2024 Exhibits
Artisans' Guild of Camas, January 2024
The Artisans’ Guild of Camas (AGC) returned to the Second Story Gallery for an engaging group show in January. Patrons delved into a diverse array of artistic styles and mediums showcased by AGC members, which offered visitors a glimpse into this vibrant artistic community. Established in January 2022, AGC is an organization open to artists, artisans, and art enthusiasts seeking to enhance their artistic journey. Functioning as an unincorporated association or "club," AGC is committed to fostering a passion for the arts through educational initiatives and exhibition opportunities. As a membership-based organization, AGC serves as a hub for social, professional, and educational events tailored to its members. Discover the exciting world of AGC and stay informed about its activities by visiting artisansguildcamas.org.
A Different View, February 2024
A Different View was an exhibition of High Fiber Diet, a special interest group of Columbia FiberArts Guild that promotes and educates members regarding fiber art exhibitions.
For this exhibit we asked members to consider a post-Covid perspective of how lives had been affected by the global pandemic; their own, their families, their friends, and/or the global community. The exhibition committee used the following poem as a jump-off point:
Since my house burned down
I now own a better view of the rising moon
By Mizuta Masahide
a seventeenth-century Japanese poet and Samurai
Fill the Gallery!, March 2024
In honor of Youth Art Month in March, the Second Story Gallery invited elementary school students throughout the community to showcase their talent. By providing a platform to celebrate and recognize the creativity of young artists in our community, we collectively helped foster a sense of pride and encouraged the development of talent.
Homespun, April 2024
Homespun was an exhibition curated by the Clark County Historical Museum (CCHM) and Two Rivers Heritage Museum (TRHM), hosted by the Second Story Gallery. The pieces here highlighted the rich variety of CCHM and TRHM's collections, showcased the craftsmanship and creativity of local artisans, and spanned various mediums and periods. From textiles to wood carvings, paintings, and Victorian-style hair art, each artifact told a story of ingenuity and cultural heritage. Visitors were invited to explore the history of our region through these handmade treasures.
Special thanks to CCHM’s Collections Manager Alex Wilson for developing this exhibition.
My Teacher is a Wolf: The Comics Art of Aron Nels Steinke, May 2024
My Teacher is a Wolf: The Comics Art of Aron Nels Steinke was a retrospective of cartoon art from the creator of Mr. Wolf's Class, the bestselling graphic novel series for kids. This exhibit featured over forty original pieces of art used in the creation of his graphic novels spanning his almost 20-year career. On display there was art created when Aron was a student at Lacamas Heights Elementary School, and a sneak peek from Speechless, his next original graphic novel (Scholastic/Graphix 2025). Aron Nels Steinke (Camas High School Class of 1999) is the Eisner Award-winning co-creator, with Ariel Cohn, of The Zoo Box, the creator of the bestselling Mr. Wolf’s Class graphic novel series for kids, and a former elementary school teacher. Aron spent his entire childhood in Fern Prairie just on the outskirts of Camas, and currently lives in Portland, Oregon. Aron regularly visits schools to speak with students about making comics and finding inspiration from life. Find him online at mrwolfsclass.com.
The Dualities of Northwest Color, June 2024
The Dualities of Northwest Color was a captivating gallery exhibition that delved into the contrasting yet harmonious approaches of two Pacific Northwest artists, Alice Pritchett and Stephen Hayes. Alice Pritchett, an illustrator and print maker from Vancouver, Washington, creates poignant and heartfelt artwork that reflects her spiritual convictions and experiences of parenthood. Her pieces evoke a sense of community and belonging, often depicting beloved local landscapes. Stephen Hayes, a retired illustrator and art educator from Ridgefield, Washington, explores pure abstraction through color and texture in his current expressionistic works. His paintings delve into the depths of his spiritual and emotional self, inviting viewers to ponder and celebrate human interaction. Together, their works presented a rich tapestry of color and emotion, embodying the unique spirit of the Pacific Northwest.
High School Art Show, July 2024
For the month of July, the Second Story Gallery hosted its annual exhibition of artwork from local high school students in the Camas School District. This showcase highlighted the creativity and skill of our young artists. Visitors saw the students’ diverse range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, and mixed media.
Special thanks to art teachers Heidi Keith (Camas HS), Jordan King (Camas HS), Kobie Moore (Discovery HS), and Miranda Wakeman (Hayes Freedom HS) for coordinating this show.
Middle School Art Show, August 2024
Following the high school exhibit, the Second Story Gallery featured an equally impressive collection from our middle school students at Liberty, Odyssey, and Skyridge Middle Schools. This showcase provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the budding talents of younger artists and encouraged their continued artistic growth.
Special thanks to art teachers Erin Marcell (Liberty MS), Kobie Moore (Odyssey MS), and Laura Richards (Skyridge MS) for coordinating this show.
