Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine September 2023 issue

Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine is a free monthly publication featuring the best of Revelstoke outdoor life, food, style, visitor experiences, lifestyles, entertainment, home style and healthy living.

We are an independent, locally owned publication dedicated to showcasing our amazing mountain town and the great people who create the stoke.

Each issue we distribute 2,000 copies to public venues across Revelstoke, including hotel rooms, shops, restaurants, cafes, community centres — everywhere people meet.

For all inquiries, please contact us at info@revelstokemountaineer.com

For Revelstoke daily news online, please see our sister publication www.revelstokemountaineer.com

· 250 571 9525 info@revelstokemountaineer.com

606 Railway Avenue. Revelstoke, B.C. P.O. BOX 112 · V0E 2S0

PUBLISHER

Brandi Schier info@revelstokemountaineer.com

EDITOR

Hollie Ferguson info@revelstokemountaineer.com

REPORTERS

Melissa Jameson melissa@revelstokemountaineer.com

Lys Morton lys@revelstokemountaineer.com

EDITORIAL DESIGN/ADVERTISING DESIGN

Chris Payne chris@revelstokemountaineer.com

WEBSITE

Chris Payne chris@revelstokemountaineer.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Connor Arsenault

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS & ILLUSTRATORS

Connor Arsenault

Introduction

Hi there, I’m Lys Morton, the newest Revelstoke Mountaineer reporter and sucker for patterns and things feeling like they’re coming full circle. Stick with me for a second.

My first role in journalism was as the arts editor for Navigator Student Press, Vancouver Island University’s student newspaper-turnedmagazine. It’s fitting that my first issue working for the Revelstoke Mountaineer would be our arts issue. Sort of like coming home. Especially as I move back to the online/print hybrid world.

For this issue, my introduction to the Revelstoke community, I got to nerd out about all the celebrated gems in this city. Whether that’s the dynamic duo of Garlic Fest and Timber Days, the launch of LUNA Rail or all the activities for BikeFest. Every phone call, email and story makes me that much more excited to have boots on the ground in the coming month.

While Connor’s feature exploring what exactly makes Revelstoke an arts town is a highlight of our issue this year, you don’t have to convince me too much about that. Please enjoy reading these pages and check out my full intro on page 11.

Clarification, Revelstoke’s misunderstood moments Our August story, Revelstoke’s misunderstood moments: missing from the record, mistakenly stated that prior to 2010, the names of the Japanese men who died in the 1910 avalanche at Roger’s Pass were unknown. In fact, the names of the victims were known, but little other information was available until Tomo Fujimura was able to track down some personal information on each of the men through his research.

COVER AND INSET PHOTO: Ansel Anderson’s vibrant semiabstract nature-scapes can be viewed inside the Roxy Theatre’s foyer. Photo by Arts Revelstoke/Ansel Anderson

Our

12

REVELSTOKE: AN ARTS TOWN

Dig into the recent history of Revelstoke's arts and tourism through interviews with notable characters who have helped our town become an oasis for artists.

14

LUNA FEST PREVIEW

It just wouldn’t be LUNA Fest without a bunch of fun, funky and sometimes a little wacky, interactive displays during LUNA Arts. From flying saucers to short films and the ever-popular Powder Slug Express, take a look at a few of this year’s offerings.

18

LUNA RAIL PROFILE

Meet Demmi Dupri, the professional balloon twister and entertainer who will be offering family-friendly fun to attendees of LUNA Rail.

19

LUNA SOUND PROFILE

LUNA Sound returns with performances by a number of artists, showcasing multiple styles of music.

SEPTEMBER 2023 CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER EVENTS

SATURDAY, SEPT. 2

BANK HEIST TIME TRAIL

Kill the Banker hiking trail, 2950 Camozzi Rd, 7:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Take on 3.7 kilometres of steep terrain, boulder fields and forests in this race along the famous ski run, Kill the Banker, hosted by Arc'teryx and Revelstoke Mountain Resort. Check in at the resort on race day.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 5

REVELSTOKE BIKEFEST SHOW & SHINE

Grizzly Plaza, 111 MacKenzie Ave, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Bring your bike down and show off your skills, your gear and maybe even your costume at the Revelstoke Bikefest Show & Shine.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 6

REVELSTOKE BIKEFEST’S THE ENGINE INSIDE SCREENING

The Roxy Theatre, 115 MacKenzie Ave, 7 p.m.

Come on down and enjoy the screening of The Engine Inside, a documentary following six

different bikers using the same mode of transit to explore their world and change their lives. Stay around after for a Q&A with writer Mitchell Scott.

REVELSTOKE PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURE MASS REGISTRATION DAY

Revelstoke Community Centre, 115 MacKenzie Ave, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. Check out all the local recreational opportunities, teams, clubs and more at Registration Day. Bring down your questions of what’s available and see what new hobby you pick up.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 8

REVELSTOKE BIKEFEST EXPO

1st St. and Regent parking lots, 1 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Check out local biking resources, new gear and bikes, take part in the agility courses and enjoy Revelstoke’s biking community.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 9

BEAR AWARENESS DAY

Revelstoke Farmer's Market, 111 MacKenzie Ave, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Learn how you can keep yourself, your pets and local bears safe at Bear Awareness Day. Learn how to use bear spray, tour around local businesses with bear info spots and try your hand at the scavenger hunt.

