Vancouver, WA

I found out about this month’s First Friday Artwalk, a FREE event, and talked my sister into going with me at the last minute. My info said walking tours would depart from Keller Williams every 20 minutes between 5:00 – 7:30. (Next Artwalk: Friday, October 3, 2008, 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM. Keller Williams, 915 Broadway, Vancouver, WA). Since neither of us has spent much time in downtown Vancouver in years. it took us a while to find the right address only to discover a sign in the window that said to go to the West Coast Bank. We looked at each other with the same question, and of course neither of us knew where it was.

We finally found the bank at the south end of Broadway. Once inside, it was crowded and exciting, with a booth giving out walking maps and guides of Vancouver and Clark County. The bank lobby had been turned into a community gathering-place for art enthusiasts, with trays of Hors d’oeuvres and a wine station. Teller stations featured children’s art and were also useful as small dining tables to some of us.

Since this was our first visit, we slipped off to a vacant corner but it wasn’t long before some truly gracious people introduced themselves. One of our most memorable was Sylvia, an elegant lady, who has been taking the Artwalks for about a year with a few friends. She explained to us how the walk worked and encouraged us to eat dinner before going on the walk next time since it would counteract the wine. She also told us that, after a walk or two, many people made the walk unescorted and went to the art galleries they liked best, then showed us her favorites on the Artwalk map.

                                                  
We left Firehouse Glass where we saw a drinking glass blown, and decided to finish the walk on our own. We found a display by Eric Argo, who uses fused glass for his artwork. If you are a fan of Marilyn Monroe, this is a great place to find some unique pieces.

                   
Turtle Place was just a big painting on the wall of an empty lot…actually where the bus transit station used to be. We were each handed a turtle mask, which told of the coming plans for this area. The site, including what is now the old Fort, had previously been a part of a native settlement known as Turtle Place. Look for a future article featuring plans for this block.

                
Our next stop was Aurora Gallery, where we first ran into ladies from a Red Hat group, So Cute, who seemed to be having a great time. Looking back, I discovered that in almost every gallery I found a grouping that appealed to me; perhaps because I have talked of putting a grouping above my piano. The one I liked at Aurora had a bright, wet paint look that was stunning. In North Bank Gallery it was the “Environmental Destiny” triptych by Anne John; the background material in her works consist of recycled paper…be sure to look past the paint. The Angst Gallery has not officially open yet, but they had a haunting grouping with an early 1900’s look that I loved. The last place we stopped at was Gallery 21, and the artwork I took a photo of appealed to me because my husband has had several old cars and the part he points out most frequently is the grill, hence; Classic Ford Grill by Barbara Van Nostern.

                                              
This was a fun, memorable experience. We met interesting people, saw some great art pieces…not to mention eating sumptuous tidbits; but we also saw a side of Vancouver we have never seen before. I have not been in the downtown area since before they moved the bus transit station, when the area was filled with homeless men harassing you for money. Not only is that gone, Vancouver has received a face-lift with an infusion of new business. So even if you are not interested in art, give yourself a treat and visit the new downtown Vancouver.