The Art of Craft

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Fall/Winter 05-06 FREE

The first word on arts, culture, and heritage in the Columbia Basin

Vivienne Pearson feelingfeeling inin feltfelt Maureen and Mike Travers living their art Julie-Anne Davies & Larry Doell seeing double East Kootenay Poets speaking out the seduction

Rock Walls rocking out of production Co-op Radio tuning in Art & Health breaking ground WINTER& EVENTS Articulate Fall05.qxd 9/27/05 12:03 AM Page 2

Classes Available for LOCAL ARTS COUNCILS Soap Making, Felting, Dyeing, Weaving, Spinning. For updates on Arts Council contact lists, contact the West Kootenay Regional Arts Council or Gift items www.wkarts.kics.bc.ca The Assembly of B.C. Arts and supplies Councils also keeps an updated province wide list (for available. contact info see “Provincial Organizations”)

Tricia Rasku Arrow Lakes Arts Council Kimberley Arts Council 2087 Park St., Box 270, Marilyn Massey Anne St. Amand Rossland, BC V0G1Y0 Box 895 Nakusp V0G 1R0 64 Deer Park Avenue phone: 250 362 5701 250-265-4087 Kimberley V1A 2J2 [email protected] 250-427-4919 www.armispiansystems.ca/ByHand [email protected] Boundary District Arts Council Nelson & District Arts Council Mona Mattei or Erika Box 422 Nelson V1L 5R2 Schoenfeld 250-352-2402 Box 2636 Grand Forks V0H 1H0 [email protected] [email protected] North Kootenay Lake Arts Castlegar & District & Heritage Council Arts Council David Stewart Box 3501 Castlegar V1N 3W3 Box 1045, Kaslo V0G 1M0 [email protected] 250-366-4623 [email protected] Columbia Valley Arts Council/Pynelogs Revelstoke Arts Council Box 2345 Invermere V0A 1K0 Box 1931, Revelstoke V0E 2S0 250-342-4423 [email protected] Rossland Arts Council Box 405 Rossland V0G 1Y0 Cranbrook & District Arts Council Salmo District Arts Council Pauline Artifacet Mary Tobias PO Box 861 Cranbrook V1C 4J6 Box 198 Salmo V0G 1Z0 the FINEST 250-426-4223 250-357-9960 GIFT GALLERY [email protected] [email protected] in the KOOTENAYS Community of Creston Slocan Lake Gallery Society Arts Council John White Maureen Cameron Box 123 Silverton V0G 2B0 Box 464 Creston V0B 1G0 250-358-7788 (Message only) 250-866-5341 250-358-2760 [email protected] Slocan Valley Arts Council Fernie & District Arts Box 84 Winlaw V0G 2J0 Council/The Arts Station Jennifer Girard Trail and District Arts Council Box 1453 Fernie V0B 1M0 Betty Seinen 250-423-4842 #1 - 1501 Cedar Avenue, Trail [email protected] V1R 4C7 250 364-3003 Golden District Arts [email protected] Council/Kicking Horse Culture Bill Usher Valemount Arts & P.O. Box 228 Golden V0A 1H0 Cultural Society 250-344-6186 Box 323 Valemount V0E 2Z0 [email protected] [email protected] C CRAFT REGIONAL ARTS COUNCILS CONNECTION West Kootenay Regional Arts Council CC co-operative Krista Patterson 441 Baker Street, NELSON, BC Box 103 Nelson V1L 5P7 Canada V1L 4H7 [email protected] Telephone 250-352-3006 Articulate Fall05.qxd 9/27/05 12:03 AM Page 3

first word fall/winter 2005-06 Listen to the art—then take it home contents ANYONE WHO HAS ever been to a Kootenay art gallery or heads up attended an Art Walk opening or gone on a studio tour (this group scanning culture 4 must include virtually the entire population of the Kootenays who live within driving distance of civilization) has wished that they sure/shots the photographer’s eye 5 were in possession of enough disposable income to buy every work of art that ever “spoke” to them. Wouldn’t it be fabulous to have needle & thread the means to cover your home and office walls with paintings, Page 8 enduring threads 6 prints, photographs, fibre works? We all need beautiful things Valley piecemakers 7 around us, to enrich and inspire and even heal, but most of the time that need seems to slip to the bottom of the list in terms of both our cover story Vivienne Pearson 8 finances and our priorities. How can we afford to buy work by regional artists? How can past & present Trail’s rock walls 11 afford not to? Are we doomed to lose some of the fine artists in our communities to larger centres in order for them to “make it”? This listening in radio talks 13 issue of ARTiculate highlights the work of some local artists we hope will stick around. Cover artist Vivienne Pearson’s textile con- ARTiculate events 15-18 structions draw us into their layers as we look more closely at the details and the stories she stitches into them. Her “labours of love” local histories Argenta’s past 19 are meant to inspire a dialogue with the viewer; to us they make a statement about Vivienne’s intelligence, passion, and integrity. page turners poetry rocks 20 Trail artists Mike and Maureen Travers live their art to the Page 13 fullest every day. Their creative curiosity and willingness to take on music makers CD projects 23 new challenges has spawned a prodigious output of paintings, sculptures, stained glass, murals, and ceramics. Maureen’s mural local colour for the Colombo Hall centennial is truly a wonder. Editor Anne Maureen and Mike Travers 25 DeGrace profiles this energetic couple on page 25. Larry Doell and Julie-Anne Davies (page 5) have their photog- art & health picture this 27 raphers’ eyes on the world and we like what they see. They are both committed to preserving some fragile histories, Larry in his com- hot off the press 29 munity of Rossland and Julie-Anne in the East Kootenay mountains where she grew up. The images they have produced speak last word opinion 31 volumes about their love and respect for their subjects. Greg Nesteroff digs into the Rock Wall Project (page 11), writer and On the cover: Vivienne Pearson. photographer Eileen Pederson’s homage to the Italian artisans who, Page 25 See story page 8. starting in the 1930s, built Trail’s system of rock retaining walls, those muscular feats of engineering and artistic prowess. Poets and spoken word performers are alive and well and reading to sold-out audiences in the East Kootenay. We profile Golden poet and bookseller Caleb Moss (page 21) and try to unlock the key The first word on arts, culture, and heritage in the Columbia Basin to the success of the Poetry on the Rocks festival. We also survey FALL/WINTER 2005-6 Design: Angela Lockerbie the spate of recently released self-produced music CDs by Kootenay ISSUE #8 musicians, and ask award-winning Golden musician/producer Bill Sales: Kathy Kelly Usher for his advice to aspiring recording artists. Editors: Anne DeGrace, ARTiculate is produced in Margaret Tessman With this issue of ARTiculate we tip our hat to editor Anne Nelson as a project of the DeGrace, who is going on the road to promote her first novel and Editorial Board: West Kootenay Regional Krista Patterson, Nelson Arts Council: 250-352-2421 then sitting down to work on her next one. If you’re in Montreal or Lorna Obermayr, New or 1-800-850-2787; Halifax this fall, look for Anne. She’ll be the one with the big grin Denver fax: 250-352-2420 on her face. Welcome to new editor Margaret Tessman, who has Contributing Writers: email: [email protected] some big shoes to fill. And let’s all make a resolution to start a slush Deb Borsos fund, not for that new Shaun Carrigg mountain bike or that Anne DeGrace canal tour of Wales, but Jane Eamon to buy local art, as much Sandra Hartline as you can, and every Simone Keiran chance you get. We want Greg Nesteroff Margaret Tessman to encourage our artists Bill Usher to stay, and flourish, in ARTiculate acknowledges the support of the Province of British Columbia through the B.C. Arts Anne DeGrace Margaret the Kootenays. Council, the Columbia Basin Trust through the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance and the West Tessman Kootenay Regional Arts Council. The first word on arts, culture, and heritage in the Columbia Basin 3 Articulate Fall05.qxd 9/27/05 12:03 AM Page 4

heads up

“Golden is a working, mountain community and the arts Scanning for gold community’s goal is to deliver a collaborative, year-round palette In the Basin, cultural scans are part of the plan of cultural activity that will make where and how we live an attraction—not only to our own community folk but to visitors from around the world,” says Usher. On the basis of Golden’s cultural scan, the community hopes to develop an action plan for arts and culture development for Golden. Castlegar’s cultural organizers felt their artists knew little about opportunities on their own turf, and wanted to keep them home. by Anne DeGrace “Helping (the artists) realize the extent of the cultural resources available in Castlegar might encourage them to raise their profile in this community,” says Arts Council chair Jacquie CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT is a bit of a catchword these days, Hamilton. along with cultural tourism and a few other terms that fold Because of work done in Nelson, Castlegar had become nicely into a grant application. And yet, good planning is not aware of the economic benefits of a strong cultural community, verbal bumph; it’s necessary infrastructure to support the but the direction was unclear. The need for a cultural scan was making and sharing of arts and the celebration of heritage. It’s identified, so that resources could be compiled and shortfalls the scaffolding, if you like, that holds up the painters as they identified. With assistance through an ArtsNow grant, consultant work on the building. Diane Janzen was hired, and the work has begun. Ultimately, the Nelson has been at it for a while, beginning in 2001 with an goal is to develop a clearer vision of where energies and resources independent cultural economic study that found significant cul- should be placed to best suit the needs and desires of the com- tural sector impact—$75 million per year total net economic munity. With education and planning, it is hoped that Castlegar’s impact, to be exact—based on conservative methodology. The artists will celebrate their gifts in their own hometown. bare-bones size of the arts economy—without measuring periph- Revelstoke’s comprehensive strategy began with an inventory eral spending on hotels, restaurants, etc.—was measured to be of arts groups, again with ArtsNow funding. Once again, estab- about $7 million. lishing what a community has in place is the essential first step On the strength of this the City struck an arts and culture task towards achieving its potential. force, and following that report applied for ArtsNow 2010 assis- Revelstoke’s been around the block a few times when it comes tance to develop a municipal arts policy, craft a marketing strate- to community development, experience that is proving an asset. gy, research ongoing funding sources, and build bridges with other The Cultural Scan project outline states that, “our community sectors. The first stage is due on the mayor’s desk this fall. has a long tradition of successful community processes…the best Says consultant Fiona Glass: “We aren’t just making plans in means of engaging citizens and determining in a consultative isolation, we’re linking with all sectors of the economy; one of manner community priorities and objectives,” something the the things we’re trying to do is establish a sustainable structure steering committee sees as integral to any kind of planning. to make sure this sector keeps on developing.” The community is also acutely aware of its strengths: inde- Other communities are also quantifying what they know— pendence, natural beauty, and a strong economy attractive to that culture is a force to be reckoned with—through cultural entrepreneurs and youth. Aspirations for the cultural sector scans. It’s about harnessing the power of the cultural sector for include such additions as a performing arts centre, an extension the benefit of all. of Grizzly Plaza—home of the annual Mountain Arts Festival— “Many townsfolk can imagine and articulately discuss the and coordination and encouragement of new and established ‘what if’ possibilities, but overcoming a lack of cohesion and cultural offerings. critical mass can frustrate the most enthusiastic volunteers,” says Says Community Economic Development director Alan Golden cultural scan coordinator Bill Usher. Mason, “Through the development of a Cultural Strategy for the Golden is not short on enthusiasm and has seen a new thrust community, we hope to build on the great work that has been of cultural volunteerism: Kicking Horse Culture has a full calen- done by our arts and cultural groups in the past. The strategy dar of activities listed in their regular newsletter. But Golden’s will give us a better idea of where we need to go in the future, unprecedented growth, due in part to the development of what tools we require, and how best we can allocate resources to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, pointed to a need for commu- strengthen and improve the cultural sector in Revelstoke.” nity planning in order to realize economic opportunities while ArtsNow funding is ongoing, with various programs to assist protecting lifestyle. Part of that includes cultural development. the cultural sector. Go to www.2010legaciesnow.com. •

Golden’s unprecedented growth, due in part to the development of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, pointed to a need for community planning in order to realize economic opportunities while protecting lifestyle.

