New art shows

First Friday

Vancouver

Art galleries and local business celebrate this month’s art shows with a First Friday Art Walk in downtown Vancouver from 5 to 9 p.m. This month, First Friday is March 1, when visitors can enjoy opening receptions and light refreshments at art galleries, after-hours shopping, dining and drink specials, live music and other events. Visit www.vdausa.org.

Camas

First Fridays in Camas are themed, family-friendly events from 5 to 8 p.m. Galleries stay open late for artist receptions. Guests can also enjoy after-hours shopping, dining and additional activities inspired by the month’s theme. On March 1, Camas will host “Go Green!” with a focus on sustainable living. Attendees are encouraged to wear green, find the “Lucky Leprechaun,” tour the “Green Zone” and visit with Eartha the Clown.

New exhibits

Women Warriors, through March 23, with a First Friday opening reception at 5 p.m. March 1. In honor of International Women’s Day, March 8, Angst Gallery hosts an exhibit about the women who inspire us, whether in the public eye or behind the scenes, from Ruth Bader Ginsburg to Great Aunt Beatrice. This is an open show and the responses in artworks in all media are surprising, revealing, stereotype breaking and stirring. Angst Gallery, 1015 Main St., Vancouver. Regular gallery hours are noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays. After 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, the gallery is accessible via Niche Wine Bar, 1013 Main St. 360-553-1014 or angstgallery.com

Allan Jeffs, through March 31. Jeffs has participated in more than 40 international exhibitions in South America, Europe, United States, the Caribbean and Antarctica, where he created a “land art” installation. His forays into art and microbiology have been highlighted in museums in Ecuador and Chile. Jeffs has also developed murals in Puerto Rico, Ecuador and the United States, including the mural on the wall of Young’s Deli in Camas. The public is invited to meet Jeffs and see his art during a First Friday reception from 5 to 8 p.m. March 1 at Camas Gallery, 408 N. Fourth Ave., Camas. Regular gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. 360-817-2415 and facebook.com/camasgallery or www.camasgallery.com

“Reflections and Refractions of Nature: An Exploration by Two Artists,” through March. There will be a First Friday reception from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 1. The show highlights the work of photographer Loren Nelson and glass artist Ann Cavanaugh. Nelson explores nature with striking black and white photographs, inspired by the Willamette Valley’s oak groves. Guests will see some of his work for the Oak Accord, an agreement by Willamette Valley landowners to protect native oak habitat. Cavanaugh continues this exploration of nature in glass. Using Nelson’s photos as well as other images for inspiration, she captures nature’s colors and textures in her fused pieces. Aurora Gallery, 1004 Main St., Vancouver. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. 360-696-0449 or www.auroragalleryonline.com

Continuing exhibits

“It’s a Family Affair,” through March 22. This exhibit of art created by Clark County employees and their family members will be on display in the Rebecca Anstine Sixth Floor Gallery. The exhibit is free and open to the public. It is sponsored by the Clark County Arts Commission. The pieces are varied and showcase the creative spirits of the artists and the passion they have for art. The exhibit includes mixed media, painting, glass, watercolor monotype, encaustic wax and fiber art. Rebecca Anstine Sixth Floor Gallery, 1300 Franklin St., Vancouver. Gallery hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 360-835-2892 or www.clarkcountyartscommission.org

“From the Heart,” through March 30. This is a group show by 24 members of the Southwest Washington Watercolor Society who describe themselves as “adventurists.” The group is made of up a variety of painters, some who began as children, some who started in retirement, and some who have made art a lifelong pursuit. Second Story Gallery, upstairs in the Camas Public Library, 625 N.E. Fourth Ave., Camas. The gallery is open during regular library hours, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays. 360-834-4532 or www.secondstorygallery.net

“Horizons: Paintings by Don Bishop,” through March 30. Bishop explores light and atmosphere through a series of landscape oil paintings. The paintings in this newest body of work take viewers on a journey to far-off horizons and distant light to a place of calm. Art on the Boulevard, 210 W. Evergreen Blvd., Suite 300, Vancouver. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. 360-750-4499 or www.artontheboulevard.org

Barbara Van Nostern, permanent rotating exhibit. Nostern exhibits select works from her watercolor paintings, changing seasonally. Rand Jewelers, 112 E. Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. 360-314-2474

Art Workshops

“Design and Personal Expression in Watercolor,” April 22-25. Water media artists are invited to a four-day workshop with Southwest Washington Watercolor Society signature member Ruth Armitage. The focus will be design, creativity and working toward self-expression. Participants should bring drawings or reference photos that they are willing to paint from more than once. Columbia Room at Springhill Suites, 1421 S.E. Tech Center Drive, Vancouver; $350 with a $100 deposit, balance due by March 18. To sign up, email Rita Bingham at ritabing65@gmail.com or visit www.swwswatercolor.org.