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September 2017 edition
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September 2017
Contents 4 6 7 8 10 12 14 16 17 18 19-29
News briefs World music star Simrit Kaur to visit Revy Remembering The Current’s David Rooney September events calendar Profile: Backcountry adventure photographer Zoya Lynch New destination alpine MTB trail Caribou Pass Profile: Revelstoke MTB star Casey Brown Justin Trudeau visits Revelstoke Spokin’ Word: Homage to renegade trailbuilding Yoga: Salutations for mountain sunshine Revelstoke Mountaineer Luna Art Festival guide
19-22 23 24 26 27 28 30 31
LUNA festival pullout map Multimedia artist Rhoneil Eurchuk Metal artist Kate Tupper’s fantastical creations A brief history of art festivals Checking in with the local raku firing scene Profile: Revelstoke artist Rob Buchanan Okanagan College Revelstoke seeks literacy volunteers Revelstoke Mountaineer/Universal Footwear Instagram contest
Cover: Revelstoke artist Rob Buchanan pays homage to the Powder Slug chairlift in his exhibit for the LUNA art festival. Read up on this exciting new festival on pages 19–29 and check out our Rob Buchanan profile on page 28–29. Image: Rob Buchanan/LUNA Art Festival
The Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine is a free monthly magazine featuring the best of Revelstoke outdoor life, food, style, visitor experiences, lifestyles, entertainment, home style, and healthy living.
Creative Director Aaron Orlando
Each month we distribute free copies to over 100 public venues across Revelstoke, including accommodations, shops, restaurants, cafes, community centres, bars, and everywhere people meet. We are an independent, locally owned publication dedicated to showcasing our amazing mountain town and the great people who create the stoke.
Graphic Design Chris Payne
For more information, including details on advertising rates, please call, or visit our parallel online publication at www.revelstokemountaineer.com and click on the advertising tab. Phone: 250-814-8710 Mailing Address: PO BOX 112, 606 Railway Avenue, Revelstoke, B.C. V0E 2S0
Contributors (L to R) Noelle Bovon is an entrepreneur, life and business coach. She’s an endless optimist with a passion for keeping life full of love & kindness. Noelle owns Balu Yoga & Wellness and is a 500-hour trained YT. Balu Yoga is celebrating 10 years in Revelstoke this year! She loves to travel and continues to work around the globe. She has a called Revelstoke home for 11 years and is so grateful to raise her daughter here. Bryce Borlick is a world traveler, outdoor enthusiast, and urban refugee whom you’re most likely to find wandering the mountains in search of nothing in particular. With an unruly interest in sustainability and permaculture, he may be the only person in Revelstoke dreaming of one day doing burnouts in an electric F-250 towing a tiny house. Benji Lowclass is originally from Oshawa, Ontario and has called the misty mountains of Revelstoke, B.C. his home since ’15. Keeping busy as a screen printer/ production manager/graphic designer/illustrator with a Integrated Apparel while balancing freelance projects for clients such as RMR, Apex Rafting, Dose Coffee, Tantrum Ride Co, Somewon Collective and more. Sarah j Spurr: Sarah is a mixed media visual artist originally from the 705/Kawartha Lakes Ontario, and has been a Revelstoke resident for the past three years. Heavily inspired by the natural environment and her relationship with it. Stoked on all the things she’s discovering in British Columbia and the way these fresh influences have found ways into her home, heart and art-making. Heather Hood aspires to never be too serious, see the wonderment in every day life and take advantage of any opportunity to rhyme. She can always find an occasion to drink bubbly and has a great passion for wine.
Rob Buchanan is a Revelstoke-based artist and photographer known locally for creating many public art pieces, sculptures and interpretive signage in the city and for Parks Canada. He created the cover art and the graphics for the Luna festival section in this issue. Nico Leenders holds a degree in sculpture, a diploma in auto mechanics and a masters’ in business. His three kids were born in three different provinces and have called Revelstoke home since 2013. Victoria Strange is the executive director of the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre and a huge proponent for the Revy arts scene. She’s deeply involved with the upcoming Luna Art Festival. Laura Stovel is a Revelstoke-born writer and outdoor enthusiast. Her passions are social justice and environmental stewardship. She has travelled extensively but always returns to Revelstoke, a wonderful community to call home. Christy McLean: Working in the health industry internationally has given me a deep appreciation for the community of Revelstoke. My curiosity for why and how keeps me on the front foot of adventure, mainly with my splitboard, surfboard, bike, hiking boots and yoga mat. Melissa Jameson is the civic affairs reporter for Revelstoke Mountianeer Magazine and revelstokemountaineer.com. Contact Melissa with your news tips and story ideas at melissa@revelstokemountaineer.com Claudia Bambi is a graphic designer and illustrator based in Revelstoke. Her illustrations are designed to transport you to an imaginary world of wonderment. 3
NEWS BRIEFS
Get the latest stories here, as reported on the revelstokemountaineer.com — your daily source of Revelstoke news and information.
Search for one missing man ends in tragedy, one still missing Civilian searchers recovered the body of Revelstoke resident Jared Szabo, who went missing at the start of August near Beaton, B.C. In a statement, Southeast B.C. RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Dan Moskaluk said that civilian searchers located his body in the Northeast Arm of the Upper Arrow Lake at 7:20 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 22. Police and search and rescue technicians completed the recovery later that day. Today, on Aug. 23, police established that the deceased male was Jared Szabo. Szabo. 29, was last seen on August 1 in Beaton. Another man, Allan Ellsworth, 53 was last seen on July 31 near Trout Lake. Friends and family of Szabo launched a GoFundMe campaign to help raise money to bring in Ralston & Associates out of Idaho, a team that specializes in underwater searches. The company specializes in using advanced technology such as sonar and dive teams to help in the recovery of missing persons. Several aerial searches were conducted for the two missing men, but yielded no results. RCMP were treating the two missing persons cases as separate, despite the close proximity of the locations from which Szabo and Ellsworth went missing. Szabo’s truck was discovered in a treacherous section of the Inacomappleux River. The truck was recovered, but there were no signs of Szabo. Water technicians were unable to conduct a further search due to high water levels. Foul play is not suspected in either case.
The search for Jared Szabo involved hundreds of people over three weeks. Photo: Facebook
BC government puts an end to grizzly bear trophy hunting The grizzly bear trophy hunt in BC is coming to an end. Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development Minister Doug Donaldson made the announcement to end the trophy hunting of grizzly bears at a media conference on Aug. 14. The ban on grizzly bear trophy hunting takes effect on Nov. 30 of this year. The ban stops short of a complete ban on hunting grizzlies. Hunting for meat will still be allowed to continue. Donaldson said the majority of British Columbians were supportive of the move. The ban put additional emphasis on protecting grizzly bears in the Great Bear Rain Forest. “In particular, we owe it to generations past and future to do all we can to protect the beauty and uniqueness of the Great Bear Rainforest,” Donaldson said. “We believe the action we’re taking goes beyond the commitment to Coastal First Nations made as part of the 2016 Great Bear Rainforest agreements.” The B.C. government estimates there are 15,000 grizzly bears in British Columbia. Each year, approximately 250 are taken by hunters. The government plans to consult with First Nations and stakeholder groups this fall to determine next steps and mechanisms as B.C. moves toward ending the trophy hunt. The BC Green Party has been critical of the decision, which bans the harvesting of the head, hair or hide of grizzlies, and says it will lead to a wasteful system where not all of the animal will be harvested. BC Green caucus leader Andrew Weaver noted that with the new system in place foreign hunters would be able to get photo trophies with the dead animals and return home without harvesting any of the animal. Regional environment organization Wildsight has called the ban a step in the right direction, but called for habitat connectivity and landscape protection.
Grizzly bear trophy hunting will be banned in B.C. as of Nov. 30. Photo: Pixabay
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Number of charter flights to Revelstoke could increase this winter The Columbia Shuswap Regional District board has approved the allocation of $90,400 from the economic opportunity fund to provide a charter flight service from Vancouver to Revelstoke. The flight service will take place over 10 weeks between January and March, 2018. The charter flight service, which began last year, would be increased to include four return flights per week. The City of Revelstoke partnered with Revelstoke Mountain Resort (RMR), the Revelstoke Accommodation Association (RAA) and Everything Revelstoke to provide air charter services between Revelstoke and Vancouver twice a week between January and March 2017. City of Revelstoke staff have been in discussion with these partner groups about the potential for expanding the air charter service for the 2018 season.
The Everything Revelstoke charter service at the Revelstoke Airport. Photo: Revelstoke Mountaineer file photo
It is anticipated that RAA and RMR will contribute amounts similar to the $90,400 being contributed from the economic opportunity fund. Nicole Fricot, director of community economic development for the City of Revelstoke, said in a report that no contractual agreements will be finalized until funding from each of the involved parties is confirmed. In 2016/27, $37,500 from the economic opportunity fund was secured for rental of airplanes in order to provide a chartered air service for the 2016 ski season. Fricot said the total cost of the project was estimated to be $111,800 including plane rentals, marketing, ground transportation and contingency in the event planes are unable to land in Revelstoke. Over the eight-week season in 2016/17 a total of 480 seats were available with 405 seats sold giving the service am 85% average capacity on each flight. The total gross revenue for air services for the 2016-2017 season was $86,400. The total cost of providing the air service was $111,078 leaving an accrued loss of $24,678. The Revelstoke Accommodation Association has agreed to pay the $5,963 of marketing expenses leaving the remaining $22,796 loss to be shared among the partners. The city’s portion of the loss is $7,600.