REVELSTOKE BIKEFEST

WOMEN’S ENDURO

Macpherson Nordic Lodge, 9 a.m. Find a spot along the race route and cheer on 100 bikers as they traverse over 25 kilometres of trails in and around Revelstoke.

REVELSTOKE BIKEFEST BC MTB DEMO DAY

The Stoke Hotel, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Try your hand at mountain biking and get some new gear at the Mountain Biking BC demo day. Catch the shuttle to Boulder and Macpherson from The Stoke Hotel.

LITTLE BEAR SOCCER

TOURNAMENT DAY 1

Centennial Ball Fields, 1016 Centennial Park Drive, time to be determined Cheer on over 80 teams at the 24th annual Little Bear Soccer Tournament, hosted by Revelstoke Youth Soccer Association. Teams in divisions from U11 to U18 will be competing in two days of tournament games.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 10

REVELSTOKE BIKEFEST

REVY 50

Downtown Revelstoke, time to be determined

Head downtown to the starting line and cheer on the racers for Revy 50, the cross country, all terrain endurance race wrapping up Revelstoke Bikefest. Stick around to give some encouragement as racers cross the finish line.

LITTLE BEAR SOCCER

TOURNAMENT DAY 2

Centennial Ball Fields, 1016 Centennial Park Drive, time to be determined Cheer on over 80 teams at the 24th annual Little Bear Soccer Tournament, hosted by Revelstoke Youth Soccer Association.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 12

EMERGENCY SERVICES

FOOD DRIVE

Stay at your home, 4 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Community Connections, in collaboration with the Emergency Services of Revelstoke invite you to join the 2023 Fall Food Drive. All you have to do is collect your food and cash donations and wait on Tuesday for the sound of sirens travelling through your community. Come out to greet your local emergency service workers and pass along your donations.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 16

REVELSTOKE TIMBER DAYS

Revelstoke Interior Forestry Museum, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Explore the history of the logging industry around B.C., check out chainsaw competitions and try your hand at axe throwing at the family-friendly Timber Days.

Volunteers organize donated food at the Community Connections Emergency Food Drive in 2022.

Photo by Community Connections Food Bank

The Revelstoke Women's Enduro takes place Saturday, Sept. 9.

Photo by Revelstoke Cycling Association

SUNDAY, SEPT. 17

REVELSTOKE GARLIC

FESTIVAL

Queen Elizabeth Park, 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Enjoy local produce, artisans and community connections along with live music. Taste a myriad of garlic products from across the region, add your flair to the interactive art piece and kids can try their hand at the scavenger hunt.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 22

LUNA SOUND

Downtown Revelstoke

LUNA Sound brings live music to Revelstoke in a night celebrating the ever-growing music scene of Revelstoke.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 23

LUNA ARTS

Downtown Revelstoke, 6 p.m. - 11 p.m. Explore Revelstoke downtown as it’s transformed into a mirage of art installations, interactive performances and Art "Alleries". Write a letter to a stranger and have it delivered by a rollerskating snail, take a peek through an oversized kaleidoscope or be amazed by aerial rope performances.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 24

LUNA RAIL Revelstoke Railway Museum, 719 Track St. W, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Join artists and performers Demmi Dupri, Stubbs and The and Spandy Andy at the first LUNA Rail. Join in on the family-friendly music, balloon creations and activities and help celebrate the 30th Railway Day.

Leno TK is Ghanian Canadian artist bringing his unique spin to melodic trap and R&B.

Photo by Arts Revelstoke

Demmi Dupri prepares her balloons for an upcoming performance.

Photo by Demmi Dupri

EMERGENCY SERVICES FOOD DRIVE RETURNS TO FIGHT BACK AGAINST HUNGER

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS SAYS FOOD BANK DEMAND HAS DOUBLED FROM PRE-PANDEMIC NUMBERS, WITH CLIENTS VISITING MORE FREQUENTLY – AN INDICATION OF DEEPENING FOOD INSECURITY.

By Melissa Jameson

Once again emergency services crews will team up with local groups and take to the streets and fight back against hunger in what has become the biggest annual drive for the Community Connections Food Bank. During the event, teams of volunteers go door-to-door – accompanied by lights and sirens – to gather donations of non-perishable foods.

“Affordability is an ever-increasing challenge in Revelstoke, with more and more folks turning to the food bank to help make ends meet,” Community Connections said in a statement. “Community Connections’ Food Bank has been serving record-breaking numbers of our community members in recent months and needs food and cash donations to meet the demand for support.”

The annual Emergency Services Food Drive sees volunteers collect onequarter of all food donations for the entire year during the food drive.

