A project of the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance

Taking place August 12 and 13 from 10 a.m. – 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!

Invermere is home to the Purcell Mountain Painters where you can visit their Gallery and Studio space to experience their work in all art media. Pynelogs Cultural Centre & Art Gallery serves as the cultural hub for arts and culture in the Columbia Valley. The historic facility sits on the shores of beautiful Lake Windermere, and features a wide variety of visual arts media of visual arts from creative and talented local artists. Enjoy the art then have lunch at the Pynelogs Cafe during the tour.

Columbia Ridge Pottery is a hobby studio situated on the bench overlooking Columbia Lake just south of Fairmont Hot Springs. Styles and techniques are continually changing in the studio of two artists: Gerry George and Tom Symington. Their body of work varies from useful dinnerware and mugs to more creative platters that come alive with the addition of slip decoration, leather and birch twigs. A visit to Columbia Ridge Pottery will provide you with a peek into how pots are made on the wheel. Tom and Gerry will be actively throwing during the tour and are always delighted to show people their work and all of the various processes involved to turn a lump of clay into a usable piece of art.

Visit the Valemount Museum & Archives, located in the original train station built in 1914. The museum offers exhibits throughout its three floors; this year they are very happy to be adding two new exhibits that are going to feature two pioneers of outfitting in the Robson Valley, so be sure to drop in to see tales of horseback guiding adventures in the first half of the 20th century. Canadian-born businesswoman, Lisa Levasseur began painting in 2010 and quickly emerged an artist. She is the creator of PaletteArt, a new art form using recycled paint to sculpt 3D paintings unlike any other. Beginners and artists alike are invited to experience the perfect setting to develop your creative talent. Sign up for art retreats, take lessons or sign up for a residency to collaborate with Lisa.

Tour brochures are available at tourist information centres and participating venues. Visit the website at www.cbculturetour.com to view full artist/venue profiles for further details on each location’s activities or register to receive a tour brochure in the mail.

For further information, call the CKCA at 1-250-505-5505 or toll free at 1-877-505-7355. The Columbia Basin Culture Tour is generously supported by Columbia Basin Trust funding.

Lead image: The Purcell Mountain Painters will showcase a number of skilled artists in the Columbia Basin Culture Tour August 12 & 13. Venue #73 in Invermere. Photos submitted

CKCA

---

Article Share

---