Mountain bike symposium coming to Revelstoke Stewardship is the theme of a mountain bike tourism symposium taking place in Revelstoke Sept. 13–15 The 2017 BC Mountain Bike Bike Tourism Symposium will provide an opportunity for industry stakeholders and experts to share insights and knowledge on working toward a more sustainable mountain bike tourism sector. Attendees will have a chance to learn from the successes and challenges of those who have been working in the field and explore ways to improve B.C.’s mountain bike economy. The symposium will highlight good stewardship and the need for increasing capacity to ensure a sustainable future. The main event will take place at the Revelstoke Community Centre. Events taking place include a pre-symposium trail building workshop on Sept. 12 and 13, guided rides, social events, and two full days of speaker sessions. Scheduled speakers include Cathy English curator of the Revelstoke Museum and Archives, Christine Reid executive director of the North Shore Mountain Bike Association, Jay Darby from Mountain Bikers of the Central Okanagan, plus more. Full details on the events taking place during the symposium as well as registration information can be found on the symposium website at http://mtbtourismsymposium.ca/ Photo: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer
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Transformative world music artist Simrit in Revelstoke Thousands across the globe attend her concerts and Simrit Kaur’s modern yet sacred sound elevates the audience’s musical experience to a different level. Catch her at the Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre on Friday September 15. By Emily Kemp Amidst shows in Calgary, Vancouver, Portland and Seattle, a yoga workshop in Los Angeles, and a warrior experience in Peru, Simrit Kaur’s performance in Revelstoke stands out as an unusual stop for the large-scale presence she draws. Revelstoke’s Allie Bruni, a huge fan of Simrit, jumped at the serendipitous opportunity to bring Simrit to Revelstoke when she discovered the artist and her band would be travelling past. “I knew in my heart I just had to bring her here,” Bruni says. “To introduce folks who may not be familiar with her music and how powerful it is. This is an incredible opportunity for Revelstoke to see someone of her calibre.” Simrit’s voice has been described as haunting and she approaches her singing as a sacred workshop of the divine. If you haven’t heard of her before, this may give you an inkling of the all-encompassing experience she and her band delivers. The music, a hypnotic mix of singing and chanting accompanied with a strong melody and deep grooving drum
World music star Simrit Kaur. Photo: contributed
and base, is the type that echoes and moves you deep inside. “People say our music is healing and they have a big experience with it,” Simrit says over the phone from South Carolina. “It’s dynamic as far as volume and intensity and in one song you can travel through a whole world of emotion.” Furthermore, Bruni explains that the vibrations of sound and chanting bring vitality to the body, in turn healing the nervous system and stimulating healthy tissue and organ activity. “I think our world is need of healing and positive energy,” Bruni says. “This is what Simrit’s performances represent, not only from a holistic perspective but also from a scientific and neuroscience realm.” Born in Greece, Simrit was an orphan who was adopt-
Tough Guy Productions and Triputi Yoga Presents a night of live Bhakti Music! International World Musician and Global Kirtan Artist
REVELSTOKE PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE Friday, September 15 @ 7 pm $35 PRESALE $40 DOOR / Kids 12 and under FREE Tickets Available at simritkaurmusic.com/events 250.814.7793
#1 on iTunes World Music and #3 on Billboard Music Charts
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ed by a Greek family in South Carolina. With this unique upbringing having no-one blood related, Simrit learned at an early age that connection is profoundly deep through the heart and soul. She is a teacher of Kundalini and Naad yoga and a level II Reiki practitioner and the band performs concerts and workshops across the globe. But, with her music topping world music charts many times, her music isn’t just well known in the yoga sphere. “The music creates an experience for people,” Simrit says. “It’s not like any other music out there. It cannot be defined by any genre — and I like it that way.” Simrit Kaur and her band play at the Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre on Friday September 15, 2017 from 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 online, $40 at door, Kids 12 and under are Free. revelstokeperformingartscentre.com.
“He shied away from nothing, especially if he felt passionately about it,” said his friend and colleague Sean Aquiline, EZ Rock radio host. Aquiline described David as a mentor and supporter – a description echoed by several writers, including me. “He was a constant supporter and I admit that a piece of confidence, solidarity and support is now missing,” he said. Through David’s reporting, volunteer work and countless meetings over coffee at Sangha Bean Café – his office away from home – he had his pulse on the community. Mayor Mark McKee recalled that when he first ran for mayor, Revelstoke was going through big changes with the establishment of Revelstoke Mountain Resort. “I would use David as a sounding board,” McKee said. David covered stories about the resort and the changes that would affect the community and people would respond. “We were soul searching and David was the moderator,” he said. David was a professional journalist and he could be hard hitting on important issues, regardless of ties of friendship. City Councillor Gary Sulz said, “David spoke to me when I ran for council and said, ‘Let me explain how the media works. Even though we are friends, all is out the door when I’m looking for a story, so a story is a story and the truth must prevail.’ Two years into council I know exactly what he meant. He was the type of guy that I trusted implicitly to not do anything unless he said, ‘OK now...,’ or if he got out his notebook I knew that he was going to write whatever he thought was suitable.” For a man who suffered from poor health and low energy in the last years of his life, David was remarkable because he rarely missed a community event. School superintendent Mike Hooker wrote, “David was a gift to Revelstoke schools. He offered endless time to cover ‘stories’ from bake sales to tournaments, concerts to wetland treks all to share with Revelstoke the pride they should have in their children and community. I can’t recall David saying no to an idea, or turning down an invitation to an event – although I do recall being scolded for forgetting to call him for an event a time or two. I always trusted David with our students. He had a gentle way of bringing out the best in people of all ages.” Martin Ralph of the Revelstoke Theatre Company said that David never missed a show. He reviewed many “performances and often would catch and share subtle performance elements which contributed to the depth of the stories we were telling. In some cases his reviews even assisted our actors in understanding their characters and the story. And his reviews always drew audiences to our shows! In one instance of a very controversial show we performed, I am certain that it was his review which sold out the house every night of a two week run.”
Revelstoke Current editor David Rooney. Photo: contributed
For the greater good: Revelstoke journalist David Rooney
Revelstoke Current editor David Rooney’s legacy remembered
By Laura Stovel When David Rooney, editor, publisher and journalist of the Revelstoke Current, passed away peacefully at home on July 19, he left a hole in the heart of Revelstoke that will be difficult to fill. But he also left a gift: insight into the difference one person can make in a small community when he uses his energies and position for the greater good. After David’s death, community members gathered at the Hillcrest Hotel to celebrate his life in Revelstoke. David had no family here but Revelstokians stepped up in droves to help financially and in kind with the service and share their stories of David. The sheer number and diversity of people who spoke to me on the street and at the service about David’s kindness, generosity and the breadth of his volunteer work was astounding, even to me, a good friend for more than 15 years. His family members said that Revelstoke was the second place in David’s life, after Colombia where he spent his youth and he called home. Connecting the two, I think Revelstoke was a place where David found purpose, where he knew he could make a difference and could see the positive results of his actions. David was a world traveler and could have lived anywhere. He was born in Shawinigan, Quebec. His father was an engineer with Alcan and his job took the family to Switzerland and Cali, Colombia, where David lived for seven happy years before moving to Ottawa in 1972 to study journalism at Carleton. After graduating, he reported for the Canadian Press in Ottawa, the Calgary Herald and Banff Crag & Canyon. He also taught journalism at Mount Royal College in Calgary and wrote a journalism textbook. In late 2001, David moved to Revelstoke to edit the Revelstoke Times Review. He worked there for seven years before leaving to become a constituency assistant to Jim Abbot, the Conservative Member of Parliament at the time. When the constituency office moved to Cranbrook in 2009, David started Revelstoke’s first online newspaper, The Revelstoke Current. Reporting in Revelstoke appealed to David. It was not as glamourous as working for a big news agency in Ottawa or Calgary but he could see the impact of his writing. He once said, “What matters to people most is what affects their daily lives,” and that’s what he covered.
Not only did David cover the big and little stories of our town, he supported non-profits by donating thousands of dollars in free advertising and by sitting on boards and being an active member of numerous organizations and committees. Once he moved to Revelstoke, he became one of the founding members of the Revelstoke Visual Arts Society (RCAC). He served on the RVAC board and on the boards of the Invasive Species and Greenbelt Societies. He attended Safe Spaces Society meetings as an ally of LGBT community members and offered his support to Revelstoke for Refugees which works to sponsor a Syrian refugee family. One of David’s great loves was art, both as an accomplished acrylic and oil painter and as a patron of other local artists. David’s favorite painting subjects were rocks, spawning kokanee and night skies over Mount Begbie. His friend BR Whalen observed, “He looked up and down.” He rarely painted anything looking straight ahead. Entering David’s apartment and looking past the stacks of books and reporter’s notepads I was always struck by the number and beauty of the local artworks that he collected. They filled the walls and covered every free shelf and counter. David’s patronage meant a lot to local artists and he was one of the town’s best collectors of their art. David F. Rooney leaves behind two sons, Chris and Andrew Rooney, two grandchildren, Nicola and Fernlea Rooney, his mother, Margo Rooney, sisters Trish Rooney and Alaine O’Hara, brothers Greg and Tim Rooney and many nephews, nieces and friends.
Revelstoke Current editor David Rooney pictured on a hike in LaForme Creek in 2002. Photo: contributed
September 2017 Events Calendar Add your events to this page for FREE by uploading them to our website revelstokemountaineer.com/calendar
*Please check the event on the day as details may change* Weekly Events
Events
*Events taking place every week Monday Community board games night @ Revelstoke Alliance Church 6:30 p.m.–9 p.m. Every second Monday join in an evening of table top games including: card games, board games, dice games, tile games, RPG, strategy, co-operative and creative games. Tuesday Meditation @ Balu Yoga 7 a.m.–7:30 a.m. Join instructor Anna Finn for free meditation every Tuesday morning.
Saturday, September 9
Friday, September 1 Exhibition opening @ Revelstoke Visual Art Centre 6 p.m.–9 p.m. Four new exhibits open at the gallery: Five Times Five: 5 photos, 20 artists; A Study of Nature: Sarah Windsor; Pottery Exhibition: Revelstoke Potters Guild; Wild Hearts: Trish Hartwick. The exhibitions run until September 22. Canada 150 All Nation Tree Plant @ BC Interior Forestry Museum 11 a.m.–5p.m. Until Sept. 27 the public is invited to take part in planting a small tree or plant in one of six beds representing the six continents people of Revelstoke have come from. For more information email info@forestrymuseum.ca.
Bikes, Beers, and Babes @ Revelstoke Community Centre Parking Lot 6 p.m–9 p.m. Join the Ladies Pedal and Pint Ride, meeting Tuesday nights in the parking lot in front of the Revelstoke Community Centre. Post ride beers at the Big Eddy Pub.
