Pow and bluebird, anyone? Conditions have been surreal these days. Wednesday morning residents awoke to 20cms and a gorgeous clear day. What more can you ask for? The sun stayed through the weekend and everyone seemed happy for the visit.
Nice shades!
The more time I spend here, the more I realize how deep the sense of community and character is present at Sun Peaks. And just like other communities, local artists are a way to tap into that unique culture.
Art becomes a reflection of a place and its people. And the beauty and character of Sun Peaks shines strongly through its local art.
Lorel Sternig is a local clay artist and manager of Treeline Studios and Lone Wolf Gallery at Sun Peaks (locations owned by George and Anne Terwiel) . Displaying more than a dozen local's work as well as many other British Columbian's, visitors can truly get a sense of Sun Peaks' personality.
Lorel poses with her Raku pottery work
"It's not that there are that many artists living and working at Sun Peaks, but many have a village connection and have been inspired by the scenery and the buildings," she said. "Many have vacation homes here, live close by or have lived here and since moved on."
"It's that connection and that Sun Peaks memory that many of the people who come in here are looking to take home with them."
Treeline Studios keeps a rotating feel to the gallery. If you come in the winter you may see some of the same pieces as in the summer but there will always be something new.
The first time I visited Treeline I was happily surprised to see so many Sun Peaks and riding related artwork. One standout artist for me was Kendra Smith. Having lived in Sun Peaks for two winters, she got her start here creating paintings for her own walls. She has gone on to have her watercolors displayed in galleries across Canada. Cindy Hayden's glass snowflakes are made from recycled vintage chandeliers and capture sunlight beautifully. Photographer Robert Koopman's panoramas and use of shadow, blues and purples to show Sun Peaks scenery is gorgeous. One day, I hope to have some of his work in my home. Ray Hellman, a long time Sun Peaks resident, creates strained glass works full of color and pop. But this is by no means a complete list as there is so much local art to see there.
Hayden's creations capture light and paint prisims on the walls
Art can be found all over the resort. At the resort's newest building, The Kookburra Tree ceramic mural was designed by another artist but done by Lorel. Her studio is located by along Heffley Road and sees many visitors in the summer. During the winter months she said she enjoys managing the two locations and sharing art with visitors.
At Lone Wolf, several local artists' work is also available including paintings by Pat Taylor, jewelry by Monika McKenzie and candleholders by Jamie Tattersfield, who also head of mountain operations at the resort.
Charlene Hall has owned and operated Fusion North, located in the Sun Peaks village, for nine years. She has been designing the jewelry she sells there for even longer. She works with sterling silver, fused glass, semi-precious stones and freshwater pearls to create custom pieces.
Charlene Hall in her store, Fusion North, displaying her hand created jewlery
"People from all over, Australia, Japan, Germany, come in and buy a new piece every time they visit Sun Peaks," she said, adding that it's a great feeling to know her art is being worn all over the world.
Her standout piece this year has been an Inukshuk made from pearl. People love it because although it reminds of them of 2010 Winter Games, it can be worn always without feeling touristy.
Whether you are a first timer at Sun Peaks or have been skiing here before the village was built, there is definitely a piece of local art that will speak to you. I'm grateful to all the artists in the area for sharing their gift. I find their talent and eye for the true nature of Sun Peaks inspiring.
Enjoy the sun,
Brandi
