2012 Fall Arts Preview

Like the autumn leaves, the art galleries, theater houses and performance stages fill their spaces with a riot of colors and blaze of life. Clark County offers a variety of truly local artistic stimulation, while events in Portland can be the cherry on top of your fall arts calendar.

Visual Arts

Alcove Art Gallery

o Current exhibit: “Metal and Mud, Divergent Paths of Flame,” through Sept. 29. Jewelry and wood-fired ceramics by artist Robin Hominiuk.

o Upcoming exhibit: “The Subtle Beauty of Ordinary Things,” Oct. 3-27. Pastel and oil still-life paintings by Marilyn Hocking will be on display. Portion of sales will go to Kearney Breast Center and PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center Foundation.

Event: First Friday artist reception, 5-8 p.m. Oct. 5, with light refreshments.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays.

Where: 328 Pioneer St., Ridgefield.

Telephone: 360-727-3088.

Web: http://www.alcoveartgallery.com

Archer Gallery

Upcoming exhibit: “Still,” Oct. 2-28. Seven artists explore the role and function of still life in the modern world and how objects in art take on meaning. The exhibit includes photographs, paintings and sculptures.

Event: Artist reception, 4-6 p.m. Oct. 6.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, noon to 5 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays.

Where: 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver.

Telephone: 360-992-2246.

Web: http://clark.edu/archergallery

Aurora Gallery

o Current exhibit: “Textures of Nature” by Beth Kitselman, through Sept. 29. Kitselman showcases acrylic and oil paintings inspired by the textures and colors of the natural world.

o Upcoming exhibit: Paintings by Bev Jozwiak, Oct. 5-30. Jozwiak’s watercolor and acrylic paintings have been local favorites for decades.

Event: First Friday reception, 6-8 p.m. Oct. 5, with light refreshments.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.

Where: 1004 Main St., Vancouver.

Telephone: 360-696-0449.

Web: http://auroragalleryonline.com

Gallery 360

o Current exhibit: “Generations,” through Sept. 30. A collaborative exhibit with artists from Mosaic Arts Alliance and the Battle Ground Art Alliance. Adult artists were asked to create collaborative pieces with a child.

o Upcoming exhibits:

“Black and White,” opens in October, takes away the color and asks artists to explore ideas positive and negative.

“What is Democracy?” opens in November, will showcase imagery that conjure notions of democracy.

Event: Meet the Artists reception, 5-9 p.m. Oct. 5.

Hours: Noon to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays.

Where: 111 W. Ninth St., Vancouver.

Telephone: 360-693-7340.

Web: http://gallery360.org

North Bank Artists Gallery

o Current exhibit: “OPA: Exposed,” through Sept. 30. Oregon Potters Association members interpret functional and sculptural ceramics.

o Upcoming exhibits:

“Solar Shadows” by Kurtis Hough and “La Petite Mort” by Kathi Rick, Oct. 5-27. Hough examines the rhythms of nature through five short films, and Rick combines digital sights and sounds for a confrontational installation.

“Occupy North Bank!” opens in November. A nonjuried show with a focus on elections and political movements. It is still open to submissions; the deadline is Oct. 27.

Event: First Friday Artists reception, 5-9 p.m. Oct. 5.

Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays.

Where: 1005 Main St., Vancouver.

Telephone: 360-693-1840.

Web: http://northbankartistsgallery.com

Second Story Gallery

o Current exhibit: “Inspiration/Exploration,” featuring Anna-Marie Clement, Kathy Sork, Julianne Schreiner and Linda McCulloch, through Sept. 29. A collection of watercolors that incorporate unusual materials and mediums.

o Upcoming exhibit: Photography by Sandy Caldwell, Oct. 5-27. Caldwell, a Washougal resident, began taking nature photographs 30 years ago, and recently rekindled her love of photography and the area.

Event: First Friday artist reception, 5-8 p.m. Oct. 5.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Where: Camas Public Library, 625 N.E. Fourth Ave., Camas.