Currently, the food bank provides food for more than 600 local households. According to Community Connections, this number is double the demand pre-pandemic. The non-profit organization is also seeing clients visiting more frequently, an indication that food insecurity has deepened. Additionally, the rise in food costs has directly impacted the amount of food Community Connections is able to purchase for the food bank.

The food bank operates solely on grant funding and donations, both

monetary and food. A large portion of the foods distributed to food bank users are purchased directly by Community Connections, and the organization said increasing food costs is requiring the organization to stretch its funding “as best [it] can.”

“Though we can boast a beautiful new space to operate our food bank in, this space was created with capital infrastructure funding streams at the provincial and federal levels, which are not related to our food purchasing funds.”

This year’s event takes place Tuesday, Sept. 12 from 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The community is invited to rally friends, family or a team to help collect donations during the event. Anyone who is away during the event but wants to donate can do so by dropping off donations at Save-On-Foods or in the donation bin at the Community Connections’ Outreach Building, located at 416 Second Street West. Those offering donations of food are asked to please ensure the items being donated are safe to consume.

“In past food drives, we have had to discard 30 per cent of the food received because it is unusable,” said Hannah Whitney, Community Food Outreach Coordinator. “We’re hoping that community members can purchase food items or pick items from their homes to donate. If you wouldn’t eat it, please don’t donate it.”

While all donations of food items in good condition that are still within the best before date are welcome, the food bank said the most needed items are: canned tomatoes, canned vegetables, canned fruit, dried or canned soup, pasta and sauces, canned tuna and salmon, peanut butter and other nut butters, rice and grains, cereal, personal care items (soap, toothpaste, shampoo, toilet tissue) and pet food. Please note that home canned products or partially used items cannot be accepted.

For more information about the Emergency Services Food Drive or to get involved, visit Community Connections’ Facebook page or call 250-837-2920.

Volunteers and community members take a group photo at the Community Connections Emergency Food Drive in 2022. Photo by Community Connections Food Bank

LUNA ART FEST 2023 TO ALIGHT IN DOWNTOWN REVELSTOKE

WHAT’S NEW AT REVELSTOKE’S 2023 RENDITION OF LUNA FEST

By Connor Arsenault

Luna Art Fest, hosted by Arts Revelstoke, will be taking over the town again this year from Sept. 22 to 24 with tons of events, interactive performances and installations.

The theme of Luna Fest this year is Growth, representing Revelstoke’s growing arts culture. This year, attendees are encouraged to evolve, rise and flourish, like the Luna moths themselves who are the namesake of this festival, according to Tilda Bron, the Assistant Producer of Luna this year.

The weekend kicks off Sept. 22 with Luna Sound. Downtown Revelstoke will play host to nine bands across four different stages. All of the artists performing this year are based in Canada and represent a huge diversity of styles, including hip-hop, blues, reggae and RnB.

Saturday, Sept. 23 will see Luna Arts take over the downtown core with over 35 art installations and creative performances. This is a free and unticketed event and everyone is welcome. The action starts at 6 p.m.

The festival will culminate on Sunday, Sept. 24 with Luna Rail. This year, Luna Fest has partnered with the Revelstoke Railway Museum to celebrate Railway Day. This family-friendly event will offer art, music and unexpected performances for everyone to enjoy at the Revelstoke Railway Museum from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Entry is by donation.

A PEEK INTO THE CURRENT EXHIBITS AT THE REVELSTOKE VISUAL ARTS CENTRE

By Hollie Ferguson

Migration Parade: Holon - Main Gallery

Artists Alexandra Goodall and Danielle Savage collaborated on this multimedia installation combining electroacoustic sound and sculptural textile art. Showcasing “research into the phenomena of hive-mind, relational space and collective intelligence, from the micro to the macro, starting with ourselves,” according to the installation’s description written by the two artists, Migration Parade is the exploration of body movement – both personal and collective –trauma and healing. The artists dubbed this installation “a love letter to those who came before us, and those yet to come.”

Find more work by these artists on their websites, alexandragoodall.com and danielle-savage.com.

The Beauty of Grief: Embracing Impermanence - Gallery One

Artist Sarah Hope explores the many folds of grief through her art. Enveloped in grief after losing her sister at age 32, Hope began to dig into the five official stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. As a registered nurse in palliative care, Hope has come to realize the personal and universal nature of grief and the ways it can shift and change depending on the nature of the loss.

Using handmade paper and natural dyes and paints, Hope explores the nuances of loss through her own stages of grief, those that are not necessarily universally prescriptive. This exhibit allows audiences to lean into the fear of death and impermanence and reach for the possibility that grief can produce beauty, social and personal change and an opportunity for reflection.

Find more of Hope’s work on her website, sarahhopeart.com or follow her on Instagram at sarahhope_art.

Full Bloom - Gallery Two

Local artist Sophie Rose combines her love of art with her appreciation of nature with this floral embroidery exhibit inspired by the Canadian winters, which taught her to value indoor hobbies. Revelstoke’s nature, scenery and adventure provided Rose with ample inspiration for her work, which incorporates dried flowers into fibre art.

Follow Rose on Instagram to see more of her work at sophierosecreates. Each of these exhibits will be on display until Sept. 10. Visit revelstokeartgallery.com for more information on these installations, virtual exhibits and more.

