Taking place August 13 and 14 from 10 a.m. to 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!
In Invermere, the Windermere Valley Museum and Archives highlights the history of the valley with displays in eight heritage buildings and two other especially designed display areas. Their 2011 special display is “Toys Alive” — toy displays throughout the Museum complex. Children are encouraged to make a legacy painting of their visit and, with parental help, make a toy to take home.
Pynelogs gallery is in the restored historic home of Randolph Bruce, featuring a gallery and gift shop of terrific local artists. Enjoy a scrumptious meal at the Pynelogs cafe followed by a stroll or swim at Kinsmen Beach.
Alice Hale has been working in clay for more than 35 years and will showcase her work at her studio in Invermere where you will see clay work for the senses. “I’ve considered how my works in clay are related to the senses, to feelings, to seeing, and to touch,” explains Hale.
The Deanna Gauthier Boutique is charming, cozy, and welcoming, and features one-of-a-kind street-wearable art focused on quality construction and fabrics. All artworks are created by Deanna with her unique take on colour, texture and pride of workmanship. New this year is an art gallery featuring mixed media, watercolours, oil paintings, mosaics, and quilted wall hangings.
Located in Windermere, Sandpiper hot glass studio was formed in 2008 to create and showcase the individual and collaborative work of Gordon Webster and Julie Gibb, who have been working with glass since 1999. Gordon received a BFA from the Glass Program at the Alberta College of Art and Design and Julie is a graduate of the School of Crafts and Design at Sheridan College. Gordon and Julie have received numerous awards for their work over the years.
Crazy Ravens Studio, located in one of the oldest buildings in Canal Flats, features the colourful, contemporary paintings, prints and art cards of Paula Cravens. She is currently enamoured with badgers, trucks, wildlife and vintage bathing images.
In Edgewater, discover the Artistic Glass Studio of Sharon Kamphuis. She has been making and teaching stained and fused glass for 12 years. Kamphuis creates jewelry and mosaics and during the Tour will be displaying her work, sharing her love of glass and explaining how it’s done.
The Art Gallery of Golden and Studio Gift Shop is featuring a special art poster exhibit that portrays present day Golden in the nostalgic style of the old Canadian Pacific Railway posters that enticed home seekers to the west 100 years ago.
New on the tour is Band of Imaginitions at Mind Over Manor, featuring photography, fork watches, old sock creatures/puppets, cutlery jewelry, recycled inventions and art, interactive displays, multi-media, vandalas, storysharing, improv theatre and live music.
The Imaginations are banding together to express their multi-talented inner children, and would love your company and offer tea and door prizes as part of the experience.
Potter Lee Bedford welcomes visitors to her new studio located in Nicholson, just 10 minutes south of Golden. Bedford continues to produce a wide variety of functional wares that are made to be enjoyed for everyday use.
Tour brochures are available at tourist information centres and participating venues.
Visit cbculturetour.com to view full artist and venue profiles or register to receive a tour brochure in the mail.
For further information, call the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance at 250-505-5505 or toll free at 1-877-505-7355.
The Columbia Basin Culture Tour is generously supported by Columbia Basin Trust funding.