Telephone: 360-834-4692.

Web: http://secondstorygallery.org

Portland Art Museum

o Current exhibits:

Cindy Sherman, through Dec. 30. Sherman’s work has pushed the boundaries of portraiture and photography in contemporary art.

“Flesh and Bone: Photography and the Body,” through Jan. 6. Showcasing photographs that explore the human body in photos from artistic muse to social subject.

o Upcoming exhibit:

“The Body Beautiful in Ancient Greece,” Oct. 6-Jan. 6. Featuring more than 120 priceless objects from the British Museum’s collection of Greek and Roman art, including iconic sculptures, jewelry, vessels and funerary objects. Timed tickets are required, $20, $17 for seniors and students, free for ages 17 and younger.Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.

Where: 1219 S.W. Park Ave., Portland.

Admission: $15; $12 for seniors and students; free for children 17 and younger. Extra charges for some exhibits.

Telephone: 503-226-2811.

Web: http://pam.org

Theater Arts

Christian Youth Theater VanPort

o Opens Nov. 2: “Great American Tall Tales.” During a museum field trip, a few students stumble into a dusty exhibit where they meet characters of American folklore like Annie Oakley, Davy Crockett, John Henry, Pecos Bill, Annie Christmas and more.

When: 7 p.m. Nov. 2-3, 9-10; 3 p.m. Nov. 10 and 2 p.m. Nov. 11.

Where: Fort Vancouver High School Auditorium, 5700 E. 18th St., Vancouver.

Admission: $12-$14, $9-$11 for youths, seniors and groups of 10, Family Day, $9-$11 on Nov. 3.

Telephone: 360-750-8550.

Web: http://cytvanport.org

o Opens Nov. 9: “Bugsy Malone.” This slapstick musical follows two half-witted gangs fighting for turf, when a washed-up boxer steps in to take control. Spoofing the film noir genre, these cartoonish 1920s gangsters duel each other with whip cream guns, flour bombs and custard pies.

When: 7 p.m. Nov. 9-10, 16-17; 3 p.m. Nov. 17 and 2 p.m. Nov. 11, 18.

Where: Washburn Performing Arts Center, 1201 39th St., Washougal.

Admission: $12-$14, $9-$11 for youths, seniors and groups of 10, Family Day, $9-$11 on Nov. 10.

Telephone: 360-750-8550.

Web: http://cytvanport.org

Clark College Theater

o Opens Nov. 6: “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” is an award-winning Broadway show about a married couple whose dependence on each other is magnified by their verbal battles against each other. They invite a younger couple, Nick and Honey, over for a nightcap, but they only get caught up in George and Martha’s games.

When: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 2-3, 9-10, 15-17 and 2 p.m. Nov. 2.

Where: Decker Theater, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver.

Admission: $12, $10 for seniors, $8 for students.

Telephone: 360-992-2815.

Web: http://clarkbookstore.com/site_theatre.asp

Love Street Playhouse

o Opens Oct. 12: “Wait Until Dark.” In this thriller, a sinister con man and his two thugs are tracking down a mysterious doll that’s made its way to the apartment of Sam and his blind wife, Susy. When Sam is framed for murder by the plotting men, Susy finds herself in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse.

When: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12-13, 19-20, 26-27, and 31; 2 p.m. Oct. 14, 21, and 28.

Where: Love Street Playhouse, 126 Loves Ave., Woodland.

Admission: $12-$15, $11-$13 for seniors and youth.

Telephone: 360-263-6670.

Web: http://www.lovestreetplayhouse.com

Magenta Theater Company

o Opens Oct. 12: “Something to Hide.” Celebrating the company’s 10th season, “Something to Hide” is set in the weekend home of novelist Howard Holt and his wealthy publisher wife, Karen. But when Karen inadvertently runs over Howard’s young mistress with her car, the couple must hide the body and avoid the attention of an unconventional detective and local residents.