EXHIBITS BY SEVERAL LOCAL ARTISTS SHOW OFF THE TALENT BLOOMING IN THE REVELSTOKE ARTS COMMUNITY

Photo by LUNA Fest

Full Bloom uses fibre art and dried flowers to express the beauty of nature.

Photo by Sophie Rose via Instagram

BACK-TO-BACK WEEKEND FESTIVITIES SHOWCASE ROBUST REVELSTOKE COMMUNITY

BIKEFEST, TIMBER DAY AND GARLIC FESTIVAL ALL FOCUS ON A SEASON OF GRATITUDE, TOURISM REVELSTOKE SAYS

By Lys Morton

Revelstoke Bikefest, Garlic Festival and Timber Day focus on giving attendees a moment of gratitude this season, with back-to-back weekends full of fun.

Bikefest kicks off the festivities, showcasing Revelstoke’s local biking community and regional trails.

“The best thing about the Revelstoke Bikefest is that there’s something for everyone,” Tourism Revelstoke’s Lydia Syme told the Revelstoke Mountaineer.

Attendees can keep it low intensity and take in the screening of The Engine Inside, Sept. 6 at The Roxy Theatre, with proceeds going to the Revelstoke Cycling Association.

Those looking for a chance to connect with local biking organizations to learn about regional offerings can attend Bikefest Expo, Sept. 8 at 1st Street and Regent parking lots. Agility competitions will be available for all skill levels and brand representatives will be on site to answer questions about the latest gear. Later, join in on the Mini Bike Showdown Kids Contest at 3 p.m. or the Mega Bike Showdown Adults Contest at 6 p.m., to show off your bike and costume.

Cheer on over 100 bikers at Revelstoke Women's Enduro race, Saturday, Sept. 9 as they traverse over 25 kilometres of trails in and around Revelstoke. Audiences can keep an eye out for the official

course map and find a spot along the route to shout encouragement to riders.

To try your hand at mountain biking, swing by The Stoke Hotel Saturday, Sept. 9 to catch a shuttle up to Boulder and Macpherson to test out mountain bikes provided by Mountain Biking BC. Whether it’s your first time attempting a trail or you’re looking to test out newer bikes, this free event will allow you to try it all on some of Revelstoke’s best trails.

Bikefest will wrap up with Revy 50, the endurance race that takes off from downtown Revelstoke and heads towards the Mt. Macpherson trail network for 50 kilometres of Enduro, cross-country and trail routes. Audiences are advised to head downtown to cheer on the start of the race and stick around for when racers return.

The following weekend partners up Garlic Festival and Timber Day for a weekend of live music, tasty treats, live demonstrations and more.

“We’re thankful for local food, connecting with community, relishing adventure and hopefully, fresh air,” Syme explained when asked about the link between the dual weekend events of Garlic Festival and Timber Day.

The two festivals take place Sept. 16 and 17, touted as family-friendly fun highlighting how the Revelstoke community evolved from the lumber industry and continues to come together nowadays with farmers markets and local produce.

Timber Day celebrations will be located at the Revelstoke Interior Forestry Museum, showcasing

chainsaw competitions, axe throwing and other logging sports.

Head down to Queen Elizabeth Park Sunday, Sept. 17 for the Garlic Festival. Check out local produce vendors, artists and more while enjoying live music. Maybe even try your hand at the scavenger hunt or add your flair to the annual ‘peekthrough’ interactive art piece at the festival.

“Although these two events seem odd at first glance, they are both family-friendly, grass roots events which celebrate the importance of community and connection,” Syme said.

Garlic Festival participants can try out local produce and products with a garlic twist.

Photo by Keri Knapp

Garlic Festival participants are encouraged to add their flair to the pop up art pieces.

Photo by Keri Knapp

Hi there, I’m Lys Morton, the newest Revelstoke Mountaineer reporter. Having spent the last six years referring to myself as, “Prairie boy, Island bound,” it would appear I’m about to become “mountain man.”

Admittedly, my last two journalism roles, managing editor for The Nav and then reporter for The Discourse – Nanaimo kept me in a community I’d spent a decade in. It’s an area I was comfortable reporting on. Growing up I may have spent a chunk of time in and around the Revelstoke area, it being a favourite day trip destination and a stop point to visiting family in Kelowna. But that’s not the same as having lived in an area for at least a couple of years before you start annoying city council with the reporter notebook. I’m asking a lot from you, dear reader, that you give me the grace and opportunity to dive head first into reporting on a community I’m brand new to.

My work in Nanaimo has involved giving myself a crash course on our political systems so I can help break down federal, provincial and municipal elections. I’ve worked to bring a digestible debrief of city council meetings to readers so we can all stay up-to-date on what’s going on. Not everyone has time and ability to digest three hour long council meetings, I want to help with that.

