Dawson Creek Art Gallery’s 30th anniversary
This year is the 30th anniversary of the Dawson Creek Art Gallery, and curator Kit Fast looks forward to the celebrations
In Dawson Creek, discovering local artists and getting your creative juices flowing is easy when you visit the community's art gallery. Just looking at the exterior of the Dawson Creek Art Gallery is enough to pique your artsy interest—situated in the Northern Alberta Railway Park, it is housed in a revamped grain elevator annex.
The Dawson Creek Art Gallery hosts a permanent collection and features travelling provincial and national collections and artists. Curator Kit Fast, a photographer and artist himself, is clearly proud to be associated with the gallery. He said that the gallery is the first port of call for many tourists, as it is located right near the visitor centre.
“This year will be the 30th anniversary of the gallery,” said Fast. “The gallery is highlighting Nicole Bauberger, who has created an exhibit based on a theme of the journey up the Alaska Highway.”
Fast said that while Bauberger was travelling in her camper, she stopped at designated intervals and painted whatever was in her view at that point. Tourism Dawson Creek is promoting her journey along the Alaska Highway. The artist will be conducting workshops and presenting demonstrations of her painting techniques.
On the local side, Fast is teaming up with fellow artist Mary Mottishaw to present a show entitled Convergence, which addresses the encroachment of community and industry into the Peace River region.
Other arts events
Every year, the town holds an Art Walk that celebrates the work of local artists. The theme for 2013 is centred on the gallery's 30th anniversary. Also, as part of the gallery's mandate, members' works are shown up to 15 times per year.
“That means the shows can feature anywhere from a beginner to a more experienced artist,” said Fast.
Fast said that in the region around Dawson Creek, visitors will find other artists too.
"There are many small communities around the city that are worth visiting for their talented art scene," he said.
Sweetwater905 is a fantastic event that showcases artists of all sorts from Dawson Creek and beyond at a local artist's working ranch. This year's Sweetwater event will be held on the Father's Day weekend.
So when you are in the north of British Columbia, check out the converted grain elevator and its offerings. Local artisan products and crafts are available at the gift shop, and details about this year's anniversary celebrations and shows can be found on the Dawson Creek Art Gallery website.
