Community: Arts Events

Our Community Arts Series offers events throughout the year, providing opportunities to explore and enjoy the arts in new ways while cultivating arts appreciation and engagement.

Tickets available for all events August 15

Piano & Poetry

The Vancouver Innovation Center

October 17, 2025   7-8:30 pm

Ticket Info: https://pianoandpoetry.brownpapertickets.com/

Experience the power of music and words as pianist Josiah Austin and poet Scott Poole come together for an intimate evening of Piano & Poetry. Through evocative compositions and stirring verse, Josiah and Scott guide us on a journey of reflection, introspection, and connection.

Let the melodies and spoken word inspire your own creativity during a mini poetry workshop, where you’ll have the chance to craft a poem of your own. The evening will conclude with a small open mic session, offering attendees the opportunity to share their work in a warm and welcoming space.

As there is limited seating, please reserve your seat. Pay What You Can. Suggested Donation $15

Parking:
Best to enter The VIC from 34th St and Hiddenbrook.  Once you enter The VIC, turn left at the first stop sign.  Take the first right into Parking Lot3/Blue Lot.  Facing the buildings, to the far right you will see sliding doors with a white The VIC sign above. Enter here.

Bios: 

Josiah Austin: Josiah is a composer and pianist who captures the beauty of deep reflection, warm memories, and wistful dreaming with piano at the center, at times combining orchestral and electronic elements. His music is intimate, contemplative, relaxing, and often melancholic. Josiah and his wife, Heidi, live in Vancouver, Washington, where he composes thoughtful piano works, crafts original music for advertising, records and edits location sound and foley for brand campaigns, and teaches piano in the Vancouver/Portland area.

Scott Poole: Scott Poole has been writing and performing poetry in the Pacific Northwest for over 30 years. He is best known for his 11 year stint as the “House Poet” on the weekly Live Wire! public radio variety show, taped in Portland, OR, and broadcast nationally by Public Radio International. He is the author of nine books of poetry.  In 2019, he combined 20 original paintings with 20 of his poems in Vacancy,  a limited edition chapbook (Lunchhour Press 2019). Since then he has produced a book of 20 poems and 20 paintings every year. He lives in Vancouver, WA with his wife and family where he works as a software developer.

Stories and Song

May 22, 2026, 7-8:30 pm

Location: Fuel Medical, Camas, WA

Ticket Info: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/stories-and-song

Stories have the power to connect us all and offer profound personal healing. Join singer/songwriter Owen Kortz and visual artist Jennifer Neal for an evening filled with warmth, creativity, and inspiration.

Enjoy the soulful music of Owen Kortz as Jennifer Neal guides participants in decorating their own personal journal—a  keepsake to capture your thoughts, dreams, and stories. Whether you’re here to reflect, create, or simply enjoy, this event offers a heartfelt space for connection and self-expression.

As there is limited seating, please reserve your space. This is a pay What You Can event.   Donations help support our artists and provide supplies. Thank you. 

Bios:

Owen Kortz: Owen is a singer/songwriter who has been compared to James Taylor and John Denver. He has released five albums, including the most recent, New Mythology, now available on all platforms. His songs have been featured on the TV show Heartland and he holds a Master’s in Guitar Performance from the University of Southern California. Owen was on the songwriting faculty at the University of Colorado for 14 years before moving to Vancouver, WA, where he continues to teach and perform.

Jennifer Neal: Jennifer has three grown children and lives in Camas with her husband and dog. She is an artist that primarily works with paint and paper creating mixed media collages, art journals, and paintings. She also creates mixed media mosaic pieces. She’s passionate about cultivating personal and community connections through engaging with and creating art.

Enspire Extravaganza

Joyce Garver Theater, Camas

February 28, 2026  7pm

Ticket Info: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/enspire-extravaganza 

Join Enspire Arts at the historic Joyce Garver Theater in Camas for a truly unforgettable evening celebrating the power of artistic expression. This dynamic showcase brings critically acclaimed artists together with emerging young talent and select student ensembles from across the county in a vibrant fusion of music, dance, and performance.

The program features a diverse array of styles and collaborations, including performances by several Enspire Arts Ambassadors alongside:

• Innovative jazz pianist Clay Giberson
• Award-winning singer/songwriter Owen Kortz
• Renowned baritone Zachary Lenox
• A world premiere of new music by local composer Nicole Buetti

We’re thrilled to also feature the nationally recognized Camas High School Choir, Jennifer Santos Dance Studio, and more for this exciting celebration of the arts.

PreSaleTickets: $20 Adult, $10 Youth.  Tickets at the door: $25 Adult, $12 Youth

Doors Open 6:30pm