When: Oct. 12-27, with performances at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Oct. 20, 27.

Where: Magenta Theater, 606 Main St., Vancouver.

Admission: $12-$15.

Telephone: 360-635-4358.

Web: http://magentatheater.com

Serendipity Players

o Opens Oct. 5: “The Sunshine Boys.” Aging vaudevillian performers Al Lewis and Willy Clark performed together as “Lewis and Clark” for over 40 years, but never spoke to each other offstage. Clark resented that Lewis wanted to retire and break up the act. When they’re invited to reunite on television for a comedy special, will they be able to put on one last act or will their personalities get in the way?

When: 8 p.m. Oct. 5-6, 11-13, 19-20; 2 p.m. Oct. 7, 14, 21.

Where: Serendipity Playhouse, 500 Washington St., Vancouver.

Admission: $15, “Pay What You Will” on Oct. 11.

Telephone: 360-834-3588.

Web: http://serendipityplayers.org

Portland-area Theater

Imago Theatre

o Opens Oct. 5: “The Black Lizard.” Imago Theatre presents the English-language adaptation of Yukio Mishima’s “The Black Lizard,” a fusion of kabuki-style theater and melodrama. Black Lizard is the pseudonym of Japan’s most notorious female gang leader, who specializes in jewelry theft and murder. It’s a battle of wits between Black Lizard and a brilliant private detective as she attempts to steal the biggest diamond in Japan. The show contains nudity and is recommended for adults.

When: Oct. 5-Nov. 4, with performances at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays.

Where: Imago Theatre, 17 S.E. Eighth Ave., Portland.

Admission: $15-$30.

Telephone: 503-224-8499.

Web: http://imagotheatre.com

Northwest Children’s Theater and School

o Opens Sept. 29: “The BFG (Big Friendly Giant).” Based on the classic children’s book by Roald Dahl, a girl named Sophie is whisked away by the world’s only nice giant to Giant Country to save the children of England from much bigger and less-friendly giants. The show is suited for ages 6 and older.

When: Sept. 29-Oct. 28, with performances at noon and 4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Where: Northwest Neighborhood Cultural Center, 1819 N.W. Everett St., Portland.

Admission: $22, $18 for children.

Telephone: 503-222-4480.

Web: http://nwcts.org

Lakewood Theatre Company

o Now playing: “South Pacific.” The Rodgers and Hammerstein musical is set on a tropical island during World War II, where romance is threatened by the realities of war and prejudice. Nellie, a nurse from Arkansas, falls in love with Emile deBecque, a Frenchman with children of his own. Meanwhile, Lt. Joe Cable denies his feelings for Liat, a Tonkinese girl, until he’s sent on a dangerous mission with Emile.

When: Through Oct. 14, with shows at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; 7 p.m. Sept. 23; and 2 p.m. Sept. 23 and 30, and Oct. 7 and 14.

Where: Lakewood Center for the Arts, 368 S. State St., Lake Oswego, Ore.

Admission: $28, $25 for seniors with additional discounts for groups and students.Telephone: 503-635-3901.

Web: http://lakewood-center.org

Portland Center Stage

o Now playing: “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.” In 19th-century London, Stephen Sondheim’s dark musical, Sweeney Todd sets out on a savage quest to avenge the wrongs done to him by opening a barbershop, where he slits the throats of his customers. He’s aided by Mrs. Lovett, the bossy owner of a pie shop who is secretly in love with him.

When: Through Oct. 21, with performances at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays, 2 p.m. Saturday and Sundays, noon Thursdays.

Where: The Main Stage, Gerding Theater at the Armory, 128 N.W. 11th Ave., Portland.

Admission: $64-$70, $30 for students.

o Opens Oct. 2: “Body of an American.” War reporter Paul Watson created one of the most devastating images of modern warfare: the photograph of a dead American soldier being dragged through the streets of Mogadishu. As the ghosts of the tragedies he has recorded bear down on him, Paul’s story catches the attention of playwright Dan O’Brien, who is battling ghosts of his own. The two men form a tentative friendship as they seek absolution.

