The first weekend of November is a good one for anyone who likes making things. More than 50 Clark County artists open their studios to the public, downtown stays open late for First Friday, and the Vancouver Symphony takes on Verdi's Requiem. There are a few easy ways to give back outside, too.
Sunset over Broadway, downtown Vancouver, this week.
IN THIS ISSUE
Peek inside 50+ local artists' studios
"Newsies" on stage
Masks and stories in a cedar longhouse
A morning cleanup at Esther Short Park
Free staged readings on Main Street
First Friday downtown
"Gumbo" at Magenta Theater
The Vancouver Symphony's Verdi Requiem
Make a rose salve in Camas
Plant trees and native plants around town
⭐ EDITOR'S PICK
Clark County Open Studios Tour
Linda Robertson’s worktable and Linda with some of her encaustic paintings. She’s stop #36 on the tour. Photos courtesy of Linda Robertson. https://www.lindarobertsonarts.com
November 7 and 8, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM · Studios across Clark County · Free
More than 50 local painters, potters, sculptors and makers open their studios for a free, self-guided tour. Pick a few stops from the map, watch demos, and buy straight from the people who made the work. A great way to get out of the house, support local artists, meet some new folks and bring home some one-of-a-kind pieces!
One stop to start with: Linda Robertson (#36, 18302 NE 47th Ave.) will be doing live encaustic demos all weekend, painting with melted beeswax and pigment. She’ll have small originals, ornaments and notecards if you want to bring something home. See Linda’s work
👪 BRING THE KIDS
Journey Theater presents "Newsies"
November 6 at 7:00 PM, November 7 at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM · Fort Vancouver High School, 5700 E. 18th St. · $22 adults, $20 youth and seniors
The musical about a group of New York newsboys who go on strike, with plenty of big dance numbers. A fun first musical for kids, and it runs again next weekend if this one fills up.
Living History Performance at Lelooska Cultural Center
November 7, 6:00 PM (grounds and museum open at 5:00 PM) · 165 Merwin Village Road, Ariel (about 45 min) · $18 adults, $16 seniors and kids
Northwest Coast masks come to life through traditional stories, songs and dances inside a cedar ceremonial house. Worth the drive. Call ahead (360-225-9522) to check seats.
🙋 GO SOLO FRIENDLY
Esther Short Park Cleanup
Esther Short Park, the cleanup crew's home base on Saturday.
November 7, 9:00 to 11:00 AM · Esther Short Park, 605 Esther St. · Free
A volunteer morning with the city and the Vancouver Downtown Association. Gloves, tools, water and snacks are provided. Working side by side is one of the easiest ways to meet people. Register at least 24 hours ahead.
"Lost" Staged Readings
November 6, 5:00 PM · Metropolitan Performing Arts, 1014 Main St. · Free, donations welcome
Four short plays read live around the theme "Lost." A low-key, low-cost way to start your First Friday on Main Street.
🍻 MEET PEOPLE AND DATE NIGHT
First Friday Downtown
Main Street after dark.
November 6, 5:00 to 9:00 PM · Downtown Vancouver · Free
Shops and restaurants stay open late with live music and pop-ups, and the galleries host the First Friday Art Walk. Grab dinner, wander, and see where the night takes you.
Magenta Theater presents "Gumbo"
The neon’s on at Magenta Theater, a Main Street staple for local theater.
November 6 and 7 at 7:30 PM, November 8 at 2:00 PM · Magenta Theater, 1108 Main St. · $15
A 90-minute play celebrating the lives of Louisiana women. An easy, affordable date night that pairs well with dinner on Main Street.
🎸 LIVE MUSIC AND MAKING STUFF
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra: Verdi's "Messa da Requiem"
November 7 at 7:00 PM, November 8 at 3:00 PM · Skyview Concert Hall, 1300 NW 139th St. · $15 students and kids, $50 to $53 adults
The orchestra, the Portland Symphonic Choir and four soloists perform one of the most dramatic pieces in the choral repertoire. Big, loud and moving, even if classical music isn't usually your thing.
Rose Salves Workshop at Vampire Unicorns
November 5, 6:00 to 7:30 PM · Vampire Unicorns, 3510 NE Third Ave., Camas · $45
Learn a little rose folklore and herbalism, then make your own rose petal salve to take home. A small class that's comfortable to join alone.
🌲 GET OUTSIDE
Tree Planting at the Shaffer Stormwater Site
November 7, 10:00 AM to noon · 5407 NE 78th Ave. · Free, RSVP required
A family-friendly morning planting new trees, with gloves, tools, guidance and light refreshments provided. RSVP at [email protected] or 360-487-8733.
Native Planting at Ellsworth Springs East
November 7, 1:00 to 4:00 PM · 1200 SE 98th Ave. · Free, register ahead
Volunteers will put more than 700 native plants into a natural area that was recently cleared of ivy. No experience needed; training and supplies are provided.
ALSO THIS WEEKEND
Camas First Friday: "Thankful for You" · November 6, 5:00 PM · Downtown Camas · Free · More info
Free Veterans Tribute Concert · November 7, 3:00 PM · Westwinds Community Band at Vancouver Heights United Methodist Church · Free · More info
"76 Trombones: The Beginning" · November 6 to 8 · Beacock Music's 50th anniversary musical · $25 · More info
Bells of the Cascades: International Rhythms · November 8, 4:00 PM · Salmon Creek United Methodist Church · $20, students $5 · More info
Cocktails and Canvas: Owls! · November 5, 6:00 PM · The Neighborhood Refuge, Ridgefield · $85, 21+ · More info
50+ Quilting Club Holiday Bazaar · November 5, 8:00 AM · Firstenburg Community Center · Free · More info
Stuffed Animal Sleepover · November 5, drop-off from 10:00 AM · Camas Public Library · Free, ages 3+ · More info
Open Saturday at Pearson Field Education Center · November 7, 10:00 AM · Hands-on aviation and a flight simulator lab · Free
Coming up: The 38th Lough Legacy Veterans Day Parade marches down Officers Row on Wednesday, November 11, at 11:00 AM. It's free and happens rain or shine. Get the parade details
This week’s question: Who’s a local artist or maker more people should know about?
Just hit reply and tell us. We may share a few answers (your first name only) next week.
This newsletter is free and built by the people who live here. Have an event, a small business, art, music, or something you’re looking for, like bandmates, a hiking crew, or a pickup game? Share it here. It’s always free.
See you next week,
The Vancouver Local
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