Taking place August 8 and 9 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., 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. Venues are implementing COVID-19 protocols as per provincial guidelines. To participate in the tour, simply grab a map, your Culture Tour Directory and go!

In Elkford, see works in progress and learn about the glass making techniques of kiln forming, sandcarving and powder printing at Katherine Russell Glass Art. Katherine will also have a wide range of glass works for sale.

Next stop is Fernie where you will find Kathysteadfineart showing her plein-air landscapes in oils, acrylics and watercolour. Close by, Fernie Forge Eye of the Needle Studio will be sharing metalwork, felt, glass and copper jewellery. Eye of the Needle studio is home to felter and blacksmith Sandra Barrett, who will demonstrate wet felting outside, weather permitting. Also in Fernie visitors can stop in at H Squared Gallery, a showcase gallery for the works of Canadian landscape painter Tara Higgins and potter Kerri Holmes.

Located in a beautiful heritage building in downtown Fernie, the Fernie Arts Co-op features a wide variety of media from over 40 artists that portray the region and the lifestyle of the Kootenay Rockies. The Fernie Arts Co-op features 40+ artists and makers who offer painting, photography, pottery, woodwork, jewellery, leatherwork, textile art, hand-made soaps and home products, mobiles, glassworks and multi-media works.

In Kimberley visit the Laurie Crawford Art Studio. View Laurie’s stunning and surreal colourful oil painting work of landscapes and wildlife. Next on the map is Colleen Friesen who works in mixed media; encaustic, built surface and analog-collage, then Rob Toller who will be sharing his metal, mixed media and sculpture. Just down the road is Helen Robertson who creates hand-built ceramic wares and paintings inspired by the beautiful landscapes in the Kootenays.

Top off your visit to Kimberley at the Kimberley Arts Council – Centre 64, the community’s arts and cultural centre. Visit their beautiful art gallery featuring the “Kimberley Kaleidoscope – 2020 Open Adjudicated Exhibition” and the ongoing gallery exhibition.

These are just a few of the fabulous venues on the 2020 Columbia Basin Culture Tour. Tour brochures are available at tourist information centres and participating venues. Visit the website at www.cbculturetour.com 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: Fernie Arts Co-Op: Inside the shop Venue #59. Columbia Basin Culture Tour, August 8 & 9. Photo submitted

Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance

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