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 September 2nd from 5-8 pm. 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 eventgoers will be invited to add their own artistic touches to the pieces throughout the evening. 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 1870s and was vital to the impressionist painting movement. You can vote for your favorites from 5-8 pm and People’s Choice awards will be given. Spectators can peruse other pieces from participating artists on display inside the gallery from 4 pm-8 pm.
Other artful activities that night will include: “Choose Your Favorite Art” passport game for all ages throughout town with prizes; Youth Dance Performances by Vega Camas; Take the Downtown Camas Mural Tour; Art Shows and receptions at Attic Gallery (421 NE Cedar), Second Story Gallery (625 NE 4th), and Camas Gallery (408 NE 4th); Kids’ arts & crafts at LiveWell Camas (417 NE Birch); Live Outdoor Music, and of course you can shop, dine, and have artful fun all throughout Downtown Camas.
“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.”
