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Diamonds in the Making
Annual Visual Arts Guild Exhibit
The Fernie Visual Arts Guild presents their annual show, ‘Diamonds in the Making’ at the Arts Station from June 27 to July 23 at the Arts Station, 601 1st Avenue, Fernie. Diamonds in the Making is a celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the Visual Arts Guild.
Founded by local art teacher Martha Anderson and originally known as the Fernie Fine Arts Club, this dynamic group has been meeting since 1953. The group met on Monday evenings at the Fernie Secondary School art room and over the years received much support and assistance from art teachers such as Louise Stropky, Tom Foran and Joe Giglotti. This tradition continues today as the Visual Arts Guild meets on Mondays during the warmer months and has former art teacher Kathy Stead as a longtime member of the Guild. Mrs. Stropky is still an active member of the community of Cranbrook and just last week received the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award.
Margaret Stewart, wife of Ken Stewart and the owner of Trites Woods, held the position of club president for many years. Supported by the likes of Vicki Kucera, Gris Naccarato, Pat Yerbrough and Mrs. Battersby the Fernie Fine Arts Club was able to keep creating and inspiring residents for many, many years. The act of creation and education has been maintained by current president Jeanne Parker and her compatriots such as Mary Menduk, Donna Miller, Beulah Limber, Pat Moore, Marla DeBoon, Alice Byrne, Florence Baturin, Irene Atkinson, Pamm Ciupa, Diane Stothers, Anne Majic and many others.
The current Visual Arts Guild is an informal group of visual artists that meets regularly at The Arts Station in a convivial atmosphere. The group members share opinions, offer critiques, and have a designated time and place to create. New members of all ages and skills are welcome Monday nights in the summer and Tuesday afternoons in the winter months at The Arts Station.
Come and celebrate the diamond anniversary for this amazing group of artists and who knows, you may be inspired to pick up a brush yourself!
Everyone is invited to the Opening Reception of ‘Diamonds in the Making’ on June 27 at 7 p.m. and to meet the artists. The show will be open daily and run until July 23 at the Arts Station.
Fernie and District Arts Council