4 ARTiculate Articulate Fall05.qxd 9/27/05 12:03 AM Page 5 JULIE-ANNE DAVIES PHOTO sure shots

The photographer’s eye Julie-Anne Davies and Larry Doell: two lenses on the world

by Margaret Tessman Selkirk Mountains NE of Revelstoke

WE ARE LUCKY enough to live in a region A year ago, the new owners of Red ly defied aging with their energy and com- that is a photographer’s dream. Mountain Mountain ski hill in Rossland munity spirit. “These people are our com- vistas, sparkling lakes and rivers, tons of approached Larry with an idea. Would he munity heroes. They are the spice of life. I unspoiled geography and some really create a series of portraits of people who needed to acknowledge their presence.” interesting people to boot. Photographers had made a contribution to Nordic and And everyone has a great story to tell. Larry Doell and Julie-Anne Davies share a Alpine recreation over the years to hang Helen Dahlstrom was a music teacher passion for photography and each has in the refurbished Paradise Lodge at the whose energy and persistence were key to recently created a series of works based on hill? Producing those first eighteen black the creation of National Music Week in what they know and love best: the land and white images got Larry thinking. Canada. Alfie Albo at age 95 holds court and the people of the Kootenays. “There was a whole generation in in his basement and pours a glass of sin- When Larry Doell moved back to Rossland that had died in the last five or gle malt for his visitors before rolling out Rossland in 1991, he was looking for a ten years, a group that was part of our the stories. “He’s an enchanting individ- way to make a living with his craft. identity as a community and should have ual. He ran the Shell station in Rossland “Photography had always been a great been commemorated in some way.” Larry for 60 years and is an impartial observer companion for me, and a great passport decided to expand on the original portrait with a real sparkle in his eyes.” Booty into other people’s lives.” Larry’s choice of series and the result is Community Griffiths owned a ski shop in Rossland portrait photography was not accidental. Contributors. where he once employed Nancy Greene. The market for scenic work was limited, Larry didn’t have to look far for his He was instrumental in creating more but portraiture also allowed him to main- subjects. “It was empowering to see how than a hundred kilometres of Nordic tain a connection with people and the many people have made a difference by ris- trails and half a dozen cabins that are still community that he finds rewarding. “I ing above their own self interest to get being used by local skiers. photograph grads who then get me to pho- things done.” Using fast film for a grainy, Larry is also giving the people he is tograph their weddings and later their chil- heritage look, Larry sought to memorialize photographing a chance to speak out dren. It’s that whole circle of life thing.” those folks who seemed to have collective- about what Rossland means to them. He Continued on page 24 LARRY DOELL PHOTOS

Alfie Albo Audrey and Ritchie Mann Booty Griffiths

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needle & thread

Enduring Threads A century of loving stitches

Story by Sandra Hartline Photos by Melba Hanson

Embroidered altar cloth. Early altar guilds sewed handmade embellishments for church and home.

MELBA HANSON’S mother, grandmother of this historical exhibit, Melba explains. and aunts gathered in one another’s homes, “From Victorian times right up to the needles in hand, to cross stitch and crochet. 1960s, women belonged to sewing circles They crafted decorative birds in needlepoint that passed on skills from mother to daugh- and intricate petit point patterns to grace ter and granddaughter, aunt to niece, and their homes and churches. So when Melba, created a wonderful part of a culture that Christ Church Anglican was built in a Cranbrook artist, heard about a project has been poorly celebrated. Each piece will 1898 and is the oldest church in involving liturgical linens in an old church reflect memories of the past, memories so Cranbrook. in Yale, B.C., she was interested. important to preserve.” “It reminded me of my childhood, of the Ecclesiastical linens and altar cloths, the artistry and skill with fabric and fibre of work of past generations of women and of the hand-worked church banners, and secular women of past generations, who, right up to church altar guilds making embellishments handiwork will all be part of the display. First the 1960s, belonged to sewing circles and for church and home,” explains Melba. Nations women, who have for generations created a wonderful part of a culture that The result is the curated collection The created their own unique pieces, were also has been poorly celebrated.” Enduring Threads, organized by invited to enter their handwork for the event. The exhibit will run Friday, October 27 Cranbrook’s Christ Church Anglican, to be “The key word is handmade. One of the through Sunday, October 29 in Christ exhibited this fall as part of the city’s 100th tasks of the project is to honour those who Church Anglican Centennial Hall. All pro- anniversary. Christ Church, built in 1898, is sat so patiently and stitched so lovingly to ceeds will go towards the restoration of the the oldest church in Cranbrook and a her- create the objects that endured,” says historic St. Eugene Mission Church on the itage site, so it’s fitting that it will be the site Melba. “This will be an exhibit to recognize St. Mary’s Reserve near Cranbrook. •

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needle & thread

Stitching history Valley Piecemakers Honour David Thompson

Story by Sandra Hartline Photos by Rhonda Allen

Mock-up sample by Rhonda Allen of David Thompson’s map of the Kootenays with a quote from Thompson’s journal. “He liter- ally put us on the map,” says Allen.

RHONDA ALLEN came up with the wedge learning about our valley, working on the tent idea when members of the Valley quilting challenges this project presents,” Piecemakers Quilt Guild were sitting Karen says. She is one of four project com- around Karen Proudfoot’s kitchen table in mittee members, along with Rhonda Invermere, brainstorming for a project to Allen, Deb Daykin and Pam Ashby. “It is celebrate the David Thompson portable. It is educational. It is storable Bicentennial. The twig tent, covered with and beautiful, and it will last many life- folded paper and inhabited by little people times.” cut from the back pages of a Sears cata- Across the bottom of the quilted mural logue, came to a meeting packed in a cake a 10-centimetre-wide band will depict the server. Voila, the wedge tent project was flora and fauna Thompson would have born. encountered in the East Kootenay in 1807. That was a year and a half ago. Plans Viewers can walk inside the tent and see are now well under way for completion of the constellations of stars that would have the portable exhibit, a tent similar in out- been in the June sky that year, worked line to the type that fur trappers used in with beads and sequins on a midnight blue 1807 and designed to visually portray the background. Outside the tent, an embroi- history of David Thompson in the dered wall hanging will feature a chronol- Columbia Valley. ogy of Thompson’s life. The David Thompson Bicentennial is Camera shy quilters at the design stage: In conjunction with the creation of the JoAnne Broadfoot and Sharon Jones, an international heritage and learning ini- Thompson tent, Lillian Rose of the members of the Valley Piecemakers tiative to commemorate Thompson’s first Quilt Guild. Ktunaxa will give a workshop for the quil- crossing of the Rocky Mountains in 1807 ters on working with natural dyes, includ- and his arrival at the mouth of the frame will be almost three metres long and ing the gathering of materials such as wil- Columbia River at Astoria in 1812. more than two metres high. On one side low bark, roots and juniper berries. Thompson was an explorer, fur trader and will be a quilted mural depicting An educational brochure to accompa- map maker who traced the Columbia Thompson trading with the Ktunaxa peo- ny the tent is being developed for arts River from its source to the Pacific Ocean. ple at Kootenay House, with the councils, schools and area communities. In July of this year, Parks Canada archeol- Columbia wetlands in the foreground and The exhibit is expected to tour the East ogists found the original site of Kootenay a quilted version of a sketch made by and West Kootenays and be displayed at House near Invermere, a fur trading post Thompson of the Purcell Mountains in the public schools. It will be permanently built by Thompson for the North West background. The other side will be made housed at Invermere’s Pynelogs Cultural Company. of many quilt blocks, each assigned to one Centre. If, as the quiltmakers hope it The story told by the quilted tent will or more artists in the Invermere area. might, the project travels to the 2010 reflect the close ties Thompson made “Our little guild is excited about so Olympics in Whistler, it will make its own between white and Aboriginal cultures many things—learning about David epic journey—as David Thompson did and with the landscape. The finished tent Thompson, working with the Ktunaxa, 200 years before. • Continued on page 28 The first word on arts, culture, and heritage in the Columbia Basin 7 Articulate Fall05.qxd 9/27/05 12:03 AM Page 8

cover story PHOTO BY CARTER, AGE 10

It’s all in the details

Conversations with textile artist

Vivienne Pearson Vivienne Pearson and friend.

by Margaret Tessman

When you immerse yourself in Vivienne were showcased last year at the Montreal Pearson’s fibre constructions you will find Centre for Contemporary Textiles along layer after layer revealing itself to you. with new work that Vivienne will com- Buttons, applique, blanket stitch, zigzag plete this winter, following a creative hiai- borders and embroidered bits disappear at tus. “After the big show in Montreal, I Wa distance but come into focus as you took almost a year off. I felt completely draw near. The densely coloured felted flushed out. Not blocked—I’d just said backgrounds, clever found and created everything I wanted to for the time being details, and impeccable finishing all show and needed to recharge.” the hand of an artist in full charge of her Originally trained as a painter, craft. But the deeper layer is the idea, the Vivienne rejected paper and paint early on “conversation” as Vivienne calls it, that as too static. On the lookout for a medium she wants to involve you in, an active role that would meet her needs and provide the that demands you engage your mind as flexibility and tactile sensibility that she well as your eye. was missing, she adopted textile as her A decade after her first solo show at medium of choice. Felted wool is an inher- what was then the National Exhibition ently chaotic material that can be organ- Centre in Castlegar, Vivienne is preparing ized into a background canvas that will for a spring exhibit, Pins and Needles, at accept embellishments, colour, layering, the re-named Kootenay Gallery. The show and taking apart and putting back togeth- will include five large-scale pieces that er. Add the essential element of narrative

8 ARTiculate Articulate Fall05.qxd 9/27/05 12:03 AM Page 9 PHOTO BY CARTER, AGE 10 and Vivienne’s pieces not only invite but challenge the viewer to look closer in a real and a metaphorical sense. Many of the big pieces in the new show are taken from what Vivienne calls the Canadian Landscape Series. These works use needlepoint, knitting, and found materials on a felted field that has been coloured and pieced to look like a traditional quilt design. Vivienne chose this motif to reflect the rhythm of her present life. “The framework and composition of the new pieces tie into motherhood. It’s my aesthetic homage to my cyclic, domestic life. You know, shopping, laundry…” The punchy, overlaid details represent external components that are important to Vivienne: the natural environment, political events, social relationships. Vivienne’s work is very much about visually marrying seem- ingly divergent elements. One of her home truths is that her personal life and her work cannot be separated. “Things are mis- aligned and asymmetrical in my work, just as life is not linear or predictable. I need to be honest about that; that’s a core thing for me. My life works in streams that are parallel but not divergent. I put my energy into each and can distinguish each but I can’t live one without the other. They’re different places to be but they complement each other.” Vivienne credits her son, Carter, with stretching her capacity as a person by putting her smack in the middle of life. “Some artists can work in isolation but relationship is huge for me. When I need to be producing I "Winter's Fall and Snow," 2003. can sit down absolutely brain dead and do the quilting part.” Needlepoint centre, knitting, felt, wooden buttons. The new pieces for the Kootenay Gallery exhibition will be smaller in size, a technical challenge for an artist who has always worked big. “I’m working on a humbler scale while trying to retain the vitality of the bigger work. I want to cover qui- eter, more subtle aspects of my experience with these pieces. I want them to be more personable and welcoming. After 20 years of doing my usual art, I can speak of more precious things a little more quietly.” And the size of the work has been an issue Continued on page 10

“My life works in streams that are parallel but not divergent. I put my energy into each and can distinguish each but I can’t live one without the other. They’re different places to be but they complement each other.”

“Summer Fires,” 2004. Felt, needlepoint centre, crocheted and embroidered detail.

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Continued from page 9

just in practical terms. “I had to fly a solo show to Montreal. I had six things bigger than me to take across the country.” Vivienne credits her growing maturity and recognition as an artist with her decision to downsize. “I thought they needed to be big, like a painting. The scale of my work may have been my way of compensating for the medium I was working in. If they weren’t big, no one would hear me because they’re textile. Now I think I have enough integrity that I don’t have to compete in scale; I have the con- fidence to work smaller.” Smaller, perhaps, but in no way less demanding. “In terms of what they demand, they’re on a par with the larger work. It’s just a little less felt.” Vivienne approaches each piece as a series of problems to be solved. After deciding on a theme, she determines what kinds of forms will deliver her idea and sketches a full-scale template on the wall of her studio. The next step is to find the palette that will complement or help to communicate the concept. “Then I get felting.” Vivienne creates one-metre-square sheets of coloured felt that form the basis of her constructions. It’s a labour-intensive process. “There

“There are no shortcuts with this medium. These are labours of love.”

