January is a great time for anniversaries and along with all the other milestones being observed in the post-festive season is one of particular interest to the city's artistic community.
It was January 2012 when Joy Barrett was formally welcomed as the executive director of the Castlegar Sculpturewalk program.
In the time that has whisked by, the effort which has enhanced Castlegar's position on the cultural landscape has grown to impressive new heights. Continent-wide attention is being attracted to the "crossroads" community and everyone here is benefitting from it.
In just a few years the foundations for a prestigious reputation have been laid and the future is looking positive.
"It's been a wonderful year," Barrett told the Castlegar News on January 7. "I was very excited to come on board Sculpturewalk. It was great working under the tutelage of the founding member Pat Field and to learn from his experience and expertise."
Field's energy and vision were instrumental in getting the idea from the planning stages to tangible reality. It was in 2012 that the artist/organizer/promoter stepped aside, making way for the very qualified Barrett, who doubles as Cultural Development Officer with the City of Nelson.
Having reached the plateau of 30 artists for the current edition of Sculpturewalk, the prevailing sentiment is that further growth is not a priority for the program at this time.
Consolidation and quality are concepts being welcomed.
"I would say my favouritie part of the job is working with the artists," the director related. "We're fortunate in the Kootenays, the Castlegar region in particular, to have so many artists and artisans who are creating such amazing pieces of work... that we don't have to go that far afield to find the quality we're looking for. And the artists are all so excited to have the opportunity to show large-scale sculptures. Some people don't get this chance."
Extremely grateful for the support from the community and from local govermnent, Joy Barrett is busy behind the scenes seeing to it that the next installment will live up to expectations.
The existing sculptures will be taken down in early April. The works will go to the parties who have bought them, some will be leased and some will go back to their creators.
"Some will go to our partner sculpturewalks in the 'States," explained Barrett.
The annual gala reception and kick-off is set for the end of May.
Watch for updates right here in the Castlegar News.