Historical Society’s ‘History Lives’ series to feature Cameron Blagg Jr.

As part of its “History Lives” speaker series, the Camas-Washougal Historical Society (CWHS) will feature Cameron Blagg III, son of professional local artist, Cameron Blagg Jr., at 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 17, at the Camas Police Station Meeting Room, 2100 Third Ave., Camas.

The presentation is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

Blagg III will speak about his father’s prolific work painting art inspired by Native Americans.

Blagg Jr. grew up in Oklahoma on the edge of Cherokee and Choctaw reservations.

“His art is inspired by his love of western history and Native cultures,” said Blagg III of his father. “He is always reading books to learn about the life of the ‘old West’ characters. Native Americans seem to enjoy the authenticity of his work. He attends pow-wows and Indian markets to display and sell his art.”

Blagg Jr. still paints and, occasionally, delves into sculpture. The front room of the Two Rivers Heritage Museum in Washougal contains Blagg Jr.’s artwork depicting Native Americans fishing at Celilo Falls.

Blagg III, who grew up on the upper Washougal River, about 6.5 miles north of Bear Prairie, in a small cabin built by his family, also will talk about his childhood and about growing up in a home where family members used a water wheel to produce electricity and burned wood to heat their home and cook their food.

At the presentation, Blagg III also will present the CWHS with several limited-edition pieces of his father’s work.

“I thought the museum could sell the artwork to raise funds,” Blagg III said. “I really enjoy the museum.” The collection’s estimated value is $7,500.

CWHS operates the Two Rivers Heritage Museum at 1 Durgan St., Washougal. The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, through the end of October. Museum admission costs $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $2 for students, and is free for children ages 5 and younger as well as all CWHS members.

For more information or to schedule group tours of the museum any day of the week, call 360-835-8742 or visit https://2rhm.com.