"Missing Peaces," 2003-04. Felt, needlepoint, and button detail.

are no shortcuts with this medium. These are labours of love.” Vivienne will spend two to three months completing a piece, and can easily move through and beyond her original idea in that time. For example, the work entitled “One Day Everything Went Flying” was originally a response to the South Asian tsunami disaster last December. “I pulled a lot of assimilated information into that piece. The grief wasn’t mine, it was a shared experience.” The coloured mittens that Vivienne used to form the central shape also became a statement about children and multiculturalism. She likes to incorpo- rate the anonymous handwork of women she’s never met into her work, touching our memories of mothers, aunts, and grandmothers who knitted, crocheted and embroidered. Vivienne feels that, at 40, she is in mid-career and still hasn’t reached her full potential as an artist. But the disadvantage of trying to grow a career at a distance from the major centres has become an issue. Vivienne is seriously considering a move to the coast in the next couple of years. “The people I see functioning well as artists tend to be tied to the bigger centres. It’s hard to keep important people engaged from a distance and it’s been really hard to be here and try to make a living.” Fortunately for those of us who seldom get to the coast, some of Vivienne’s work has found its way into permanent collections in the Kootenays, including a piece that hangs in the Castlegar Library. And regardless of where she makes her home she will continue, through her work, to engage us in conversation. Vivienne Pearson’s solo show, Pins and Needles, will be on display at the Kootenay Gallery in Castlegar from March 3 to April 9. • 10 ARTiculate Articulate Fall05.qxd 9/27/05 12:03 AM Page 11

past and present

TakenTaken forfor granite?granite? Trail’s rock walls: Story by Greg Nesteroff a solid historic reminder Photos by Eileen Pedersen

AS RECENTLY AS five years ago, no one planters for individual homeowners. Some of the smaller, private walls paid much attention to Trail’s rock walls. Bedin says before the walls were built, were built using rock quarried on-site, For that matter, no one ever paid much wooden cribbing or cement supported the but most of the bigger ones took their attention to them. Built mostly in the streets, but neither was ideal. “In a few rock from a slide near Gyro Park. 1950s and 60s, they held up the narrow years, the cement started leaning over, At first, the work was entirely by streets along the city’s steep hillsides, but and it was getting dangerous. The rocks hand—“labour-intensive” would be an had long since faded into the background. have an advantage because they drain. understatement—but later, heavy equip- These days, however, they’re being Pressure comes in the winter when it ment was brought in. As a result, the featured on Global TV, in Canadian starts freezing, so the rocks seemed to be walls are marvelously diverse, reflecting Gardening and the Vancouver Sun, and the answer.” different eras, materials, and construction being lauded as an outstanding heritage Continued on page 12 feature. Credit for the sudden renewed d interest goes to the Rock Wall Entusiastico Society, founded by Eileen Pedersen, who didn’t notice the walls her- t self until a friend pointed them out. “We were driving past some of them, and she said, ‘These are spectacular. Somebody should do a photo essay.’ Being a photographer, I said ‘Well, that r would be me.’” It was several more years, however, before Pedersen took up the challenge of t documenting the walls and learning g about the men who put months or even years of back-breaking effort into them. One of those men was Luigi Bedin, who came to Trail from Italy in 1957 and went to work for the city’s parks department. “I knew how to do walls for hous- es in the old country,” he says, “so I had f an idea. Here, they were already building rock walls, so I joined in and it didn’t take me any time to pick it up.” He spent several winters toiling on the One of Trail’s most beautiful walls—the Diamond Street dry rock retaining wall, built in walls, thanks to a series of government the 1950s. works projects commissioned by the city. Top photo: Four layers of stone retaining walls along Munter and Daniel Streets in Trail’s He was also hired to build rock walls and Columbia Heights.

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past and present

Continued from page 11 Development Canada. Now there’s a prised at the extent of the celebration.” A walking tour brochure and t-shirts, and a procession was led down a rock wall methods. They come in various lengths coffee table book is due out next year. behind St. Anthony’s church, and a bless- and heights, some with elegant curves and In June, a celebration was held in Trail ing was given. “Rev. Meridyth Robertson quirky features, while the stones themselves for the stonemasons, their helpers, and said, ‘The placing of the rocks for this wall are all shapes and sizes, a combination of families. Close to 300 people came, and other walls in Trail was done in such granite and river rock. Their beauty, though, including the family of the late Francesco a way that the rocks support each other’ – was more by accident than by design. Plati, who moved to the United States in drawing a metaphor for our community.” “Nobody really cared about the the early 1960s. Using the Internet, Once you stop to look at them, it’s looks,” Bedin says. “The idea was to sup- Pedersen tracked down his relatives in hard to imagine you could have ever port the road or bank behind it. Looks New York, South Carolina, and Georgia. missed them. It must be a forest-for-the- were immaterial, but you can’t leave big “On our t-shirt, we have six archival trees thing; sometimes you don’t notice holes anywhere. You have to put them photos,” she says. “There’s one where what’s directly in front of you. together kind of tight.” four men are prying this rock into place. Fortunately, the Rock Wall Society has The men were paid for their work, but The guy with the white pants turned out succeeded in rescuing the walls and their otherwise received little recognition. to be their father! It was just so thrilling. builders from obscurity, giving them some The Rock Wall Society set out to rem- They ordered 14 shirts.” much-deserved attention. edy that, and began digging up photos, During the ceremony, biographies of “The walls have not really been valued doing interviews, and creating an invento- the workers were read, plaques were pre- for what they are,” Pedersen says. “Now ry of the walls. They received funding sented, and Bedin did a stone-splitting that’s starting to change. • from the city and were able to hire several demonstration. “People were visibly On the Web: people through Human Resources moved,” Pedersen says. “They were sur- www3.telus.net/therockwallproject

The Munter Street wall, which actually holds up Daniel Street, is Trail’s highest rock wall at over 8 metres.

12 ARTiculate Articulate Fall05.qxd 9/27/05 12:03 AM Page 13 FRED ROSENBERG PHOTO

On Air: Kootenay Co-op Radio operations manager Terry Brennan and KCR founder Zoe Creighton at the controls.

co-op radio

Radio Association for their flagship morning show Nelson Before Nine. And the bar Turn me on, I’m a radio is constantly being raised. “Standards have gone up,” says Brennan. “When standards The Kootenays tune in go up, the expectations of listeners go up.” KCR’s programming is delivered mostly live at 75 watts, and includes shows about by Anne DeGrace social issues, politics, spoken word and sto- rytelling, and music. Prospective program- IN A BIG COUNTRY with a lot of space, a group in Rossland is at the planning stage. mers now must submit a six-page applica- radio keeps us connected. Nowhere is con- Terry Brennan is operations manager tion and demo tape; training is provided. nection more important than in rural com- for Kootenay Co-op Radio (KCR). He’s Live broadcast is “a lot of responsibility on munities, nothing more comforting than a seen a few changes since the early days, the programmers,” admits Brennan. “It’s hometown voice when winter winds keep us when radio was a twinkle in the eyes of a made for some funny moments.” After a close to our fires. dedicated few. couple had a tiff with the mics on, for exam- Columbia Basin residents now have “When I look back now at how we first ple, the station installed a red “on air” light three—eventually four—community radio accepted programs…if you showed up and in the studio. stations. Nelson’s Kootenay Co-op Radio said you wanted to do a show, you’d get air- A number of things have contributed to (CJLY 93.5 FM) is the relative granddaddy time,” he says. That was then. Last year, KCR’s success. The cooperative structure, of the group, now celebrating its fifth birth- KCR was the recipient of the Standard says Brennan, “encourages a sense of own- day. Coming down the audio pike are two Award for Excellence in Programming from ership among programmers and members. new stations in Creston and Nakusp, while the National Campus and Community Continued on page 14

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co-op radio

Continued from page 13 It encourages people to be nice to each ness may use this as advertising spread out other, and nice to the facility; to wash the over a whole year; a private citizen may dishes.” Its consensus-based board is “non- decide on four one-hour shows highlighting antagonistic. Organizations typically fall a coveted jazz collection. down at the board level. There have been “It’s a very K.I.S.S. approach,” says times when (this system) has been tested, Skey. “Keep it very, very simple.” but it always holds up.” And its people, says Mountain Radio has a three-year devel- Brennan, are passionate. opment license to broadcast at two watts, so It has also been inspiring. “Watching the signal area is local. That means Nakusp people grow at the radio station—having a broadcasters can have fun with the medium. show, overcoming personal hurdles and self- For example, anyone who knows Nakusp’s imposed limitations…some people with main street knows the perils of rush hour physical handicaps are doing shows. traffic. Skey describes a local octogenarian They’re doing it well, and they’re helping who routinely drives the stretch at 20 kilo- others to do it.” metres per hour, so the local traffic report is Commission) was a giant step forward.” Besides KCR’s own shows, the station named for “Chicken Ed.” Van Horne expects programming to be broadcasts alternative radio from the United “We report on how long it takes a little more conservative than Nelson’s, States. KCR projects include spoken word Chicken Ed to drive down the main drag,” reflective of the Creston community. “Each CDs on topics like Kootenay artisans and laughs Skey. Thirty-five seconds suggests community is unique,” he says. “We have a craftspeople, and the interesting things peo- traffic is heavier than usual. Waving card- different demographic, a retirement compo- ple here do to make their livings, and new board simulates the sound of a traffic nent.” Programming may include a morning projects are aimed at producing material to ’copter. show, a buy & sell, perhaps an open line share with other community stations. As an educational tool, Mountain show on community issues—he’d like to see Brennan’s advice to the new kids on the Radio offers students opportunities in the area’s MLA or MP on air to answer block: “Take it slow. Take small steps. And desktop publishing, journalism, marketing, questions. “We want something that’s going be nice to your volunteers.” technology, and English. Social studies pro- to appeal to the broad base.” Nakusp’s new station has a decidedly grams may result in current events shows; Local contributions, he says, should be educational component. The studio is locat- a creative writing class could produce a rich. “The talent base in the Creston valley ed in the school board office; partners radio play. is overwhelming,” he says. “Musicians, include the Columbia Basin Alliance for As for the mix of community and youth, poets, theatre people—they’ve shown an Literacy, School District 10, and Industry and the freeform programming structure, interest, and that’s what really excites me. Canada’s Community Access Program results have been interesting. “People say ‘I People want to get back to the basics; more (CAP). Alistair Skey is an information tech- can’t believe you go from Iron Maiden to home-grown stuff.” nology manager for the school district; at Bing Crosby.’ It’s really entertaining. It’s like Perhaps the baby of them all is Rossland the new station—CJHQ, 107.1 FM a lucky dip in terms of content.” radio, still in utero. At press time, the group “Mountain Radio”—he’s “chief cook and Tune in to Creston Community Radio had just incorporated as a cooperative, bottle-washer.” CIDO at 97.7 FM this spring. They’ll be something board director Amy Exner It began with a conversation between broadcasting at 20 watts when they’re up describes as a big step. “Now, we can sell Skey and a science teacher; since then, the and running. Dave Van Horne’s back- memberships,” she says. scope of the station has broadened to ground in radio and television is helping to The core group began with a desire for include the whole community. Using soft- get things going, with support from a core locally minded programming. “None of us ware developed at Sidney University in group and backing from the town of is into top 40. There are a lot of really tal- Australia, content is pre-recorded and pre- Creston. Prince Charles Secondary School ented people here, we’d like to see involve- programmed, 24 hours per day. Live events, is a partner. Van Horne will be station ment of each demographic in the area, and such as the annual Nakusp Music Festival manager. more local news,” something she says is not or a local hockey game, can be slotted in. “It’s been a little bit more involved than delivered by commercial broadcasters or the With each station membership comes four people initially thought,” admits Van CBC. hours of airtime to be used as the member Horne. “License approval from CRTC They’ve had a hand from Kootenay Co- wishes, within regulatory standards. A busi- (Canadian Radio and Television op Radio, have toured the Nelson station and asked questions. “They’ve been super helpful,” says Exner. Still, it seems like a long road ahead, and it’s hard to be patient “Musicians, poets, theatre people—they’ve shown an through the stages of membership building interest, and that’s what really excites me. People want and fundraising. Exner, and the rest of the cooperative, are optimistic that the day will to get back to the basics; more home-grown stuff.” come when local voices travel the airwaves. “I just can’t wait for the day when we can turn it on,” she says. •

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Fall/Winter 2005-06

events

sights, smells and textures. Craft Fairs Jewellers, weavers, knitters, potters, woodworkers, soap- THERE ARE certain signs of makers and purveyors of the autumn that are unmistak- beautiful, useful, and delicious able: the crunch of leaves, the all have been working toward chill in the air, and the opening this time of year. of craft fair season. Kootenay The common thread craft fairs are held every- among craft fairs is the aston- where, from school gyms to ishing bounty produced by community centres to church our region’s artisans and halls. There’s no better way to craftspeople. With such an spend a fall afternoon than to embarrassment of riches, come in out of the cold, grab a there’s no reason to stay cup of tea, and take in the home. Happy shopping. Grand Forks Art Gallery annual Arts & Crafts sale, November 15- December 24

