Norman Helgason / norman@thereflector.com
A new art-focused community group in La Center will soon hold its first annual event, with members sharing their passion for the arts.
The La Center Arts Council (LCAC), will host its first arts fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, at the Wheel Club Community Center at Holley Park.
LCAC first met six months ago when Desi Allinger-Nelson, the city’s strategic specialist, asked local artists to come forward and share their ideas. Kirsten Peterson, a local painter and member of the council, said the town’s artistic events have tapered off in recent years, partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The council has recently begun offering workshops where artists can meet and work on various art projects from 9-12 A.M. on first and third Wednesdays at the Wheel Club Community Center, 1000 E. Fourth St., La Center.
“We really feel that the arts enrich a community in many ways. It stimulates young people and also can reengage our seniors or more mature society members, and it can spark new avenues for economic growth and development,” Peterson said.
Half a year since the group’s creation, LCAC’s upcoming arts fair aims to further respark the town’s interest in art through activities and workshops.
It will include a contest for children to color in the logo for LCAC, which is currently black and white. Coloring books, pencils and small canvases will be available for kids to bring home. Additionally, paper dolls will be available, as fashion falls in line with the council’s arts focus. Council member Margene Rivara said LCAC is focusing on invigorating the next generation of artists.
“It’ll be friendly for the whole family, but we’re concentrating a lot on the kids because that’s where it starts,” Rivara said.
At press time, 26 artists signed up for vendor booths at the fair to show and sell paintings, sketches, sculptures, jewelry and more. Dan Masterson, a long-time sketchbook artist from La Center and LCAC member, will be holding a spray-painting demonstration during the event.
The council is gearing up to organize various workshops encompassing sketching, collage making and performative arts, as well. Many of LCAC’s current members initially joined through past workshops hosted by Masterson.
“It’s phenomenal, the energy of people who have stepped up to participate,” Masterson said.
Other forms of art, including music, performance, literature and dance, will be centerstage at the upcoming arts fair. Susan Dingle, a renowned Vancouver poet, will read a community poem during the event. Local bands Rough Cuts and 24-7 will also be performing. The Cowlitz Tribe’s Drum Group is slated to be the fair’s opening act.
LCAC’s inaugural arts fair is free for guests, with donations of $6 and above acceptable. Funds from the fair will be dedicated to a future facility and events. At press time, the organization applied for a 501c3 nonprofit status.
