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Couve Scoop
PROJECT RUNWAY:
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. 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.
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 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!” 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 called “Love Grows Here” and was inspired by nature walks with her husband, John, and the beautiful landscape in the area.
WASHOUGAL
2021 ART FESTIVAL
Love Grows Here by Anni Furniss
Saturday, August 14, 9am-4pm
Reflection Plaza, Downtown Washougal WashougalArts.org
Stories from the Past:
New Outdoor Exhibit and Walking Tours at Vancouver Barracks
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From July 7 to August 28, 2021, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site invites visitors to learn about the history of the 1880s at Vancouver Barracks. These stories will be shared in an outdoor exhibit in the East Vancouver Barracks, an online article series, and at four walking tours led by Curator Meagan Huff.
“The 1880s at Vancouver Barracks were a fascinating time,” said Huff. “The stories we are sharing from this period are stories of the people who served, worked, and raised their families here. There are also lesser-known stories in this exhibit, like the stories of Chinese immigrants who worked on Officers’ Row, and stories from painful episodes in the post’s past, like the incarceration of Native American peoples here during the Indian Wars.”
Outdoor exhibit panels will be located from the Visitor Center to the East Vancouver Barracks. Visitors can download a map of thepanel locationsat nps.gov/fova/learn/news/upload/Map-for-Visitor-Center.pdf, or pick up a hard copy of the map at the Visitor Center. An online article series provides further details on the stories introduced in the exhibit, and can be accessed at nps.gov/fova/learn/historyculture/1880svancouver.htm.
In addition, Curator Meagan Huff will offer four walking tours of the East Vancouver Barracks. She shared, “The 1880s was a decade that has a surprising amount of relevancy to problems that are facing our society today. In these tours, we will talk about the lessons we can learn from this time period, and how the events of the late 1800s had an impact later in the 20th century.”
Walking tours are free and last about 45 minutes. The tours are limited to 20 participants, so pre-registration is recommended.
The stories told in Fort Vancouver’s new exhibit, article series and walking tour program include the story of Chief Joseph's 1889 visit to Vancouver Barracks, where he met with General John Gibbon (both pictured here at Lake Chelan in
central Washington). Photo courtesy of The Newberry.
To reserve a spot, call 360-816-6230. This tour is recommended for visitors age 10 and up, and will mostly take place on paved paths but will briefly cross a grassy area. If you have accessibility concerns, please let us know when you call to reserve your spot.
Walking tour dates:
Friday, July 16, 9:30 am Saturday, July 17, 9:30 am Friday, August 20, 9:30 am Saturday, August 21, 9:30 am
Tours will begin at theHathaway ParkingLotin East Vancouver Barracks. The entrance to this parking lot is at the intersection of Hathaway Road and Fort Vancouver Way, on the left.
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“Each year our festival committee seeks out a work of art that is ‘Washougal-inspired’ and we are thrilled that Anni would share her work with us,” said Rene Carroll, WACA board member. “We love how this image evokes happiness and nature.” A limited number of signed 2021 WAF posters will be available for purchase at the festival for a $20 donation. Furness’ work can be seen at furnissstudios. com/anni.
Once again this year there will be a raffle and silent auction for works of art donated by participating artists. “A goal of the festival is to raise funds to bring more public art to our city,” explained Chuck Carpenter, WACA board member. “The raffle and silent auction is one way we do that. We appreciate the generosity of our festival artists for their donations and the participation of festival attendees to purchase tickets and bid generously on these wonderful items.” While in Washougal, visitors are encouraged to discover works of public art using the WACA art map at washougalarts.org/local-art which provides locations, artists name and the year for more than 40 installations around town. Maps will be available on the raffle table at the festival.
WACA board members and festival committee members working alongside Lindsay, Carroll and Carpenter are Janice Ferguson, Jim Cooper, Kelli Rule, Susan Warford and Michelle Wagner. The Festival is sponsored in part by the City of Washougal Hotel/Motel Tax Fund.
“Our past festivals have been such a success for us, our artists, and the community that we are excited to host the event again,” Lindsay said. “We are pleased to provide accessibility to original art in such a fun, festival environment.”
Downtown Washougal will welcome back nearly 20 professional local and regional artists at this summer’s Washougal Art Festival on August 14.