Open Mic Night @ The Last Drop Pub 10 p.m. The Last Drop welcomes all jammers and singers. Come out and join in with a friendly relaxed atmosphere from 10 p.m. Thursday Pedal ‘N’ Pint @ Revelstoke Community Centre 6 p.m.–9 p.m. . Revelstoke’s longstanding Pedal ‘n’ Pint series is the weekly gathering of riders for a Thursday evening pedal. Meet up at the Revelstoke Community Centre parking lot and embark on a unique ride each week. Riders meet up at the pub for pints. Karaoke Night @ River City Pub 9:30 p.m.–11:45 p.m. Sing your heart out every Thursday night at the River City Pub. Free of charge. Friday Grip It & Sip It @ Revelstoke Golf Club 5 p.m.–7p.m. A gathering of social golfers every Friday. $20 includes range balls, 3 holes of golf, beer & shared appy. Saturday Farmers Markets @ Grizzly Plaza & Mackenzie Avenue 8 a.m.–1 p.m. Stock up on fresh veggies, crafts & more with Revelstoke’s two farmers markets.
Tuesday, September 12 Annual Emergency Services Food Drive @ Revelstoke community 5 p.m. The largest food drive for the Community Connections Food Bank is back for one night only! Volunteers will be coming door to door to collect donations of non-perishable food donations and bring awareness to hunger in our community. Wednesday, September 13 Bone broth basics @ Revelstoke Community Centre Kitchen 6 p.m.–8 p.m. Learn about the health features of bone broth plus ways to create a delicious broth. $10 ($5 for LFI members). Email gardenguru@revelstokelocalfood.com for more information. MTB Tourism Symposium @ various 9 a.m. Friday, September 15 @ 5 p.m. A gathering of creative minds with a vested interest in advancing the future of mountain bike tourism in B.C. Visit mtbtourismsymposium.ca for details.
Trivia Night by Pubstumpers @ Last Drop Pub 7:30 p.m. PubStumpers is a whirlwind of trivia, presented in numerous forms, which stimulates the mind and challenges players’ knowledge on a vast array of topics. Wednesday
Revelstoke Grizzlies @ Revelstoke Forum 7 p.m. Watch the Revelstoke Grizzlies take on the Chase Heat in Jr. B hockey action.
Friday, September 15
Grizzlies action kicks off in September. Photo: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer Revelstoke Grizzlies @ Revelstoke Forum 7 p.m. Watch the Revelstoke Grizzlies take on the Columbia Valley Rockies in Jr. B hockey action.
Simrit Kaur LIVE! @ Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre 7 p.m.–9 p.m. Global world musician and international Kirtan artist Simrit’s sound is hailed worldwide as haunting, hypnotic, healing and majestic. Tickets $35 in advance/$40 at the door. Call 250-814-7793 to purchase tickets.
Saturday, September 2 The Galacticas @ Last Drop Pub 9 p.m. This three piece punk band based in Calgary, Alberta have one goal in mind: Rock ‘N’ Roll domination! Sunday, September 3 Bank Heist Time Trial @ Revelstoke Mountain Resort 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m. RMR is hosting a time trial up the new Kill the Banker Summer trail. Racers will head up 3.9 km of steep rocky terrain from mid station to Mackenzie Outpost. Entry fee is $20. Visit revelstokemountainresort.com for more information. Friday, September 8 Revelstoke Grizzlies @ Revelstoke Forum 7 p.m. Watch the Revelstoke Grizzlies take on the Kamloops Storm in Jr. B hockey action.
The Revelstoke Garlic Festival. Photo: Aaron Orlando/ Sunday, September 17 4th Annual Revelstoke Garlic Festival @ Track Street Growers 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Revelstoke’s own garlic and music festival is a fundraiser for the Local Food Initiative. Admission is $2, kids are free. Located at 226 Track Street East. Village Idiot annual Caddyshack Classic @ Revelstoke Golf Club 12 p.m.–Sept. 18 @ 10 p.m. Play a fun game of golf and support the Live It! Love It! Foundation. For more information visit www.liveitlove. it.org
Enjoy the rest of your summer Revelstoke!
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Thursday, September 21 Todd Ness @ Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre 8 p.m. Fresh off his New York Comedy Showcase Todd Ness brings his 2017 Fall Fresh Ness Tour to the Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre. Tickets are $25 each.
First Nations members perform a greeting for the audience assembled for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s visit to Revelstoke in late July. Photo: Zoya Lynch Bliis ‘n’ Eso. Photo: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer Friday, September 22 Bliss & Eso @ Traverse 8 p.m.–11 p.m. Australian hip hop duo Bliss & Esso perform in Revelstoke during their Off Grid Tour. Tickets are $20. Wednesday, September 27 Intro to sourdough bread making @ Revelstoke Community Kitchen 6 p.m.–8 p.m. Learn how to make your own delicious sourdough bread. Admission is $10 ($5 for LFI members). For more information, please email gardenguru@revelstokelocalfood.com. Saturday, September 30 Exhibition opening @ Revelstoke Visual Art Centre 6 p.m.–9 p.m. The arts centre presents Rooms: Krista Stovel, Jackie Pendergast, Francine Lanoie, Sandra Flood, Julia Crucil, Nicola McGarry. The exhibition runs until October 27. Luna Fest @ Various 6 p.m-12 p.m. LUNA Fest is a nocturnal and experimental festival bringing art and energy to the streets of Revelstoke. Visit http:// revelstokeartgallery.ca/luna/ for more info.
Learn how to acknowledge First Nations traditional territory By Melissa Jameson In Revelstoke, we are often told that no Aboriginal peoples lived here because of the harsh climate. This has been proven to be untrue and we now know that the Sinixt, Ktuanaxa, Swepemec and Sylix once considered Revelstoke as part of their territories. Cathy English, Revelstoke Museum & Archives curator wrote in her book, Brown Bag History: Revelstoke Origins, that when she first arrived in Revelstoke in 1983, she was told there was never a significant First Nation population in this region. “They may have come here occasionally to hunt and fish, but they never spent much time here because they didn’t like the snow and they were afraid of the mountains,” English wrote. “We now know that is simply not the case, but the truth is very complicated and has never been an easy story to tell.” In other communities it has been the practice for many years to acknowledge the Aboriginal peoples who once use the land as traditional territory. This practice is somewhat new for many in Revelstoke. Lisa Moore, Revelstoke Secondary Aboriginal student assistant, said anyone can make the acknowledgment as long is made with sincerity. “It should be pointed out that the speaker who is doing the acknowledgment should be speaking from the heart and may feel inspired to add a message to the acknowledgment,” Moore wrote in a School District 19 Aboriginal Education newsletter. “As long as they are speaking from a good-hearted place there should be room for personal variations.” Moore said part of making the acknowledgment meaningful includes being sincere and not rushing through it in order to get to the rest of the event or activity. “When we acknowledge territory we recognize the fact people did live here. We recognize those First Peoples still have stories about this land and feel strong connections to this area,” she said. “We are also making a gesture of reconciliation for past wrongs; this is not to shame people living here now, it is merely recognizing the historical fact that other people lost their homes, sometimes violently, and we now live where they once did.” Making an acknowledgment is simple and takes only a few moments. Cut out the guide below and keep it with you, Here’s how to deliver a simple acknowledgement ahead of your next public gathering: “We would like to acknowledge and honour the four nations on whose traditional land we live and learn: the Sinixt, the Ktunaxa, the Secwepemc, and the Syilx.”
Pronounciation guide: Sinixt - sin-IKES-t Ktunaxa - tah-NAH-ha Sewpemec - suh-KWEP-meh Sylix - silks The LUNA Art Festival blasts off in late September.
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Photo: Zoya Lynch
Backcountry adventure photographer Zoya Lynch
Check out the ‘dreamy, dramatic and ethereal’ captures of Revelstoke backcountry photographer Zoya Lynch By Aaron Orlando I first met Zoya Lynch in the run-up to the 2010 Olympics. The torch relay was coming to Revy for a razzle-dazzle whistle-stop roadshow on Mackenzie Avenue. The then 18-year-old had just moved to town to freeski after leaving the Canadian national ski jumping team, where she was a vocal campaigner for inclusion of women’s jumping in the Olympics. She started her advocacy campaign when she was only 11, gaining a flurry of media coverage for a protest she mounted at the Salt Lake City Olympics in 2002. She participated in an unsuccessful legal challenge for the 2010 games before calling it a career and making the transition into competitive freeskiing. The IOC eventually gave in to demands and included women in the 2014 Sochi Olympics — too late for Lynch’s career. Since 2010, Lynch has moved into competitive freeskiing and picked up a camera to document the journey. Lynch built up her shutter skills over the years and two seasons ago made the jump into full-time professional adventure photography, focusing on backcountry skiing and mountain biking. She’s shot top pros and worked with leading brands, media outlets and organizations like Patagonia, Powder Magazine, Backcountry Magazine, Freeskier Magazine, Arcteryx, The North Face, HelloBC and Destination BC, to name just a few. Like with her ski jumping career, she’s blazing a path into a male-dominated field, bringing her unique creative perspective along for the ride. Lynch has developed a dreamy, dramatic and ethereal personal style that defines her captures. Her works are organic interpretations of the landscapes she shoots, deploying unconventional techniques like shooting with the lens hood off and aperture wide open to allow for playful light interplay, artistic lens flares and a rich saturated look. Is she bringing a ‘feminine’ sensibility to the backcountry photography scene? There’s some maneuvering around this question. “I think naturally I am a very feminine person. A lot of people say I have a really feminine style which — I don’t know if I know what that means,” Lynch said. “That’s just how I see it and how it happens. It’s a pretty organic process. Women are sometimes more in touch with their emotions and they can bring out the emotions in sport photos.” Unlike ski jumping, there’s not a fight for female acceptance into the club. Lynch is an accomplished freeskier, a certified tail guide and holds an Avalanche Operations Level 1 certificate. The tight local ski photography community has been welcoming. Together, they’ve thrived on the decade of limelight in which the Revelstoke adventure photography has basked. “There’s inspiration everywhere and it’s an incredibly supportive and creative community,” she said. Find Zoya Lynch on Instagram at @zoyalynch or check her portfolio out at zoyaphotography.com.
