The Bavin family has a relationship with the Purcell Mountains that dates back four generations to the early 1920s. This includes a legacy of creative joy, respect and environmental integrity for these high places.
Bavin Glassworks’ Purcell Rock and Ice Show takes place on Saturday (December 29). It’s a dedication to our ancestors who enjoyed mountain travels, and is also a message of sincerity of the slogan: “The mountains shall bring peace to the people.”
The understanding among the artists working by hand in creating their art for this show is that they are doing so with the intent of truly bringing peace to place using the theme of “mountain, ice and rock” as the symbols. Each artist has used the theme of high places in an enticing personal challenge using their specialized medium and talent.
After three years of experimentation, Pat Bavin will unveil a new group of glacier paintings with ice falls, seracs and crevasses expressed with pieces of glass and glass beads mixed with acrylic paint.
Ryan Bavin’s glass pieces and photos represent his love of the mountains we live in. Leah Duperreault has created “ice-themed pieces” on her torch in limited-edition jewelry pieces. Sheenah King is creating hollow ice beads with gemstones and silver, and Debi Armitage will also display new “theme” works for this show. Bonnie Bavin will have new multi-media jewelry including crystal, metal and leather.
Pat’s commitment to sustaining the Purcell Mountains started with his involvement with the creation of the Purcell Wilderness Conservancy in 1974. To celebrate those special times, we will also be showing old film footage by Art Twomey, which will rotate throughout the day on our TV monitor. Please drop by to enjoy, and thanks to Margie Jamieson for transferring these films to disc.
Some of Pat’s efforts have also included the economic and social slant to help build mountain culture and manage the recreation use of our backcountry. Ryan, Pat’s son, has very much followed the family tradition with his involvement in the Columbia Valley Hut Society and his work with Canadian Mountain Holidays (CMH) as a hiking guide and staffer.
Pat will be donating a portion of his painting sale proceeds as a fundraiser for “Awakening Directions”, a three-day youth adventure-based leadership program for kids aged 15 to 18 years. It operates each summer at the CMH Bobby Burns Lodge, and the source of funding for this very successful program is from CMH staff and guests. Information on the “Awakening Directions” will be available at Bavin Glassworks during the show, and we would appreciate any donations from anyone who would like to support this program.
The show opens at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 29 so drop in and enter the draw for some great door prizes. Join us on Saturday between 4 and 7 p.m. for an end of 2012 “Walkabout” between Bavin Glassworks and Arrowhead Brewery. Park at either establishment, and wander through these two unique businesses who will offer live music, beverages and snacks. Please contact Arrowhead Brewery at 778-526-2739 for more details.
— Contributed by Pat Bavin