I’ve reported on various stages of the housing crisis, the complexities of local crime indexes, what possibly led to a house exploding in town, and all sorts of the art gems in and around Nanaimo. While most of those stories aren’t unique to Nanaimo, they all sure had their Nanaimo flavor to them. I can see parallels in the work I’ve done and the stories Revelstoke is looking for, but I can’t wait to dive in and see what exactly the community wants reported on.

Thanks for having me, and I’ll see you on the flip side.

TOURISM TALKS

FUNDING FOR HOUSING THROUGH VACATION RENTALS

The growth of tourism and the lack of housing in our community are opposing forces that need to be addressed. This is a common issue in small communities with a buzzing tourism economy, and we certainly feel the crunch in Revelstoke. One of the levers the provincial government has provided for us to pull is the Online Accommodation Platform tax (OAP). Every visitor who stays in a hotel in Revelstoke pays the Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT), as does every visitor who stays in a property booked through sites like Air BnB or VRBO. The specific portion of MRDT paid on stays booked through these sites is the OAP. Clear as mud? Maybe this graphic will help:

Communities can elect to either direct OAP funds to the general MRDT pot, or towards a fund for affordable housing. In Revelstoke, the City has been directing our OAP revenues towards a fund for affordable housing since program inception in 2018. In that time the fund has grown to over $500,000, ready to be deployed on projects in accordance with guidelines created by the City.

In May of 2023, MRDT collection in Revelstoke increased from 2% to 3% (with 0.2% going to a provincial events fund). The collection area was also expanded to include the CSRD Area B. This increase includes the OAP tax, meaning there will be significant growth in Revelstoke’s affordable housing reserve. In May of 2023, the first month of increased collection, over $15,000 was generated in OAP funding.

There are a number of affordable housing initiatives in the pipeline following the City’s Affordable Housing Summit in March. Funds collected through short term vacation rentals will bolster projects like a dedicated housing body and other efforts.

OAP revenues per year since inception

Housing is undoubtedly one of the greatest challenges in our community, but identifying opportunities, sources of funding, and thinking boldly will help us unlock housing solutions for Revelstoke.

Meet Lys Morton, your friendly neighborhood trans guy and the latest reporter for Revelstoke Mountaineer.

Photo by Lys Morton

RAILWAY TOWN, RESOURCE TOWN, RESORT TOWN...ARTS TOWN?

By Connor Arsenault

Once upon a time, someone declared Nelson an “arts town.” While many think of Revelstoke as Nelson’s rough and tumble, sportier neighbour, popular for biking, skiing and the mountains, Revelstoke is also opening its arms to creatives.

The evidence in favour of Revelstoke being an arts town can be seen in the rising tide of art and artists here, giving this once-frontier town a new aspect of culture as artists arrive and discover opportunities and a welcoming community. Where before you could only find weeds growing in the alleys, art has sprung up in many unlikely places.

To better understand the role of art in Revelstoke’s culture, The Mountaineer sat down with Carol Palladino, a long-time resident and advocate of art in Revelstoke.

While she doesn’t describe herself as an artist, Palladino has worked on behalf of the arts the whole time she’s lived here. As she says, someone’s got to be on the boards, write the grants and attend and support the events and programs.

One of Palladino’s greatest successes as part of the arts hype team was when she and a group of others reincorporated the Revelstoke Arts Council (also known as Arts Revelstoke) in 1997. This was a total revitalization of the organization, according to Palladino, who went on to hold director positions and serve as chair for many years.

A few years later, the Revelstoke Arts Council came to the rescue when the local art group was moving out of the Revelstoke Museum and Archives building and looking for a new space for studios and gallery space. The Arts Council helped to turn the old RCMP building into the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre.

This paved the way for juried art shows and bringing in artists from away, Palladino said. Revelstoke started to grow in credibility and was able to start welcoming artists from all over.

Fast forward to 2023 and with the help of the Art First Gallery, farmers’ markets and all of the retail opportunities downtown, making a living here as an artist has become feasible.

All of the groundwork laid by Palladino and her contemporaries is the main reason artist Sarah Hicks moved here last October. First having been introduced to the area through her ski lodge job, she found out from a friend about the Art First Co-op and said, “I want to be a part of that.”

Hicks moved from Canmore, which she describes as not having nearly as much artist infrastructure as Revelstoke and a much more exclusive gallery.

Being a part of the Art First Co-op has allowed her a place to network with other artists, sell her work and learn much more about people and how they buy art.

She also cites the Visual Arts Centre as having been very supportive and a great resource.

“Within walking there and asking them about it, right away they were like ‘you can bring your stuff here and we can sell it, also do you want to teach courses?’ like right off the bat,” Hicks said. “They were super welcoming.”

As a member of the Visual Arts Centre, Hicks is able to display her art three times a year, and anyone can be a member, even people who live outside of Revelstoke. This is a great opportunity for emerging artists because there’s no requirement to have had a gallery showing before being able to display your art and sell to buyers. The next gallery

member show is in December, where the whole gallery becomes a market with artists’ work for sale.

All of this art around town, both for sale and just for our viewing pleasure, like the Art Alleries downtown – a selection of art featured in alleyway – boosts the spirit of Revelstoke and adds to the enjoyment of tourists who come here.

