After a lengthy journey, the cows have finally come home, and at long last, this photo has made its way onto my computer. Now, I present to you Creston artist Win Dinn's masterpiece, the "Lunacy Gown"! Win's creative process involves repurposing used dryer sheets to soak up excess paint in her studio. This extraordinary gown is made from approximately 200 of these sheets, meticulously hand-stitched and embroidered over three months, with Win pouring her heart and soul into every stitch. As Win herself puts it, "Nobody in their right mind would think of and complete a project like this one, hence the name 'Lunacy Gown'." Pictured here on the red carpet at the Chamber's Business Excellence Awards Night are Alan Ansell, Marianne Rennick, Kieran Hickey, and myself. I'm the one showing off the "Lunacy Gown" accompanied by Dietje Hagedoorn's gorgeous Fisher Peak necklace. As my grandmother used to say: "Never resist an opportunity to dress up and buy the matching fancy new footwear". Although, this sentiment may be slightly (entirely) influenced by the need for an excuse to buy myself a new pair of shoes rather than by actual family wisdom.

The past month has been quite exciting, marked by the reveal of the new gallery logo proudly displayed on the sign above the front door and in a large decal on the window. Kimberley sculptor Rob Toller designed and hand-crafted the artistic sign bracket. In addition, several new artworks have arrived at the gallery, and we are delighted to welcome Creston ceramic artist David Barnes and Grasmere artist Ric Fedyna to our gallery and gift shop rosters.

Our new opening hours will start next week. Throughout the summer, the gallery will be open every day, on Monday and Tuesday from 10 am to 2 pm, and Wednesday through Sunday, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. On Farmer's Market Thursdays, we'll extend our hours until 6 pm.

Exciting events are coming this summer, including live painting sessions by various artists on the first Saturdays of July, August, September, and Oktober. These sessions are a great opportunity to meet the artists and see them work their magic firsthand. Also, mark your calendars for the inaugural book launch at the gallery, featuring Michele Doucette's wonderful children's book, "Fenn's Giant Blue Secret." Knowing Michele, it's going to be a fun, interactive event scheduled for the first Saturday of July.

But first things first, let's not forget the celebrations this weekend—it's both graduation weekend and Father's Day! If you're on the hunt for the perfect gift, pay us a visit. We have original artworks and reproductions in various shapes and sizes to fit every budget, along with gift cards. Plus, Erin from Huckleberry Books has treated us to her expertise with an overhaul of our bookshelves.

Happy Graduation Weekend and Happy Father's Day!

WHAT IS HAPPENING NOW?

We are delighted to welcome Grasmere artist Ric Fedyna and Creston artist
David Barnes to our gift shop and gallery rosters.

Several NEW ARTWORKS arrived at the gallery in the last month.

Revelstoke soapstone sculptor and painter Barbara Maye is offering 15% off of her
Flip Stones and Pedestal Sculptures all summer long!

Now is the time to get your piece of the mountain/peace of the mountain.

Locally harvested - One of a kind

WHAT IS COMING UP?

"Soulful Wonders of the Wild" Solo Art Exhibit by Michele Doucette

In the exhibit space from July 22 to August 4. Exhibit opening reception on Saturday, July 27 from 4 to 6 pm with live music by local Jazz trio "the d'linquint."

ALL UPCOMING EVENTS

• Live Painting session with Amanda Maglis-Long: July 6.

• Book Launch "Fenn's Giant Blue Secret" with Michele Doucette: July 6, 2024, 3-4:30 pm.

• "Soulful Wonders of the Wild" exhibit by Michele Doucette: July 22-Aug. 3.

• Opening Reception "Soulful Wonders of the Wild": Saturday, July 27.

• Live Painting session: August 3.

• Solo Art Exhibit by Darlene Purnell: September 4 - 15.

• Live Painting session: September 7.

• "Intimate Details of Nature" photography exhibit by Tracey Halladay: Sept. 19 - 29.

• Solo Art Exhibit - ceramic art by Andrea Revoy: October 3 - 13.

• Live Painting session with Ray Swirsky: October 5.

• Christmas Art Market: November 16 - December 24.

k̓ukamaʔnam | ku-ka-mah-nam | Kimberley is within Ktunaxa ?amak?is, the traditional homelands of the Ktunaxa Nation.