Columbia Center for the Arts gives out 10th anniversary awards

The center is expanding its artistic offerings this year with the “poTENtial” series (details on page A9).

“When you add up all the art that has happened within the walls of this Art Center over the last 10 years, the accomplishment is impressive,” said Kerry Cobb, CCA executive director, who served as emcee.

“So many exhibitions, concerts, dances, presentations, plays, films. Art that underscores the mission of CCA ‘to touch the heart, challenge the intellect, and spark conversation’,” Cobb said, quoting the facility’s mission.

“Everyone in this room has had a hand in making this center the great place it is — and everyone here has a right to be so proud of this place.”

Other CCA Awards were:

• Raises the Barre Award, to Kate Mills and her late husband, Jack, co-founders of CCA, for their overall contributions;

• Adds Color to the Center Award, to Cathleen Rehfeld, an artist and CCA board member, for her contributions to the visual arts;

• Action! Award to one of CAST’s regular directors, Tom Burns;

(Board member Angel Reyes presented the award; he and Burns will be teaming up next month to bring the comedy “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” to the CCA stage, opening May 5. Reyes plays Spike, who spends most of the show in his underwear — so there is currently a fierce boxers vs. briefs debate going on behind the scenes.)

• Well-Played Award, to actor Desiree Amyx Mackintosh, who is also in “Vanya and Sonia” and has played numerous roles ranging from “Our Town” to “Macbeth;”

• Just Our Type Award, for literary contributions, to Julie Hatfield of Plein Air Writing Workshop and the Gorge Literary Journal (sponsored by CCA);

• Stacks Up Award, to Jenny and Muir Cohen of Waucoma Bookstore for their partnership in book-related events at the center;

• Sets the Right Tone Award to Cindy Allen, long-time volunteer and house manager;

• Fine Art of Volunteering Award, to Rhonda Harris and Dawn Elle, both artists, who help set up every exhibit in Columbia Art Gallery;

• Helps Prop up the Center Award to long-time volunteer and financial supporter Maureen Higgins.

Earth Wind Fire — through April 30

Art A Day — opening May 4; opening reception May 6, 6 p.m.

Also at the event, auctioned art work by the late Judith Cunningham and the late Ellen Dittebrandt, two married artists who helped raise more than $15,000.

“Ten years ago when the Center opened its door, it brought a new world of art to the community of the Gorge — and it continues to be a place of learning, listening, dreaming, playing, creating, thinking, and having fun. Art matters in all our lives,” said Cobb.

Rounding out the night was an auction with auctioneer Steve Talbot (who served the same role in the CCA’s first major gala in 2005), and Kathy Watson and the Fresh Start Culinary Arts Program provided hors d’oeuvre and desserts.

The event was as much a look back as a look ahead. Cobb presented a video preview of the 10-segment 10th anniversary “poTENtial” series, which started April 4 with author Brian Doyle and continues April 22 at 7 p.m. with National Geographic photographer Melissa Farlow. (More at columbiarts.org.)

“These 10 events each focus on one art form to share with our audiences a wide range of art experiences,” Cobb said. “Our goal is to offer a high caliber of art and art entertainment to you.

“Art touches our lives in so many ways and through so many art forms,” Cobb said. “Sometimes we know how people visiting the center are effected — like the middle school student who was part of our recent cigar box guitar class, who told me, ‘I can’t believe you can have so much fun without a computer or a phone.’ Or the tears and laughter that flowed during the evening of storytelling with Portland Story Theater.

“We know that what audiences and visitors take home with them from their experiences at the Center have effects that multi-layered and multi-faceted. And our job is to provide those experiences is ways that challenge, thrill, surprise, and enrich us all.”

Cobb thanked CCA charter member Hanel, saying, “Without your support 10 years ago and throughout the years, this center would not exist.” She recognized Board President Ron Cohen, CCA Board member and Vice Chair Dillon Borton, Finance Director Chris Smith, Technical Specialist Bruce Ludwig, and Music Director Bill Weiler, who performed with the Columbiaires quartet.

Cobb pointed to the current exhibition “Earth Wind Fire,” and one artist in particular: Akram Sarraj, is an Iraqi refugee, who fled Iraq and Isis two years ago when they confiscated his art and burned down his home and his gallery because Isis found his art offensive.

“Akram left behind his family, his friends, and his career as an artist — and art and music teacher. When I met Akram he told me that art is his life — and that it literally saved his life (he fled to Damascus where we painted and sold enough art to come to America) and it saved life emotionally — the vibrant colors of paint soothing his soul. He said to me, ‘Thank you for giving me and my art a home in your gallery — and a place to share how I feel through my work. You can’t know how much it means, and what you have here in this place is a very valuable thing.’”