Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance is excited to announce our newest public art project: The Two Rivers Heritage Sculpture
Our newest art installation in downtown Washougal will add to the campanile structure a significant piece of public art that will create an inspiring focal point in the heart of our city. The artwork will reflect the history and culture of Washougal including the location of the Campanile at the site of the original town well, specific events from our city's history etched into metal waves, and the city’s geographic location near the confluence of the Washougal River and the Columbia River. Thus the title “Two Rivers Heritage Sculpture.”
Campanile in Reflection Plaza, Downtown Washougal
This structure will come to life through a stunning metal and glass sculpture honoring our city’s history. It will become a cultural landmark in our city with the potential to reinvigorate our civic spirit, inspire a deeper connection to place, and draw residents and visitors to our downtown core.
Metal and Glass Materials to be used in the Sculpture:
The Two Rivers Heritage Sculpture will enhance community identity by reflecting Washougal's history, values, and artistic heritage. As a visual centerpiece, it will become a symbol of pride for residents, fostering a deeper connection to the town's cultural narrative. There is much more to know! Click here to learn more about this project.
Inspired? This sculpture will become an iconic visual image associated with Washougal. Be a part of the community of donors who bring this vision to life!
Lead donors have pledged to MATCH YOUR DONATION dollar for dollar to DOUBLE THE IMPACT of your contribution. Join with us today in donating what you can. Thank you!
We thank the following individuals, foundations, businesses, and organizations for their support. As of November 20th we've raised over $50,000 out of the $85,715 need to fabricate and install this sculpture.
Cornerstone Contributors:
$10,000+
Kind Heart Free Spirit Foundation
Brougton and Mary Bishop Foundation
City of Washougal
Rushing Waters Contributors
$5,000 - $9,999
Five generations of the R.B. Chambers Family
Steamboat Landing Contributors:
$1,000 - $4,999
Molly Coston
Chuck and Barb Carpenter
Dan and Kathy Huntington
Joyce Lindsay
Riverview Bank
Parkers Landing Contributors:
$100 - $499
Shirley Scott
Michelle Wagner
The Schlessinger Family
Stephen Strom
Larry Keister & Sherri Irish
Daniel Robinson
Reed Creative
Friends:
Up to $99
Cathy Green
Richard Renton
Natalia Martinez-Patino
Denise Lange
Robert Strom
Susan Warford
Thank you for attending the Washougal Art and Music Festival !
It was a wonderful celebration of artists, musicians and community.
See you next year!
Want to reach out to one of the local artists you saw at the festival? Click here for a list of artists along with links to their websites.
Community Building Through Mural Design
From November 2023 through June of 2024, WACA collaborated with the East County Citizens' Alliance (ECCA) on a community mural project. Funded by WACA and the City of Washougal and coordinated through ECCA, the project provided an opportunity for joyful creation of permanent artwork to enhance the restroom structure at Hamllik Park. Read more about the vision for this project here. View a slideshow of the evolution of the project from conception to completion here.
“Washougal Youth Arts Month is a tradition that our students and community look forward to each year,” said Alice Yang, art teacher at Cape Horn-Skye Elementary and Canyon Creek Middle School. “It showcases the many talents of Washougal kids as they learn and grow.”
WACA and Washougal School Board member Chuck Carpenter notes, “Washougal has become known for its support of the arts, and a real important part of that support is in fostering the abilities of our young people. This is why WACA, the City, and the schools work together on Youth Arts Month.”The creativity and talent of the students and the variety of opportunities for creative expression provided by our arts programs are impressive! Below are a few snapshots from the Youth Arts Gallery.
Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance Installations
There is a surprising amount of art in Washougal. Whether it is your first time here or you're a longtime resident looking to find out more about the art you see around you, we'd love to share the art installations in our town. Explore freely, then please join us in continuing to enrich our community through a range of public art experiences.
Glance at the map below, then click here or on the map itself for more details.
Summer Jazz Concert
A standing-room-only crowd enjoyed the swinging sounds of Louis Pain and Renato Caranto on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in Washougal! The audience enjoyed wine and appetizers before a powerfully moving performance by two of the region’s top jazz musicians. It was a memorable afternoon for listeners of all ages experiencing the top-caliber music our small town has to offer.
Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance 2023 Honorees
2024 Honorees to be named this fall
Each year, the Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance (WACA) shines the spotlight on special leaders in public art by recognizing an artist and community member who have made significant contributions to the Washougal art scene. Below are this year's honorees.
Performance Artist Honoree - Christopher & Stephanie Corbell
Christopher and Stephanie Corbell founded the nonprofit Washougal Songcraft Festival and the Washougal Song Circles. The Washougal Songcraft Festival is a nonprofit organization created to promote arts education, to foster, share, and celebrate the craft of songwriting, and to develop the performing arts and creative community of Washougal, Washington, and the surrounding region. In August, they held the first Songcraft Festival at 54-40 Brewing Co. and coordinated with WACA to include local musicians at the 2023 Washougal Arts and Music Festival. To learn more about the Washougal Songcraft Festival, visit their website at https://washougalsongcraft.org/wsf/.
Community Member Honoree - Shirley Scott
Washougal Arts and Cultural Alliance since 2011, when WACA was formed as a nonprofit. In 2012, Shirley sponsored the Earth Element sculpture, which was installed in 2013 at the Pendleton entrance to the Pedestrian Tunnel. Shirley then went on to help raise funds for the Wind Element installed at Beaver Park. In addition, she has been a consistent supporter of the Sunday Salon living room concerts. Shirley has been a devoted supporter of WACA and arts in Washougal, making contributions in memory of family and friends throughout the years. To find out where Earth and Wind are located, visit our website at https://washougalarts.org/discover/.
Retired WACA Board Member - Rene' Carroll
Rene Carroll, a former board member of the Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance (WACA), played a pivotal role in our organization's success. Her multifaceted contributions included serving as the secretary, managing press releases, curating and maintaining WACA's social media presence, capturing moments through her photography, and co-founding the much-celebrated 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. We are deeply grateful for her tireless commitment and passion for the arts.
The 2023 WACA Honorees were recognized at a gathering at 54°40’ in Washougal on October 3rd.
Become a Member of the Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance!
If there is room for more art in your life, or if you simply want to help out, below are some easy ways to become involved. Our goal is to inform and engage people like you who want to play a role in bringing more public art to Washougal. We are a volunteer-run non-profit that depends on the generosity of the community. Any donations go to the support of the arts in Washougal.
Members
Love art and share a passion to support local Washougal artists? Want more public art in Washougal? Please click below for membership information.
Newsletter
Sign up for the quarterly WACA Newsletter and stay abreast of all the happenings in the Washougal Art Community: upcoming events, the annual Washougal Arts Festival and a few surprises.
Discover
There is far more art in Washougal than meets the eye. See what there is... and see why we are so passionate in our support of art and artists here in Washougal.