The art of craft Saturday, November 26 CRAFT FAIRS Craft Fair 10 am-4 pm Fernie Community Centre Craft historian Sandra Alfoldy Saturday, October 8 423-3860 Craft Fair 10 am-4 pm Thursday, December 8 writes from her roots Fernie Community Centre Multicultural foods and family 423-3860 festivities by Shaun Carrigg crafts in art history classes. “I October 22 & 23 All day and evening felt that something very impor- Annual Arts & Crafts Fair Elkford Mall “I THINK OF myself as a person tant in the art history curriculum Saturday 10 am-8 pm 865-2257 who grew up in the Kootenays— was not being discussed and Sunday 11am-3:30 pm that’s how I relate things back to kept wondering why it wasn’t Centre 64, Kimberley craft history,” says art historian being spoken of.” November 4 & 5 Sandra Alfoldy. Curious, she began talking Trail & District Arts Council Originally from Creston, to crafts people and after getting Arts & Crafts Fair Friday 10 am-8 pm, Alfoldy’s academic career a sense that they were very Saturday 10 am-4 pm includes a number of firsts. As aware of the lack of discourse, Cominco Gymnasium, Trail well as being the first person in decided to attend graduate November 15-December 24 Canada to receive a doctoral school because “everything I Art Sale degree in Craft History from thought was important was Gifts from the Gallery Concordia University, Alfoldy is missing.” 10 am-5 pm, Grand Forks Art the first craft historian to teach Sandra remembered the Gallery, 442-2211; www.galleries.bc.ca/grandforks fulltime at a Canadian post-sec- magical experience of travelling ondary institution. She is cur- from Creston with her family to November 17- December 24 Grand Forks Art Gallery rently a professor at the Nova the Kootenay Christmas Faire in Christmas Sale Kootenay Gallery of Art, History and Scotia College of Art and Nelson where her parents, Science, Castlegar Friday, December 9 Design. Elaine and Andy Alfoldy, would 365-3337 Opening reception Fiercely passionate about set up a booth. In 1997 she Christmas Sale of Student Work November 18 & 19 Kootenay School of the Arts craft history in Canada (for wrote her masters thesis, Golden District Arts Council at Selkirk College which she blames her parents, “Theory and Craft: A case study Christmas Craft Faire 5:30-6:30 pm, 606 Victoria Street, who have been full-time of the Kootenay Christmas Friday noon-8 pm, Nelson artists/craftspeople in the Faire.” Saturday 10 am-5 pm Sale continues Saturday 10-4 pm, Mount 7 Rec Plex, Golden Kootenays for over 30 years), In her research, Sandra dis- 344-6186 Saturday, March 4 Sandra was struck during her covered that the Kootenays had Craft Fair 10 am-4 pm November 25, 26 & 27 undergraduate years by the real- long been attracting marginal- Fernie Community Centre Kootenay Artisan Christmas Market 423-3860 ization that there was a notice- ized groups largely because of Friday noon-9 pm, Saturday able lack of discussion about Continued on page 30 10 am-6 pm, Sunday 10 am-4 pm Nelson & District Rod & Gun Club 352-2402; www.ndac.ca The first word on arts, culture, and heritage in the Columbia Basin 15 Articulate Fall05.qxd 9/27/05 12:03 AM Page 16

Saturd articulate calendar Book Cole Porter in the kitchen The In Eileen OCTOBER Galler Saturday, October 8 George Gershwin pouring wine All Ages Dance Saturd September 2005-June 2006 West Kootenay Bluegrass Society, Poetry Volunteer opportunity. Everyone welcome 4:30-8:00 pm, North Shore Hall, Nelson Stuart USCC Cultural Interpretive Society, 352-2704 Nelson Richard Rodgers waiting tables Brilliant, Wednesdays, starting Sept. 14, 9 am-1pm 399-4240 Saturday, October 8 Saturd Concert Conce September 15-October 8 Gary Fjellgaard, 7 pm, Grand Forks Art Dr. Pe Johnny Mercer keeping time Exhibition, 14th Annual Invitational Gallery, 442-2211; 1-4 pm VISAC Gallery, Trail, 364-1181 www.galleries.bc.ca/grandforks. Churc 7 pm, September 17-October 15 Saturday, October 8 (recita Exhibitions Concert Pen & ink sketches by Foothills Brass Quintet Saturd John Van den Broek; 7:30 pm, Christ Church Trinity, Openi Works by the Spinners’ & Weavers’ Guild Invermere, 342-0445 Painti Fernie Arts Station Artists 423-4842; www.theartsstation.com Karen Fernie September 27-October 22 423-4 Exhibition Until Reflections of Self The Gallery at Centre 64, Kimberley Saturd Conce Saturday, October 1 Mae M Author Reading/Book Launch 8 pm, Anne DeGrace 7:30 pm, Nelson Municipal Library Sunda 352-9871 Music Mae M October 1-22 Times Exhibitions 24th Annual Thanksgiving Celebration Beverley Reid: Heart of Stone— Noon-4 pm, Fort Steele Heritage Town Sunda Heart of Garden Fine Food, Great Company, Fabulous Music Sunday, October 9 Rober Thomas Lax, RCA: A Survey of Prints 24th Annual Thanksgiving Celebration Live M Grand Forks Art Gallery Noon-4 pm, Fort Steele Heritage Town Buste 250-442-2211; 417-6000; www.FortSteele.bc.ca 2 and www.galleries.bc.ca/grandforks 423-4 Wednesday, October 12 October 1-December 1 Concert Monda Exhibition A MidAutumn Night’s Dream Conce Landscapes, Dams and Flora Ruth Minnikin, Dale Murray, Kate Maki, Caroly Recent paintings by Karla Pearce Nathan Lawr, Ryan Bishops 8 pm, Firehall Gallery, Rossland 8 pm, Fernie Arts Station 423-4 423-4842; www.theartsstation.com Monday, October 3 Octobe Film Circuit Fernie October 12-29 Live T Mad Hot Ballroom Exhibition Zastro 7 pm, Vogue Theatre Youth Today/Us, VISAC Gallery, Trail 8 pm, 423-4842; www.theartsstation.com 364-1181 352-6 Monday, October 3 Thursday, October 13 Friday, Cinefest film series Author Reading Kaslo Shake Hands with the Devil: Stuart Ross Harps The Journey of Romeo 12 noon, Selkirk 7:30 Dallaire College, Castlegar 353-7 7 pm, Toby Theatre, 365-7292 Invermere, 342-4423 Saturd Thursday, Coffee Thursday, October 6 October 13 Home Creston Concert Society Film 8 pm, The Golden Violin Murderball Kimbe 7:30 pm, Prince Charles 7 pm, Royal Auditorium Theatre, Trail Saturd 364-3003; Conce October 6-November 12 www.trail-arts.com Harps Exhibitions Centre Facing Miles Canyon, Friday October 14 paintings Author Reading Octobe by Neil Graham; Stuart Ross Quilt S Smoked Asymmetry, clay October 1- 7:30 pm, Nelson Rossla sculptures by Chris Campbell December 1 Municipal Library 10 am Kootenay Gallery of Art, History and Recent paintings by 352-9871 693-2 Science, Castlegar, 365-3337 Karla Pearce, Firehall Gallery, October 14 & 15 Monda Friday, October 7 Rossland Variety show Conce Lecture The Traveling Sisters, Kimberley’s Rae S Marueen Travers: Paintings of Trail’s Community Theatre and Summer 7 pm, Early History, 7 pm, Trail Library Theatre, 8 pm, The Theatre at Centre 442-2 364-1731 64, Kimberley forks

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Saturday, October 15 Wednesday, October 26 Monday, November 7 Thursday, November 17 Book launch Concert Cinefest film series Concert The Inner Green, K. Linda Kivi and Karen Savoca & Pete Heitzman Saving Face, 7 pm, Toby Theatre, Nathan Rogers Eileen Pearkes, 7:30 pm, Oxygen 8 pm, Fernie Arts Station Invermere, 342-4423 8 pm, Fernie Arts Station Gallery, Nelson Fine Arts Centre 423-4842; www.theartsstation.com 423-4842; www.theartsstation.com Tuesday, November 8 Saturday, October 15 Thursday, Call for entries deadline Thursday, November 17 Poetry Workshop October 27 It’s a Small World Youth Film Fest Night Nelson Stuart Ross, 10 am-2 pm, Film VISAC Gallery, Trail, 364-1181 U-19 Film Fest— Rossland Mountain Nelson Municipal Library Saving Face Film Fest, Miner’s Hall, Rossland 7 pm, Royal Tuesday, November 8 Saturday, October l5 Theatre, Trail Exhibition opening November 17- December 24 Concert and seminar 364-3003; Affordable Art Exhibition Art Dr. Peter Jancewicz, pianist www.trail-arts.com 7-9 pm, Place Key Gallery at the Key Studio Jewellery, Anna Clark 1-4 pm, Creston Baptist City Theatre, Cranbrook, 426-5452 Kootenay Gallery of Art, History and Church (seminar) Saturday, Science, Castlegar, 365-3337 7 pm, PCSS Auditorium October 29 Thursday, November 10 (recital), 428-5272 Opening reception Film, Machuca November 17-20 Pamela Speight: 7 pm, Royal Theatre, Trail 6th Annual Rossland Film Festival Saturday, October 15 Reliquary for 364-3003; www.trail-arts.com Various venues around the Opening reception Familiar Objects; Golden City Paintings by the Visual Small Works: An Saturday, November 12 1-866-333-7702; Artists Guild; exhibition of works Grand Forks Art Gallery www.rosslandfilmfestival.com Karen MacDonald & Friends under $150. Annual Wine Tasting Fernie Arts Station Oct.15, Mae Moore Grand Forks 7 pm, Grand Forks Art Gallery Friday, November 18 423-4842; www.theartsstation.com & Lester Quitzau Art Gallery 442-2211; Kaslo Concert Series Until November 12 Rossland 442-2211; www.galleries.bc.ca/grandforks Kirril Kalmykov, cello www.galleries.bc.ca/grandforks 7:30 pm, JV Humphries School Saturday, October 15 Until December 3 Saturday, November 12 353-7539 Concert All Ages Dance Mae Moore & Lester Quitzau Saturday, October 29 West Kootenay Bluegrass Society Saturday, November 19 8 pm, Miner’s Hall, Rossland Halloween Spooktacular 4:30 to 8:00 pm, North Shore Hall, Concert 6 pm, Fort Steele Heritage Town Nelson, 352-2704 Kirril Kalmykov, cello Sunday, October 16 417-6000; www.FortSteele.bc.ca 8 pm, Bonnington Arts Centre, Naksup Music Workshops Saturday, November 12 265-4087 Mae Moore & Lester Quitzau Opening reception Times TBA, Miner’s Hall, Rossland Quilts and acrylic paintings by Tuesday, November 22 n n NOVEMBER Terry Cleverly & Donna Concert Sunday, October 16 Sheppard; Pottery by Anne-Louise Joyal The Buttless Chaps, country rock Robert Bruce & Friends, Fernie Arts Station 7 pm, Grand Forks Art Gallery tion Live Music/Silent Film: A Tribute to November 1-30 423-4842; www.theartsstation.com 442-2211; own Buster Keaton Exhibition and sale Until December 10 www.galleries.bc.ca/grandforks 2 and 8 pm, Fernie Arts Station Line and Colour 423-4842; www.theartsstation.com VISAC Gallery, Trail 364-1181 Monday, October 17 TRAIL SOCIETY for the PERFORMING ARTS Concert Tuesday, November 1 Maki, Carolyn Mark & Luther Wright Opening reception PERFORMANCE SERIES 2005-06 8 pm, Fernie Arts Station Eve-olution: Charleen Stroud 423-4842; www.theartsstation.com 7 pm, The Gallery at Centre 64, Tues—Oct. 18—ALFREDO ROLANDO Tues-March 28—TOMAS KUBINEK— m Kimberley ORTIZ—A Venezuelan folk harpist, Certified Lunatic and Master of the October 20-22 and 27-29 Until November 26 Alfredo is a composer, lecturer, author Impossible—From London’s Royal Live Theatre and recording artist. Alfredo will be enter- Festival Hall to Asahi Hall in Tokyo, the Zastrozzi, Master of Discipline Tuesday. November 1 taining us with a multicultural repertoire one and only, sensational Dr. Professor covering folk, classical and popular Tomas Kubinek is a comic genius, virtuoso l 8 pm, Capitol Theatre, Nelson Incorporation Centennial Dinner music of many countries. vaudevillian, and irresistible charmer, a 352-6363 6-10 pm, Royal Alexandra Hall at the true artist who gives audiences an utterly Canadian Museum of Rail Travel, Tues—Nov. 1—CORO NACIONAL DE joyous experience that people will ber 13 Friday, October 21 Cranbrook, 426-4211 CUBA— This superlative choir from remember for a lifetime. g Kaslo Concert Series Cuba, performs music from all climes and Harps Of Avalon Friday, November 4 eras, from the Renaissance to contempo- Tues-April 4—TONY rk 7:30 pm, JV Humphries School Performance rary Latin America. The Coro Nacional is KENNY ‘S gar 353-7539 A Portrait of Emily Carr particularly winning in the music of IRELAND & THE DUBLIN 7 pm, Grand Forks Art Gallery Cuba, classical, folkloric and popular. CITY DANCERS—Along Saturday, October 22 442-2211; with a carefully selected SUNDAY—Jan. 29—3:00 PM—ANGELE cast, Tony entertains with Coffee house www.galleries.bc.ca/grandforks DUBEAU & LA PIETA— A string powerful, expressive delivery Homegrown Music Society ensemble, bringing together some of the with an innate ability to 8 pm, The Theatre at Centre 64, Sunday, November 6 finest women musicians in Canada. Their draw the audience in to a song, creating a Kimberley Creston Concert Society precision of attack, quality of ensemble magical milieu. The Dublin City Dancers Airplay, 2:30 pm, Prince Charles playing, and energy brings one back to are a renowned troupe of ten of Ireland’s Saturday, October 22 Auditorium the era of spirit and presence. finest traditional and contemporary Irish Concert dancers. They also sing and play instru- com Harps of Avalon, 8 pm, Bonnington Arts Sunday, November 6 Tues-Feb. 7—I. TROMBONI— ments. Also included in this program is Centre, Naksup, 265-4087 Documentary Audiences are as delighted when “O George Casey, comedian/entertainer. 14 Searching for the Wrong-Eyed Jesus Canada” transforms itself into Canada’s g October 22 & 23 7:30 pm, Miner’s Hall, Rossland other national anthem, “Hockey Night In Mon-April 17—BALLET JORGEN— Canada” as they are bewildered when CINDERELLA—This ballet is an innova- Quilt Show “Flight of the Bumblebee” is magically tive take on the classic fairy tale. The son Rossland Quilter’s Guild Show Sunday, November 6 spun out from the bells of FIVE ballet set and costumes are inspired by rary 10 am-4 pm, Miner’s Hall, Rossland Concert Trombones. There’s no mistaking it, these surrealism and provide a fresh vitality to 693-2150 The William Carn Quintet guys are the Team Canada of Trombones. this time honored story. 8 pm, Fernie Arts Station 5 Monday, October 24 423-4842; www.theartsstation.com SERIES MEMBERSHIP: Regular $90, Seniors & Students $80, Concert Rae Spoon and Geoff Berner Monday, November 7 Families $190, Single Tickets $25 (These prices include the box office fee) 7 pm, Grand Forks Art Gallery Film Circuit Fernie AVAILABLE AT CHARLES BAILEY BOX OFFICE tre 442-2211; www.galleries.bc.ca/grand- Sabah, 7 pm, Vogue Theatre 368-9669 or 1-866-368-9669 forks 423-4842; www.theartsstation.com

