Columbia Basin Culture Tour Aug. 11 and 12
By Contributor
Taking place Aug. 11 and 12, 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. To participate in the tour, simply grab a map, your Culture Tour Directory and go!
Kootenay Gallery is hosting two exhibitions: Natasha Smith is in the East Gallery with her Mapping Language exhibit which is an exploration in to the development of her own visual language. In this body of work she muses on the question of how much of the development of visual language is instinctual and potentially universal in nature and what aspects are molded by the accumulation of experiences, memories and place. In the West Gallery is Glow by Sonia Haberstich. Glow wants to make visible what might otherwise not be. Glow evokes abyssal marine life, infra-red vision, X-rays and radiation therapies. It suggests another kind of vision, a stretching out of the visible spectrum.
The gift shop also carries items created by local artists from every artistic medium. Right next door is the Doukhobor Discovery Centre, a reconstruction of a typical Doukhobor Village showing all the major buildings, tools, handicrafts and implements used in day to day life as it evolved in the area through 1908-1939.
Makes Me Smile – Pottery by Theresa LeRose is joining the tour this year. She will have finished works to view and purchase. In addition, she will be working on her wheel demonstrating her process for visitors on the tour.
Castlegar Sculpturewalk, downtown Castlegar, exhibits over thirty sculptures from local and international artists. You can vote for your favourite piece to be purchased by the City for its collection. Guided tours will be offered on the tour weekend – check their website for details. Yes Please! is an art gallery that displays local talent from the Columbia region. The shop located in downtown Castlegar is filled from wall to wall with a variety of artists, styles and media for people to browse, purchase or just enjoy a coffee and treat while surrounded by talent.
Mirja Vahala Art Studio, in Robson, is also participating in the tour this year. Her business provides art mentorship and a place for like-minded artists to create. She will be instructing, demonstrating and painting on the two day tour.
In Glade, Terri’s Art Works is another amazing studio venue on the tour. Here you will see Terri Austin-Beech’s colourful use of watercolour painting of florals and scenics. She will be demonstrating and selling her work during the two day 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.
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