Studio tour offers a glimpse into the region's best artists' inner works
By Contributor
Taking place Aug. 11-12 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!
Visit the Art on 3 Gallery at the new Christina Living Arts Centre who select only the finest artists’ work for display and sale in Canada’s first LEED certified art gallery, a green building showcasing environmentally sensitive construction. The Centre boasts an intriguing three-dimensional floor mural, 18′ Story Pole, and Lisa’s Lakeside Bistro, where you can get lunch and a cold latte to sip while wandering the Centre or walking down to the lake for a dip. Give yourself enough tome to take it all in!
At College Road Pottery, located in the West end of Grand Forks, discover the artistic and functional designs of Erika Von Bank. Enjoy a bright cheerful shop, featuring over 300 items of pottery and a demonstration of wheel throwing and of hand-built items that is planned for the Culture Tour.
Gallery 2 is located in the landmark former provincial courthouse building in Grand Forks and serves as the primary public visual arts and heritage exhibition centre for the Boundary region of British Columbia. See Current Exhibitions: Illuminating Peace By Amy Loewan whos artistic practice centres on creating work as a vehicle for personal transformation and promoting human understanding and Too Still to Move by Vivi Harder, a selection of paintings by Nelson artist Vivi Harder that was curated by Helen Sebelius.
20 minutes west of Grand Forks on Hwy 3 is Joybilee Farm; a Fiber Farm and Artisan Studio where a family of fibre artists grow their own medium in a joyful communion of ethical husbandry and fibre artistry. Joybilee Farm is a fibre farm and artisan studio owned by Robin and Chris Dalziel who practice organic, sustainable farming, creating their art from natural fibres, and natural dyes, using traditional techniques. The annual Joybilee Farm Linen Festival is in full swing on Saturday, Aug. 11 and visitors will enjoy brief hands on activities related to Linen culture, and processing. Historical linen garments made by the Doukhobors in the area will be on display, as well.
Visit the natural dye garden and the sheep, angora goats, and llamas in this quiet, pastoral setting. In the studio you’ll find quality, artisan-made bags, scarves, and other accessories, as well as knitting yarns, felting supplies, and natural dyes. Hand carved wooden needlework tools, made from local woods are also for sale. While Joybilee Farm may seem out-of-the-way, they are right on Highway 3, and well worth the trip. You won’t find a studio like this anywhere else.
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.
