The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Art was hung in the lobby of the Hotel Cathlamet on Saturday in an event by the Rock ‘n’ Roll Congress to showcase the creativity and talents of local youth.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Congress is an after school program organized by mother and daughter duo Martie Vavoudis and Jillian Weiss to provide a fun learning environment for students who want to express their creativity in music and art.

All the art was created by Wahkiakum youth, age four to 20. It will remain in the hotel lobby for viewing for the rest of the month. All pieces are available for purchase.

“It’s been cool,” said Nick Deal, a high school student and photographer. “It’s good to see other people’s work. It’s amazing how creative people are.”

Shelby Robinson, the daughter of Richard and Kristin Robinson, wants to make a living with art. She has a special love for portraits and likes to work with pencils.

Vavoudis, a lifelong student of art, has been meeting with the students to teach them about acrylics, charcoal, the color wheel and basics like shading and perspective.

“I want them to explore their own creativity,” she said.

The event was sponsored by Redmen Hall. The Hotel Cathlamet provided the space, Thyme Square Bistro brought out the refreshments and local musician Erik Friend played the piano.