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Photo: Zoya Lynch
Revelstoke backcountry adventure photographer Zoya Lynch. Photo: Zoya Lynch
Photo: Zoya Lynch
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The view from the South Caribou Pass. Photo: Ryan Creary
Exploring the new South Caribou Pass trail: This is real mountain biking Newly-built destination alpine trail opens just south of Revelstoke
By Christy McLean “This is real mountain biking!” says Dave an enthusiastic mountain biker from Nelson, B.C. This is the phrase that echoes at the end of an impressive new singletrack just two and a half hours south of Revelstoke in British Columbia’s Monashee Mountains.
from Spokane exploring the high alpine and a couple from Nelson with an interest in the structure of the trail build. We loaded up our bike packs with fresh made cookies and bars, our water filled to the brim. It was a hot, smoky summer day.
An alpine trail network heaven. Wild alpine flowers and high alpine lakes paint the backdrop of some of the most amazing high alpine mountain bike trails that British Columbia has to offer. Sol Mountain Backcountry Lodge has added a new trail this year. South Caribou Pass. The hand built singletrack is a clever combination of short punchy climbs, technical slab-rock and sassy downhill flow. The trail weaves its way through colorful alpine meadows and climbs through sub-alpine fir forest into a high mountainous environment.
We pedaled out on the west loop, a 1.4-kilometre flowy XC alpine meadow trail to warm up. The trail is brimming with an an amazing floral bouquet I found it a challenge to keep my eye on the trail ahead, for the beauty that surrounds us feels out of this world. Hummingbirds buzz around us as we stop to discuss the next trail ahead. We change course and pedal towards the new South Caribou Pass Trail.
Myself and three other friends were lucky to spend a weekend exploring the outstanding Monashee scenery. We started the journey driving 55 kilometres up a bumpy logging road from Shelter Bay, stopping for a refreshing swim at the beautiful Eagle Bay Rec Site. Always be sure your bike is secure! The closer to the high alpine lodge, the quieter the peace and more abundant the flowers. Clear cold rivers and tall lush trees line the roads to the door of Sol Mountain Lodge. At the lodge we were warmly greeted by the owner Aaron Cooperman. He and his family have been passionately operating the lodge for backcountry ski touring since 2005. The mountain bike trails started to take shape five years ago. He and his trail crews have been hand-building trails here since 2012. All the trails have been carefully built, mindfully navigating the natural environment and utilizing the landscape to forge the current trail network. After a good sleep in the cozy lodge the smell of a hot breakfast and fresh coffee beckoned us out of our warm beds and into the day ahead. Guests from all over are sharing breakfast discussing their day to come. A couple from Jasper here to hike and celebrate their sixtieth wedding anniversary, a couple 12
for additional trails.” On the way out of the lodge we met two trucks from Seattle. The trails are gaining international exposure, it will be exciting to see what is to come in the future for Sol Mountain Backcountry Lodge. These alpine trails are a must for your list!
South Caribou Pass Trail is a multi-use biking, hiking, trail running singletrack. It totals 20 kilometres of incredible riding. A 10-kilometre challenging climb with open views followed by a rewarding rocky descent. As we ascended everyone in the group had smiles and lots of “wow.” The rock features were thoughtfully placed and fun to ride over. The end of the trail greeted us with unrestricted views of Mount Fosthall. This is where we met Dave, a government employee with a special interest in trail work, who says, “this is real mountain biking.” We all agreed completely with this thought. Descending down the trail is fun and fast. Berms and rocky features make the ride playful and keeps you on your toes. Lots of ‘wow this is amazing’ from the riding crew today. Before heading back to the lodge we pedaled up to Sol Lake via the Sol Lake trail that is 4.2 kilometres from the lodge. A refreshing swim in the high alpine lake had us feeling refreshed to pedal out to the ridge. Then back down to Beacon Check and Sassy Toe, open flowy alpine mixed with fun rockslab descents. A late afternoon decent back to drinks on the deck offers incredible lighting effects and majestic views of the landscape. Back at the lodge we decide the only thing better then riding this trail would be doing it again. So we did, deciding to keep recycling the stoke. Everyone who hit the trails that day returned back to the lodge very content. I asked Aaron what is in the future plans for the trails and with a smile he reports “there is good momentum
Photo: Ryan Creary
Photo: Ryan Creary
Photo: Ryan Creary
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from now I hope to still be riding bikes for a career in some way. I’ll be in Revelstoke for sure. RM: Home is where the heart is I guess. Your dad, Lou Brown, is quite a character too. CB: If you want to hear some seriously crazy stories go visit my dad in the Big Eddy. OK, so we did. Here’s our Lou Brown interview: Revelstoke Mountaineer: So you made the move from New Zealand to Revelstoke and Casey followed with her sister when she was 11. Was that a big change? Lou Brown: It was about as remote as you can get. No luxuries down there. Home schooled. They had visitors now and then but it was pretty much a primitive upbringing. RM: In retrospect, they probably have positive memories of that. LB: They do, and they talk about going back but I tell them its not like you remember. It rains a lot and it’s really windy with sand flies and bugs. And then we moved out of there, moved inland, moved into a dry area and they went to school and learned about life. I made ‘em watch The Simpsons every day and said ‘that’s what it’s gonna be like’. RM: The Simpsons? Really? LB: No, I’m joking. They didn’t like TV. They’d just come out of the bush and they were, ‘Do we have to wear shoes?’ Yeah, you’ve gotta wear shoes. ‘We gotta wear clothes?’ Yeah, you’ve gotta wear clothes.
Revelstoke’s world-class MTB star Casey Brown. Photo: Zoya Lynch
Where the wild ones roam A pro-spotlight with Casey Brown
By Bryce Borlick In this age of digital media, it’s all too easy for glossy content to obfuscate the true personality of a professional athlete. We see money shots, we hear commentators’ hype, and we get predictable post-race interviews that prop sponsors and offer little insight beyond that. But every once in a while we get a taste of the very real person behind the pixels, of the strengths and weaknesses and idiosyncrasies that we can all relate to. And when that person is professional mountain biker Casey Brown, it’s hard not to love her. Her humility and ‘go big or go home’ attitude endears her with fans and promises a bright future for this hometown hero. Revelstoke Mountaineer: World Cup Downhill racer, Queen of Crankworx, and now Enduro World Series racer — you’ve worn a few hats in recent years. Do you think you’ll stay focussed on Enduro for a while? Casey Brown: For me I see a bit more longevity in Enduro compared to DH. I’m still competing in Crankworx but not going for the overall. My dream is to do more filming and editorial pieces. RM: You’ve got to love some of the venues chosen for Enduro. Where are you right now? CB: I’m writing to you from Madeira, a little island belonging to Portugal, way off the coast of Morocco. This place is exotic as f*#k! RM: Travel is certainly one of the perks of racing or producing film content. Is there any place you haven’t been to yet? CB: I would love to spend more time in Asia; I see Nepal in my future. RM: You’ve called Revelstoke home since you were a kid. What keeps you here? CB: I moved to Revelstoke when I was eleven in 2002, from New Zealand. I stay because Revelstoke has matured into home for many athletes and entrepreneurs. I’m honoured to be surrounded by such inspiration. The true seasons and endless mountain adventures are also what keep me here. RM: I’m always curious about the stresses of being a pro, mostly because the public just sees the sunshine and lollipops. What are the stresses in your life? CB: There is a bit of sunshine and maybe a lollipop or two, but for the most part it’s training, dealing 8
with sponsors, and constantly figuring out what the best direction is for the brand. There is no guidebook for this career path. You are always taking risks on and off the bike. RM: Like Death Grip — bombing a trail on a bike without brakes. Serious risks there! CB: I hope I don’t have to do that again — one of the more questionable things I’ve done on a bike. I’d be stoked to do some more creative filmmaking. RM: What do you think the key is to ‘making it’ as a pro athlete? CB: I’d say be persistent and just when you feel like giving up, go harder and throw every ounce of enthusiasm and heart into it. Find what makes you unique and run with it. Who you surround yourself with is important. RM: What’s your take on the environmental impacts of race travel and the racers who are seeking solutions to it? CB: It’s so rad to see these heroes taking a stand and shaping the future of their sports. These people are truly inspiring. I plan to do my best by eating a vegan/vegetarian diet to counterbalance my carbon footprint, since animal agriculture is 18% of CO2 emissions and 14% of all transport. RM: Ah, vegan. Do you find it tough to maintain that on the road? CB: I am some what particular about my food. I feel like when you buy food you are making your vote, so buying sustainably-farmed and cruelty-free food is important to me. I have learned so much about finding good food in foreign countries but I always take emergency nutritional supplements with me. Most of Europe is on the meat, cheese, and bread program. RM: Do you ever feel physically worn down by your career? CB: In the past I’d get worn down mentally by riding all year round, but now I’ve learned that I need a break from bikes (skiing) and it makes me more passionate about my career in the long run. RM: Can you ski like you pedal? CB: I try, ha ha ha. RM: You gonna be turning wrenches down at the mill when you’re done with bikes? CB: Believe it or not, I’ve worked in the mill! Funny, all the jobs I’ve done to pay for World Cup racing. Ten years
RM: Did Casey adjust to life in Canada easily? LB: She thought she could come over and not go to school. She just wanted to dig snow. But she went to school and of course everybody loved her. I’d bike to school with her every day and a couple weeks later she said “Dad, don’t bike to school with me, it’s embarrassing” RM: Sounds like a pretty well-adjusted eleven-yearold. Biking was just a part of life? LB: Biking in the summer, snowboarding in the winter. RM: And then eventually she got into racing? LB: She did. And she banged herself up pretty good too, three or four times. She’d take on some pretty big stuff but she wouldn’t take the time to pace the stuff out. Whereas her brother Sam paced it out, paced it out, paced it out, and then he’d take a shot. Casey was type of person who’d fly off a cliff and hope for the best. She came close to dying, wrecked her liver pretty bad. She had to lay still for 10 days. RM: Was she trying to keep up to Sam, hitting the same jumps and all? LB: The younger ones will always try to keep up. He was an inspiration. She definitely tried to follow his style. RM: Did Sam’s death in 2009 have a pretty profound affect on Casey? LB: Around then Casey decided, maybe I’ll pursue this. So it was probably his dying that made her go extreme. She just didn’t care. I’ll go fly off a cliff and see how it goes. Not quite but she pushed it to the limit because of that. If you asked her, she’d say that was her inspiration and her motivation for taking it to the extreme. RM: What do you think of the career she’s making out of biking? LB: She’s doing pretty good. Still, she’s got no guarantee, you break something, you’re out of it. But it’s something to be proud of. She’s done everything herself, not like the others with financial backing from the family. RM: Is it odd to see her in the limelight? LB: Half the time I don’t know where she is. She figures I’m going to worry, which I do, occasionally. I went down to Whistler last year and I was late for some reason for one of her races but she had just finished, won the race. I couldn’t even get to her, there were so many cameras on her. I said, that’s my daughter, they didn’t care “f*#k off, get to the end of line,” ha ha ha. RM: Casey said that you’d have some embarrassing stories that she’d really like to have in print. How about it? LB: Early on I got a pretty good mountain bike for Casey and we went biking up the hill a ways. About a mile up, Casey was lagging behind, dragging her bike on the ground saying “I don’t wanna do this, I hate this, I hate biking.” That didn’t last long. Pretty soon she was away.
