1. It’s complicated
The 23rd pair of chromosomes (XX or XY) seems to be an either/or situation. Humans are born with one or the other, and the corresponding anatomy drives behavior, which is in turn influenced by societal expectations. It seems simple, but both the science and lived experience of gender are more nuanced than “he” and “she.” In this Science on Tap, 7 to 8 p.m. Aug. 14 at the Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St., Vancouver, emergency physician Dr. Jena Lopez joins retired attorney and mental health counselor Linden G. Jordan to show that subtle chromosomal variations are as vast as humanity, affecting not only anatomy but also one’s sense of self. Tickets are $9 in advance, $10 at the door or $5 for students. www.kigginstheatre.com
2. Start with art
Find something that you love to look at during the Washougal Art Festival, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 10 in Reflection Plaza, 1703 Main St., Washougal. The festival showcases a juried selection of nearly 30 local artists selling paintings, ceramics, jewelry, blown and molded glass, furniture and other artwork. Buy a barbecue lunch from the on-site Alex Smokehouse food cart, and enjoy live music by Jay Bird Koder, Al Perez and the Rain or Shine trio, plus dance performances by Daniel Martinez. Proceeds from art sales benefit the Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance in its mission to bring more public art to Washougal. To see a list of participating artists, visit www.washougalarts.org.
3. Party at the Plankhouse
Throw an atlatl, try your hand at flintknapping, play traditional Chinookan games, take a naturalist-led walk on the Oaks to Wetlands Trail and taste some “first foods” during Traditional Technologies Day at the Cathlapotle Plankhouse, noon to 4 p.m. Aug. 11. The plankhouse, located in the Carty Unit of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, 28908 N.W. Main Ave., Ridgefield, is a faithful replica of a Chinookan tribal dwelling, built by volunteers and used for education and special events. Every second Sunday through October, the plankhouse is open to the public for docent- or self-led tours and family-friendly activities. The event is free with $3 per vehicle refuge admission. ridgefieldfriends.org/plankhouse
4. Mirror, mirror
Magenta Theater, 1108 Main St., Vancouver, is trying something new: Magentots, or plays for children performed by adults. Magentots’ inaugural production is “Sleeping Beauty” at 2 p.m. Aug. 10 — an interactive short comedy for young audiences ages 4 to 10. It’s funnier than the fairy tale you grew up with — featuring the exploits of the evil Griselda, two good fairies and a frog — and ends with an unexpected twist that kids (and grown-ups) will love. Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door, and babies under 9 months old are free. Audience members will also have the opportunity to win OMSI passes good for two adults and two children, valued at $49. 360-635-4358 or www.magentatheater.com
