Submitted by Anni and John Furniss
John Furniss, a woodworker and his wife Anni Furniss, an acrylic painter, are hosting a Valentine Art Bazaar called Washougal Love Fest at Black Pearl on the Columbia Event Center on February 8. There will be 40 local artists and makers selling Valentine themed handmade gifts. The event will also feature live music, kids crafts put on by the Washougal Library and a food drive.
This event is free and open to the public. A can or box of food is encouraged as admission and will be donated to the Clark County Food Bank. Black Pearl Event Center is at 56 S 1st St, Washougal, WA 98671. The venue is on the beautiful Washougal Waterfront. More information about this event can be found at the FurnissStudios.com/lovefest or on Facebook and Instagram.
Washougal Love Fest was inspired by Washougal couple Anni and John Furniss, who met over 7 years ago. The couple met in 2012 while Anni was painting a piano for a fundraiser at the Emil Fries School of Piano Technology for the Blind and John was a student there at the time. John is totally blind and is now a woodworker by trade. The piano Anni was painting was a project with teens living at Open House Ministries Shelter and the theme was “love”. Anni and John had their first date at Marshall Center Community Gardens and were married in the same spot in 2015 surrounded by friends and family. The couple is deeply involved in community efforts including doing regular school talks on mental health and blind awareness.
Washougal Love Fest will feature musician Jeffree White of Washougal accompanied by violinist Jeffrey Reynolds. Portland Singer-Songwriter Lily Wecks will also perform. 40 artists and makers will have booths featuring handmade art and goods including artisan food. Washougal Coffee Company will be there passing out hot chocolate. This event is sponsored by Anytime Fitness – Washougal, Bleu Door Bakery and Washougal Art and Culture Alliance. Brighten up your February with Love Fest!
“There is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.” – Vincent Van Gogh
