January 10, 2012
With the holidays over and January in full swing, time can seem to drag on during the sometimes dreary, short days.
By this time during winter break, video games have usually been played countless times, several movies have been watched, and most kids have had their fill of Christmas cookies.
As the number of shopping days before Christmas diminish, some of the procrastinators among us may be frantically wondering what on earth to buy for Grandma, or the hostess who seems to have everything, or the family whose name you drew in the annual gift exchange.
From the Oregon Ducks to origami, the themes of 16 fully decorated Christmas trees varied as much as the designers' imaginations.
You're wasting your time getting art degrees and may as well put signs up to exhibit next to your washing machine like all the other girls." Almost 60 years later, Susan Smith still remembers that comment from a professor. "It spurred me on to be a success," she said. "And I never liked that guy anyway." And successful she became. Smith went on to earn bachelor's and master's degrees in fine art from the University of Wisconsin, and has had a career spanning six decades. The artist, who lives in Skamania County, has had her work displayed at shows throughout the Columbia Gorge, where she has lived since 1990. This month, she is the featured artist at the Second Story Gallery at the Camas Public Library.
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As people begin decking out their homes for the holidays, they'll have the opportunity to glean ideas from four elaborately decorated residences in the Camas area.
Classic home in Formal Federal style: This home was custom designed by Stephen and Kerry Richards. The home and grounds reflect the couples' interests and houses a collection of art and antiques that have been added during 46 years of marriage.
Although it's not quite Thanksgiving, at local tree farms, the Christmas spirit is in full swing.
Washougal River Christmas Trees