Casey Brown. Photo: Zoya Lynch
ALL NATION TREE PLANTING September 1st - September 27th 2017
6 tree beds 6 continents 1 multicultural forest Apply to have your family name, history and origin commemorated by planting a tree at the Forestry Museum
FREE EVENT TO BE INVOLVED EMAIL info@bcforestrymuseum.ca
Subject Line Tree Plant Include the following information to be eligible: Family name you want to on the commemorative plaque? Country of origin? How long has your family with that name been in Canada? Proof of residency in Revelstoke and how long? Phone contact number?
www.bcforestrymuseum.ca 15
Photos by Zoya Lynch
Trudeaustagram
Revelstoke residents’ social media feeds experienced a big spike in activity when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited town for on July 29 for a Canadian Red Cross fundraiser in support of B.C. wildfire victims. It seemed like half the town bagged a selfie when Trudeau spent about an hour wading through throngs of people gathered for the event. On stage, Trudeau was backed by signer Tom Jackson and local First Nations and political dignitaries, and then joined the CP Rail Canada 150 Train event alongside performers Dean Brody and Dallas Arcand. Residents got a souvenir with the selfie-king himself, but what did Trudeau get in return? Mayor Mark McKee presented him with a made-in-Revelstoke Trapper snowboard and an invitation to come back in the winter to shred it up.
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Transition into Autumn The Spokin’ Word: Treading the high seas By Bryce Borlick Scoundrels, scallywags, rogues, and pirates! Some say these are the characters you‘ll find in the woods! This is the last Spokin’ Word for the season and I’m going to take this opportunity to not only address the taboo subject of unauthorized trail building but to celebrate the efforts of these independent trail builders. Why? Because the sport of mountain biking wouldn’t be where it is today without these people. They’re cornerstones of this sport, and their ongoing contributions, however covert, continue to shape the future of mountain biking. Straight up. It wasn’t long ago that mountain biking was the red-headed stepchild of the outdoor world — chastised and rebuffed by land managers and other trail users alike. Trail access disappeared like a disabled parking spot in front of The Modern. Still, some people saw great potential in their machines and they headed deeper into the forests, beyond the regulation and conflict, to create trails that were creative and challenging and immensely fun. They built it, and people came — a lot of people, in fact. This is when mountain biking grew pubes and drank its first beer. It’s also when biking turned the corner and land management plans started to evolve toward the inclusive and cooperative system that we now take for granted. Not bad for a buncha rapscallions! Since those times, we’ve come a long way and today British Columbia offers the best mountain biking in the world, period. And along the way, savvy entrepreneurs have figured out that there are hundreds of millions of dollars to be made. But despite the fact that we have amazing legally-built trails and extensive lift-accessed bike parks, it’s often something else that sells the sport. It’s those damn dirt delinquents again going deeper into the forest to create trails that are even more creative and challenging and fun. The Coastal Crew, Jordie Lunn, Riley MacIntosh — just a few high-profile examples from the virtual legion of independent builders. They create features and images that captivate the imagination and fan the flames of a passion that burns brightly in mountain bikers worldwide. For many, it’s those free and wild images that sell the whole kit and caboodle.
By Heather Hood Summer is coming to a close with the fall solstice occurring this month. The leaves begin to change colour, fall harvest is in full swing and the nature around us begins to prepare for the end of the season. Autumn can also be a transitional time for wine. The last of the rosé will be savoured and make way for other wines. This month there are three great wines to enjoy, that are terrific value.
La Frenz Riesling, 2016 Naramata, BC $21.44 La Frenz has been making some of the most consistent and fantastic wines for as long as I can remember. This wine has a wonderfully balanced acidity with a smooth and sweet finish. The nose has characteristics of lime, floral and a slight petrol note. There is a sweetness on the palate that is balanced with a nice tartness of green apple, lime carries through from the palate as well as a nice minerality. I would pair this wine with a nice apricot Stilton cheese or a sweet dessert. This Riesling would be a fantastic addition to any dinner.
The Wild Olive Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot rosé, 2016 Coastal Region, South Africa $12.91 This is a good value rosé that is easy to drink. The nose is full of red berries. The palate is bright with flavours of strawberries, cherries and a slight mineral characteristic. It would pair well with almost anything you could prepare to serve with it.
Monashee militia member? No, just building some trails. Photo: Bryce Borlick
In no way am I minimizing the role of authorized trail building and the immense efforts of volunteer organizations across B.C. If you call yourself a mountain biker, you owe them a debt of gratitude. Nor am I suggesting that anyone break the law. I’m saying that the untethered vision of independent builders offers a unique and invaluable glimpse of what could be. So dirty knaves, wherever you are, deep in the forest hoping that no one ever writes a column about you, I salute you. Keep up yarr good work!
Vintage Ink Rebel Red, 2015 Oliver, BC $18.13
($2 off this month) Rebel red is a blend of Merlot and Shiraz. This is a flavourful big wine with a nose of red fruit and cedar. On palate there are ripe red fruits of red plum and cherry, vanilla, chocolate. The finish carries through with many of the flavours from the palate and balanced medium tannins. The wine would be paired well with grilled red meat, portabella mushrooms or a chocolaty dessert.
All wines available at Cheers! Downtown Revelstoke Open 9am to 11pm Delivery to your Door Call 250.837.4550
Balu Yoga & Wellness instructor Noelle Bovon. Photos: contributed
How to warm up for a typical day in Revelstoke By Noelle Bovon
We live in an amazing location with endless opportunities to play and truly enjoy life and the environment, rain or shine. There are so many great people in this town that enjoy being active, from all age ranges and stages in life, and typical day in Revelstoke can look like many different things to each of us. Opportunities for fun and adventure are everywhere around this amazing area, from biking to yoga to climbing and skiing/snowboarding to running and more. Some of us have full-time jobs and need to work around that schedule to find time for fun, inside and out. Others are working and raising kids and are struggling to find any time in the week for activities. Some of us have flexible schedules and can work and play whenever we want, while others have a much more generous amount of free time to get out and take advantage of all the amazing activities around us. Let’s not forget about those who choose to come to our amazing community on their vacation time to get out and adventure as well. Regardless of what your day looks like, whether you’re inside at a desk or outside in the fresh air, here are a few simple postures to warm up for your day in Revelstoke. These poses will help wake up your hips and stretch and warm you up before getting your day going. All you need is to find ten minutes in the morning, and you can fit in this short at-home yoga practice.
as you do this (or as much as possible with your left shoulder blade). Take five deep inhales and exhales here while relaxing your neck and shoulders and try to enjoy the twist. Repeat on the other side. Low Lunge (anjaneyasana): From down dog, step right foot forward. Place right knee above your heel. Back knee is on the floor (use a cushion if your knee is sore). Reach your hands up in the air. Soften your shoulders and take five big inhales and exhales here. This posture will help you release tension in your hips and lower back. It stretches your quads, hamstrings, groin and hips. Helps build mindful focus. Repeat other side. Savasana: On your back, extend both legs into a laying position. Allow your legs to rest mat-width apart with toes dropping open to the side, hands resting beside your hips with palms turned up towards the sky. Take five to 10 deep inhales and exhales here. Parshvottanasana: From down dog, step forward with right foot. Have blocks to place hands on under your shoulders. Fold forward from your hips (not your heart), and keep both feet firmly planted on the floor and reach with your arms. This posture strengthens legs, stimulates the abdominal organs, calms the mind and improves balance. Repeat other side.
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The key is to remember to breathe and begin to link your breath with your movements.
Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar): Three to twelve of these will wake and warm you up for the other postures. They also assist with a healthy digestive system, help soften anxiety, strengthen and lengthen muscles and joints, and get you into your mind and body which is the most excellent way to start your day. Finish in downward-facing dog.
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Pigeon Pose (Eka Pada Rajakapotasana): From down dog, bring your right knee forward between your hands so that you are resting your right shin and thigh on the earth. Bring your right knee out to the right so that you are framing your outer right ribs with your knee. Keep your back toes tucked and slowly lower your pelvis towards the earth. Do not sit your weight onto your right butt cheek — it’s tempting, but you want to keep your hips even. Press into your front and back knee to even hips. This pose offers a deep stretch to your glutes, stretches your groin and psoas and can help relieve sciatic and piriformis pain. Repeat other side.