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articulate calendar Saturday, February 18 Concert APRIL Robert Silverman, piano Monday, December 19 NOVEMBER 8 pm, Bonnington Arts Centre, Saturday, April 8 Cinefest film series Nakusp Water Concert Thursday, November 24 265-4087 7 pm, Toby Theatre, Invermere Shari Ulrich Film 342-4423 8 pm, Bonnington Arts Centre, Nakusp Water Wednesday, February 22 265-4087 7 pm, Royal Theatre, Trail Annual General Meeting and Heritage 364-3003; www.trail-arts.com Evening Saturday, April 8 JANUARY Cranbrook Archives, Museum and Opening reception Saturday, November 26 Landmark Foundation Explorations: Grand Forks Young Centennial Gala Christmas Dinner 6:30-10 pm, Royal Alexandra Hall at Wednesday, January 11 Artists 6 pm-midnight the Canadian Museum of Rail Travel Creston Concert Society Noon-4 pm, Grand Forks Art Gallery Royal Alexandra Hall at the Canadian 489-3918 New Orleans North 442-2211; Museum of Rail Travel, Cranbrook 7:30 pm, Prince Charles Auditorium www.galleries.bc.ca/grandforks 489-3918 Until April 15 Monday, January 16 MARCH Saturday, November 26 Cinefest film series Sunday, April 16 Concert Mad Hot Ballroom 16th Annual Great Easter Egg Hunt Bruce McKinnon Jazz Trio Friday or Saturday, March 3 or 4 7pm, Toby Theatre, Invermere Noon-3:30 pm, 7:30 pm, Christ Church Trinity, Concert 342-4423 Fort Steele Heritage Town Invermere Blackthorn, celtic music 417-6000; www.FortSteele.bc.ca 342-0445 8 pm, Bonnington Arts Centre, Tuesday, January 17 Nakusp Exhibition opening April 18-April 29 Saturday, November 26 265-4087 Key Invitational Exhibition Concert Exhibit Spring Thing: Regional Non-Juried Art Todd Butler Trio March 3-April 9 7-9 pm, Key Gallery Exhibition 8 pm, Miner’s Hall, Rossland Exhibitions Grand Forks Art Gallery at the Key City Pins and Needles, fibre artist Vivienne Theatre, Cranbrook 442-2211; November 26 & 27 Pearson 426-5452 www.galleries.bc.ca/grandforks Images Watercolour Tree Truck Series, photography by Show & Sale; Gerald Cawdell Friday, January 20 Friday, April 21 Orde Creek Pottery Kootenay Gallery of Art, History and Opening Reception Opening reception 10 am-5 pm Science, Castlegar Ian Johnston, Year End Exhibition & RotoCrest Hall , Creston Rec 365-3337 Tangible Shadows Sale of Student Work Centre grounds Part II Kootenay School of the Arts at Selkirk 428-7473 March 4 & March 11 College 7 pm, Oxygen Annual Studio Tours Gallery, Nelson Fine 5:30-6:30 pm, 606 Victoria Street, November 26-December 24 January 20 10 am-4 pm, Boundary Region and Arts Centre Nelson 6th Annual Christmas at Fort Steele Opening Northern Washington State 352-6322; Sale continues to 9:30 pm and April Afternoons, Fort Steele Heritage Reception Grand Forks Art Gallery Ian Johnston, www.nfac.ca/ 22, 10 am-4 pm Town 442-2211; Tangible until February 11 www.galleries.bc.ca/grandforks 417-6000; www.FortSteele.bc.ca Shadows Part II, Saturday, April 22 7 pm, Oxygen Saturday, January 21 Coffee house Sunday, November 27 March 6-April 2 Gallery, Nelson Coffee house Homegrown Music Society Music Workshops Fine Arts Centre Exhibition Homegrown Music 8 pm, The Theatre at Centre 64, Todd Butler Trio Jesse Ellingson, Landscape Paintings Society Kimberley Miner’s Hall, Rossland Stanley’s on Baker, Nelson 8 pm, The Theatre at Centre 64, Kimberley Friday, April 28 Tuesday, March 7 Artist reception Exhibition opening DECEMBER Saturday, January 28 Spring Thing WOW! (Wonders of Wood) 6-10 pm Opening reception 7-9 pm, Key Gallery at the Key City Donna Morrison: Honour Thy Mother; Grand Forks Art Gallery Friday, December 2 Theatre, Cranbrook The Spirit Apron Project 442-2211; Community Writers Reading 426-5452 Grand Forks Art Gallery www.galleries.bc.ca/grandforks Return to the Light 442-2211; 7:30 pm Thursday, March 9 www.galleries.bc.ca/grandforks Nelson Municipal Library Creston Concert Society Until March 3 Lee Pui Ming, pianist MAY Saturday, December 3 7:30 pm, Prince Charles Auditorium Tuesday, May 9 Coffee house Exhibition opening Homegrown Music Society FEBRUARY Friday, March 10 Facing South 8 pm, The Theatre at Centre 64, Opening reception 7-9 pm, Key Gallery at the Key City Kimberley In Safe Keeping: Works from the col- Theatre, Cranbrook, 426-5452 lection Monday, February 6 December 9-January 7 6-9 pm, Grand Forks Art Gallery Creston Concert Society Exhibition 442-2211; I Tromboni It’s A Small World www.galleries.bc.ca/grandforks 7:30 pm, Prince Charles Auditorium VISAC Gallery, Trail Until April 1 364-1181 Tuesday February 7 Saturday, March 11 wants you! Opening reception Saturday, December 10 Coffee house Elements All Ages Dance Homegrown Music Society Crafty? Quirky? Cutting edge? 7 pm, The Gallery at Centre 64, West Kootenay Bluegrass Society 8 pm, The Theatre at Centre 64, We need your hot tips for Kimberley 4:30-8 pm, North Shore Hall, Nelson Kimberley arts, culture and Until March 11 352-2704 heritage stories in the Monday, March 20 Friday, February 17 Sunday, December 11 Magic Show Columbia Basin. Kaslo Concert Series Documentary Ted & Marion Outerbridge Robert Silverman, piano Email [email protected] Los Zafiros— 8 pm, Fernie Arts Station 7:30 pm, JV Humphries School with story suggestions or to Music from the Edge of Time 423-4842; www.theartsstation.com 353-7539 7:30 pm, Miner’s Hall, Rossland be put on our mailing list.

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local histories RIK VALENTINE PHOTO

Argenta past and present Bound together by time and place

by Greg Nesteroff

ARGENTA has a library. This may come as a surprise, given that only about 125 people live in the isolated community at the north end of Book worms: Ella and Zander Roberts contemplate some of the nearly 10,000 volumes in Kootenay Lake. Nevertheless, since 1992, the Argenta Library. it’s been open one day per week in the basement of the local community centre, Regrettably, though, it’s underappreci- sources, including the Kootenay Columbia operated by volunteers on an annual ated; many locals aren’t aware it exists or Cultural Alliance and 2010 Legacies Now, budget of about a thousand dollars. simply choose not to patronize it, which is locals Lisa Ross and Susan VanRooy have You may also be surprised to know it why MacNab and resident Deb Borsos been hired as part-time co-ordinators. has nearly 10,000 books. Many originally came up with an idea to raise its profile: a Their first task will be to arrange a series belonged to the Argenta Friends School, book, to be written, designed, printed, and of readings and workshops with Kootenay run for many years by the Quakers, who bound by the people of Argenta and five authors Rita Moir, Eileen Delehanty arrived here in the 1950s. Although the neighbouring communities. Pearkes, and Vivien Bowers, to get people school no longer operates, the Quaker “It’s very hard to get people interested thinking about different approaches to influence is still felt, partly through this lit- in coming into our little library, even writing and creative inspiration. erary legacy. though it’s a fabulous place,” Borsos says. Another workshop will teach the art of “It’s a quality collection,” says volun- “And there aren’t a lot of volunteers. So bookbinding—the plan is to print 50 teer librarian Ann MacNab. “Particularly we said why don’t we do something like a copies of the book, which would be bound in non-fiction, for example, in the sci- book project?” by community members. ences. And then we try to bring it up to Books have been produced in Argenta “It’s taking you through the process of date through donations or purchase.” before at the Friends Press, although noth- how to make a book,” Borsos says. “We There are also a large number of art ing quite like this. The exact content is yet thought we’ve got to help people know and children’s books. to be determined, and will depend largely how to write something to put in the “Very often when people think of a on those who choose to contribute, but book, and show them how it’s made by book they’ve always wanted, and can’t Borsos sees it as a living record of the com- hand.” find in some of the other libraries, they’re munity, full of stories, photos, and illus- From this comes the title, Bound quite astonished that there’s a copy in trations of the way things are now. Together, which also refers to the desire to Argenta. “The end result would be a sort of lit- unite people of all ages in a common “I spent a lot of my working life visit- erary time capsule,” she says. “A treasure effort. It’s an “opportunity for community ing various kinds of libraries, so I think I for current residents and of historical members, particularly children and youth, know a good one when I see it. And this is interest to future generations.” to take part in something they normally a good one.” With funding from a variety of might not be able to, due to our location.” As a bonus, while the project is under- way—it began in September and continues through June—the library is able to extend “Very often when people think of a book they’ve always its hours to three afternoons and one wanted, and can’t find in some of the other libraries, they’re evening per week. Hopefully it will mean more people visiting and using the collec- quite astonished that there’s a copy in Argenta.” tion. Hopefully, by this time next year, the library will no longer be Argenta’s best- kept secret. •

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drew 70 people. Financial assistance is provided by the Cranbrook and Kimberley Arts Councils, the Kootenay Columbia Cultural Alliance, the Writers’ Union of Canada, and the League of Canadian Poets. Any profits from the readings get put back into a Young Writers’ Scholarship Fund that provides financial support for students and emerg- ing writers to further their craft. Each year a well-known Canadian poet is invited to anchor the readings, with between 8 and 12 local writers invited to participate. While they’re in town the big names always visit Jeff’s creative writing class and hold workshops for aspiring poets. Writing can be introspec- tive and isolating, so being able to net- work with other writers and meet and learn from an established poet are both big reasons Poetry on the Rocks continues to be so successful. And the event seems to give results. Stephanie Warner, a recipient of a Young East Kootenay writing festival a crowd pleaser Writers’ Scholarship and recent Kimberley high school graduate, has just had her poem “the rapture is upon us” by Margaret Tessman events, like wine and cheese evenings. We published in the July-August issue of This have sell-out crowds.” Magazine. SAY THE WORDS “poetry reading” to The seed for the evolution of Poetry on This fall, Joanne and Jeff have invited most people and they will likely smile the Rocks came from student poetry read- poets Lorna Crozier and Patrick Lane to politely and run for cover. But say the ings organized by Jeff Pew, a creative writ- headline Poetry on the Rocks. The read- words “poetry festival,” and the people ing teacher at Selkirk Secondary School in ings are scheduled to take place in late of Cranbrook and Kimberley turn out in Kimberley. Jeff’s readings were so popular October or early November in droves. that he and Joanne, who owns Lotus Books Cranbrook and Kimberley. Now in its fourth year, Poetry on the in Cranbrook, decided to expand the for- As one festival brochure writes, Rocks has established itself as a unique mat to include other writers in the commu- “Poetry on the Rocks is theatre of the venue where up and coming writers get a nity. Poetry on the Rocks has since grown mind and eye: alive, vibrant, engaging, chance to share their work and learn on a shoestring budget into a hugely popu- dynamic and entertaining spoken word from experienced poets. And the reason lar, twice yearly festival. performance that leaves the listener on for the phenomenal audience response? “We’ve turned the bookstore into a the edge of each word, excited, stimulat- “We make it fun,” says organizer Joanne café with checkered tablecloths, and even ed, inspired, and always anticipating the Bellanger. “People like to support our had the readings in a bar,” says Joanne. next event.” A reason to come out of the local writers and the readings are real One reading in a Kimberley coffeehouse poetry closet indeed. •

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I Picture You by Caleb Moss

I picture you, in real time, not all romantic memory slow motion, or keystone cop fast forward, but in real time. Real time running, down the silent snow shrouded street, gaining just the right amount of speed, to slide, along the surface, free for the moments within momentum. I picture you, as you walk away from me, not leaving, just wandering with that perfect childlike ease. I picture you as you wrap yourself in the blue black fibers that hum the world of the in between into being.