Meghan Tabor of Tourism Revelstoke puts it this way: “It’s kind of a bit of a surprise and delight, you come into Revelstoke, you maybe don’t know about the Art Alleries, and now you have all these arts and culture things to check out that you may not have known about or come to Revelstoke for, but it really elevates that visitor experience.”

Arts and tourism go hand-in-hand and while historically people may not have been coming to town purely for artistic reasons, spaces like the Visual Arts Centre and events like Luna Fest and REVY.live bring a host of visitors here who have come because of art.

Tourism Revelstoke helps fund REVY.live, Luna Fest, and the Revelstoke outdoor art movement (ROAM) as well as many other events. This year, they are contributing roughly $160,000 towards arts programming and events.

The tourism infrastructure committee also funds many kinds of art installations and improvements to cultural spaces. As a city committee, with funding from the province, this committee makes recommendations to city council on which arts events to fund. This committee is largely to thank for the Art Alleries that have been going in since 2019.

A huge benefit of increased art and tourism is the intersection point it provides for visitors and residents.

One of the many art installations to be found in downtown Revelstoke as part of the Art Alleries project. This one is by Turbo Bambi, a local artist.

Photo by Connor Arsenault

ARTS

“It’s really one of those places where residents and visitors collide in a really positive way,” Tabor explained. “Tourism Revelstoke did some extensive community surveying last fall and the one thing that was a resounding common theme was that residents value tourism for its impact on the arts and culture sector, more so than the impact economically.”

This is because tourism dollars don’t benefit every person in the community, but with this intersection of arts and tourism, the cultural and social benefit of art-propelled tourism has the potential to reach every single person here in Revelstoke.

As part of the implementation of the official community plan there will be more conversations and consultations with residents about arts and culture, giving residents an opportunity to voice support of art in its myriad forms. Additionally, locals also have an opportunity to advocate for public spaces that inspire community and connection.

Palladino mentioned one possible way to foster a greater sense of community and allow for a greater influence of art in Revelstoke, the pedestrianization of streets. In Europe, where culture is the name of the game, pedestrianization is popular. More locally, Banff, Alta., has implemented mechanized gates on Banff Avenue and Kelowna is also catching on with their downtown. Pedestrianization, undertaken thoughtfully, can still allow for certain times of day or even entire seasons where car traffic can be restored.

There is also the Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre, which is an underutilized asset according to Palladino. Even though it is a big cultural asset, it isn’t too well understood by the community. The opportunity also exists to put on events in public spaces all throughout town.

Residents can decide all the ways they want art to flourish here in Revelstoke. A thriving arts and culture scene here will continue to pay dividends to residents and visitors and allow us to come up with creative solutions to the problems that we face as a community. Art can allow communities to approach problems from many different angles and increase their resilience as a town.

Just as Revelstoke is a unique town with its own particular flavour, it is a unique sort of arts town, with its history and roots influencing how the arts manifest here today.

There exist many avenues to craft our growing arts and culture scene in ways that will benefit future generations. As Palladino puts it, “The work that we do, the public work that we do in terms of art is a statement about how we see ourselves and about how special this place is.”

Another step ahead.

A new apartment building has opened in Revelstoke that offers secure housing with storage, parking and a community garden. Located on Humbert Street, the Bridge Creek apartment complex has 24 affordable one-bedroom rental units and helps address Revelstoke’s housing crisis.

stories.ourtrust.org

More remarkable stories of people and places in the Columbia Basin “The new complex provides much-needed homes and amenities for 30 residents,” says Revelstoke Community Housing Societies Operations Manager Kira Wolf

SCAN ME

Art First Gallery is one of the institutions in town that are incredibly welcoming to artists and make it feasible to make a living as an artist in Revelstoke.

Photo by Connor Arsenault

The Revelstoke Visual Art Centre and Gallery is an incredible asset for the community and for emerging artists.

Photo by Connor Arsenault

LUNA ARTS LINE-UP SHOWCASES A WIDE RAGE OF ART, FROM WACKY AND OUT THERE TO INTIMATE AND DOWN-TO-EARTH

THIS YEAR’S LUNA ARTS OFFERS OUT OF THIS WORLD PERFORMANCES, AND THE RETURN OF THE POWDER SLUG EXPRESS

By Melissa Jameson

It just wouldn’t be LUNAFest without a bunch of fun, funky and sometimes a little wacky, interactive displays during LUNA Arts. From flying saucers to short films and the ever-popular Powder Slug Express, here’s a look at a few of this year’s offerings:

Brent Strand, The Powder Slug

Without doubt, one of LUNA Fest’s most popular interactive exhibits, The Powder Slug Express has been a mainstay at LUNA since its inception. Created by Trent Kappler, Jana Thompson and Rob Buchanan as a tribute to Revelstoke’s iconic Powder Slug chairlift from the old ski hill on Mount Mackenzie, the express is made up of three ski lift chairs converted into chariots pulled by bicycles. Wanna catch a ride? The Powder Slug Express stops at Orton Street, Second Street, Third Street and in the alley.

