Taking place Aug. 10 and 11, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., the Columbia Basin Culture Tour allows you to explore artists’ studios, museums, art galleries and heritage sites during this free, self-guided event. Travel to studios and archives that aren’t normally open, see demonstrations, new exhibitions and collections or meet people behind the scenes. To participate in the tour, simply grab a map, your Culture Tour Directory and go!
Start this leg of the tour at Joybilee Farm which is located just 20 minutes west of Grand Forks on Hwy 3. Joybilee Farm is a fibre farm and artisan studio. Robin and Chris Dalziel are fibre artists that not only grow their own medium, and practice organic, sustainable farming, but also create their art using natural dyes, and traditional techniques.
The annual Joybilee Farm Linen Festival is in full swing on Saturday, Aug. 10 and visitors will enjoy brief hands-on activities related to linen culture, and processing. Historical linen garments made by the Doukhobors in the area will be on display, as well as the Joybilee Farm private collection of historical linen textiles.
Visit the natural dye garden and the sheep, angora goats, and llamas in this quiet, pastoral setting. In the studio you’ll find quality, artisan-made bags, scarves, and other accessories, as well as knitting yarns, felting supplies, and natural dyes. Hand-carved wooden needlework tools made from local woods are also for sale.
While visitors on Saturday get to fully participate in the annual Joybilee Farm Linen Festival, there are hands-on fibre activities all weekend long. Joybilee Farm may seem out-of-the-way, but we are right on Hwy 3, and well worth the trip. You won’t find a studio like this anywhere else. “Our visitors at last year’s Studio Tour wanted to move right in, to experience the magic of Joybilee Farm every day. Maybe you’ll see a baby llama born, too!“
Gallery 2 in Grand Forks prides itself on presenting a diverse assortment of contemporary art exhibitions including selections from its own collection. The heritage galleries provide a permanent pictorial heritage display presenting an overview of the history of Grand Forks and region as well as shorter-term site-designed and travelling exhibitions.
The exhibition Hanging by a Thread by fabric artist Beverley Reid (Christina Lake) will be featured during this year’s Columbia Basin Tour.
Visit Christina Lake Arts and Artisans Society, Arts on 3 Gallery where you can enjoy lunch or coffee at Lisa’s Bistro and tour the LEED building and gallery. Local artists will be on hand working with multiple media. Wood turners and carvers, potters, painters, stained glass artists and bead makers all have their exquisite pieces on display. You will be able to meet some of them and see their creativity in action.
Also, a superb collection of Canadian and U.S. hand-blown glass is available for purchase.
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.