It's a cultural wonderland exposed right in our backyard.
Travel to studios and archives that aren't normally open, see demonstrations, new exhibitions and collections or meet people behind the scenes in the latest instalment of the Columbia Basin Culture Tour.
To participate in the tour on Aug. 10-11 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), simply grab a map—your culture tour directory—and go.
Rossland artist Tricia Rasku will be opening her working studio for the Culture Tour. At Tricia’s busy studio there will be demonstrations for those of you who wish to know about weaving, spinning, felting, and the benefits of handmade soap.
Joining the tour again this year is Alley Cat Glass Workshop. Owner Christy Holden describes her love of her craft: “A glass artist's vision lies somewhere between the photon wave a scientist observes when light travels through glass, and the simple appreciation of shape and colour we feel for the glass we use and handle daily.”
In Trail request a wheel demonstration at Pottery by Fran and will be able to view a variety of Fran’s finished pottery as well as view pots in the various stages of creation.
The dance studio of the Mystic Dreams Dancers is located on Eldorado Street in downtown Trail (not Montrose): They are an enthusiastic group of women with various levels and genres of dance experience who enjoy the mystical art of dance from the Middle East.
Their dances include the use of canes, swords, veils, candles, drums and zills, or finger cymbals. The dances and costumes range from the traditional to contemporary fusion styles.
After your warm up, climb the stairs to the dance studio, where you are welcome to join in on a variety of workshops or simply sit and be entertained. They will offer short sessions on drumming, zilling, tassel making, costume design and sewing.
Once in Fruitvale make sure to stop by the Painted Glass studio where you will find Donna Anderson in her studio where she paints all her glassware: From wine glasses, beer glasses, various dishes and custom orders for specialty occasions.
Tour brochures are available at tourist information centres and participating venues. Visit the website at www.cbculturetour.com to view full artist/venue profiles for further details on each location’s activities or register to receive a tour brochure in the mail.
For further information, call the CKCA at 1-250-505-5505 or toll free at 1-877-505-7355. The Columbia Basin Culture Tour is generously supported by Columbia Basin Trust funding.