Posing for us are, from left to right, Dennis Call, Marquita Call and daughter Jennifer Senescu.
You can almost always find all three at the Gallery on First Friday of every month, making the citizens and especially the children of Camas Washington feel right at home.
A portrait of Marquita Call was presented to her in 2022 by resident artist Randy Cole.
Sadly, our beloved “Beautiful Gallery Owner”, Marquita Call, passed in August of this year. While it is an extreme blow to the character and spirit of the gallery, Dennis Call, Marquita’s husband has taken it upon himself to steer the gallery into another many years of local art display in the lovely town of Camas, Washington. Our hearts and support go out to him in this new adventure.
The fabulous trio of souls who have impacted the community of Camas for years. Thank you Marquita, Dennis, and Jennifer for your love for, and service to the community.
Twelve years ago, Marquita put her love of Camas into brick and mortar, into canvas and bronze, into art and business. She opened Camas Gallery along 4th Avenue, large glass windows facing the main street for all to see the wares inside. Lights shine on the art, even in the deep of night, 24/7 for passersby to see and enjoy.
Along with her daughter Jennifer Senescu, the family business has blossomed into a showcase of some of the finest multi-media art and sculpture in the region. In recent times, the gallery has been noticed for its steam-punk installations, a trend that has made its way across the globe. And peeking inside through those large storefront windows, lit up 24 hours a day, seven days a week, even during the mandatory lock-in days, some would say Camas Gallery has become an art installation in its own right.
Marquita said the positivity and appreciation that local artists and patrons alike spread through the Camas community brings her happiness, deeply roots her love for the city, and allows for visitors and tourists to pick up on that vibe and spread the word. “If they’re overjoyed, they’ll tell everyone!”
She explained that Camas Gallery is, “about all Northwest artists … and also, it’s about being a part of the community.” Looking around her gallery, she doesn’t necessarily notice the art. “I found myself one day, looking around and not seeing the art. I was noticing the people. The artwork is great, but we are here for people.”
People like her father, who built dozens of houses in Camas. Her grandfather, who built the lake store at Lacamas. Her grandmother, who played during silent movies at the Liberty Theater in the 1920s. And her many classmates and friends she recalls and visits with on a daily basis, some of which she’s known since her formative years after World War II, through the ’50s and ’60s, and into the present renaissance of downtown Camas.
The minute the stay-at-home order was lifted, Marquita hopped in her car and opened the gallery downtown. She was watching up and down the street, welcoming all those back from the long lock down to her gallery with open arms. Artists will soon be back to painting and sculpting through her “Fresh off the Palette” series, where everyone is invited to interact with artists and their work, and join in the fun and fellowship.