As summer finally greets the Columbia Valley, things down here at the Pynelogs Cultural Centre have been heating up for months. After two highly successful and very well-attended featured art shows, the gallery is incredibly excited to start preparing for the highly anticipated Innovation themed art show, which will take place from Wednesday (July 17) to Sunday, July 29.

This show will feature innovative works from seven local artists, spanning as many genres as you can shake an artistic stick at.

Wilmer resident Japhy Hunt is quickly becoming a household name in the valley. The eccentric 13-yearold’s paintings have been shown in a variety of galleries throughout the province and contain a dark humour that would be right at home in any Tim Burton movie.

Jim Robertson’s style of painting is instantly recognizable. It’s fun, colourful and has an element of whimsy very few artists are able to achieve. His acrylic work usually begins as a drawing and, like a conductor directing a symphony, Jim’s personality is added stroke by stroke as the final image emerges.

Kyle Burley’s relationship with wood is like none other. His fine rustic furnishings are hot commodities with homebuilders and art collectors alike, and are highly sought after whenever they are put up for sale.

Invermere’s own Deanna Gauthier has been sewing since the age of 11. Her textile work demonstrates her commitment not only to precision, but also to allowing her creativity to guide the needle when it is warranted.

Fernie-based landscape painter Patrick Markle uses the outdoors to inspire his creative works. His exploration of the colour blue can be seen in his pieces, which have gathered accolades throughout B.C. and Ontario.

Invermere-based photographer Joshua S. Estabrooks will be showing his work publicly for the very first time during this show. His abstract pieces utilize multiple exposures and the blurring of light, and are created in the moment, with nothing but the camera, with very little digital manipulation after the fact.

Caio Paagman’s concrete art has been receiving award after award from the art world lately, and her unique style and attention to detail is apparent in her work the minute you lay eyes on it.

So come on down with an open mind and you will surely be amazed at these fresh takes on art.