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New art by Joseph Cross on display at CRIA
The Canadian Rockies International Airport (CRIA) has a new addition to its departure lounge.
Photo courtesy Canadian Rockies International Airport
BC Parks, internationally acclaimed artist Joseph Cross, and CRIA Manager Tristen Chernove have collaborated to promote B.C.’s fabulous parks. The display is specifically oriented to Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park and the fund-raising project to support the BC Park Enhancement Fund.
Joseph Cross has completed the third in a series of four paintings depicting the magnificent scenery and vistas of Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park. The Mount Assiniboine project is a labour of love born from Cross’ desire to support provincial parks in his community.
The first painting, titled ‘Sunburst Morning: Sunburst Mountain & Cerulean Lake’ was created following a number of expeditions by Joseph and Sharon Cross into Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park. The second painting was ‘Mt. Assiniboine Reflection.’ This third painting, titled ‘I Wish I Was Sitting On That Deck Right Now,’ is a pastel painting measuring 24” x 18” unframed.
“This painting is representative of the view from one of the several Mt. Assiniboine Lodge cabins. It’s one of those views when you say “pinch me – I think I’m dreaming,” says Cross. “The view from the cabin with Mt. Assiniboine as the centre of attention is special indeed. The title for the painting came from an email from one of the BC Parks staff who happened to see an image of this painting, and it just seemed to say it all.”
From Sharon’s Journal: “Sitting on the porch of Sunburst cabin is a peaceful retreat. Silence is broken by the laps of water on the beach and the occasional interruption of pine siskins, chickadees, or gray jays. There is a slight breeze this morning and I can hear it rushing along the treetops. The sound collecting in a soft whir that extends for miles. No longer the deafening silence, but an awakening of spirit.”
Each of the original paintings have been reproduced in limited edition glicée (pronounced she glay) on canvas and the reproductions are being offered for sale to the public, with the profits going to benefit Mount Assiniboine provincial park and other Kootenay provincial parks through the Park Enhancement Fund.
BC Parks is a proud partner on this very worthwhile fundraising initiative and is working with the Crosses to share information about and promote this project, and to announce the completion of each painting. The information is posted on the BC Parks website here: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/merchandise/ josephcross/
In commenting about the project, Ministry of Environment representative Glenn Campbell said, “one of the strengths of the BC Parks system are the partnerships that are formed to support, preserve and protect this valuable provincial commodity, we are very pleased with this initiative.”
Airport Manager Tristen Chernove added, “building on the strong sense of place at the Canadian Rockies International Airport is a constant focus. I’m delighted to have such a great display of an iconic park of the region represented by a local artist here for travelers to enjoy. Through this partnership with Joseph Cross, BC Parks and YXC, we have established an art mounting system that will serve to feature other local artist works in the future.”
Mount Assiniboine, the fifth provincial park created in the BC Parks and Protected Areas system, was first established in 1922.
The park comprises 39,050 hectares situated just west of the British Columbia and Alberta border and includes the parks namesake; Mount Assiniboine, at an elevation of 3,618 metres sits on the crest of the Continental Divide and fans out and down to a setting of striking peaks, glaciers, alpine lakes, meadows and ancient forests.
It is the focal point for this park, one of British Columbia’s oldest and finest protected areas. No roads penetrate into this wilderness; trails provide the only land access. Activities within the park include camping, hiking, mountain climbing and viewing wildlife and spectacular mountain scenery. The park is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain UNESCO World Heritage site. The park has been described as “a magnificent place of shimmering lakes, glistening glaciers, sky scraping peaks and sun- dappled alpine meadows.”
To find out more about how to purchase one of these prints, to learn more about the artist, or to view images of this or other paintings by Joseph Cross, you can view the artist’s website here: www.josephcrossart.com.
City of Cranbrook
