Fernie & Elk Valley Culture Guide Fall 2019 Edition | Page 29

The Fernie Mural Project. Over the
summer of 2019, a Basin Artist was
selected to produce a mural installation
on the side wall of Beanpod in the heart
of Historic Downtown. The final piece
will measure up to 96ft in length and
will form part of the well-documented
vista that includes the iconic Livery
building, 2nd Avenue façade and the
Lizard Range.
A HARDY TOWN – PERMANENT
SCULPTURE
In the grounds of The Arts Station, A
Hardy Town is a permanent sculpture
commemorating the Great Fire of
1908. The work is a collaborative
effort from artist Michael Hepher
and metalworker artist Paul Reimer.
Although the devastating fire of
August 1908 razed the town in just
90 minutes, no lives were lost. The
artwork reflects the impact the fire had
on Fernie’s architecture and the City
ordinance that followed, directing all
future construction to be of fireproof
material. This sculpture is a testament
to the tenacity of the people of Fernie
who rose up through the ashes to
rebuild and endure, and a reflection of
the town that fell but was not fallen.
UPCOMING EVENTS
The Arts Station is a cultural hub for
Fernie and features a lively program
of entertainment and events including
workshops, film screenings, concerts,
dance and theatre shows throughout
the fall. Tickets can be found on
Eventbrite.ca or contact the Arts
Station for more information.
In an ongoing effort to bring art to the
community, the Fernie and District
Arts Council, with funding from
the Columbia Basin Trust, presents:
The theme of the artwork is to reflect
Fernie’s heritage, culture, hopes,
dreams and aspirations; taking into
consideration the architecture,
topography, history and social dynamic
of Fernie and how that relates to the
physical location of the piece. The
chosen artist will be working on the
Mural during the month of September.
Drop by the space to see the artist
in action and the development of the
work. Theartsstation.com/publicart/
Roni Jurgensen’s “Escape”
THE FOYER GALLERY
The gallery features a series of
temporary exhibitions this fall exploring
local themes, abstract construction
and whimsical connections. Opening
receptions are free to attend on the
last Thursday of every month, with
complimentary appetizers and cash
bar available. Shows remain on display
for approximately four weeks. See
events calendar for dates, title ‘Gallery
Opening.’
601 1st Ave  |  250-423-4842
theartsstation.com
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