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Explore the local art scene with the Art Crawl

Self-guided tours take place May 11
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The North Thompson Arts Council is reviving its Art Crawl event, which invites the public on self-guided tours of various art studios in the area. The tours take place May 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (L-r) Joyce Harrington, Nella Labelle and Virginia Jalava share a laugh with Turid Milton as she demonstrates the four-harness floor loom. They were taking part in the first ever Art Crawl in 2012. File photo

The North Thompson Arts Council is reviving its Art Crawl this year, which invites the public into the studios of various artists in the area to appreciate their work, see the artistic process in motion, as well as try their hands at different mediums.

The tours, which take place May 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., are self-guided and participants are advised to watch for blue and green balloons marking the participating studios and galleries on the crawl.

Joanne Wright, for instance, will be hosting an interactive exploration into fiber arts, her preferred medium, at her location at 216 Schmidt Rd. in the Kershaw subdivision, where works by the Thompson Valley Quilters will also be on display.

“People can walk around the yard and we will have spaces where people can actually feel the texture of the alpaca and the wool we work with, maybe wash some dirty wool or make a little felt piece or collage that could be displayed later,” said Wright.

She added the Art Crawl was brought back after the Art Council lost its gallery and studio space last year, where members of the group could amalgamate and display their works in one spot.

Though she admits the council has shrunk as a group after losing the space, there is still a vibrant local art scene, which curious members of the public will have the opportunity to see for themselves by participating in the crawl.

https://www.clearwatertimes.com/entertainment/enjoying-the-best-of-both-worlds-during-the-third-annual-art-crawl/

“The scene is certainly still alive in the community because artists are everywhere,” Wright said.

“There are so many different places that spread from Vavenby to Upper Clearwater, out to Black Pool and back and forth—it’s an incredible opportunity for the community to see what does go on because, for the number of artists that might be on the map, there will be three or four times that who aren’t.”

Participating venues for the Art Crawl include Helen Knight Studio at 1272 Thompson Dr. where people can see acrylic work reflecting the artists love and respect for nature. Vickie Morden at 1236 Thompson Dr. where detailed landscapes done with oils and acrylics will be on display.

The Red Umbrella at 86 Young Rd. where a variety of works can be seen by artists like Joan Smith, Robin Walker, Irene Gouchie, Jacquie Miller, Cherie Bluett, Eleanor Deckert, Colleen Hanson, Marc Laforest, Jim Loates, Donna Meehan, Johann and Ken Miller, Helmcken Chocolates, Hilda Reimer, Karen de Repentigny, Bobby joy Seib, Amanda Wilkinson. Their works include paintings, pottery, handcrafted knitting, woodworks, and photography.

Also on the map is Doris Scarff Dreams and Delusions Art Studio at 337 Ruby Rd. in Vavenby where paintings of animals, pet portraits and rock paintings can be viewed as well as stained glass and jewelry made by Carolyn Kramer.

And last on the tour is Harvest Studio by Doris Laner at 6044 Clearwater Valley Rd. where there’ll be artworks in a wide variety of mediums. Those who make the trip to Upper Clearwater are also invited to stop in at The Land Conservancy’s Community Day being held at the Wells Gray Education and Research Centre. Free registration for the event can be done at conservancy.bc.ca

Those looking for maps for the Art Crawl can find copies at the Dutch Lake Community Centre and the Clearwater Library.



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