Alice Yang inspires young artists as the art teacher at Cape Horn-Skye Elementary and Canyon Creek Middle school. Yang believes the art room is where students, regardless of their future professions, find a safe space to explore ideas, examine and solve problems, learn skills like perseverance, and develop empathy. “Art by nature is inspirational,” she explained. “My students help me to maintain that drive.”

Outside of the classroom, she has played a significant leadership role with Washougal Youth Arts Month, is a member of the Columbia River Arts and Cultural Foundation, is the liaison to Clark County Arts Commission for Washougal, and most recently was coordinator of the new Parkersville Day event student art contest.

Through her school and community efforts, Yang’s goal is to help Washougal grow stronger together through art experiences. “I want each community member to feel important, valued, and cared for,” she said. “This will help us to weather any storm that comes our way. Long live the arts!”

Jeffree White owned and operated Washougal School of Music for five years, before he and wife, Kelli Rule, moved to Ajijic, Mexico earlier this year. His significant contributions to Washougal art include donations of musical performances at the Washougal Senior Center and Washougal Art Festivals, being a festival sponsor and donor to WACA, performing at WACA house concerts and many local establishments, helping those businesses promote and develop their music programs.

Giving back to the community with art was important for White. “I believe that people need to be uplifted with inspiring creations, and shown that art and music is participatory, not just consumptive,” he explained. “This can motivate people to be active in their community and give them purpose.”