Art and Culture

Many talented artists, both nationally & locally known, create their treasures and showcase them in hidden locations around town. Explore the shops, restaurants and businesses throughout the county and you’re bound to discover gorgeous watercolors, graceful sculptures or beautiful bronze and there’s a likelihood it was created in our own back yard.

Columbia County enjoys a strong Native American presence as well. Many talents of these people are showcased in art and performances throughout the year and time honored traditions are still taught to many native children.

Performing arts are strong in Columbia County as well through the Shoestring Players (local theater productions), Columbia Chorale (nationally recognized community choir), and the River City Children’s Theater (children’s productions). Recent productions have included “Fiddler on the Roof”, and “Peter Pan”. The Columbia Chorale presents highly acclaimed works throughout the year. We take great pride in their achievements and in their recent performance of Mozart’s “Mass in C Minor” at Carnegie Hall on May 28th, 2006.

Museums & Historical Locations

The Caples House in Columbia City and the Watts House in Scappoose are historic landmarks with furnishings that are period or original to the homes’ owners. The local Chamber of Commerce is housed an historic train depot.

• The Caples House is open from 1pm-5pm Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and on major holidays. The Knapp Social Center at The Caples House can be rented for weddings, anniversary celebrations, reunions, and club or business conferences. 
• Watts House is open on the 2nd & 4th Sunday of each month from 1-4pm between Memorial Day and Labor Day; the 3rd Saturday of September, during the Scappoose Sauerkraut Festival; in December on Saturdays, Sundays and Monday evenings and also by appointment.
• The Chamber of Commerce, located in the historic train depot at 2194 Columbia Blvd, St. Helens, houses an area visitor’s center and is open Monday-Friday 10am-4pm. Members from the Historical Society of Columbia County are available at the visitor’s center on Saturdays from Noon-4pm to answer questions about area history or to help visitors find their way.
 

Lofted Lair Gallery & Espresso 503-366-3600
St. Helens Arts & Cultural Commission 503-397-6272
Shoestring Community Players (theater) 503-366-4406
Columbia Chorale of Oregon 503-366-9199 
Michael Curry Design 503-543-4010
Scappoose Senior Center (Square Dancing) 503-543-2047
St. Helens Arts and Cultural Commission