Camas artist to host ‘plein air’ event on Friday, June 17

Camas artist Liz Pike has invited artist members of Artisans Guild of Camas, Battle Ground Art Alliance and the Society of Washington Artists to paint on location at her Shangri-La Farm on Friday, June 17.

The public is also invited to drop in at the farm between 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. June 17, to view the art being made. The term “plein-air” denotes the manner of painting outdoors, or with a strong sense of the open air, that became a central feature of French impressionism in the 19th century.

Shangri-La Farm is located at 26300 N.E. Third St., Camas, WA 98607, but artists and the public must park at Grove Field Airport, 632 N.E. 267th Ave., Camas. The farm’s Sunflower Mobile will transport artists with their plein-air supplies, along with members of the public, on a trail through the woods to the farm. 

Hosted by artist, farmer, Master Gardener and beekeeper Liz Pike and sponsored in part by the Port of Camas-Washougal, this event is free for artists as well as members of the public. 

“This is an outdoor event that will be held rain or shine,” Pike said. “To date, about a dozen artists have signed up to participate.” 

Artists interested in signing up for the event should contact Pike by calling 360-281-8720 or emailing pikeadvertising@comcast.net. 

Artists will need to bring everything necessary to make art. 

“I invite the public to view great local art being made on location and while they are here, they can see a working organic farm at the beginning of the season. Take a self-guided tour of our lush flower gardens, see honeybees and happy chickens in action,” Pike said. 

Visitors may also view the Pike Art Gallery exhibition studio, tour Liz’s private art studio and see her “Sip & Paint for Fun ART FARM” instructional studio. 

“There’s lots to see at our farm,” Pike said. “Wander around the raised bed gardens, see berry patches, a fruit orchard and a quaint farm stand operating on an honor system.”

Shangri-La Farm was included in Clark County’s Natural Garden Tour in 2018, 2019 and 2020, and is set to be a part of this year’s tour on Sunday, July 17.