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Supine spinal Twist (Supta Jathara Parivartānāsana): Place yourself on your back and extend your right leg on your mat while taking your left knee into your hands. Place your left foot as near to your right knee as is comfortable, then twist from your waist to your right side, allowing your left knee to drop towards the floor on the right side. Keep both shoulder blades on the floor
To register and for more information contact
250-837-3975 414 First St W info@baluyoga.com
@baluyoga Balu Yoga & Wellness @baluyogawellnes
www.baluyoga.com
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Ullr @ Caribou House
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Heavenly Bodies @ Main Street Cafe
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The Powder Slug @ Grizzly Plaza
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If the Weather is Listening @ Grizzly Plaza
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Nature//Cosmos @ Monashee Distillery
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Secret Gardens @ Chubby Funsters
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Painted Bodies @ Pulse
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Oh Decisions, Decisions @ Love Me Boutique
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First Snow @ Pulse
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Snow Globe @ Grizzly Plaza
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Leila Neveralnd @ Dose
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Beauty, Wildlife, Industry @ Selkirk Block
Life sized caribou with Ullr, God of Snow and Winter peering down from above. By Zuzana Riha A sculptural planetarium designed to teach us how big and small we are. By Kate Tupper A live multi-media performance telling the story of birth, growth, decay, death and resurrection. Music @ 6pm, 7pm, 8pm, 9pm By Rhoneil Eurchuk, Jason Mannings Watch this artist transform her live model over the course of the evening. By Tina Schultz Watch as snowflakes made up of Avalanche Canada staff hypnotically fall from the sky. By Frank Desrosier, Rob Buchanan, Mary Clayton Original genre-bending percussive piano and vocals, drawing inspiration from Ella Fitzgerald, Bjork and silent films. Music @ 6pm, 7pm, 8pm, 9pm By Leila Neverland Band
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Open for rides once again! Take a trip on Revelstoke’s iconic chair lift. By Trent Kappler, Sarah Peterson, Rob Buchanan Wind, rain and water… This visual and audio piece will intrigue and haunt you as you walk by. By Andrew Manley, Miriam Manley Take a peek through the keyhole and discover a world of glowing moss, webs, and creatures. By Sarah Spurr
All the joys and frustrations of building that perfect image. By Trish Hartwick
Have you ever wanted to climb inside a snow globe? Now is your chance, and it’s the perfect photo-op! By Rob Buchanan, Jess Leahey, Greg Hoffart
Raku Firing @ Grizzly Plaza Parking Lot
Where there is smoke there is fire…Watch these artists fire clay creations in an outdoor Raku kiln. By Mas Matsushita, Cat Mather, Nancy Geismar, David Walker
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Arc @ the Museum and Archives
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Trip to the Moon @ City Hall
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Alley of Stitches @ Revelstoke Credit Union Alley
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SilvaLoom @ City Hall
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Umbrella Alley @ Explorers Society
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Look through the trees to see this sculptural creation of clay and water. By Jacqueline Palmer Set aside 13 minutes of your night to watch this seminal art film from 1902. Courtesy of the Co-Lab
Silva is Latin for forest, Loom is the structure used to weave. Leave your mark on this work. By Nicola McGarry and Claire Seiber
Starlight @ Big Mountain Kitchen
Look up…Way up…And see the night sky hanging from the ceiling. By Michelle Spragg
Persistence of Vision @ The Modern
Moving pictures re-imagined through zoetropes – some of them edible! By Jess Leahey, Natalie Harris, Josee Zimyani, Duane Ducart, Rob Buchanan
Camera Obscura @ Mackenzie Ave
See an upside down and backwards perspective of the street you thought you knew so well. By Sarah Dart
Colouring Book @ The Taco Club
Watch this mural come alive as you help to complete this giant colouring book. By Angela Gooliaff
La End @ Various Locations Downtown Revelstoke
In the style of early 20th century silent films, a dancer and fiddler turn commonplace situations into the laughably ridiculous. By Eloi Homier Company
Curtains @ Garnish
Walk underneath a curtain of transparencies, exploring themes around mental illness. By Arleigh Garratt
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This video fuses historical and modern photos and plays with how communities shift over time. By Amy Bohigian, Daryl Jolly, Havelock John Tucker Windows of stitches from the quilts of the Mt. Revelstoke Quilters Guild. By Mt. Revelstoke Quilters Guild, Jamie Hobgood
Take a walk under Umbrella Alley, rain or shine. By Lucie Bergeron
Through the Looking Glass @ Explorer’s Society Watch as your movements are transformed into a live montage of light, colour, music, and motion. By Sherry Heyliger and Michael John Hornyak
The Drifters @ Explorers Society Lobby
Reflected sunset on the river, little creatures on a driftwood sculpture. By Claudia Bambi
LUNA AFTERPARTY @ Explorers Society 10pm - Midnight
Let Drum-J Si and Next Passage stimulate your senses with this audio/visual extravaganza dance party. Drinks and food available for purchase. By Simon Hunt, Bruce Thomas
As Eurchuk explains, the movement of nature surrounding us is a constant yet we generally live separate to it in our daily movements. “Prior to this project I had been living in a way that was quite disconnected from nature and my body and I got quite ill,” Eurchuk says. “This wasn’t just a creative process but a healing process reconnecting to a pace of working and living that was actually good for my body and made sense for me as a biological creature.” The result was the 12-track album Nature Cosmos. While Eurchuk says she enjoys fun styles of music like pop, her work is more ethereal and has been described as contemporary medicine songs.
Rhoneil Eurchuk. Photo: contributed
Nature translated into music at LUNA Art Festival
Musician Rhoneil Eurchuk’s striking melodies and beats that capture a year of nature movements will be discovered at Revelstoke’s upcoming LUNA Art Festival
By Emily Kemp
“I see music as being healing on a cellular level, a way to access parts of your brain you can’t access through talking,” Eurchuk says.
Eurchuk will present this album at Monashee Spirits Craft Distillery for Revelstoke’s upcoming LUNA Art Festival. It will be a multi-media experience with a projectionist showing video loops of Kootenay landscapes, captured by nature cinematographer Jason Mannings, which correlate with each song and season. Expect lyrics with tingling harmonies and skillful compositions of melody and beat telling the story of birth, growth, decay, death, and resurrection. An obvious fan of anything Luna related, Eurchuk says the LUNA Art Festival is a great event for the local community and a nice antidote to capitalism.
For one year, musician Rhoneil Eurchuk immersed herself in tandem with the Luna cycle. Eurchuk’s goal was simple — write one song every cycle (about 29 days).
“I feel like people are really rushed and focused on making money and everything is usually done for quite practical reasons,” she says. “It can be nice to get the perspective of someone that has stepped out of that world and into one of ideas and inspiration and taking the time to distill something.”
Starting around the summer solstice in June 2015, at each new moon Eurchuk would go out and record sound and visuals. Throughout that month she would then guide them into a song at her home and studio in Winlaw, north of Nelson.
Catch Nature//Cosmos by Rhoneil Eurchuk and Jason Mannings at Monashee Spirits Craft Distillery on Sept. 30 as part of the Revelstoke LUNA Art Festival’s opening night. Music at 6 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m., and 9 p.m. LUNA Art festival runs from Sept. 30–Oct. 7.
September 29 – October 30, 2017 Opening Reception 6 – 9pm September 29, 2017
Julia Crucil I Sandra Flood I Francine Lanoie I Jackie Pendergast I Krista Stovel
Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 12 - 4pm 320 Wilson Street revelstokeartgallery.ca
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Kate Tupper at work
Kate Tupper’s metal sculpture is featured on the M.V. Columbia, a vessel she helped weld. Photo: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer
Kate Tupper welds dreamy, sci-fi myths
Commercial welder started with scraps from the shop floor and forged it into a burgeoning career as a professional sculptor By Aaron Orlando The super-talented Nakusp-based metal artist Kate Tupper’s elaborate sculptures span the gamut from intricately detailed art bikes to abstract sculptures and installations. Tupper’s metal art career started when she was working as a welder; she’d scrounge scraps and metal waste to make her unique creations. Over the past decade, she’s emerged as a serious metal artist, selling sculptures, taking commissions and putting on full exhibitions. She’s won exhibition awards at the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre and has been featured in Castlegar Sculpturewalk for the past two seasons, taking third place in the juried show in 2016. Her 2016 work is now featured in the City of Nelson -- look for her sculpture All Strings Attached near the Cantina. She’s been well received in her hometown; an easy chair made from metal has been installed on the village’s waterfront as part of a downtown revitalization project, and her abstract sculpture adorns the M.V. Columbia ferry on the Shelter Bay to Galena Bay run. (Tupper actually worked as a welder on construction of the new ferry.) She’s also been involved in teaching design to students at the Nakusp Secondary School. We caught up with Kate for a Q&A update on her works and to find out what she has in store for the LUNA Festival.
beauty in the patterns of structural steel. Welding is bright, steel is dark; it’s my favourite juxtaposition. I wrote about the beauty of camaraderie. I had never been with such a great team of humans working and laughing so hard. These people took the time to answer my questions. The time I spent on the Columbia is why I can build what I dream today. So when I was asked to design a sculpture it was easy. I had already written the artist statement, and the visual research was there in my mind and notebook. Voila! Looking Aft came to life with a CKCA grant and an Art Party fundraiser. RM: You work as an artistic director for Shambhala. Tell me about what that job entails and what sensibility you
try to bring to the festival. I started as Art Director and supervising what is called the Farm Decor team at Shambhala Music Festival last summer, 2016. This year it was our 20th anniversary, so you can imagine a job like that comes with some big boots to fill. The focus of the team has been primarily in creating a vibe for the site. The past work is incredible I feel honoured to be a steward of all the sculpture and murals. To have the opportunity to lead, and design large projects for one of my favourite places has been a dream come true for me. On Farm Dec we build projects with magical, whimsical elements that encourage community, education, and personal
Revelstoke Mountaineer: Your sculpture is featured on the Upper Arrow Lake Ferry M.V. Columbia, a ferry that you also helped build as a welder. Tell me about the piece and your inspiration for it. Kate Tupper: I started writing poetry during the Columbia build. I didn’t know that’s what I was doing. I carry a small book in my front Carhartt pocket for recording on the go measurements and instructions. Welding for hours and days and weeks, my thoughts became words, that then became incomplete sentences. I felt like an explorer at times because shipbuilding was so new to me every section added, or new process I learned, just blew my mind. I sketched the visual 24
A close up of the M.V. Columbia sculpture. Photo: contributed.
