A region-wide project of the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance

Taking place August 11 and 12 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. in communities throughout the East Kootenay, the Columbia Basin Culture Tour allows you to explore artists’ studios, museums, art galleries and heritage sites during this free, self-guided event. Travel to studios and archives that aren’t normally open, see demonstrations, new exhibitions and collections or meet people behind the scenes. To participate in the tour, simply grab a map, your Culture Tour Directory and go!

Invermere is home to the Purcell Mountain Painters where you can visit their Gallery and studio space to experience their work in all art media.

Pynelogs Cultural Centre & Art Gallery serves as the cultural hub for arts and culture in the Columbia Valley. The historic facility sits on the shores of beautiful Lake Windermere, and features a wide variety of visual arts media from creative and talented local artists. Enjoy the art, then have lunch at the Pynelogs Cafe during the tour.

Visit the Golden Visual Arts Guild (pictured above) who are a small group of artists who gather weekly at the Golden Senior Centre. They mentor and critique each other, hold local art displays, bring together professional artists for workshops and also participate in fundraising for non-profit organizations. During the tour they will be demonstrating painting and drawing for visitors.

Did you know Elkford has an art studio? Throughout the weekend at the Elkford Arts Council there will be pottery and painting demonstrations and opportunities to get your hands dirty. Also in Elkford is Katherine Russel Glass sharing her blown and kiln formed glass.

Check out her studio and her wide range of glasswork for sale, from pendants and ornaments to vases, bowls and platters. She will have kiln-formed platters and sand-carved wall pieces in progress.

Located in a beautiful heritage building in downtown Fernie, the Fernie Arts Co-op features a wide variety of media from over 50 artists that portray the region and the lifestyle of the Kootenay Rockies.

During the Culture Tour weekend, a number of artists will be on hand at the Co-op. Come meet and see artists in action working in various media. Also in Fernie, Eye of the Needle Studio & Gallery – Fernie Forge will be sharing metalwork, felt, glass and copper jewellery. The studio will showcase Sandra Barrett’s skill in felting.

The gallery carries various works by a select group of artisans from across Canada and around the world, made from steel, fibre, glass, copper, beeswax and more. Fernie Forge is one of the 17 artisans whose local, handmade work is displayed and sold in a unique environment.

Next on the Culture Tour is in Jaffray where Anne Aitken Anderson, an emergent watercolour artist loves to loosely capture the emotion of the beautiful surrounding landscape. She will open her doors so you can see her process and purchase her work.

On to Kimberley, Lori Joe Art Studio will be sharing her vibrant, whimsical acrylic paintings. Tegan Whitesel Art & Design will also be showing illustrations in watercolour and acrylic. Also Twila & Tony Austin of Dragon’s Rest Working Studios, Gallery & Dragon Iron Forge will be working in metal, wood, clay and sumi-e, from one-of-a-kind commissions and traditional Japanese Noh Masks to public sculpture.

Kimberley Arts Council – Centre 64 is Kimberley’s arts and cultural centre. Visit their beautiful art gallery featuring Arts on the Edge adjudicated art exhibitions for emerging and established artists and enter your favourite piece for the People’s Choice Award. Also in Kimberley is Helen Robertson; a contemporary ceramic artist creating both functional (tableware, jewellery) and non-functional works in porcelain and stoneware.

In Cranbrook, Joseph Cross will be working in oils, pastels, pen and ink. Joseph is a self-taught artist who has many accomplishments from 2004 until now. Drop by his studio to have a sneak peak and purchase his incredible work to take home with you.

Also the Cranbrook & District Arts Council will open their Art Gallery for free during the tour and the Gift Shop is always open to visitors. Last but not least the Vaults Creative Studio is opening for the tour. If you’re looking for a place to paint and create, this is the place! Come take a tour of the space during Culture Tour weekend.

These are just a few of the fabulous venues on the 2018 Columbia Basin Culture Tour. Tour brochures are available at tourist information centres and participating venues. Visit the website to view full artist/venue profiles for further details on each location’s activities or register to receive a tour brochure in the mail. For further information, call the CKCA at 1-250-505-5505 or toll free at 1-877-505-7355. The Columbia Basin Culture Tour is generously supported by Columbia Basin Trust funding.

Lead image: Golden Visual Arts Guild – Close up view of watercolour painting. Columbia Basin Culture Tour August 11 & 12. Venue #62 in Golden. Photo submitted

Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance

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