What type of holiday are you looking for? Are you traveling with family or friends? When would you like to visit? Let us make some recommendations!
The Columbia Basin Culture Tour showcases art and artists in their chosen environment.
Each location will be open on Saturday & Sunday, August 10 & 11.
The tour is completed at your leisure and is self-directed, as well as free of charge! This event is a great opportunity to witness fine art of many different styles and to explore studios that are not normally open to the public.
Be sure to pick up some unique pieces of art! A Kootenay-wide initiative, Fernie is featured on the tour at 2 locations - VIEW ELK VALLEY LOCATIONS & MAP:
572 2nd Avenue (Commercial address, wheelchair accesible)
Location #83
The Fernie Arts Co-op features the work of over 30 artists including painting, sculpture, jewellery, metalwork, soap, photography, quilting and encaustic/3D mixed media.
During the Columbia Basin Culture Tour, many of the artists will be working out on the street (or in the studio in the case of wet weather) for live demonstrations. Drop by and meet the artists, watch them work and learn about their art.
Fernie Forge – Eye of the Needle Studio & Gallery
260 5th Street - opposite Fernie Heritage Library. (Commercial address, not wheelchair accesible)
Location #84
The Eye of the Needle Studio & Gallery is the downtown gallery & textile arm of the Fernie Forge. In the catacomb-style basement is a series of rooms featuring metalwork, fibre art, glasswork, candles, and jewellery from over 15 artists.
During the Columbia Basin Culture Tour, resident artist Sandra Barrett will be on hand to demonstrate wet felting techniques. Drop in to watch this fascinating style of textile art, browse the store and view the exhibition pieces.
Also in the Elk Valley, in Sparwood:
Sparwood Museum
141 Aspen Drive in Titan Square, Sparwood (Commercial address, wheelchair accesible)
Location #100
Explore the mining heritage of Sparwood and the paleontological history of the Elk Valley through the Dinosaur exhibit at the Museum. Guided tours will be available.