HALF/ASIAN with Amy the CODA (Ian Griffiths and Amy Braun)

An audio-visual performing duo creating art rooted in identity exploration and embodiment, Half/Asian (Griffiths) plays 80s synthesizers purchased from the thrift store and sings in English. Amy the CODA (Child of a Deaf Adult) signs in her first language – Pidgin Signed English, a combination of ASL signs and English grammar and syntax. See them live at Dose Coffee.

HALF/ASIAN with Amy the CODA are an audio-visual performing duo creating art rooted in identity exploration and embodiment. Photo provided by HALF/ASAN with Amy the CODA

Amy Funbuttons, Flying Saucer and extra-terrestrial installation

Created with the help of carpenter, lighting designer and test probee Ian Willyard, aerial entertainer and multi-disciplinary circus performer Funbuttons’ work is “about the growth of our mind and consciousness due to interaction with the extraterrestrial and those not of this world.”

Catch her out of this world performance at Second and Mackenzie.

Meagan Musseau, Becomes Body of Water Interwoven with Territories Beyond the Sky

In this short film created from land-based action by Musseau in her home region of Elmastukwek, Ktaqmkuk territory (Bay of Islands, western Newfoundland), the artist patiently braids long strands of grey fabric and neon green tulle. She activates the strands within the landscape, braiding past and present while moving towards the future. Location TBA.

Andy Kermack, My Greenhouse

My Greenhouse focuses on an individual’s personal growth.

“I found that people, myself included, will find or create a space that is meaningful and safe, which allows them to explore themselves and grow,” Kermack writes in his description of My Greenhouse.

Kermack is a Calgary-based commercial photographer originally from Revelstoke. You can view My Greenhouse on First Street outside the Regent Hotel.

Aerial entertainer Amy Funbuttons is a multidisciplinary circus performer.

Photo by Amy Fun Buttons/Arts Revelstoke

Ansel Anderson, Oneironautics of Avante-Garde Paracosms

Anderson’s art offers up a colourful collection of vibrant, semiabstract nature-scapes inspired by the mountains, forests and oceans woven into mosaic-inspired patterns, bold shapes and blank space. You can check out Anderson’s work inside the Roxy Theatre Foyer.

Barbara Maye, Freiheit

Revelstoke’s very own multimedia artist, sculptor and art instructor, Maye’s Freiheit is a table for one with all elements created using only tiny pieces of paper.

“Freiheit represents that in a shattered place, there is always hope to rise and find stability even with weak resources. Teetering on the difference between alone and lonely, growth begins with courage to look within at our shadow selves and seek the answers for us there.”

You can view Freiheit at Brandon Bowers Funeral Home.

Sylvie Roussel-Janssen, “Vectors”: A Sustainably made light Sculpture with Woven Snow Fence

Vectors is a sculptural installation comprised of five light sculptures made sustainably from recycled plastic and recycled fabric.

“As I move along in my creative journey, some projects change forms, taken apart and repurposed into new ones. New shapes appear, always carrying a bit of old,” writes Roussel-Janssen.

You can find Vectors on Mackenzie Avenue, between First Street and Second Street.

LUNA Arts takes place Saturday, September 23 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. in downtown Revelstoke. For more information visit artsrevelstoke.com/ lunafest.

A glimpse of Barbara Maye’s Freiheit.

Photo by Arts Revelstoke/Barbara Maye

Sylvie Roussel-Janssen’s “Vectors” is a sustainably made light sculpture installation.

Photo by Sylvie Roussel-Janssen/Arts Revelstoke

Ansel Anderson’s vibrant semi-abstract nature-scapes can be viewed inside the Roxy Theatre’s foyer. Photo by Arts Revelstoke/Ansel Anderson

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DEMMI DUPRI JOINS ARTISTS IN THE LAUNCH OF LUNA RAIL WITH BALLOON CREATIONS FOR ALL AGES AND SOME JUGGLING FUN.

By Lys Morton

Demmi Dupri, professional balloon twister and entertainer is honoured to help launch LUNA Fest’s latest addition, Rail, with her crafty balloon creations and dancing juggling acts.

“I want kids of all ages, young and young-at-heart to enjoy balloons,” Dupri told Revelstoke Mountaineer. Her creations entice all ages, whether it’s her twist on the classical balloon sword or elegant corsages for folks looking to add some flair to their outfit, Dupri said.

Dupri won’t have a balloon menu guests can choose from, instead encouraging folks to come up with their own ideas of what she can make in front of their eyes.

“I love to hear what people dream of coming to life out of balloons,” Dupri said. “Whether it is a coffee mug, a favourite cartoon character or a strand of DNA, I am super excited to build some fun creations.”

BALLOON ARTIST PROMISES TWISTY FUN AND FESTIVAL SURPRISES AT LUNA RAIL STUBBS AND THE WRAPS SUMMER BAND TOUR AT LUNA RAIL

THE GENRE-CREATIVE BAND ENDS THEIR SUMMER SEASON WITH THE INAUGURAL LUNA RAIL.

