Inspired by Mother Nature

Photo: Contributed

Art work by Leanne Spanza.

Kelowna artist Leanne Spanza had Mother Nature as an inspiration during the 2016 Art in the Park program in Glacier National Park.

Reminiscent of the late 1800s when artists arrived in the mountains on the Canadian Pacific Railway, 12 Canadian artists spent four days in the historic Rogers Pass area of Glacier National Park. Based in the Alpine Club of Canada’s rustic A.O. Wheeler Hut, the artists explored the stunning landscapes and rich history of the area, photographing, sketching, and depending on their medium, producing final works of art.

The Art in the Park Program connects Canadians to the natural and cultural heritage of the park through art.

Parks Canada and the Revelstoke Visual Arts Society are hosting the 2016 program with support from the Alpine Club of Canada. Through the artists' participation and by showing a selection of their work at the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre and in venues around the region, Parks Canada strives to expand the way Glacier National Park is viewed by audiences beyond the park boundaries.

In November, the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre will host an exhibit of artwork created by the Art in the Park participants and inspired by Glacier National Park.

As well as the artwork, a photo exhibit will highlight pictures taken by students from Revelstoke and Kelowna while participating in Parks Canada’s Glacier Adventure Stewardship Program in Glacier National Park in September 2016.

Developing new and innovative programs and services allows more Canadians, including youth and newcomers, to experience the outdoors and learn about our environment and history.

In addition to the Art in the Park program, Mount Revelstoke and Glacier national parks offer two other art experiences:

• The Caribou Artists' Cabin is nestled high on Mount Revelstoke, 1,200 meters above the valley below and offers artists a unique opportunity for individual artists to stay and create on the mountain. The rustic log cabin is offered as accommodation in conjunction with the Balsam Studio, just below the mountain summit. The cabin and studio together rent for just $22.
• On certain afternoons this summer, the Balsam Studio on Mount Revelstoke hosts a Pleine Aire Painting interpretive program suitable for all ages and abilities. All supplies are provided and inspiration abounds in the alpine meadows and mountainous vistas of the summit.