And you need to know, as we dance with the days that come and go, that baby you are the only one who can ease me gently down so low, who can sing me in lines drawn out slow, who can breathe me in and out with each breath you blow, who can tread my head above the flow and echoes my step when its time to Picturing Caleb Moss roll. Spoken word, and a brand new chapbook You picture me, in time tattered winds, as I carry my satchel of souls, catering to the hands that need, to the hollow whistle of an open wind. Wind that flips the discarded CALEB MOSS writes big. paper wrappings, of consumed trappings and nattered mass yappings. You picture me with It’s not the words on the page that are big; the poems of my hat pulled low, pushing pins into the Caleb Moss pack big concepts into small spaces, and cram tiny balloons of conversational conventions and details into large ones. His delivery is big, too, which is why laughing as the stale gas leaks out with a Moss prefers to perform his poems so that his gestures can mir- confused hissssss. You picture me as I sit separately amidst, practicing the art of ror the dance of words and images. invisibility while the waves hum dumb around “I take up a lot of space when I’m speaking,” he explains. “It me in there best Red Sea rendition. adds breadth and depth to what is written. I play with flow, experiment with how it’s going to sound. There are so many And you need to know, as we dance with the ways to read things.” days that come and go, that baby you are the only one who can ease me gently down so low, Moss is a newcomer to poetry, and to Spoken Word. It began who can sing me in lines drawn out slow, who when he saw poet Saul Williams perform at Calgary’s Wordfest. can breathe me in and out with each breath “He blew me away,” says Moss. “It was one of those rare you blow, who can tread my head above the moments, and I thought: Oh! I didn’t know that could be done!” flow and echoes my step when its time to roll. Smitten, Moss set out to craft his own style, and, invited to read for the first time at World Peace Day, dived right in. He loved it. Picture we, tefloning regrets as the bubbles Moss prefers the label “Spoken Word” to “Performance jet, away the pain of cramped in day. Light Poetry,” but he’d prefer not to label it at all. “As soon as you shifts play a timpani roll along the inside genre-ize it, there’s this clique thing that happens, and you’re of each second finger. Fingers that ignite an eyeless flame that calls down dome roofed supposed to behave in a certain way,” he says. Performance halls, while they joust with winter soccer Poetry, he explains, seems to focus more on performance than balls, and he closes her eyes with kiss substance. Moss is more interested in the words themselves, misted calls. Picture we as late night movie which are augmented through delivery. plays to our mutual dissolve, while the plastic boy nods, and names are now found Moss has won some awards in contests run by Pandora’s for our newly crowned Gods. Picture we in Collective, his words have found music in the songs of Golden live broadcast fantasy, retreating from the musician Heidi Wurmann, and he’s performed at many an open camera lens, wearing the very best twinkled mic—something he wants to see happen on a regular basis in his laughter, waving, with our unattached hands, hometown of Golden where he runs an independent bookstore, goodbye, goodbye, fare thee well. Bacchus Books. And you need to know, as we dance with the Recently, Moss produced a chapbook of his work entitled I days that come and go, that baby you are the Picture You. Of course, the poems lie on the printed page with- only one who can ease me gently down so low, out the benefit of Moss’s effusive gestures and signature delivery, who can sing me in lines drawn out slow, who can breath me in and out with each breathe so you have to imagine. In the future, watch for Spoken Word you blow, who can tread my head above the events happening in the Basin. Caleb Moss may be coming to a flow and echoes my step when its time to microphone near you. • roll. The first word on arts, culture, and heritage in the Columbia Basin 21 Articulate Fall05.qxd 9/27/05 12:03 AM Page 22

how to

A musician’s guide to the backcountry …and the wild world of recording by Bill Usher

SINCE THE INVENTION of the player piano cian reading this and you’re not working about the very costly next steps of profes- and the cylindrical recording disc, musicians and getting paid for your work on a regular sional recording, mastering, package design, have recorded their performances. It’s a cru- basis, then I would gently suggest that manufacturing, and distribution. cial part of the creative—and learning— you’re not ready to make a CD for sale. I Now, ask for all the help you can get process. With the advent of digital would suggest you need more seasoning, and listen hard to what you hear. You’re technology, now almost anyone who has more playing/performing experiences, more paying top dollar for the plumber who access to a computer can “make” a CD. networking, more study of the business of comes to hook up your new dishwasher. I have a friend in her 80s who hired a being a working musician. You expect that they know exactly what local musician with a home studio, recorded Let’s separate “recording” from “mak- needs to be done. Likewise for a producer, a couple of songs, and burned them onto 50 ing a CD for sale.” Developing musicians engineer, recording studio, and accompany- CDs. A home desktop publishing set-up should be performing and recording their ing musicians. Word of mouth is crucial: provided a cover. Now her grandchildren efforts every chance they get. Make record- find out who is most often recommended have a copy of grandma singing. ings of your live shows and make recordings and then listen to their work, ask questions, My friend is what we would call a “hob- on a cassette deck or a PC in your bedroom and listen hard to the answers. byist”—someone who makes music for the or in another musician’s home studio. Listen Many first-timers lament after the fact love of it. For her, being in the studio accom- back and learn from your mistakes. Listen that they did not hire the best producer they panied by some good professional musicians to other musicians’ recordings and learn could find. Being able to afford all the tech- was an exciting process, something she’d from the comparisons. nology and learning how to run it doesn’t always wanted to do. My concern is for folks If, over time, you’re being asked to play necessarily mean that person is also a pro- who decide that by making a CD, they are more and more shows, you’re probably get- ducer. Making your first CD is like going now in the music business and on the road to ting to the point where you need a recording into the extreme back country: you will fame and fortune. The star-making machin- for promotional purposes and can make need a guide, someone who understands ery is a world away from making music for sales to fans from the stage. By this point, where you want to go and knows how to the love of it. Canadian Idol anyone? you’ve shared the stage with many musi- get you there. The creative path presents If you’re an aspiring professional musicians and you’ve heard a ton of war stories Continued on page 28

5. Hire the best musicians you can. You know your best friend can Ready to go for it? play the bagpipes but wouldn’t you rather have a professional who Ten tips for a great CD can give that extra bit only experience can provide? It’s so worth it to work with professionals. By Jane Eamon 6. Don’t hire a producer or a studio just because they’re expensive. When Bill Usher posted a query on Maplepost Listserve to see Listen to what they’ve done and decide if that’s the sound you what tips other musicians had for prospective recording artists, want. I’ve seen too many people hire very expensive producers several offered sage advice gleaned from their own experiences. and studios and end up with a product that is less than stellar. Singer/songwriter Jane Eamon offered these tips: 7. Don’t be afraid to record less. Nobody said the CD had to be 14 1. Put together the very best packaging you can. You only have a songs. very tiny window of time to attract a potential buyer and/or listener. Hire a graphics person, check, check, and re-check your liner notes, 8. Talk to DJs, talk to venues, talk to people in the business. Do lyrics. Make it easy to read and easy to get around. your homework in advance to see who’s going to buy your CD. Nothing more heart-wrenching than having 500 CDs in your 2. Work with the best producer and engineer you can. Even more basement that no one buys. so than that, work with people who get your sound and what you’re trying to do. I produced my first and hired a professional for 9. Once you’ve completed the CD, forget about what it cost you. It’s the second. The difference was dramatic. so vital that you move on. Be proud of what you’ve done and turn your creative energy to the next thing. 3. Stop worrying about the money. It’s only money after all. Work out the details in advance as to how much you need to spend, then 10. Take that leap of faith. Believe with all your heart that you can forget about it. You need to concentrate on getting the best sound do this. Then do it. you can that truly captures who and what you are. Jane Eamon is an award-winning songwriter/performer in the 4. Make a potential list of songs including five or six more than you Okanagan Valley. She has released two critically acclaimed CDs, need and get everyone you know to listen and give you feedback. I writes a songwriting column, holds a critiquing circle, and continues listened to the order of my songs so many times I thought I’d go to perform and write. Check her out at www.janeandgord.com. batty. But it’s so important to take your listener on a journey with your CD.

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CD projects New discs on the block Who's making music in the Columbia Basin

As the Crow Flies: Michael Hepher (mandolin, banjo, vocals), Anie Hepher (guitar, vocals), Ben van der Werf (guitar, dobro, vocals), Shawna Plant (vocals), Neil MacDonald (fiddle), Steve Jones (bass). Above: Kurt Reichel. Toes are tappin’ in the Columbia Basin, and there is no shortage of CDs being released so as to spread the tapping around. This issue, we chose to profile Invermere musician musician profile Kurt Reichel. We wish we could profile them all! Some CDs recently released include the following: In Golden, Candace Helbing and Heidi Wurmann are Rooting for Reichel dedicated musicians adding to their recording portfolio. Helbing’s self-titled CD, to be released in January, will A debut CD, and a follow-up in the works experiment with new sounds; Wurmann’s acoustic folk/pop release, entitled Remote, was recorded in Cranbrook last THE FIRST SONG Invermere musician Kurt Reichel ever wrote was summer. In the Slocan Valley, Jude Rain’s new CD, Angels about a job he held at a cannery, “pulling fish eggs out of the guts and in the Slipstream, is a celebration of the harmonies of Jude the grime, the slop and the slime.” It came about innocently enough. Davison together with Rain Shields; upcoming projects of “We were sitting in a friend’s living room in Prince Rupert back Davison’s include a CD set with performance poet Blake in those crazy sixties and (this guy) Andy Spiller pulled out his gui- Parker titled Terminal City Trilogy. Aspen Switzer of tar and sang a song about being ‘born on a fishing boat and learn- Nelson has been singing for the sheer love of voice since ing to walk on a fisherman’s float’ and I’ll be darned if he didn’t she was small, and her passion comes through in the roots write it himself. I don’t know where I thought songs came from and traditional music on her new CD, to be released this before that but a gong went off in my head and I said...hey, I can spring. Kyra Soko’s CD is instructional; she worked with do that.” North Kootenay Lake flute maker Spring Shine (Cedar Continued on page 29 Spirit Flutes) to teach the magic of Native American flute. Arrow Lakes musician Gord Turner’s demo CD Afterthought is an eclectic showcase of musical styles. The Visit one of British Columbia’s premier public art Bhuddagrass Boys (Olin McKay, John Hall, and Tom galleries and the best kept secret in the Kootenays. Elgie) are poised to release their new CD, entitled At the Edge. With instruments from fiddle to electric guitar, • Exhibitions - change every six weeks • Gift Shop - quality art McKay calls the band’s sound “evolved folk.” Cranbrook and craft • Art Rental Program - 150 original works of art darlings As the Crow Flies celebrate their Kootenay • Annual Wine Tasting - Saturday, November 12, 2005 roots on their newest CD, One Small Acre; they have made • Annual Gifts from the Gallery - 7 pm - Nov. 14 to Dec. 24, 2005 an audio appearance on CBC Radio’s Vinyl Café. Kootenay music is the stuff of life here in the place we The Grand Forks Art Gallery love to call home. Our advice at ARTiculate: be the first on 7340 5th Street (Below the Library), Grand Forks, B.C.V0H 1H0 ph: (250) 442-2211 fx: (250) 442-0099 your block to collect them all! hours: Tues-Sat 10 - 4 e-mail: [email protected] www.galleries.bc.ca/grandforks In partnership with the B.C. Lotteries Direct Access Program, the British Columbia Arts Council and Boundary District Arts Council

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sure shots JULIE-ANNE DAVIES PHOTO

