Notable News, Events & Efforts in Clark County
PROJ E C T RU NWAY: Vancouver Fashion Enthusiast Receives the Surprise of a Lifetime
Men’s fashion enthusiast Glen Johnson, of Vancouver, received the surprise of a lifetime in June when a group of top designers and stylists presented him with a brand new wardrobe, fashion consulting and a custom-designed closet for his new clothing. The surprise for 24-year-old Johnson, who is autistic and wears a suit and tie every day, was orchestrated by Michael Raad, a men’s style influencer from Ghana, David Ambrico, a top menswear designer and J.A. Shapira, an award-winning men’s style journalist. Raad encountered Johnson on social media, where Johnson often interacted and asked questions in the online men’s fashion and style community. Raad eventually approached his colleagues about the idea of surprising Johnson with the opportunity to meet some of his fashion idols. Ambrico and another style influencer, Leonard Erskine, booked flights from their homes in Texas and Ohio, respectively, as they prepared to meet Johnson in person.
AUGUST 2021
Top left: Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle joined noted fashion professionals to give a Vancouver man the surprise of a lifetime. Top right, L-R: David Ambrico, Glen Johnson, Leonard Erskine, Russell Fields. Photos by Nikki Klock.
The day of the big reveal started off with Ambrico, Erskine and Los Angeles celebrity limo driver Russell Fields surprising Johnson at his home in Vancouver and taking him to receive a haircut, followed by a suit fitting and lunch. Then, at an event hosted by Vancouver Mall, the team publicly presented Johnson with the new wardrobe, plus accompanying accessories (including 50 neckties) and grooming products. Also in attendance at the event were Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle, Johnson’s family (who were in on the surprise from the beginning) and various members of the fashion industry and the press—all there to celebrate Johnson’s love of fashion and the generosity of all who helped make his dreams come true. Even Shapira, who could not attend in person, was able to speak with Johnson via video chat. But the surprise didn’t stop there. While Johnson was at Vancouver Mall meeting fashion icons and city officials, receiving his gifts and addressing a public audience, a team from Tailored Living went to work installing a brand new custom-designed closet in his home, donating their time and materials. After leaving Vancouver Mall, Johnson and his fashion entourage returned to his home to find the new, completed closet, ready to hold his new, dapper attire. In total, the effort and Johnson’s gifts were valued at $10,000. The whole experience was documented by photographer Ilona M. LaRue so Johnson can relive the entire experience whenever he wishes.
WASHOUGAL 2021 ART FESTIVAL
Washougal Art Festival Features Regional Artists The Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance (WACA) is welcoming back artists and art lovers for their sixth annual Washougal Art Festival. The event will be held Saturday, August 14, 9 am-4 pm at Reflection Plaza, 1703 Main Street, Washougal and feature nearly 20 professional local and regional artists. “We are delighted to have our festival back in person this year after holding it online last summer due to COVID safety protocols,” said Joyce Lindsay, WACA co-president. “Many artists had time during the pandemic to create and we believe there is pent up demand from our local art lovers to bring some beautiful new works into their lives. There is so much excitement already building around the festival. It’s going to be great!”
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For a preview of artists and their work, visit the WACA website at WashougalArts.org. Artists are Linda Andrews-Riggs, water color; Eric Berlin, porcelain jewelry; Shirley Bishop, fused glass: Jean Blatner, watercolor and acrylic; Chrissie Forbes, found art and oils; Kayla Rae Friedrichsmeyer, watercolor and ink; Suzanne Grover, pen and colored pencil; Charlene Hale, fused glass; Brenda Lindstrom, oil; Beck Lipp, woodworking; Toni McCarthy, jewelry, Diane Moeglein, fused glass; Liz Pike, oil; Spike Palmer, oil; Karen Roule, silver jewelry; Hiroko Stumpf, watercolor and acrylic; Cyndee Starr, mixed media; Barbara Wright, water color, ink and pencil; and Tom West, acrylic. The work of local artist Anni Furniss was used as the image for the 2021 Washougal Art Festival poster and advertising. The piece is
Vancouver Family Magazine • www.vancouverfamilymagazine.com • August 2021
Love Grows Here by Anni Furniss
Saturday, August 14, 9am-4pm Reflection Plaza, Downtown Washougal
WashougalArts.org called “Love Grows Here” and was inspired by nature walks with her husband, John, and the beautiful landscape in the area. continued on next page
