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Downtown Art Farm opens

Castlegar’s Downtown Art Farm is now officially open, providing a space for urban gardeners and art lovers alike.
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Castlegar Mayor Lawrence Chernoff participates in the official sod-turning at the opening of the new Downtown Art Farm

Castlegar’s Downtown Art Farm is now officially open, providing a space for urban gardeners and art lovers alike.

After two months of construction, the space, located at 214 11th Ave., has been levelled and now has a grassy area, garden plots and art throughout.

Sharon Starratt, project manager of the art farm said the space is owned by Pinnacle Projects’ Doug Johnstone and Willow Enewold.

When Starratt was being interviewed for a job with the company a few months ago, she said she was interesting in urban gardening. After learning more about the growing trend, Johnstone and Enewold hired Starratt and, aside from her day job at Pinnacle, became the visionary for the garden.

Prior to the construction of the garden, Starratt said the space was overgrown and had various construction materials strewn about.

About two months ago, clearing of the space began and the lot was levelled. What was intended to be a garden space only soon turned into the idea of an art garden, with inspiration coming from SculptureWalk.

“Is This Love?” by Osamede Obazee, one of the sculptures from last year’s SculptureWalk, was purchased by Pinnacle Projects and is now on display in the garden. Murals that were painted by Karla Pearce and 25 local children eight years ago are also on display.

A sculpture by Pat Field is on its way to being put up in the garden and Starratt said they’re hoping for more art to be contributed soon.

“We’re hoping to attract contributions from the public,” she said.

As for the garden plots, Starratt said there are seven people involved right now. The plots are free, and the only stipulation is that you must donate some of your harvest to the food bank.

Composting is available on site, as well. The idea is for people that live or work downtown to contribute their organic waste to the compost bin instead of throwing it in the garbage.

“We want the art farm to be a successful community garden as well as an outdoor art gallery where culture and artistic talent from this area can flourish,” Johnstone told the crowd gathered at the farm’s opening on Friday. “Our main goal is to create a beautiful and enjoyable green space open to all visitors, but also to assist in efforts to create a sustainable local food resources within our urban area.”

To become involved or for more information, call 250-365-3631 or email:

info@pinnaclepac.com