Continued from page 5

will integrate these statements into his exhibit, which he plans to have ready to hang in February or March. Larry hopes the exhibit will travel to Trail, Nelson, Castlegar and beyond. “I would like to encourage people in other communities to do this. Everyone has people to memorialize.” Julie-Anne Davies got her first camera for her twelfth birthday. “I’ve never done any formal training, but Julie-Anne Davies and Winter, Jumbo Pass Yellow salsify seedhead, near Wycliffe. my dad was into photography and we had 18 million photos in our house when I $15. “The darkroom was open and avail- Julie gradually moved from darkroom was growing up.” Her family was also able 24 hours a day, so it got pretty all- to digital camera, and credits the technol- always camping and hiking in the consuming.” After university, Julie-Anne ogy with teaching her a lot. “It’s great for Kimberley area, so combining the two inter- started working as a backcountry guide people with attention deficit like me ests seemed a natural thing to do. “Being in for Selkirk Mountain Experience in because I don’t have to wait. I can see those amazing places made me want to Revelstoke and spent time taking in some results immediately. You can take five bring some of that back home with me.” pretty spectacular scenery. “Just being in photos of the same thing and see right Later, while Julie-Anne was at UBC these beautiful places was so inspiring. I away what’s working best as far as lighting completing a political science degree, she started taking and collecting more and and composition go.” bought a pass to the student darkroom for more photos of the places I visited.” Continued on page 30

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JULIE-ANNE DAVIES PHOTO local colour

Keeping up with the Traverses …and learning a thing or two

by Anne DeGrace

FOR MICHAEL AND Maureen Travers, it’s about history. It’s about Portrait of the artists with pastel “Spa Lady” and stone, wood and lead sheet sculpture, “Cry Me a River,” both by Michael. philosophy. It’s about lifelong learning. It’s about bucking the trend, flout- ing convention, and being true to oneself. It’s definitely about creativity, and it’s most certainly about art. Today, the influence of Maureen and Michael Travers in the region extends to a publicly accessible multimedia collection called Discovering the Kootenays through commissions such as the commemorative mural created for Colombo Lodge’s 100th anniversary in Trail, and includes the unique educational course the two have developed to spark enthusiasm and creative freedom in their students. The Traverses’ story starts in 1942, when each was born in Northern England, although the two did not meet until college. Maureen came from a family of artists: silversmiths, glass artists, ecclesiastical painters. Homeschooled until the age of 12 by her grandmother, she assisted in colouring movie stills and hung about churchyards and cathedrals as part of an artists’ entourage. Her grandfather taught her how to use a sewing machine. “I had a head start in the sense that I had all the ingredients for creativity early on,” she explains. “I’ve known very little but arts and crafts all my life.” Michael’s father had been a painter and he too had an affinity for art that moved him to study sculpture. “I’m very much interested in the hand- This stained glass window was commissioned by Nova Corporation president Bob Blair. Continued on page 26

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local colour

Continued from page 25 new philosophy that changed drawings, textiles, paintings, made quality of things, and the everything. dioramas, and stained glass—a history of things,” he says. “Around 1970 I heard a work-in-progress that will, From there, their anti-careers talk by Ivan Illich, and was cumulatively, tell the story of (Maureen dislikes the term enthralled with his notion of this region, from Fort Steele to career) carried on in individual anti-bureaucratization of edu- Castlegar. It includes the stained trajectories that reflected the cation. He was the antithesis to glass historical retrospective, Fall and Winter passions of each. university type structure. He Corporate Confluence, which are calm and After graduating, Maureen made extreme sense to me.” explores corporate impact on specialized in glass, both as a Michael, a tenured professor, the Trail region. It’s available creative — studio stained glass painter— shocked more than a few col- to anyone who wants to pay for a wonderful she served with Master Glass leagues when he left. transportation costs; there are time to visit! Painter Stanley Scott—and in While in Alberta the two no other charges. For Maureen, the design industry, working worked as consultants to the it’s a way to celebrate who we Most Artisans for companies such as Alberta government’s public are and where we came from, Pilkington and Corning. Travel works department, formed a using a creative vehicle to tell open through scholarships took her to study professional art and design the story. October, medieval stained glass in office, and worked on various “All of the communities are many all winter. Britain and France. private and corporate projects. connected by virtue of explo- Appointments included execu- One notable commission was a ration and exploitation of our Winter work tive glass designer in England, major stained glass work for resources,” she explains. Germany, and New York. Nova Corporation president The newest plans for the hours vary. Maureen explored textiles, Bob Blair. To assist, Michael Discovering the Kootenays winning the British Textile apprenticed to Maureen, who collection include stained glass Call 1-250-227-9655 Designers House and Garden by then was experiencing prob- pieces depicting the Columbia or toll free first prize. She also won the lems with her hands. River sturgeon and Trail’s 1-866-931-8464 British Council of Design Maureen had taken ill with Maple Leaf Band. The award for domestic glass. a series of ailments that began Museum of Glass in Tacoma, Meanwhile, Michael con- with carpal tunnel symptoms Washington, is planned as the sulted in visual arts at and lead to an eventual diagno- first stop for these. The collec- University of Wolverhampton sis of Sjogrens Syndrome. The tion will soon be accessible under sculptor Ron Dutton. Traverses sought the warmer through a website being He was an exhibiting member B.C. climate, eventually settling designed by Michael. of the Midland Group of Fine in Riondel. But the effects of At the Travers workspace, Artists, and won awards in health and age continued to The Santa Fe Trail Visual Art sculpture. But when he was take their toll, and the two and Design Studio, Michael is offered a post at the University moved to Trail in the wake of working on his own series of of Alberta, the Traverses felt health facility closures. sculptures inspired by Japanese CENTRE 64 the lure of the West. They are philosophical sensibilities of space and sim- “I had a yearning to with their situation, as with plicity. Wabi Sabi sculptures Art Gallery explore the American West,” everything. “Don’t moan explore the Japanese art of Theatre admits Maureen. Her grandfa- about what you’ve lost, but impermanence. They are a ther, as a child, had helped to celebrate what you have,” says departure from what Michael Dance/Music Studio unload Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Maureen. It is also the philoso- calls his “tongue-in-cheek, Workshops Show when it visited England, phy behind Discovering the satirical eye,” exposed, in the and had met Sitting Bull. “He Kootenays. past, through collages that For gallery exhibit loved Zane Grey novels. He The seed for the project leaned towards social com- was an armchair cowboy.” began when Maureen, study- mentary. and theatre They never looked back. ing local history through While he admits that “my information “It’s the land that keeps us Selkirk College, took a class work has no commercial viabil- please call or email rooted, and the wonderment of field trip to the Doukhobor ity,” it doesn’t bother him. “I’m the scale of the country,” says Museum in Castlegar. passionate about philosophical Maureen. Maureen describes one young and political questions. I’m in 64 Deer Park Avenue At U of A Michael taught student who expressed impa- my spiritual phase, I suppose. Kimberley, BC V1A 2J2 fine art and printmaking, tience with the merits of study- Most people do as they age, P: 250.427.4919 supervised graduate students, ing artifacts. “That’s when I having been around the block E: kimberleyarts@ and exhibited his own work at determined to turn history into several times.” cyberlink.bc.ca the Edmonton Art Gallery and a visual thing.” These philosophies, the other venues. But Michael, Discovering the Kootenays school of Ivan Illich, and child- always learning, discovered a is a multimedia collection of Continued on page 30

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art and health

Colour Schemes Art as a tool for healing

Creative art can be a tool for healing others and ourselves. In the Columbia Basin, art and health practitioners are finding creative meeting places, with results everyone can feel good about.

by Simone Keiran

“IF I WERE a hospital administrator, I can’t Kootenays. Her inspiration for setting up other media. It has received an overwhelm- think why I wouldn’t want an exhibit like the Primary Gallery evolved from a painting cheer from people in the community the Primary Gallery for my patients,” Deb ing project where she worked with other who use the centre. Borsos says about the exhibition space she staff to choose the colours for the Primary ”It’s a passive form of art participation set up in Kaslo’s Primary Healthcare Healthcare facility. for patients and visitors,” says Borsos, “so Centre. Borsos worked as a hospital ward Now, the Primary Gallery is booked up it’s non-threatening to those who don’t clerk in emergency, surgery, intensive care, to August 2006 with two shows a year fea- believe they’re artistic. It provides a far and the emergency nursery for many years turing a variety of two-dimensional works more pleasant distraction than a blank wall in Vancouver before moving to the in oil pastel, watercolour, photography, and Continued on page 28 GARY WALKER PHOTO

Feeling great: Sue Hanlon begins preliminary sketches for Sparwood's Health Centre mural. In background, an aquatic centre mural painted by Hanlon.

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Continued from page 27 chance to express their grief and identification, uniting one city with the other in spirit. and, perhaps, takes patients’ minds off their Carpendale hopes to attract everyone who worries for a short while.” feels inspired to this symposium, from artists Primary Gallery has been so successful, who want more ways of supporting themselves Borsos has launched another pilot project in our community, to clients, to healthcare and called Primary Colours, slated to run for a full education professionals who need to de-stress year starting in May or June of 2006. The proj- in the face of cutbacks. “There will be work- ect will include a six-day workshop to train shops, talks, slide presentations, all kinds of Art Gallery artists in skills required to facilitate active art information about the latest techniques and projects on the wards, after which they may be possibilities. It’s very exciting.” Theatre eligible for paid positions in healthcare facili- Another example of the benefits of institu- ties in the region. To this end, she is conducting tional art can be seen at the F. W. Green Museum a survey of area healthcare professionals to see Memorial Home in Cranbrook, where a where placements would be welcomed. Borsos colourful mural produced by local talent cam- The Langham Art Gallery Thurs-Sun 1-4 PM hopes that the placement sites will offer diver- ouflages an emergency exit. The painting steers sity: perhaps a medical ward, long-term care Alzheimer and dementia patients away from The Langham Theatre facility, homecare setting, or hospice, wherever danger by distracting them from the exit, and - diverse quality entertainment in an intimate space. art will benefit those in care. spares residents and workers stress from fre- “It’s hard to think of anyone in the commu- quent alarms. This mural is so successful that, The Japanese Canadian nity who art therapy doesn’t benefit,” explains according to public health nurse Lois Halco, a Museum - an archival exhibit of internment. Monica Carpendale, director of the Kutenai Art similar project has just been approved in Open daily. Therapy Institute in Nelson, which will host the Sparwood. This one has been designed and will Innovations in Art and Health Symposium in be painted by local artist Sue Hanlon—anoth- 447 A Avenue, Kaslo, B.C. P.O. Box 1000, Kaslo, B.C. V0G 1M0 June 2006. “Hospital patients, trauma patients, er meeting place for healthcare and art, and an Phone: 250-353-2661 FAX: 250-353-2671 the dying, the mentally ill, the mentally chal- opportunity for creative healing. Email: [email protected] Website: thelangham.ca lenged, the physically challenged, adolescents at Deadlines for submissions to the Innovations risk, children who have been neglected, aban- in Art and Health Symposium hosted by the doned or abused, who have witnessed violence, Kutenai Art Therapy Institute is October 15, who lose a parent, whose families have split up, 2005. The symposium will be held in June 2006. who suffer from emotional disorders, physical Watch their website at http://kati.kics.bc.ca/ for ailments or learning disabilities. It helps their further details, or call Joan Ralston at352-2264, families, their friends, healthcare professionals, toll-free 1-800-580-6388. group leaders and community workers. It is For information or submission to Primary used for treatment, rehabilitation, or stimulat- Colours or Primary Gallery, contact Deb ing cognitive abilities.” Borsos at [email protected] • Carpendale cites the example of the elderly in long-term care facilities, “where art stimu- lates cognitive abilities by helping them to remember their past, their history, their per- how to sonal stories. When they regain their past, they regain their lives. Continued from page 22 “Art activities also give them something over which they have choice and control. Can you thousands of choices along the way. In the heat think of any activity where a nursing home of the moment, with the clock ticking, it’s cru- patient has control? Everything is dictated else- cial to have a guide who can steer you clear of where: when they sleep, where they sleep, when the path that leads over the cliff. they eat, what they eat, when they are dressed if For some hard info, there are resources avail- they are dressed—if someone is available to help able. Check out the Maplepost Listserve, a them dress. With such loss of autonomy, they Canadian site for folk, roots, and world music lose their self-esteem, their joy in life. Art helps industry news and views, and subscribe through them recover it all,” she says. “And it gives their [email protected]. Other useful families something active and fun to do when sites include the following: for those looking to they visit, which also helps.” fundraise for the making of their CD, Bob Art projects do not have to be complicated Bossin’s “how to” page at www3.telus.net/old- and costly, explains Carpendale. After 9-11, an folk/25thou.htm; for manufacturing advice, try art therapist in Vancouver laid out rolls of Music Manufacturing Services at www.mmsdi- white paper, crayons, and washable paints in rect.com/ an open public space, invited people to draw Bill Usher has produced more than 60 what they felt, and chatted with them about albums in his day and has earned three Juno their images. This simple act gave people the Awards. Go to billusher.com for more info. 28 ARTiculate • Articulate Fall05.qxd 9/27/05 12:03 AM Page 29