When: Oct. 2-Nov. 11, with performances at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays, 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, noon on Thursdays.

Where: Ellyn Bye Studio, Gerding Theater at the Armory, 128 N.W. 11th Ave., Portland.

Admission: $49, $25 for students.

Telephone: 503-445-3700.

Web: http://pcs.org

Performing Arts

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

o The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra opens its 34th season with internationally acclaimed musicians and brothers Nitai and Hillel Zori, and Portland organist Jonas Nordwall. Violinist Nitai Zori has performed with orchestras across Europe and with the symphony’s conductor Salvador Brotons. Cellist Hillel Zori has won international awards and has performed with Israel’s major orchestras.

When: 3 p.m. Oct. 6, 7 p.m. Oct. 7.

Where: Crossroads Community Church, 7708 N.E. 78th St., Vancouver.

Admission: $35-$50, $30 for seniors, $10 for students.

o The symphony’s next concert on Nov. 10 and 11 will feature guest conductor Gregory Vajda from Hungary and the world premiere of his piece “Orlando’s Awakening.” He has been the resident conductor of the Oregon Symphony Orchestra since 2005. The performance will also include concertmaster-violinist Sarah Kwak.

When: 3 p.m. Nov. 10, 7 p.m. Nov. 11.

Where: Skyview High School Concert Hall, 1300 N.W. 139th St., Vancouver.

Admission: $35-$50, $30 for seniors, $10 for students.

Telephone: 360-735-7278.

Web: http://vancouversymphony.org

Oregon Ballet Theater

o “Body Beautiful” is a program inspired by the Portland Art Museum exhibit, and explores the human form through four dances, including “Apollo” by Balanchine, “Orpheus Portrait” by Kent Stowell, “Ekho, “a world premiere collaboration between Artistic Director Christopher Stowell and visual artist John Grade, and “The Second Detail” by William Forsythe.

When: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13, 19-20; 2 p.m. Oct. 14.

Where: Keller Auditorium, 222 S.W. Clay, Portland.

Admission: $27.65-$150 through Ticketmaster, 800-745-3000 or http://ticketmaster.com.

Web: http://obt.org.

o The OBT will also perform at the Columbia Theatre in Longview on Oct. 26. The show will feature four classical and contemporary pieces that showcase distinct dance and musical styles.

When: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 26.

Where: Columbia Theatre, 1231 Vandercook Way, Longview.

Admission: $26.50-$36.50, $33 for seniors and students.

Telephone: 360-575-8499.

Web: http://columbiatheatre.com

White Bird Dance

o White Bird celebrates its 15th season with the Trisha Brown Dance Company on Oct. 11-13 and the Akram Khan Company on Oct. 17. The Trisha Brown Dance Company returns after 10 years to White Bird Uncaged, with a new premiere work. Choreographer Trisha Brown is considered one of the biggest artists of this era.

When: 8 p.m. Oct. 11-13.

Where: Newmark Theater, 1037 S.W. Broadway, Portland.

Admission: $30, $20 for seniors and children.

o The Akram Khan Company will perform “Vertical Road,” inspired by the Sufi tradition and Persian poet Rumi.

When: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17.

Where: Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, 1037 S.W. Broadway, Portland.

Admission: $26-$64, $22-$52 for seniors and children.

Telephone: 800-380-3516.

Web: http://www.whitebird.org

Northwest Dance Project

“New Now Wow!” showcases three new world-premiere dances by award-winning choreographers Ihsan Rustem, Gregory Dolbashian and Alex Soares. The performance will represent the new edge of contemporary dance.

When: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4-6.

Where: Lincoln Performance Hall, 1620 S.W. Park Ave., Portland.

Admission: $32-$39.

Web: http://nwdanceproject.org