Local artists Lynda Raven Brake and Mary Anne Harkness will be showing “All Things Natural” at a reception held during downtown Camas’ First Friday, this Friday, May 1, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the Second Story Gallery. Both artists lived in the American Southwest before moving to Clark County, and both have been celebrating nature through their painting for years.

Brake specializes in watercolors that feature birds, animals, and flowers, as well as images from her extensive travels and portraits of Native Americans and their culture. Harkness says she became interested in art as a child growing up in Southern California, fascinated with the ocean, waves, and tidal pools. She studied art at Arizona State University and American University, earning a bachelor of fine arts degree.

In addition to introducing the artists and their work, the reception will feature music by Todd Walker and Jean Bucher, known as the Tics. Second Story Gallery is located on the second floor of the Camas Public Library, 624 NE Fourth Ave.

One of the highlights of the entire VSO Chamber Series season will occur at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 3, at the Kiggins Theatre in downtown Vancouver with a film The American Film Institute named the 19th best movie ever made. As a special incentive to expose this extraordinary film, students will be admitted for $5 with a current school ID.

The General stars (and was co-directed by) Buster Keaton, and is his best-known film. It will be presented with a score conducted by pianist Rodney Sauer, who also arranged the music. Musicians playing at the concert will be Stephen Shepherd, violin; Dieter Ratzlaf, cello; Igor Shakhman, clarinet and Sarah Viands, trumpet.

Railroad engineer Buster Keaton is rejected by the Confederate Army and by his sweetheart, Annabelle (Marion Mack). But when Northern spies kidnap both Annabelle and The General (his beloved train engine), it sets in motion cinema’s most perfectly structured comic epic. The five-piece orchestra uses historic “photoplay music” to create an authentic, exciting, and compelling score of the kind heard in movie theaters in the 1920s.

Tickets to these concerts, as well as all VSO performances are available now at www.vancouversymphony.org or by calling 360-735-7278.

Vancouver Metro Sunset Rotary Club is holding Prom Night presented by Columbia Credit Union, on Saturday, May 2, at 7 p.m., at Gaiser Hall, Clark College. This year’s theme is Mardi Gras. Prom attire with “Mardi Gras accoutrements is suggested, but not required. Tickets are $35 per person and can be purchased online at: www.vmsrotary.org.

Attendees will enjoy light refreshments, live music and dancing, and a cameo appearance of the Blues Bros. of the Couve. Beads will be for sale for a “heads and tails” 50/50 raffle. Rotarian Gary Bock is the Master of Ceremonies.

Additionally, the club has recruited a series of community leaders who are running in the prom court with the goal of being elected Prom King and Queen. Contestants include: Max Ault, Randy Bauder, Sunny Golden, Scott Higgins, Tracey Malone, Kathy McNicholas, Paul Montague, Eric Olmsted, Suzy Taylor, Alishia Topper, and Eileen Trestain.

The contestants who raise the most money will be named Prom King or Queen. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the rotary and the Vancouver Police Activity League (PAL). To learn more about the event, or to donate online to one of the contestants, and to purchase tickets, visit www.vmsrotary.org.

The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington Board of Directors recently appointed officers and approved the selection of its newest member, Twyla Barnes. Clark County’s 2014 First Citizen, Barnes retired from her role as superintendent of Educational Service District 112 last year. Looking to continue her dedication to the community with local nonprofits, Barnes saw the Community Foundation as a great way to make a strategic, long-term impact on the future of southwest Washington and the families she spent her career serving.

The newly assigned officers convened for their first official meeting on March 10, and include:
Brett Bryant, Market Executive for Heritage Bank, took on the responsibilities of Board Chair in his seventh year on the Board.
Mark Matthias, also a former First Citizen, takes the position of Vice Chair in his fourth year with the board.
Steve Hansen, retired Executive of Kiewit Pacific Co., was re-appointed as Treasurer in his fifth year with the Board.
Jim Youde, retired Principal of Northwest Economic Associates, Inc., continues as Secretary.

The foundation’s volunteer Board of Directors is comprised of community leaders and serves to support the organization’s mission of inspiring a culture of giving to create a vibrant and engaged community. Learn more about the foundation at www.cfsww.org.