Fernie & Elk Valley Culture Guide Fall 2019 Edition | Page 31

FEATURE ARTIST
Shannon
Parnall
The Elkford Arts Studio is a vibrant
space offering a variety of classes and
workshops. Shannon Parnall took over
as president in March this year, having
served as a director on the Elkford Arts
Council for the past 5 years. Parnall
brings a wealth of experience to the
role including a lifetime practicing
in various art mediums, having been
introduced to needlework by her
mother as an 8-year-old.
As an artist, Parnall favours hand-
built pottery, although she doesn’t
limit herself and loves to try out
other mediums such as fused glass,
which she can fire in her home kiln
when it’s not full of new pots. She is a
keen gardener and finds much of her
inspiration in her garden. She impresses
real leaves and flowers into her work
and enjoys bold colour - many of her
mugs and dishes feature a ground of
lavender or vibrant marigold yellow, a
signature colour that she particularly
enjoys waking up to. The natural world
also provided the inspiration for her
charming faerie homes and bird houses
which make a sweet addition to any
garden or a delightful secret home for
treasures indoors. Parnall’s pottery can
be purchased through Facebook or at
Craft Fairs and Markets throughout the
Kootenays.
At the Arts Studio, Parnall and the
Arts Council have developed monthly
themes to introduce participants
to new mediums and allow for
development of a craft within a short
timeframe. This fall, September will
offer a series of taster sessions in a
variety of mediums. October will focus
on throwing pottery on the wheel,
and glazing. In November it’s time for
cosy fibre arts and in December, you
can get crafty with wood. The program
continues in 2020 with Painting, Glass,
Jewellery, Hand-built Pottery, Mixed
Media and Photography.
MySunshineDreamsBC
31