Arts and culture

Artist Frantisek Strouhal’s work ‘Soul Journey’ was juried and invited to participate in the 54th Open International Juried Exhibition by the Society of Canadian Artists. Photo: contributed

West Kootenay artist’s work selected for international exhibition

“My work is a reflection of my own personal renaissance,” said Frantisek Strouhal.

 

The Columbia Basin Culture Tour is on August 6 and 7, and covers nearly 60 artists and venues in the region. Black Press Photo

Columbia Basin Culture Tour features Castlegar and Robson stops

Check out local artists and artisans Aug. 6-7

 

Picture of the Vancouver art gallery from 2014. (Kay Yamagishi/Flickr)

Sustainability and world class art to meet in new Vancouver Art Gallery building

Federal government kicks in $29 million to help fund ‘passive house’ arts centre in downtown Vancouver

 

Harrison Firefighter Fred Webber smiles as he holds copies of the two Chicken Soup for the Soul books that contain his story. (Adam Louis/Observer)

Harrison firefighter publishes story in 2 ‘Chicken Soup’ books

Fred Webber fulfilled his firefighting dream in his mid 50s

Harrison Firefighter Fred Webber smiles as he holds copies of the two Chicken Soup for the Soul books that contain his story. (Adam Louis/Observer)
Fernie artist Michael Hepher working on yet another new addition to his solo exhibition, ‘All in this together’, which will go on display at the Fernie Museum gallery from July 1. (Scott Tibballs / The Free Press)

The Columbia Basin in bright, bold colour: Fernie artist paints the region

Michael Hepher’s solo exhibit ‘All in this together’ will appear at the Fernie Museum gallery from next month

Fernie artist Michael Hepher working on yet another new addition to his solo exhibition, ‘All in this together’, which will go on display at the Fernie Museum gallery from July 1. (Scott Tibballs / The Free Press)
Twin Rivers Elementary students helped to plant a pollinator meadow near the Kootenay Gallery of Art last fall. Photo: Castlegar Butterflyway

Five West Kootenay arts organizations receiving provincial grants

Kootenay Gallery of Art and Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre to benefit from funding boost

Twin Rivers Elementary students helped to plant a pollinator meadow near the Kootenay Gallery of Art last fall. Photo: Castlegar Butterflyway
The Sheepdogs will be headlining the Wapiti 2022 music festival in Fernie, out of a lineup of 11 bands from Fernie to as far as Toronto. (Image courtesy of Wapiti Music Festival).

Summer’s looking brighter for Fernie: Wapiti Music Festival 2022 lineup announced

The lineup of the August music festival includes 11 bands, including Fernie locals and from afar

The Sheepdogs will be headlining the Wapiti 2022 music festival in Fernie, out of a lineup of 11 bands from Fernie to as far as Toronto. (Image courtesy of Wapiti Music Festival).
Renowned Canadian writer, Margaret Atwood speaks after Canada Post unveiling of a special stamp in her honour in Toronto on Nov. 25, 2021. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette)

QUIZ: How much do you know about poems and poetry?

April is National Poetry Month in Canada

Renowned Canadian writer, Margaret Atwood speaks after Canada Post unveiling of a special stamp in her honour in Toronto on Nov. 25, 2021. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette)
Trumpet player Nico Bucher of Nelson was last year’s winner in the brass instruments category at the Kootenay Festival of the Arts. Photo: Madeleine Guenette

Kootenay Festival of the Arts invites applications

The festival is celebrating its 92nd year

Trumpet player Nico Bucher of Nelson was last year’s winner in the brass instruments category at the Kootenay Festival of the Arts. Photo: Madeleine Guenette
FILE - A man, wearing a protective face mask to prevent the spread of coronavirus, is tattooed at Paul and Friends tattoo parlour in downtown Brussels, March 26, 2021. The European Union is imposing restrictions on the inks that tattoo artists can use as of Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022. The EU says it is a necessary move to protect the health of consumers because thousands of chemical elements now in use can cause anything from allergic reactions to cancer. The tattoo industry complains it is unfairly targeted and is losing an essence part of its art. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco, File)