Tupper is known for her elaborately welded art bikes. Photo: contributed.
growth. I try to focus especially on down-regulation because the stages are so stimulating we need that balance downtown. I arrived on the Farm this year on July 16th and ran teams through too many projects to list. In the end right before the show we were a team 19 strong. It was a hustle and air quality was poor, but we managed to crank out the magic. Our biggest project was a welded non-denominational wedding chapel build from 76 old school chairs by four lady welders: myself, Georgia, Emma, Emily and my friend Brad. We let him name it the Thundercone. I love its organically inspired sheet metal, and hand-painted details. It’s become a place for not just lovers but also friends to come together.
RM: You’re involved with the Nakusp Art Party event, which has turned into an art party weekend getaway for many in Revelstoke. What’s that event about? We love that Revelstoke come to visit! Art Party is something we do in Nakusp’s off-season to bring fun, business, and of course art to our village. it started out as a one-off to save my sculpture project Looking Aft, but turned out to be so much fun that everyone keeps pulling together to produce another one. Proceeds go towards public art projects in the Nakusp area. We have a solid team and the community support is phenomenal — something special is happening over here and its about great people getting together and celebrating the arts and each other. Our next event is November 18. Remember that we have hot springs for your hangovers! #visitnakusp RM: Your works span the spectrum from practical art like metal furniture and leisure art bikes to abstract metal sculpture. Aside from metal and welding as your chosen media, what themes or processes unite your works?
fully everything else. To teach humans how big and small we are. To create a sense of wonder, to tap into the mystical experience. I have built a sixteen-foot tall structure — sometimes it feels like a rocket sometimes it feels like a planetarium. Sometimes it feels like something a little more sacred. This installation is different for me because it included some new materials and processes. MAF Unit has many intentionally void spaces cut in her formed sheet metal walls to be traced by light strips and filled with custom made windows. I have been running a super sticky resin lab on my deck for several months researching and developing small projects. This week I started pouring the big windows into the custom rubber moulds I built. I hope all of Revelstoke shows up on September 30 to explore Luna and see if all my experiments worked out! Kate Tupper’s welded chair is located on the Nakusp waterfront promenade. Photo: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer
Creating myth, I think, unifies. Each of the works to me is a character or a part of a story line. Visual themes calling me lately are of the natural world combined with a sort of dreamy science fiction approach. I love the illusion of floating and often try to incorporate that into the work. I think I picture each sculpture alongside its artist statement as something like a page from a graphic novel. I create costumes when I’m in the research and development phase of projects they are essentially the sculpture in a different form. A sort of first attempt at what I am hoping to build and bring to life. Maybe I think if I can get inside I’ll know what it is supposed to look/feel like? I think it’s working. The three elements combined; sculpture, artist statement and costume are what I actually consider to be the full body of work. Your LUNA piece called Heavenly Bodies will be featured at Main Street Café. Tell me about what you’ll be creating and the ideas and inspiration that’s guiding it?
Kate Tupper
Heavenly Bodies, AKA M.A.F. Unit 0, is a project funded by BC Arts Council. LUNA Arts Festival will be its Maiden Voyage. M.A.F was designed to be public art that could touch and be touched by anyone of any age. The idea around her was connection to ourselves and hope25
A quick and dirty guide to the art festival By Victoria Strange
Festivals are rooted in the social and cultural life of the community they are hosted. Arguably Canada’s love for festivals goes back thousands of years when Canada’s Indigenous groups regularly held ceremonies such as the famous Potlach, pow-wow, Sundance and others. Today these ceremonies and celebrations are enjoying a renaissance after years of government bans and discrimination. The beauty of art festivals is that they are usually fun, free and outside, both literally and metaphorically, by engaging audiences on a number of levels, intellectually and physically, sometimes even getting them to actually create the piece of art itself! They have the potential to entertain, delight and shock audiences the world over. In this article we will try to get the bottom of just what all the buzz is about! So when did the art festival begin and what is all the fuss about?
The Venice Biennale The Venice Biennale dates back to 1895, when the first International Art Exhibition was organized in part to establish a new market for contemporary art. Today alongside the Central Pavilion there are 30 national permanent pavilions each owned by the ministry of culture of that country and 29 other pavilions as well as art displayed in other venues across Venice. The Festival
attracts over 500,000 visitors every year and remains one of the most famous, prestigious and exciting art festivals in the world.
What about in Canada?
What about more recent festivals, like the craziness that happens in Montreal and Toronto? From dusk until the early pre-dawn hours on September 30, 2006, Toronto buzzed with excitement as Nuit Blanche was first unleashed on an unsuspecting city. Torontonians left behind the comfort of their beds en masse, as 425,000 people ventured out onto the city’s streets for an all-night exploration and celebration of contemporary art. As remarkable and distinctive as the art was, the magic came from the audience response and interaction. Most importantly, through this event a new audience was introduced to contemporary art by making it fun, engaging and accessible. Most recently in 2016, over one million people are estimated to have attended this festival, which showcased the talents of more than 300 local, national and international artist and curators.
The Largest in the World: In Japan, the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial is the world’s largest outdoor art festival, bringing together
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The Most Graffiteed: Paradox Tauranga Street Art Festival in New Zealand brings street art into a gallery setting while also turning the city into an outdoor gallery, featuring internationally acclaimed street artists like Banksy.
Found as far away as Newfoundland, Expo ‘67’s remnants continue to exude some of the weird, wondrous magic of that Summer of Love in Montreal, when anything and everything seemed possible. The art and architectural legacy of Montreal’s 1967 International and Universal Exhibition litter Canada’s landscape like the ruins of a fantastical future to which we somehow, somewhere lost the thread.
What about other places in the world, do they have art festivals too? A work from the Venice Biennale.
more than 300 international artists in a natural setting. Held once every three years, artworks are found scattered across rice fields, empty houses and closed schools.
H A LCYON - H OTS P R I N G S . CO M
An abstract work at the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial
Why bother attending a live festival when so much cool art is just a click away? Because nothing beats a real-life, first-hand experience. Interacting with a painting, sculpture, or installation provides a deeper appreciation that can’t be replicated through a computer screen. It is the up-close and personal interaction with both the artwork and its viewers which elicit emotion, reaction, debate, and a sense of belonging to your own cultural community.
Want to know more about LUNA: Nocturnal Art and Wonder? Get ready! Featuring 25 projects, Luna is set to make Revelstoke part of the Art Festival community around the globe. On September 30 at 6 p.m., Revelstoke will be transformed into an artistic playground for a series of exhilarating, contemporary art experiences in unexpected spaces. In its first year, Revelstoke will host 25 art projects, ranging from sculpture, to performance, music, interactive installations, and mixed media.
Works by David Walker. Photo: Mas Matsushita Temperatures reach 1,000 degrees Celsius during firing.
Raku - A Red Hot Passion in Revelstoke By Nico Leenders This story begins with Mas Matsushita. He moved to Revelstoke in the late ‘70s like many others to work on the construction of the dam. Mas had come from New Denver, where as a teen he helped his father practice the Western style of Raku pottery, under the tutelage of Hal Riegger, a pioneer of the art form.
ing effects are unique with cracking and even chipping of the glaze surface being commonplace. Compared to other methods of firing pottery, (Western) Raku is seriously exciting. You can imagine the appeal to a young Mas Matsushita. Shortly after arriving in Revelstoke Mas joined the Revelstoke Art Group – known now as the Revelstoke Visual Arts Society (RVAS). He befriended local potter Trudy Golley-Silano and together they experimented with Raku for a while, trying different methods of firing and various types of clay. In the early 2000s, Matsushita met Nancy Geismar, who was giving pottery courses. She had had her first taste of Raku when teaching pottery at Mount Royal College – and would do one firing each semester with her students. Nancy was drawn to the immediacy of the Raku firing process and the interaction of the artist with the fire, the reduction and the individual pieces. By this time it had been many years since Mas had done any Raku, and it was Nancy’s enthusiasm that re-ignited his interest. Mas built his own Raku kiln and the two started holding workshops to introduce other local potters to Raku. In 2004, Cat Mather, who had only just started doing pottery attended one such workshop, and in 2006 David Walker, a long-time visual artist, attended another. Both fell instantly in love with the process. Two years later, Cat and David secured a development grant from the CBT Kootenay Cultural Alliance to build a propane Raku kiln and acquire the tools and equipment necessary to fire at the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre. Cat and David have consistently fired in the spring and fall since this time.
A samurai mask by Mas Matsushita. Photo: contributed
Raku pottery originated in Japan and dates back to the 1580s. It is different from other forms of pottery in that the clay is placed in a quick heating or already red-hot kiln, the glaze is melted and only allowed to cure a short while in the kiln before being removed still glowing from the heat, and forced to rapidly cool in the open air.
This fall – as part of the opening night of the Luna Art Festival on September 30, the four potters, Mas Matsushita, Nancy Geismar, Cat Mather and David Walker will be doing an outdoor Raku firing in the parking lot next to Grizzly Plaza from 6pm to midnight. The public is invited to spectate.
A raku work by Cat Mather. Photo: Mas Matsushita
Mas Matsushita – “For me, the Westernized Raku style moves outside of the normally structured process taken in creating functional forms of pottery and this abstraction is what appeals to me. On a personal level, I find that there is a strong sense of Zen to this style. It may sound corny, but becoming one with this creative process is what makes it so enjoyable for me.” Nancy Geismar – “There is a serendipitous and unknown element with Raku. That is the joy (and sometimes despair) for the Raku artist. Each piece is unique and individual… just like nature, no two leaves are exactly alike. The uniqueness and element of surprise are two aspects of Raku that inspire me to create for this medium.” Cat Mather – “I love the spontaneity of the firing, and how unpredictable but beautiful the results are.” David Walker – “I was captivated by the thermal shocking of the ceramic objects as they move from the propane kiln into the reduction barrels, variable glaze results and crackling of the glaze surface, which almost instantaneously ages the ceramic objects.”
