“Celebrate Art!” First Friday in Downtown Camas

“Celebrate Art!” will bring art in many forms to the streets of downtown from 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 2. First Friday activities include live music and dance performances, artist demonstrations, a ribbon cutting, plein air painting, art receptions, games and prizes, collaborative art and after-hours shopping.

“From Art to Finish” is a new element for this year’s  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 activity and his piece will be full of recognizable city landmarks, including the Liberty Theatre and the Little Bronze Girl sculpture. The finished art pieces will be displayed in the windows of the new Attic Gallery expansion space at 340 N.E. Fourth Ave.

Visitors can watch artists paint their surroundings in “plein air” (French for “open air”) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout downtown. Camas Gallery has been coordinating a plein air painting event in downtown Camas for over seven years. Vote for your favorites from 5 to 8 p.m. and People’s Choice awards will be given. Spectators can peruse other pieces from participating artists on display inside the gallery from 4 to 8 p.m. For artists interested in participating,  contact Jennifer Senescu at jennifer@cwchamber.com for an application.

Other activities include the “Choose Your Favorite Art” passport game, a downtown mural tour, art shows and receptions, kids’ crafts and live outdoor music at Nuestra Mesa. Start your evening by picking up a First Friday passport and activity list at Journey Community Church. For details, visit downtowncamas.com/event/celebrate-art and www.facebook.com/camasfirstfriday.