What type of holiday are you looking for? Are you traveling with family or friends? When would you like to visit? Let us make some recommendations!
The Columbia Basin Culture Tour showcases art and artists in their chosen environment.
Each location will be open 10am-5pm on Saturday & Sunday, August 10 & 11 (plus regular opening hours).
The tour is completed at your leisure and is self-directed, as well as free of charge! This event is a great opportunity to witness fine art of many different styles and to explore studios that are not normally open to the public.
Be sure to pick up some unique pieces of art! A Kootenay-wide initiative, Fernie is featured on the tour at 4 locations - VIEW ELK VALLEY LOCATIONS & MAP:
The Arts Station
260 5th Street. (Commercial address, wheelchair accesible)
Location #101
The Arts Station is housed in a historical train station that has been transformed into an arts centre with a foyer gallery, theatre and artist studios, including pottery, printmaking, fibre arts and painting.
During the Culture Tour, there will be demonstrations from resident quilters and visual artists, and a chance to participate in pottery and printmaking. Take home a piece of Fernie from the gallery, which will be hosting a collaborative show featuring the work of several local artists inspired by the theme of Ice Cream. Learn about the history of the Station, and get a chance to explore the historical archives while listening to some local music.
572 2nd Avenue (Commercial address, wheelchair accesible)
Location #102
The Fernie Arts Co-op features the work of over 30 artists including painting, sculpture, jewellery, metalwork, soap, photography, quilting and encaustic/3D mixed media.
During the Columbia Basin Culture Tour, many of the artists will be working out on the street (or in the studio in the case of wet weather) for live demonstrations. Drop by and meet the artists, watch them work and learn about their art.
Fernie Forge – Eye of the Needle Studio & Gallery
260 5th Street - opposite Fernie Heritage Library. (Commercial address, not wheelchair accesible)
Location #103
The Eye of the Needle Studio & Gallery is the downtown gallery & textile arm of the Fernie Forge. In the catacomb-style basement is a series of rooms featuring metalwork, fibre art, glasswork, candles, and jewellery from over 15 artists.
During the Columbia Basin Culture Tour, resident artist Sandra Barrett will be on hand to demonstrate wet felting techniques. Drop in to watch this fascinating style of textile art, browse the store and view the exhibition pieces.
Kathy Stead Fine Art
86 Ridgemont Avenue Avenue (Residential address, wheelchair accesible)
Location #104
Kathy Stead is a painter working in oils, acrylics and mixed media. She takes inspiration from the landscape around her, regularly painting en plein air. Her work often features flowers from her garden, the local mountains, or whimsical scenes that she is drawn to.
Also in the Elk Valley, in Elkford:
Tracey Halliday Photography
United Steelworkers Hall, 12 Water Street, Elkford (Commercial address, wheelchair accesible)
Location #100
Tracey will share an exhibit of black and white landscape & wildlife photography which she was inspired to create following a challenging medical diagnosis.
