Friends and Artists,
With January behind us, the world is looking ahead to days of rebuilding and revitalization. This past year has revealed an inner strength that lies within all of us, as individuals and as a community. We have learned to connect and collaborate in innovative new ways, adapting not only to survive, but to thrive once again. Even now, our arts and small business community is springing to life with new programming, services, and engagement opportunities.
It’s been a little over a year since the first Covid case was reported in the U.S., and since then our community has discovered new ways to carry on while accommodating public safety. We may not be out of the woods yet, but the collective sense of inspiration and hope strengthens as the light at the end of the tunnel draws nearer.
Together we can set the stage for a future where the arts are always growing and thriving. This journey is only made possible with support from readers like you! For more information about our mission, visit our website, or contact us at info@centerforartswwa.org. Have a bright week!
Sincerely,
The CFA Team
And now for this week’s top picks…

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
February has begun, and it is with great pride that we honor Black History Month. During this time of reflection in acknowledging the past and present achievements, stories and struggles of Black Americans, we encourage everyone to stay vigilant as we strive for a future of racial justice and equality for all. Let’s all bring positive change together.

ARTS | First Friday Art Walk
Join us THIS EVENING for the First Friday Art Walk! This February, galleries and businesses in downtown Vancouver are participating with both virtual and in-person options. Welcome in this new month with beautiful and exciting art from local artists! Be sure to check out the Vancouver Downtown Association’s new interactive map providing live GPS locations and a link for more details about artists and gallery exhibitions.

MUSIC | February Classical Concert
Mark your calendars for February 27-28, as the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra welcomes Guest Conductor Francesco Lecce-Chong, the Music Director of the Eugene Symphony in Oregon, and the Santa Rosa Symphony. This livestreamed concert will feature guest artist, Adam Levin, a praised classical guitarist recognized for his visceral and imaginative performances. Tickets available online – This will be a performance you won’t want to miss!

LITERARY ARTS | Virtual Open Mic Night
Ghost Town Poetry invites you to come and enjoy a virtual Open Mic Night featuring Michael Dylan Welch, who has served two years as poet laureate of Redmond. Tune in on Zoom Thursday, February 11 at 7pm to experience live poetry from home! Guests are invited to read one poem for three minutes or less. Be sure to RSVP by no later than 3PM to get in the lineup and access the invitation link. $5 suggested donation.

SPECIAL EVENTS | Book Launch Today!
A virtual event for lovers of words and images, join this first-ever book launch TODAY, February 5th at 4:30 to enjoy a collaborative work written by Eileen Davis Elliott, illustrated by Lily Engblom-Stryker and Ava Town. In this read, students and established creators share views of “poor ones,” marginalized people of the world. For more information and to RSVP, please contact the email below to register.
Register for the Event at: pobrecitos2021@gmail.com

OPPORTUNITIES | NACF Application Webinars
The Native Arts & Cultures Foundation has released its open call for two new grant programs, and is now offering two separate webinars in which NACF Programs staff will provide a program overview, walk through the online application, and share answers to some of the most commonly asked questions. For more information on the open calls for both programs, visit the Native Arts and Cultures Foundation website.

SMALL BUSINESS | BIPOC-Owned Business Grants
Independent small businesses owned by Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) have been some of the hardest hit with the ongoing impact of the pandemic and social unrest. Comcast Business and Effectv have developed Comcast RISE, an opportunity for these businesses to receive marketing consultations, media placements, commercial creative production services, or technology services. Applications due Sun, February 7.
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