Tattoo artist anger over new European rules goes beyond skin deep

Commission says alternatives to the banned products do exist

FILE - A man, wearing a protective face mask to prevent the spread of coronavirus, is tattooed at Paul and Friends tattoo parlour in downtown Brussels, March 26, 2021. The European Union is imposing restrictions on the inks that tattoo artists can use as of Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022. The EU says it is a necessary move to protect the health of consumers because thousands of chemical elements now in use can cause anything from allergic reactions to cancer. The tattoo industry complains it is unfairly targeted and is losing an essence part of its art. (AP Photo/Francisco Seco, File)
Kwakwaka’wakw and Coast Salish artist Maynard Johnny Jr. beside the unveiled design of the Salish Heron vessel. (Kiernan Green/News Staff)

BC Ferries unveils Indigenous design for next Salish Class vessel

Including Island artist Maynard Johnny Jr.’s artwork seen as meaningful act towards reconciliation

Kwakwaka’wakw and Coast Salish artist Maynard Johnny Jr. beside the unveiled design of the Salish Heron vessel. (Kiernan Green/News Staff)
(Contributed by Michelle Malan)

Sparwood seniors pose as firefighters in fundraising calendar

Funds raised will go towards the supported living facility

(Contributed by Michelle Malan)
Artist Andrew Raney and Inga Leavell of the Sons of Norway Nordic Lodge are looking for a serene space to harbour the Viking ship garden bench in honour of the Lodge’s 60th anniversary. Photo: Jim Bailey

Sons of Norway ship seeks friendly harbour in the Kootenays

Viking ship/bench celebrates the Sons of Norway’s, Nordic Lodge 76, 60th anniversary in West Kootenay

Artist Andrew Raney and Inga Leavell of the Sons of Norway Nordic Lodge are looking for a serene space to harbour the Viking ship garden bench in honour of the Lodge’s 60th anniversary. Photo: Jim Bailey
Selkirk Challengers Gymnastics Club was one of the recipients of provincial gaming grants. Athletes Lily Garthe (left) and Adriana Wilson (right) are pictured here along with head coach Rhonda Saunders (middle). Photo: Submitted by Selkirk Challengers

Castlegar arts and sports groups receive $200,000 in gaming grants

Local groups benefit from provincial funding stream

Selkirk Challengers Gymnastics Club was one of the recipients of provincial gaming grants. Athletes Lily Garthe (left) and Adriana Wilson (right) are pictured here along with head coach Rhonda Saunders (middle). Photo: Submitted by Selkirk Challengers
John Cooper in 2000. Photo: Fred Rosenberg

‘I owe him so much’: Legendary Nelson artist John Cooper passes away

Cooper died at 85 on July 20

John Cooper in 2000. Photo: Fred Rosenberg
Tristan Wheeler wants to become Castlegar’s poet laureate. Photo: Submitted

Castlegar native campaigns to become poet laureate

Tristan Wheeler made a pitch to Castlegar city council

Tristan Wheeler wants to become Castlegar’s poet laureate. Photo: Submitted
A screenshot of the First Peoples Cultural Councils First Peoples’ Map. (First Peoples Cultural Council)

Online resource blends B.C.-Alberta’s Indigenous languages, art and culture

Advisor says initiative supports the urgent need to preserve Indigenous languages

A screenshot of the First Peoples Cultural Councils First Peoples’ Map. (First Peoples Cultural Council)
Frantisek Strouhal’s artwork being showcased is titled “The Tree of Life.” Photo: Submitted

International virtual exhibit showcases two West Kootenay artists

The Healing Power of ART In Honor of Nature runs online until July 20

Frantisek Strouhal’s artwork being showcased is titled “The Tree of Life.” Photo: Submitted
Student Ellie Knox, sorting out ArtBoxes before delivery. Once all the components were packed and at-the-ready, each art box was left to sit in ‘quarantine’ for five days before it was delivered to the senior’s home. Photo: Submitted

Creating West Kootenay connections through art

A weaving-themed art box was delivered in the winter, a watercolour theme this month

Student Ellie Knox, sorting out ArtBoxes before delivery. Once all the components were packed and at-the-ready, each art box was left to sit in ‘quarantine’ for five days before it was delivered to the senior’s home. Photo: Submitted
Arts Revelstoke, is one of many local arts councils that can nominate someone to join the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance’s steering committee. (Jocelyn Doll/Revelstoke Review)

Regional arts steering committee seeking volunteers

Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance needs new members

Arts Revelstoke, is one of many local arts councils that can nominate someone to join the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance’s steering committee. (Jocelyn Doll/Revelstoke Review)