In the mid-1900s American potters took this process one step further by pulling out the pottery as soon as the glaze melts, then placing the glowing hot pottery (close to 1,000 degrees Celsius) into a fire-proof container filled with combustible materials, which would be instantly ignited by the pottery. More combustible materials are quickly thrown over the pottery and a lid is then secured. Before long the fire is suffocated from lack of oxygen. It is in this smoke-filled, oxygen-deprived environment that the glaze cures and the pottery takes on distinctive Western Raku characteristics. This process in pottery lingo is called a “post-firing reduction.” Different potters experiment with different combustible materials like shredded paper, nut shells, horse hair, dry leaves and even seaweed, to achieve different results. This process is fast, it involves handling glowing hot things, open fire and smoke; it is inherently dangerous, and produces unpredictable results. Pieces often break during the process as tremendous stress is exerted on them in the rapid heating and cooling process. The glaz-
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Rob in his downtown studio space with a Zoetrope prototype, resurrected from local antique farm equipment.
Meeting Rob Buchanan
Collaboration, process and community art
By Sarah Spurr If I were to draw a cartoon to characterize meeting Rob Buchanan, it would look like shaking hands with the tip of an iceberg. He’s got sunglasses and sips a coffee steaming with the words “but first, the Modern Cafe.” My first impression was followed by a tour of his downtown studio space where I caught a look into his working portfolio. This part would be the icebergs counterweight and it would be drawn as a flickering zoetrope propelling him along in a giant whirligig of images, some place cool like the Western Arctic. Photography, illustration, painting (in various
mediums and style), sculpture and graphic design. Everything from stylized Art Deco posters to crafty tinfoil prototypes, it’s all unapologetically there. Whether you’ve stepped into a hero’s pair of oversized, custom-fabricated breeches or gripped the label of a cold Mount Begbie Brewing Co. beer, when in Revelstoke you will likely set eyes on something that has emerged from the mind of celebrated artist and for many the mentor, ©B u c h a N a N. Rob has worked as a photographer, designer and graphic artist for Parks Canada over 18 years. He currently creates educational exhibits for both Revelstoke and Glacier national parks. You can find his visual narratives trailside and as interactive public installations. In addition to a 25 year career of travelling with photography and art he has been drawing an editorial cartoon once a week for the Revelstoke Review for 23 years. He’s earned two provincial awards here and tells me that he has learned the most from this weekly practice cartooning for Revelstokians. He’s continuously challenged to reset the stage so something clever, clear and relevant can present itself. To pull this off, credit goes out to a rich supply of local subject matter, all one has to do is fill up at a downtown coffee shop to find the humour beside the news. Much of his work is devoted to promoting and preserving cultural and natural history. He’s gained traction animating legacy projects such as the commemoration sculpture for the nationally significant Nels Nelsen Ski Jump site in Revelstoke National Park. While he doesn’t spare us much in the Coles Notes of his own social media, he understands how designs that engage today mean people connect over interesting photo opportunities and a good hash tag like #nelsknickers. Visitors experiencing an exhibit space designed by Rob will enjoy outdoor physical activity and leave with a lasting impression of local history.
Breeches of Miss Conduct - An interactive statue to commemorate Georgia Engelhard, a female mountaineer from the Victorian Era who refused to let a skirt weigh her down. She wore breeches and abandoned the conventions of another era so she could discover the “beauty and exhilaration” of mountaineering. Leading the way for future generations of women exploring the mountains. Created in collaboration with Robert Maraun.
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Today, he’s busy cranking out drafts of renderings for a city sized collaboration project. The up and coming festival, Luna - Nocturnal Art and Wonder is approaching it’s premiere. Twenty five local artists and special guests have responded to the call to create unusual visual or performance art installations. The showcase will begin this September 30 through October 7 in a public art walk set downtown. Luna was first imagined by Victoria Strange - Executive Director of Revelstoke Arts Center and Miriam Manley - Executive Director of Revelstoke
Arts Council. The idea became possible by assembling a team of local arts and tourism ambassadors, including Buchanan, Jana Thompson, Nico Leenders, Pauline Hunt and dedicated volunteers. When it comes to collaboration Rob says he’s switched on by the experience of process. There’s a huge resource of energy when gathering ideas, learning from and trading skills with one another. Anybody can be an artist if given the opportunity and he is tapping into the momentum of a growing arts community. Creative thinking is everywhere … your trusted avalanche forecasters, bakers, home builders, welders, seamstresses or enthusiastic documenters of awesome. There are endless possibilities mixing forces of old school with the new school as increasingly diverse backgrounds are drawn into the community. In addition to this month’s cover design and the festival map enclosed, Rob will be contributing in collaboration with other talented idea generators to produce four distinct projects for Luna. Keep your eyes peeled for these and much more: *Powder Slug Returns: Trent Kappler, Rob Buchanan, Sarah Peterson; pilots: Brent Strand, Dave Pearson, Dean Prunkle *Stellar Times: Frank Desrosier, Mary Clayton, Rob Buchanan, and the staff and families of Avalanche Canada *Persistence of Vision: Jess Leahey, Natalie Harris, Rob Buchanan and the Modern bakeshops’ Josee Zimyani and Duane Ducart *Snowglobe: Jess Leahey, Rob Buchanan and Tree Construction’s Greg Hoffart Finally, when I asked Rob to share a couple of career highlights, he sent back this list (and that’s not all). If you are reading this and you are looking for some reassurance as you break off into your own increasingly creative waters, this might serve as a good reminder to keep the wheels turning. * photographing the efforts of Canadian Malaria doctors in Malawi Africa with Canadian Physicians for Aid and Relief * working with Inuvialuit elders in the Western Arctic to develop a visitor centre * getting published by the National Geographic Society (He photocopied and framed his first cheque)
A teaser of Stellar Times - a projection project created turning Avalanche Canada Staff and their families into snowflakes.
* creating sculptures for two window displays for Patagonia’s flagship store in California * having two award winning photos travel the globe with the Banff Film Festival * guiding around Canadian astronaut Roberta Bondar on a mountain photo adventure * getting a photo displayed on the Jumbotron in New York’s Time Square * having legendary ski jumper Nels Nelsen’s 84-year-old daughter officially open my Nels Knickers’ sculpture * having work hung in the prestigious McMichael Art Gallery * helping the Modern Bakeshop team design a cake for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau *creating a public art installation out of 17,000 folded origami cranes (from all over Canada) to commemorate the victims of Canada’s worst avalanche accident. * and of course, teaching my son and daughter how to draw and love art
Leaning forward in the Nels Nelsen Ski Jump installation. A designated Nationally Significant exhibit designed to honour a local 1920s ski jump champion Nels Nelsen.
Introduce yourself to Rob and visit revelstokeartgallery.ca/luna for more festival info. Follow along with @lunaartfest on instagram and share your one-of -a-kind visual perspectives with #revelinluna.
Susan Lind
“We like to listen, we like to collaborate and we love to create spaces that tell a story”
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Adult literacy tutoring offers rewarding experiences
Volunteer at Okanagan College to help learners with basic reading, writing, math, computer skills and English language skills Being a volunteer tutor for The Revelstoke Volunteer Adult Literacy Tutoring Program at Okanagan College is a rewarding experience. “I really believe that literacy is a really important thing,” said one of the program’s volunteer tutors. “Everyone should give something back to the community and this is where I choose to place my importance. In my life people have taught me how to do things, so giving back is a good thing.” The program offers free and confidential tutoring to anyone 19 years or older. Volunteer tutors help learners who want to work on basic reading, writing, computer, English language and math skills. Volunteer tutors are matched with learners and the tutoring sessions are between one and three hours, once or twice a week. The tutoring sessions all take place in a public space. Learners get to improve their literacy skills while the volunteer tutors get to reap the rewards of seeing how these improved skills can change lives. “I think it’s super important for people to be literate. Our world is a very literate world and if you can’t do basic reading or basic numbers then it’s a hard place,” said a volunteer tutor. The tutor spoke about a learner she has been working with who wanted to improve his literacy skills. “His confidence has just totally shifted over the last couple of years,” she said. Volunteer tutors don’t need to have any previous experience, just patience and an enjoyment of people. “Sometimes the progress is slow, and that’s fine,” said a tutor. “It’s great when you look back at the progress that someone has made. That’s always been rewarding.” Volunteer tutors have the support of a program instructor and there are no special qualifications needed. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer tutor is asked to attend an orientation and training. Tutors are also asked to attend professional development workshops from time to time. Volunteer tutors are asked to make a six-month commitment to the program as it takes time for the tutor-learner relationship to develop. The program has flexibility and allows the learner and volunteer tutor to meet on a flexible schedule. “I had no literacy teaching training before this. Anyone who themselves is fluent as a reader or writer should be fine,” she said.
Literacy tutoring is a rewarding way to help others in the community.
The volunteer tutor said it’s rewarding to see people taking steps towards improving their literacy. “It’s been a huge, courageous effort just to get here. And really its important that there is someone there to help them with their big step in their career,” she said. “I’ve never had a negative experience with tutoring. I’ve never walked away from tutoring saying I’m so sad I went to tutoring. It’s always a positive in the day.” To learn more about becoming a volunteer tutor contact Briana Sadler, Adult Literacy Coordinator at 250-837-4235 ex. 6504 or email bsadler@okanagan.bc.ca. The program runs from September until the end of April.
Volunteer Tutors Needed Adult Literacy Volunteer Tutor Programs
Okanagan College Revelstoke
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The Adult Literacy Tutoring Programs are free and confidential one-toone tutoring programs offered to individuals 19 years and older who want to improve their basic reading, writing, math, English language and/or fundamental computer skills.
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For more information or to get involved: Contact: Briana Sadler Email: BSadler@okanagan.bc.ca or call 250-837-4235, ext. 6504
Contact: Briana Sadler
#revelstokemountaineer @revelstoke_mountaineer + @universalfootwear Insta contest colab Win prizes and get your Insta photos featured in Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine by tagging your photos with #revelstokemountaineer. Check the print issue and follow us at @revelstoke_mountaineer for monthly photo contest themes. For September, we’re partnering with Universal Footwear, Revelstoke’s amazing locally-owned shoe retailer. They’re offering a $75 gift certificate for the September issue winner. To enter, grab an action shot on the them of ‘places your shoes have taken you’ and #tag #revelstokemountaineer and tag @universalfootwear. Deadline is Sept. 20. Congratulations to @one_o_one_4_life for winning our August contest. You’ve won a Luna Art Festival T-Shirt.
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