By Lys Morton

Stubbs and The, a 5-piece band with a style that swings between Italian Metal, Jazz Boogie and theatrical tunes, wants to bring some foot-stomping, family-friendly grooves to LUNA Rail.

Calling Rossland, B.C. home, Stubbs and The have spent the summer touring Canada and plan to use LUNA Rail to introduce more audience members to their catalog, along with wrapping up their summer music season.

“We are always trying to reach a broader audience and we feel our music fits the festival theme perfectly,” band member David Stubbs told Revelstoke Mountaineer when asked what most excites Stubbs and The about joining the inaugural LUNA Rail.

When asked what makes Stubbs and The a band for the whole family, Stubbs said their style of taking ridiculous ideas and playing around with them is the perfect act for audiences of all ages.

“The name "Stubbs and The" is a cliffhanger,” Stubbs said. “It encourages

As an added bit of flair to mark the festivities, Dupri said there will be a special balloon wand made for those who request later on in the evening. She’ll also be showcasing her juggling dancing skills between balloon creations. You can follow her instagram at Demi Dupri to get a sneak peek at some other surprises that will debut at LUNA Rail.

Dupri said she’s constantly excited for the fun challenges guests request as they become more familiar with what she can create on the spot. And one of the best challenges that comes to mind?

“The neatest balloon request I can think of right now was when someone requested ‘the sky,’ that was a really fun build! Clouds, the sun, birds, all included on a hand held balloon ski.”

You can check out Demmi Dupri at LUNA Rail Sunday, Sept. 24 at the Revelstoke Railway Museum, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission by donation, all ages are welcome.

Dupri joins Stubbs and The, a 5-piece band, along with Spandy Andy, a solo, high-energy performer, in the inaugural LUNA Rail, an addition to this year's LUNA festival, celebrating the 30th anniversary of Railway Day. The three performances promise to be family-friendly entertainment, bringing even more opportunity for folks to join in on the LUNA festivities.

listeners to be creative and come up with their own suggestions on what name should follow the "The". It's super interactive and a lot of fun to hear some of the name suggestions.”

Along with their excitement of helping launch LUNA Rail, Stubbs said the band is looking forward to showing what a summer of touring has done for them.

“We have grown so much as a band this summer and our LUNA performance will be the last of the season! We are grateful to be finishing our summer of music at such a fitting themed festival.”

You can check out Stubbs and The at LUNA Rail Sunday, Sept. 24 at the Revelstoke Railway Museum, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission by donation, all ages are welcome. Stubbs and The joins Demi Dupri, offering unique balloon creations and jugging fun, along with Spandy Andy, a solo, high-energy performer, in the inaugural LUNA Rail.

Demmi Dupri in the middle of a balloon creation performance outside.

Photo by Demmi Dupri

Stubbs and The are a Rossland-based five-piece band.

Photo by Stubbs and The/Arts Revelstoke

LUNA SOUND OFFERS UP A UNIQUE MIX OF CANADIAN MUSICAL TALENT

LUNA SOUND IS THE KICK-OFF EVENT FOR LUNA FEST, A WEEKEND FILLED WITH ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND COMMUNITY HELD IN REVELSTOKE’S DOWNTOWN CORE.

By Melissa Jameson

Get ready to dance the night away as LUNA Sound offers up a mix of rock, reggae, hip hop, jazz, big band and more.

This year’s LUNA Sound includes performances by an incredible line-up of Canadian musicians across four different stages. Here’s a look at what’s in store for the evening:

Venue: Selkirk Room (Inside the Regent Hotel), 112 First Street East. Lum – A Windsor, Ontario rapper and singer offering up grounded lyricism capturing the pains and triumphs of love and happiness.

Gold Mynd – A grounded and passionate international Reggae artist who now calls Kelowna home.

Leno TK – Ghanian Canadian artist bringing his unique spin to melodic trap

Venue: Roxy Theatre, 115 Mackenzie Avenue.

Gisela Romero – Mexicana, reimagined Mexican traditional music.

Ricky Diamonds – Former Las Vegas lounge singer. Current self-proclaimed crooner king of the Kootenays and no stranger to Revelstoke, Diamonds entertains with his cheesy, over-the-top performances.

Venue: Catholic Church, 512 Mackenzie Avenue.

Stubbs and The – Rossland-based five-piece band offering up everything from head banging to ballroom dancing

Blonde Diamond – This Vancouver-based pop band offers up a soundscape of dreamy alternative rock.

VISSIA – Edmonton based multi-faceted vocal pop powerhouse VISSIA is carving out her own niche in the pop world with a storytelling prowess earning her acclaim across the globe.

Venue: United Church, 314 Mackenzie Avenue.

Scarred Soul Empire – A rock band made up of an eclectic mix of musicians from very different backgrounds.

Leather Apron Revival – A three-piece rock & roll outfit from B.C. offering vintage sounds with visceral grooves and bluesy riffs.

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Vancouver-based pop group Blonde Diamond will offer up a soundscape of dreamy alternative rock at this year’s LUNA Sound. Photo by Blonde Diamond/Arts Revelstoke