Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance names 2023 honorees

The Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance (WACA) has named Christopher and Stephanie Corbell as its 2023 performance artists of the year and Shirley Scott as its 2023 community member of the year.

The trio, along with retired WACA board member Rene Carroll, will be recognized for their contributions to the local art scene during WACA’s annual honoree event, which will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3, at 54-40 Brewing Company in Washougal.

“We are fortunate to have such talented and inspirational people in our community who are devoted to the promotion of art,” said WACA President Molly Coston. “It is our honor to recognize Christopher, Stephanie, Shirley and Rene for their significant contributions.”

The Corbells, who perform as a mystic-folk duo called Raven Fables, founded the Washougal Songcraft Festival nonprofit organization, which endeavors to promote arts education, foster, share, and celebrate the craft of songwriting, and develop Washougla’s performing arts and creative community.

They launched periodic “song circle” events in late 2022 and the inaugural Washougal Songcraft Festival, which featured performances from 16 regional songwriters, in August 2023.

“It was awesome to collaborate with the Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance on our first annual songcraft festival,” the Corbellls stated in a Facebook post, “and we are thrilled to be honored in their annual honoree event.”

Scott has supported WACA since its inception in 2011, most notably sponsoring Sharon Warman Agnor’s “Earth Element” sculpture, which was installed in the pedestrian tunnel near Pendleton Woolen Mill in 2013, and helping to raise funds for Kathy Willson’s “Wind Element” sculpture, which was installed at Beaver Park in 2015.

“In addition, she has been a consistent supporter of the Sunday Salon living room concerts,” WACA stated in the news release. “Shirley has been a devoted supporter of WACA and arts in Washougal, making contributions in memory of family and friends throughout the years.”

Carroll played a “pivotal role” in WACA’s success, according to the news release, serving as a secretary, managing press releases, curating and maintaining WACA’s social media presence, taking photos, and co-founding the Washougal Youth Arts Month.

“Rene’s dedication and creative spirit have left an indelible mark on our mission to promote and celebrate the arts in our community,” WACA stated in the news release. “We are deeply grateful for her tireless commitment and passion for the arts.”

The Oct. 3, honoree event at 54-40 Brewing, located at 3801 South Truman St., Washougal, is open to the public.