musician profile

Continued from page 23 band, described on the NewMusic Canada he regularly designs for travel guides and website (www.newmusiccanada.com/gen- other publications. And so he has. Root of the River, Songs res/artist.cfm?Band_Id=14607) as “loose Now, Reichel and friends are at work on of Life and Family was produced two years musicians landlocked in their valley.” Root of the River II. “The songs are writ- ago as an EP, with four songs featuring “Cover these songs and fame and fortune ten, now the rehearsals begin as we try to Reichel’s partner Deb Ede’s rich voice on could be yours,” the listing also says, but hammer them into a form that meets my vocals and a host of Windemere Valley according to Reichel, it goes both ways. desires.” Both CDs come with assistance musicians who bring to the sound a collec- “My main intent is to get other people from the Columbia Kootenay Cultural tive expertise and professionalism. Guitarist to do my material. I’d like someone to make Alliance. John Cronin, for example, was once a side- me a millionaire,” he says. “I’ll know I’ve The music on Root of the River blends man for Ian Tyson, Brian Rogers keeps the made it in the music business when I hear country, jazz, and blues. The words speak of beat, Brian Hoffos and James Milligen are my music in some elevator.” love, loneliness, and the stuff of life. The partners in saxophone, and Bill Cropper As it is, Reichel isn’t going to get rich lead song, Easy Being Lonely, explores the plays “some of the sweetest sounds on har- from Root of the River, which cost about emptiness of both the person who is gone monica you’re ever likely to hear.” Reichel $500 per song to make. And at 57, Reichel and the one left behind, explains Reichel. plays bass and adds his vocal talents to the feels he’s past the point of wanting to go on With deep, sultry vocals by Ede, sax that mix. With sound engineer Lowell Threinen the road, embarking on that self-promo- melts like chocolate, fine guitar and har- tying it all together, the CD “exceeded all of tional push necessary for serious acknowl- monica and a great deal of feeling, it’s a our expectations,” says Reichel. edgement. But he loves to write and play— strong recording. For Reichel, music and lis- And yet, the CD’s cohesion should not he’s been playing music since he was 16— tener are symbiotic, and he hopes that peo- have been such a surprise. Says Reichel, “All and “I just want people to listen to them ple on the receiving end will find something of us have been performing together in var- and enjoy them,” he says. in the music that speaks to them. ious configurations for about 25 years, Reichel is also a graphic artist, wood- “Ultimately, the root of the river is one becoming brothers and sisters in music.” carver, painter, and illustrator. His work is drop of water,” he says. And many drops, Combo Akimbo is the name of the seen regularly in Storyteller magazine, and all together, sound like music. • hot off the press

The Inner Green: person from the way they examine ment—Treading and think about the natural world Water traces a Exploring Home in and turn their thoughts into community the Columbia words. What comes through in from its inno- Mountains The Inner Green is the authors’ cent beginnings love and respect for the Columbia until the day the Mountains region. There really is waters rise. Set by K. Linda Kivi and Eileen Delehanty Pearkes no place like home. in the fictional Maa Press Authors K. Linda Kivi and community of ISBN 0-9685302-2-2 Eileen Delehanty Pearkes will read Bear Creek, its Paperback; $23.00 from The Inner Green at the characters bring Fall 2005 Oxygen Gallery, Nelson Fine Arts to the novel their Centre, on Saturday, October 15 at own stories: Gus 7:30 pm. To order the book, contact Sanders, a young Armchair naturalists and anyone who MAA Press c/o K. Linda Kivi, 1-4925 trapper; Jake Schroeder, a Mennonite boy with has lived in and loved the Columbia Marello Rd., Nelson V1L 6X4 or email a desire to fight for his country; suffragette Basin will find curling up with The Inner [email protected]. Isobel Gray; Dutch war bride Aliesje Milner; Green a rewarding way to discover the and Ursula Hartmann, first child born in Bear essence of the region. Written as a series Creek and among the last to leave. of essays in two voices and illustrated Treading Water “There’s so much fascinating history with line drawings from the authors’ from this region,” DeGrace says. “As seeds notebooks, The Inner Green is an explo- by Anne DeGrace for fiction, it’s just a fabulous opportuni- ration of all things Kootenay. Authors K. McArthur & Company ty.” The book is dedicated “to the commu- Linda Kivi and Eileen Delehanty Pearkes ISBN 1-55278-526-2 nity of Renata, and to all communities turn their curiosity and appreciation for Hardcover; $29.95 who lost their land to progress, but kept the unobserved into literary treatises on Fall 2005 their stories.” everything from snow to stink bugs to the Co-author of two photographic books Coeur d’Alene salamander. Inspired by the tiny community of on the Kootenays, Anne DeGrace writes Nature writing is as personal as a Renata—flooded out in the 1960s in the between work as a librarian, journalist, thumbprint. You can tell a lot about a wake of Columbia River dam develop- illustrator, and mother. • The first word on arts, culture, and heritage in the Columbia Basin 29 Articulate Fall05.qxd 9/27/05 12:03 AM Page 30

Photographer’s eye will always be her first love. “We’ve already taken Winter hiking Continued from page 24 and camping and she travelled with us to New Zealand when she was four months old,” she says. Another photographer in the Davies family? Time will tell. The birth last year of Julie-Anne’s daughter, Winter, signalled a From Grasslands to Granite can be seen at the Trickle Creek huge transition in her work and life. “She really grounded me and Gallery in Kimberley starting in September. Look for brought me down to the level of my backyard. One day we went Community Contributors in February or March at the Firehall for a four-hour walk and I just took endless photos of tiny, forest Gallery in Rossland. You can check out more of Larry Doell’s floor details.” Going back through the photos she’d taken over the photos on his website, www.doellphoto.com • years gave Julie-Anne the basis for her collection, From Grasslands to Granite. The images she’s chosen move from season to season and range from the grandeur of the Summit Peak granite spires in the Bugaboos to those blades of grass in Julie-Anne’s backyard. Local colour The growth of tourism and recreational development was Continued from page 26 another motivation for Julie-Anne to show this work. As the wilderness changes and is intruded upon more and more, Julie- hoods steeped in art and unconventional learning, have lead the Anne believes it is important to “remember to go back to what it’s Traverses to develop a 10-week course in art and creativity, taught really about. There are so many areas of ecological interest in this recently at the VISAC Gallery in Trail. There, students receive no region.” To this end, Julie-Anne also works on the board of direc- marks, and any hurdles they leap are their own. It’s all about the tors of Wildsight, the East Kootenay Environmental Society. experience. Wildsight lobbies and does public education around the manage- Michael and Maureen, although still learning, have gleaned a ment of ecologically sensitive areas and recently raised its profile thing or two the rest of us could learn from: that art and history by organizing the Living Lakes conference in Invermere, an inter- are mutually inclusive; that to know oneself is paramount; to national waterways symposium. respect one another is imperative; and that to celebrate what we Having had the opportunity to photograph a couple of births have is the best place to begin. • and weddings, Julie-Anne is now exploring the possibility of The work and projects of Michael and Maureen Travers can developing a small business based on candid, “documentary- be viewed at www.discoveringthekootenays.ca - contact: santafe- style” photography. But it is obvious that the wilderness is and [email protected] and www.wabisabi.ca.

The art of craft porting her “were hippie kids and city folks trying to get a little bit of magic in their lives,” a marketplace that wouldn’t compromise their Continued from page 15 convictions was created. It was a triumphant success, with 3000 people (much to the chagrin of local businesses) attending the first the lifestyle the isolated rural area offered. She believes that the for- Kootenay Christmas Faire at the Nelson Civic Centre in 1973. mation of the Kootenay Christmas Faire was all about “lifestyle, The Kootenay Christmas Faire exemplifies Sandra’s passionate lifestyle, lifestyle,” and that the market was created fundamentally belief that, although historically marginalized and romanticized, because of the Kootenay way of life. craft history speaks to our history and our culture, and forces us to Pauline Hanbury, whom Sandra describes as the “mother of the think about issues such as Quebec sovereignty, first nations culture Kootenay Christmas Faire,” saw that, while the Doukhobors and and history, feminist theory and globalization, our own situation in Quakers had long lived off their agricultural products and handi- the world, and our own national identity. “Craft history makes us crafts, there was another group of young, dynamic people who had proud of where we come from.” no organized place to market the crafts they used as a source of Sandra also believes that the development of critical theory has income during the winter months. serious implications for crafts people—in academic art history pro- Pauline envisioned a marketplace that would reflect the way these grams, educating future curators, critics, and historians and, most craftspeople tried to live their lives. With a sense that the group sup- importantly, educating future bureaucrats who decide to what and to whom they give arts funding. Parts of Sandra’s thesis made its way into her recently released book, Craft and Identity: The Development of Professional Craft in The Nelson and District Only juried faire in the Kootenays Arts Council presents of unique and handcrafted Canada, published by McGill-Queen’s University Press. She recent- goods and wares! ly won a fellowship from the Social Science and Humanities Friday, November 25, 12noon - 9pm Research Council of Canada to research architecture and crafts in Saturday November 26, 10am - 6pm Canada. She’s pleased at the recognition her passion has received. Sunday November 27, 10am - 4pm “This proves that crafts are starting to be taken seriously.” The Nelson & District Rod and Gun Club, • 801 Railway Rd. (by Cottonwood Falls) • Great Food and Entertainment • A Real Family Event • 35 New and Returning Artisans • Admission $2.00 Under 12 Free “Craft history makes us proud 2006 Nelson Artwalk and 2006 Kootenay Artisans of where we come from.” Christmas Market Call for Entry Applications available Monday February 20, 2006 Call 250-352-2402, email [email protected] or visit our website at www.ndac.ca

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last word opinion

by Deb Borsos

Creatively Infiltrating the Healthcare System

IS THE CONCEPT of using the arts in “important things.” Even if enough fund- Lake resident and gifted artist Pauline healthcare the best thing since sliced ing did become available there would still McGeorge. Her colourful and life affirm- bread? be those who wouldn’t agree—which they ing oil pastels and watercolours drew No, in fact—it’s better. are entitled to do. positive and enthusiastic comments from At a recent conference I attended on The arts have long been integrated people, many of whom had never stepped the subject, delegates from around the into healthcare in the United States, into a gallery or seen her work before. In world agreed that arts and healthcare fac- Japan, and Norway. In Eastern countries the exhibit just ended, artist Margaret tions seemed to be light years apart from where a philosophy of caring for the Oliver showed a stunning collection of each other in their methods and ways of “whole” person has been the norm for oils, watercolours, and pastels. Maggie is thinking—not a surprise. Those who centuries, the arts have always been also employed as an R.N. at the Victorian think scientifically and value statistical included. Community Health Centre of Kaslo, just information typically have to stretch (a In Canada, although it is still a new upstairs from the Primary Health lot) to believe that there is value in expe- idea, there are numerous examples of arts Centre—which shows yet another way of riencing something that can’t necessarily programming in health facilities in every integrating arts and health. be measured with numbers, such as how province. Dance classes for the neurolog- Projects like the Primary Gallery are a good a patient feels creating a piece of ically disabled, live performances of good first step in terms of introducing the art. And the artistic side of the equation music or theatre, puppets for kids dealing idea of art into healthcare facilities. It is a doesn’t always understand that research with trauma to “speak” through, or passive and non-threatening way for a and measurement is a very important part artists on the ward who help patients cre- large cross section of the community to of healthcare. Happily, at this intense and ate their own artwork; the possibilities interact with art. All they have to do is inspiring three-day think tank, agreement are endless. look at it. If it helps to distract them from seemed to come somewhere in the middle: As a local example, when the Kaslo their worries momentarily, engages them both qualitative and quantitative results Primary Health Centre opened two years in conversation with someone, makes are valuable in order to convince others ago in the old hospital the halls and wait- them calmer, or (heaven forbid!) inspires of the need to integrate arts programming ing areas became the Primary Gallery, them to be more creative themselves, this into healthcare. where rotating exhibits of visual art by is all good. I personally don’t need convincing. I local artists are displayed. When I am at Persistence is the key in raising aware- have worked in healthcare for 18 years work there it’s heartening to see the sur- ness about the many ways art can be used and have been an artist all my life. I’ve prise and favourable response by many to enhance people’s health. Once enough seen the benefits that can come. who come in for healthcare. The atmos- people have benefited from this, “those I know there are those who fail to see phere is brighter, calming, less sterile. that hold the purse strings” may consider the benefit in this idea, who believe that We’ve had a 40-year retrospective options for ongoing funding of program- there isn’t even enough funding for the show of the long-time north Kootenay ming for arts in healthcare as has already happened in other countries. In many cases creative projects don’t need to be If it helps to distract them from their worries momentarily, costly, particularly if there is a partnership between an artist or arts organiza- engages them in conversation with someone, makes them tion (experts at making a buck go far…) along with the health facility. And to be calmer, or inspires them to be more creative themselves, fair, there are those in healthcare manage- this is all good. ment who also believe in this idea. They just haven’t figured out where to squeeze the dollars from to support it. •

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