June 25, 2012 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Art Galleries & Artists
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I was so excited that this past week marked the official beginning of summer with the Summer Solstice. Around this time of year, the North Peace Potters’ Guild in Fort St. John has an annual fundraising Summer Solstice Chili Bowl Bash. Saturday June 23rd marked the 5th annual Chili Bowl Bash which took place at the local Artspost. After pre-purchasing my $30.00 ticket, my mom and I stopped by to support the local potters and enjoy a tasty bowl of chili.
As I approached the Artspost, I could hear the chatter, feel the excitement, and see the countless pottery enthusiasts. We were invited to choose one of the many hand-made pottery bowls. I was astonished at the abundance of bowls to pick from! Since these bowls were made from hands of various skill levels, each one was unique in it’s size, shape, style, finish, and the techniques used. Next, we were invited to taste six different chilies, vote on our favourite, and then fill our new bowls to the brim with a delicious chili dinner. Also included in the event was entertainment, 50/50 draw, a door prize for free pottery classes, and a piñata for the children.
This event was a great way to show off the talent of local artists and to explore the facility where the Guild resides year-round. Furthermore, this fundraising event has contributed to the success of the local Potters’ Guild by assisting in operational costs and purchasing new equipment, such as the new kiln that was bought last year with the funds. I had such an awesome time at the Chili Bowl Bash that I’m already marking my calendar for next year! In the meantime, the North Peace Potters’ Guild is open to the public every Saturday from 10am-1pm where they feature a mug wall with new pieces each week. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind, hand-made piece of local pottery, I highly recommend stopping by the Artspost, located at 10320-94th Ave.
July 29, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Art Galleries & Artists
If you haven’t been in downtown Fort St.
John lately, you will now find a colourful
addition. On the site where the old Fort
Hotel once stood, there are now paintings done by youth artists in a cheerful
summer theme adorning the property fence.
It looks like there are a few more spaces to be filled – I hope they put
some more paintings up!
If you want to check out more art while you
are downtown, next door to the outdoor paintings is Peace Gallery North (inside
the North Peace Cultural Centre) which has lot’s of great local artwork,
jewellery, pottery, and other handicrafts.
Both venues display the talented artists of Fort St. John - young and old!
July 12, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Art Galleries & Artists
Like so many unique trends that have started over the years, it all starts with a small idea. Fort St. John ceramic artist Shannon Butler has started a local phenomenon.
She created a ceramic figurine, a little owl with a rainbow coloured body, a heart where a heart should be, and a relaxed look in his eyes, she came up with a signature phrase, “Rainbow Owl got your back.”
There was no looking back after that, he is sometimes hilariously honest and sometimes sentimental and a bit sad, but either way he has lots to say, and there really is a phrase that could apply to everyone. “Rainbow owl is poor in money and rich in friends" is one of my favourite phrases as a poor student; in my travels I have met so many interesting people, I am poor in money, but rich in friends. I felt a connection with this cute and hilarious character.
Shannon had stickers made and they sold like mad, they are beginning to appear all over town, she had t-shirts made and now I am starting to see them around town. It is great that there is a local character that is starting to have some voice. I would encourage everyone to check out what Rainbow Owl has to say by visiting Shannon Butler’s studio at 10510 101 Ave in Fort St. John.
June 20, 2010 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Art Galleries & Artists
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Fort St. John has one of the most thriving arts communities I have ever encountered. There is art all over the city, from the streets laden with hand-painted pots, to the art adorned walls of the local cafes; there really is art all over Fort St. John.
On a hot Sunday afternoon, art lovers and community enthusiasts gathered at Whole Wheat & Honey café to enjoy some local artist’s wares, it was packed with people, local musicians playing and with cool refreshments offered it was a great way to spend part of my Sunday afternoon.
I bought a new necklace made by local potter Shannon Butler, a beautiful wall-hanging by Catherine Ruddell and also a lipstick case by Megan Brooks. All of these local artists have great talent, enthusiasm and community spirit and it was my pleasure to enjoy all they had to offer at the Summer Solstice Art Fair.
July 05, 2009 | Tips from Travellers >
Fort St. John, Art Galleries & Artists
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One of the unknown facts about Fort St. John is that it has a thriving arts community. There are many events and artist hotspots where numerous talented local artists are anxious to display their creations.
Potter Shannon Butler is one such brilliant artist who opened up her own studio called Kilnhouse Studio and has a variety of pieces for sale. I heard about Shannon Butler from many sources, she has had a few articles written in our local paper, several of my friends know her and have bought work from her, and my brother bought a beautiful mug from her and won’t let anyone use it!
I stopped into her studio a few weeks ago and had a look around at her wares. I was very impressed with her pieces and the great skill she showed. I was especially fond of her necklaces. They are very unique because they have original art attached to a beautiful silk ribbon. I had to buy one. I selected a necklace with a moose on it (since I collect moose things). The necklace is so comfortable! Normally I don’t wear necklaces because they irritate me, but Shannon Butler’s creation is great because the silk ribbon just feels so nice. I loved my moose necklace so much I went back and bought another necklace with some flowers on it. Whenever I wear one of my necklaces I get plenty of compliments and people inquire how to get one. “Kilnhouse Studio” I tell them!