Drawing with perspective gives us a set of tools that help connect our imaginary world to viewers in the real world
Michael Hepher: Keeping It All in Perspective
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East Kootenay
Joel Harding’s “Alpine Forces”
Cranbrook resident Joel Harding’s debut solo exhibition explores the oppositional characteristics that define a mountain
Carol Gordon (1946–2025): Artist, Activist, Mentor
A reflection on the life and career of Carol Gordon and her immense contribution to the Kootenays and to Canada
Michael Hepher: The Informal Path
Even the most intuitive self-taught artists sometimes need to shore up their efforts with knowledge to maximize their natural talent
Michael Hepher: Busy Hands, Calm Minds
As children, myth and magic are such a part of our world that make-believe just flows from us; it’s built in. At some point, the demands of “real life” cause many of us to push aside this inherent imagineering for one practical reason or another, but that doesn’t mean it’s gone—it’s just dormant for a while.
Community and Creativity
When I asked whether remoteness and DIY culture create challenges, Marnie admitted that Empire of Dirt’s subtle presence in the forest can make it hard for outsiders to grasp.
Faces of Pride
Key City Theatre colleagues Brenda Burley and Galen Olstead were at a conference in Calgary during Pride Week in 2022 and happened upon a display of photographs that captured members of the pride community and their stories. Burley remembers being electrified. “I immediately thought, ‘We have to do this in Cranbrook.
Footlighters Theatre
“It’s the greatest experience in your life to put yourself out there and take a chance,” says Smith. “It’s a unique risk, unlike any other you’ll ever take.”
Kootenay Children’s Festival Celebrates 40 Years
Families travel to the event from throughout the region, with 4,500 people in attendance at Rotary Park in 2025.
Sketchers in the Wild
The campers are outdoors from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for five days, rain or shine. “We hit the trails on foot in the morning with lots of breaks for observing, sketching, nature journalling and play. We can hike ten kilometres on an average day,” says Russell.
Brian Clarkson
Clarkson’s relationship with the camera began at age 16 when he started working for the Nelson Daily News. “I spent one afternoon a week processing film in the darkroom,” he says.
Quilting as an Art Form
In 2022, the Cranbrook Arts 1401 Gallery hosted a groundbreaking exhibit entitled “I Quilt.” This exhibit not only celebrated the unique and innovative quilting techniques of the Cranbrook Quilters Guild (CQG) members but also left the audience intrigued and inspired by their exceptional creativity and skill.