Mount Revelstoke National Park celebrates 100 years with a creative extravaganza

By Natelle Fitzgerald

Evening shadows on Balsam Lake. Everything is quiet, the tourists have gone home,” artist Wendy Mould wrote in her journal as she settled into Balsam Lake Cabin at the summit of Mount Revelstoke for the night. Mould, along with eight other artists, spent time at the cabin and nearby studio this summer to reflect, create and be inspired.

After spending time on the mountain, each artist created three works to celebrate Mount Revelstoke National Park’s 100 Year Anniversary. Their works, which include paintings, drawings, silks and ceramics, capture the Park’s stunning colors, textures, seasonal changes and wildlife. Combined, they make up Art in the Park 2014: Celebrating 100 Years of Mount Revelstoke National Park, an exhibit which opens at the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre (RVAC) this Friday.

The opening will also feature a photography exhibit by local youth from the Glacier Adventure Stewardship Program (GASP) and local artist Jo C. Willems’ show Journey.

Art in the Park 2014 grew out of a partnership between the Revelstoke Visual Arts Society (RVAS) and Parks Canada. Artists were allowed to stay overnight at the Balsam Lake Cabin and to use the studio in order to create work commemorating the Park’s centennial. “It’s a great way to celebrate what we have on our doorstep; a way to remind people what a beautiful place we live in,” says Jackie Pendergast, director of RVAS. “It gives artists an opportunity to work in the field.”

The exhibit includes work by Revelstoke artists Mas Matsushita, Tanis Rebbetoy, Eve Fisher, Susan Lind and Jo C. Willems, as well as Caroline Scagel from Mayne Island, Valerie Rogers from Salmon Arm and Wendy Mould from Surrey.

Also on display will be a view of Glacier National Park through the eyes of Revelstoke youth. The many striking photographs taken by participants in the Glacier Adventure Stewardship Program (GASP), feature thoughtful close-ups of mushrooms and lichen, vibrant images of rushing water and varied perspectives on the natural world. The young photographers spent three days in Glacier National Park where expert volunteers Kip Wiley and Keri Knapp shared their photography skills. GASP is a Parks Canada youth program that offers photography, music, backcountry and hiking experiences.

Jo C. Willems’ show Journey takes the viewer on a visual trip through mountains and forests in a variety of moods. Willems is an avid mountain biker and many of the large 20’ x 30’ paintings feature trails that lead the eye forward, making you wonder what’s around the next corner. Willems uses gouache, a water-based paint which is heavier than traditional water colours. The results are incredibly detailed, intricate landscapes with great depth.

The opening runs from 6 pm to 9 pm this Friday, with an official opening ceremoney at 7 pm. The exhibits will be on display until December 5.

Here are some of the images you’ll see at this show:

Photograph   By Kip Wiley  "For me this shot captures what I enjoyed about the GASP weekend.  This image is about being social and connecting with others.  Campfires are high up on my list of favourite things for that reason.  They remind me of summer and good times.  Stepping a few paces away from the firelight, I stood there in the crisp, clear Rogers Pass air and suddenly became aware of a night sky with more stars than I had ever seen.  I had to get my camera."
Photograph
By Kip Wiley
“For me this shot captures what I enjoyed about the GASP weekend. This image is about being social and connecting with others. Campfires are high up on my list of favourite things for that reason. They remind me of summer and good times. Stepping a few paces away from the firelight, I stood there in the crisp, clear Rogers Pass air and suddenly became aware of a night sky with more stars than I had ever seen. I had to get my camera.”
Ceramic By Tannis Rebbetoy
Ceramic
By Tannis Rebbetoy
Diurnal- Owl of the Day By  Valerie Rogers Acrylic on canvas
Diurnal- Owl of the Day
By Valerie Rogers
Acrylic on canvas
Photograph By Andreas Suchors
Photograph
By Andreas Suchors
Photograph By Lucas Wittenhurst
Photograph
By Lucas Wittenhurst
Black Water By Jo C. Willems Gouache
Black Water
By Jo C. Willems
Gouache

 

Lessons Learned Gouache By Jo C. Willems
Lessons Learned
Gouache
By Jo C. Willems