A Comeback For The Arts – No Kidding!
Friends and Artists,
We’re not pulling your leg when we say that the arts are making a strong rebound here in Southwest Washington. Even now, we are entering into an era of new opportunities, stronger community partnerships, and the rekindling of cherished experiences. On March 20th, Columbia Dance launched its first live performance in over a year, with smashing success! Spring classes are going strong at Riverside Performing Arts, Journey Theater, and Metropolitan Performing Arts. Downtown Vancouver will host in-person and virtual experiences for this month’s First Friday Art Walk, and this weekend Magenta Theater will host two virtual performances over Zoom. We’re also seeing more collaborations among our local arts organizations, like the Columbia Arts Network, a new coalition for the visual arts in Southwest Washington. The arts in our community don’t fool around!
For more information about our mission, visit our website, or contact us at [hidden email]. Together we can set the stage for a future where the arts are always growing and thriving for everyone. Thank you for helping us keep the arts accessible, thought-provoking, and vibrant. Have a humorous day!
Sincerely,
The CFA Team
And Now For This Week’s Top Picks…
MUSIC | VSO Classical Concert
On April 24th and 25th celebrated piano virtuoso Orli Shaham returns to Skyview Auditorium with performances of Beethoven’s bright and lyrical Piano Concerto No. 2 in honor of the composer’s 250th anniversary year. Mrs. Shaham will share the stage with guest conductor Maestro Ken Selden as they perform Jean Sibelius’ rich and poignant Andante Festivo, and Antonine Dvorak’s Serenade for Strings.
ARTS | First Friday Art Walk
Join us in downtown Vancouver for this month’s First Friday Art Walk! Our downtown is home to a wide array of gallery spaces and art-centric businesses that are ready to welcome you. Check out the Vancouver Downtown Association’s interactive map that acts as a guide for you to navigate this month’s First Friday event.
THEATRE | A Virtual Whodunnit
Don’t miss this funny and energetic show – THIS WEEKEND ONLY! Magenta is offering this show completely FREE! Each night will end differently, so guests are welcome to register for both performances. Please note that audience members will need to register for a free Zoom account to participate. Thank you for supporting Magenta Theater!
PUBLIC ART | A Summer of Murals
Call to artists! The Clark County Mural Society will partner up with the City of Vancouver and Fourth Plain Forward to celebrate the diverse cultures of the Fourth Plain Corridor “International District.” This project calls for competitive submissions to reflect the diverse heritage of that area, connect with and celebrate the international food, culture, music, and art of Fourth Plain residents and businesses. Proposal deadline May 15th.
LITERARY ARTS | Virtual Open Mic Night
Ghost Town Poetry invites you to come and enjoy a virtual Open Mic Night featuring Eileen Davis Elliott, poet and visual artist from Vancouver, Washington. Tune into Zoom on Thursday, April 8th at 7pm to experience live poetry from home! Guests are invited to read one poem for three minutes or less. Be sure to RSVP by no later than 3pm to get in the lineup and access the invitation. $5 suggested donation.
OPPORTUNITIES | Pandemic Relief Grants
ArtsWA is offering Pandemic Relief Grants for arts and culture nonprofits for the upcoming fiscal year. Organizations with small, mid-sized, and large budgets are eligible for different sized grants. Grants of $1,500, $3,000, and $5,000 for general operating support are being offered. See website for more details on eligibility and deadlines. Matching funds are not required for these grants.
COMMUNITY | City Seeking Arts Volunteer
Share your voice to help lead the arts in Clark County! The City of Vancouver has released a call for applications for the position of Vancouver Representative on the Clark County Arts Commission. This person will also be serving on the city’s Culture, Arts & Heritage Commission. The deadline for applications is April 15, 2021. Applicants must be available for an interview on Wednesday, April 28.