October 2017
There was so much to digest at the recent Arts and Culture Summit! In this issue, we try to distill a few things and share some insights with you. The brand, spanking new CAVE treats us to its debut show and Open Studios is just around the corner. Enjoy!

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   join our email list and subscribe
Advancing the arts
Panelists Jeff Jahn and Linda K. Johnson discuss the importance of creating a culture of engagement with the arts. Photo by Annie Davern.

What we learned at the summit

-- Cam Suttles

Last week's Arts and Culture Summit was, in some ways, an indicator of our community's readiness for investment in arts infrastructure. The big take-away for us is that we remain optimistic but have much work to do. It's clear that for Vancouver and Clark County, there are both awesome opportunities and stubborn challenges.
 
At last week's sold-out event, we heard from experts who know how to make things happen-people who know how to cultivate arts communities and build arts centers. We received gems of advice and insights that were truly inspiring. Yet at the same time, the daunting need for continued outreach and community awareness was clearly evident. 

Another successful Give More 24!

To all who contributed to Arts of Clark County on September 21: Your generous donations will help support the continued advocacy and programming that move us all toward a more vibrant arts community. Thank you all and thanks to the  Community Foundation for Southwest Washington!

Get a free Open Studios g uidebook and mark your calendar for the self-guided tour 

You can now pick up a free guidebook for November's Clark County Open Studios tour at one of our sponsor locations. This is a great way to plan which studios you'd like to visit on the self-guided tour. 

Printed guidebooks will also be available at the preview exhibition and artists' reception on First Friday, November 3, from 5-9 p.m. at the CAVE, 108 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. Don't miss this special 5th anniversary celebration!


View a PDF version of the Open Studios guidebook

First Friday Pick
Artists Anne John, Kathi Rick, and Cynthia Heise launch the CAVE's debut exhibition.

CAVE: Contemporary Arts Vancouver Experiment
"Abstract Reality" shows through October

The pristine, new gallery in downtown Vancouver, the CAVE debuts tonight from 5 - 8 p.m. with a group show titled "Abstract Reality." In the main gallery expect new paintings by local artist, and founder of the CAVE gallery; Anne John. Her breathtaking large scale paintings address issues of space, shape, form and environmental aspects of the natural world.  The upper gallery will feature work from local artist and CAVE partner  Cynthia Heise.  In the black box experimental media space will be a multi-screen video with sound from CAVE partner  Kathi Rick  titled "The Whale: A Contrast of Beauty, Horror, and Grace."  


108 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver
At the Kiggins
Eclectic lineup of films and events has something for everybody 

Kiggins Theater can always be counted on for supporting the arts, offering entertaining treats, and creating a lively downtown atmosphere. 

Niche Wine Bar is celebrating its 7th anniversary with wines, food, and short films from Portugal. $12 gets you admission to the event, a commemorative wine glass, and hors d'oeuvres. Wine sold separately. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Films begin at 7 p.m.

The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra's Chamber Music Series begins its seventh season with a piano extravaganza at 3 p.m. Sunday, October 22. 

1011 Main St., Vancouver


Theater
Greg Watanabe
Broadway actor Greg Watanabe 
performs reading of "American Spirit"

"American Spirit," written by multi-talented Vancouver resident Rob Katsuno and directed by Adriana Baer, explores how America's aspirational culture shapes Rob's vision of his ideal self until America's individualism inspires him to discover his true spirit.  His journey provides a window into the Japanese-American experience and mines his marriage to his Brazilian wife for laugh-out-loud humor.  Rob Katsuno is an award-winning local author. Actress and comedian Lauren Weedman says about him, "My God - what a talent and force Rob is."  This event is free to attend. No registration required. Includes adult themes.  Tuesday, October 17, 7:30 p.m.


Artist's Repertory Theater
1515 SW Morrison St.
Portland. OR 97205.

Poetry Happenings
Poet Laureate Tod Marshall
Tod Marshall
Washington State Poet Laureate

Ghost Town Poetry Open Mic  is  Thursday, October 12, at 7 p.m., and will feature Washington State Poet Laureate Tod Marshall.  Hosted by Christopher Luna and Toni Partington of Printed Matter Vancouver, Open Mic sign up begins at 6:30 p.m.and closes at 7 p.m.  

Learn more


Angst Gallery
1015 Main St., Vancouver

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: 

  1. Donate
    Use PayPal to make a tax-deductible donation to Arts of Clark County. 
     
  2. 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.
     
  3. 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.

     
  4. 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.
     
  5. 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.
ARTS brief team

Jackie Genis, writer, editor 
Cam Suttles, designer, editor
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, NO LATER THAN 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.