short presentation too. Karen Madsen, chair of Arts of Clark County, will lead the first talk. The launch event takes place Wednesday, February 17, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the North Bank Artists Gallery at 1005 Main St., Vancouver. The fee is $5 per person. Light refreshments are included.
More on the Arts+Biz Quarterly Mixer
|
|
|
|
Untitled, by Claire Larkins from "Photographic Journey through Nepal and India"
|
Claire Larkins
Gallery 360's February group show features photographer Claire Larkins, a 2014 graduate of Battle Ground High School and a junior at Western Washington University, majoring in sustainable design. Claire is included in the group exhibit under the direction of Annie Davern, the high school's photography teacher. Reception is 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Refreshments and live music by pianist Linda Smith.
Gallery 360, 605 Esther St., Vancouver
|
|
|
|
Rebecca Seymour in her studio
|
Tom Relth and Rebecca Seymour
North Bank Artists founder
Rebecca Seymour and established local member artist
Tom Relth's exhibit, "æthers: a, b, & c," focuses on the abstract, as understood through the title concept. A classical physical element once thought to fill all space, æther is considered prevalent in the heavens and inaccessible to humans. The show runs through February 26. Opening reception is 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
1005 Main St., Vancouver
|
|
|
|
meet in the center, Carson Legree
|
Carson Legree
Artist
Carson Legree is showing a series of her small paintings at Dengerink Art Supply throughout February. Savor the engaging paintings that demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of color and composition with a playful, joyful, and mysterious quality. Reception is 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
|
|
All-American Vancouver Symphony Concerts with Rhapsody in Blue
Legendary Portland pianist Thomas Lauderdale headlines at the second concert of 2016 at Skyview Concert Hall, which promises to be one of the highlights of The Vancouver Symphony's 37th season. Performances take place February 20 and 21.
Skyview Concert Hall, 1300 N.W. 139th St.
Tickets and more info
|
|
|
|
The Women debuts February 12 at Magenta's new location on Main Street.
|
Magenta Theater Company moves to the heart of Vancouver
Magenta Theater Company has moved and welcomes you to check out the new February 2016 stage production of
The Women, a musical performance with Fadin' by 9 and Misty Mamas. The play, written in 1936 by Clare Boothe Luce, an American author and politician, features an all-female cast.
The Women is a fun and acerbic commentary on the pampered lives and power struggles of wealthy Manhattan socialites and the gossip that propels and damages their relationships.
Magenta Theater, 1108 Main St., Vancouver
|
|
|
|
William Harnett #3 and #51
James Archer, 2006
|
Celebrating James Archer
James Archer, who started what is now the Archer Gallery has donated a large portion of his art collection to Clark College. The gallery will be celebrating that donation. The public invited to Archer Gallery, together with Clark College alumni and art patrons for a gallery talk and wine reception. Presented by Clark College Alumni Association.
Tuesday, February 9, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver
|
|
|
Poetry happenings at Angst Gallery
Ghost Town Poetry Open Mic - All Ages and Uncensored
Hosted by Christopher Luna and Toni Lumbrazo Luna,
Ghost Town Open Mic is happening Thursday, February 11, at 7 p.m. The popular event will feature Steve Williams, author of a new chapbook entitled,
Thirteen,
a poem.
The Inflectionist Review Anthology of Poetry Book Launch
The celebration honors a published and limited edition compendium of all the
work from
the magazine's first four issues. The event happens Saturday, February 27, at 5:30 p.m., Hosts are Clark County Poet Laureate Christopher Luna, Angst Gallery, and local editors A. Molotkov and John Sibley Williams.
|
|
Student art and performances showcased at Camas High
The Integrated Arts & Academics program within Camas High School is hosting a short, public showcase of student art and performances on Thursday, February 11, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Camas High School theatre. The event will be followed by a program information meeting.
26900 S.E. 15th St., Camas
More about the IAA program
|
|
5 ways to support the cause!
|
|
|
If you love what Arts of Clark County is doing for our community, please consider these ways to contribute:
- Donate
- Shop
Link your Fred Meyer Rewards Card to Arts of Clark County using our code #84120. Just by using your rewards card number, and at no cost to you, every time you shop you'll help Arts of Clark County earn a quarterly donation from Fred Meyer.
- Shop online
Use this link to login to Amazon, and they will donate a portion of the proceeds from your purchase back to Arts of Clark County.
- Repurpose
Donate quality or like-new items to Boomerang coffee house and consignment store. Specify that you would like proceeds to benefit Generosity Partner Arts of Clark County.
- Volunteer
Arts of Clark County is an all-volunteer organization. If you have specialized skills, especially in fundraising, outreach and marketing, we'd love to talk with you.
|
|
Editorial Policy and submission guidelines
|
|
| ARTS brief is intended to be useful to readers by offering a curated selection of stories and announcements related to the growth of arts in our region. Submitted items should be newsworthy. This means that arts-related items for content consideration must perform well in at least two of the following five areas: timing, significance, proximity, prominence, and human interest. Please submit materials to our lead writer, Jackie Genis, jackiegenis@outlook.com, by the 20th of each month. Note that submission does not guarantee publication. We evaluate each submission to determine how it fits our goals for ARTS brief and whether the item under consideration aligns with the mission and vision of Arts of Clark County. We do not accept materials that primarily have a commercial objective. |
|
About Arts of Clark County
|
|
Arts of Clark County (AoCC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created for the purpose of promoting, encouraging, and enhancing creative expression and artistic opportunities in Clark County and Southwest Washington. The arts contribute to this region's unique character as a desirable place to live, work, and visit. AoCC and its volunteer board of directors supports all forms of art--music, theater, dance, and literary, visual, and media art--and works to ensure that arts experiences are inclusive of individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
|
|
|
