Taking place 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 9 and 10, 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!
Five minutes east of Creston in Erickson you will find the Alfoldy Gallery featuring the work of long time painters and gallery owners, Elaine and Andy Alfoldy. Their original paintings in watercolour, acrylics and dyed fabric offer themes developed as longtime Kootenay residents. You can see the humour and stories told in many of Andy’s paintings, while Elaine paints flowers in colourful, bold compositions. You’ll find miniatures and cards as well as large paintings, all at affordable prices.
Also in Erickson, experience the Bluemoon Pottery and Weaving Studio, showcasing the work of Andrea Revoy, who creates one-of-a-kind sculptural and functional ceramics. Her work is whimsical and colourful, with a touch of humour. From circus chickens, porcelain and enameled jewelry to carved mugs, there is something for everyone.
Artistic Visions is a group of 15 seasoned artists representing the flavour of the Creston Valley through paintings, jewelry, recycled material, photography, carvings, fabric art and more. Throughout the culture tour, Artistic Visions will have artists on-site at the Creston Valley Chamber of Commerce giving demonstrations of various art techniques and working on new pieces of art. A demo schedule will be available from the chamber.
The Snoring Sasquatch is opening its doors for the culture tour. Come and see what happens at this intimate, family friendly live music and recording arts venue. Find out why it is a favourite destination for performers, from up-and-coming artists to legendary performers from around the country.
The Hirota Gallery in Wynndel hosts several creative artists in one location. Eileen Hirota creates textured, colourful mixed media canvas paintings. She also features her brother Jackson’s wood-fired pottery; his passion is making large plates, bowls and vases. The gallery also has textile art with “eye candy” yarns transformed into scarves and purses, along with the work of a raku and fabric specialist who creates crows, jewelry and more.
Drive up the East Shore to the Artisans of Crawford Bay, a group of talented and diverse craft artists, all within easy walking distance of each other. Strolling through the heart of Crawford Bay, you can stop at the studios to watch them work, ask questions, and learn a little about their crafts. Expect to see a weaver at her loom, a blacksmith forging hot steel with a hammer and anvil, copper enamellists creating beautiful art and jewelry, a potter throwing bowls on her wheel, broom makers weaving traditional brooms, a jeweler making silver pendants, a wood carver carving a full size bear or a cherub, and the Celtic lady making leather masks. Just around the corner are a soap and candle maker and a bead store.
These are just a few of the fabulous venues on the 2014 Columbia Basin Culture Tour. Tour brochures are available at tourist information centres and participating venues. Visit 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 supported by Columbia Basin Trust funding.
—COLUMBIA BASIN CULTURE TOUR