Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine September 2019

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HISTORIC LANDMARK TO HUB OF ACTIVITY A project that involved over 130 people, helped create nearly 60 jobs, and served as a home for multiple start-ups isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

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CONTENTS

Creative Director Aaron Orlando The Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine is a free monthly publication featuring the best of Revelstoke outdoor life, food, style, visitor experiences, lifestyles, entertainment, home style, and healthy living.

Each month we distribute 3,000 free copies to over 200 public venues across Revelstoke, including accommodations, shops, restaurants, cafes, community centres, bars, and everywhere people meet. We are an independent, locally owned publication dedicated to showcasing our amazing mountain town and the great people who create the stoke.

For more information, including details on our very affordable advertising rates, please contact us: www.revelstokemountaineer.com click on the advertising tab 250-814-8710 info@revelstokemountaineer.com PO BOX 112 606 Railway Avenue Revelstoke, B.C. V0E 2S0

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SPLASHDOWN

Revelstoke gets a new outdoor

splash park

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THE FROG PRINCE

Outdoor dramatic production of kids classic

WOODSTOKE

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12 LIFT ACCESS BIKING

Find out what’s happening in Revelstoke this month

24 LUNA Sound

Checking in with the

trail builders at the new RMR trail

26 ASCENDANT ARTS SCENE

The art of the solo ride

10 UP WHERE WE BELONG

Soaring above the Columbia

River with Revelstoke Paragliding

Local distillery offers gin-making sessions

New addition to popular LUNA Fest brings a variety of artists to the stage

Revelstoke’s growing visual arts scene is supporting more professional artists

29 PROFILE: SARAH SPURR

20 NEW RVAC SHOW

Garlic Fest returns for a spicy sixth offering

18 GIN IT UP

SEPTEMBER EVENTS

13 BEHIND THE BUILD

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22 ODE TO THE CLOVE

Lift-access era opens at RMR with new Fifty-Six Twenty trail

15 SPOKIN’ WORD

New festival celebrates

forestry museum achievements

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Artist Hayley Stewart featured in September exhibit

LUNA artist profile

30 HEALTH: SWEET SPOT

Yes, it’s the sugar. Here’s how to deal with it

COVER PHOTO Ready for LUNA? Rebelstoke series images by LUNA artist, co-organizer and this month’s cover artist, Rob Buchanan. His works will be featured in the 2019 event, which brought over 6,000 people downtown to the event last year. Don’t miss out. See our stories on the expanded festival in this issue, including our interview with Rob on the past, present and future of the Revelstoke arts scene.

Contributors

Aaron Orlando

Cara Smith

Bryce Borlick

Heather Hood

Louise Stanway

Shannon MacLean

Melissa Jameson

Claudia Bambi

Creative Director

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COMMUNITY

Revelstoke splash park opens New splash park replaces decommissioned wading pool in Farwell Park

By RM staff After years of planning and fundraising, the Revelstoke Splash Park is now open in Farwell Park.

Organizers held a grand opening on Aug. 15 to celebrate the new youth facility.

A big crowd, many of them under four feet tall and wearing swimsuits, gathered for the ceremony and brief announcement before the water was turned on.

Splash park committee organizer Pat McKee thanked the many volunteers and donors who worked on the project, mentioning Revelstoke Credit Union, the City of Revelstoke, the Revelstoke Community Forest Corporation, the Columbia Shuswap Regional District, the Resort Municipality Initiative and the Columbia Basin Trust for their support, among many others.

“What they are investing in is the community,” McKee said. “All of these donors are giving a gift to Revelstoke, and it is a gift that will last 25 years.”

City council representative Jackie Rhind thanked the many volunteers who worked on the project over the years.

“It was a community collaboration made possible by very dedicated volunteers.”

After the speech, a technician turned on the tap and the hundred or so kids at the opening mobbed park to peels of joy.

The park used to have a splash pool at the location, but changing health rules led Interior Health to effectively shut down the wading pool about five years ago.

Farwell Park is located at 1404 West First Street in Revelstoke, across the street from Okanagan College Revelstoke Centre. The park contains a washroom, two other jungle gyms, picnic benches and green space. For

Top: Kids run through the mist tunnel on opening day of the new Revelstoke splash park.

Right: This feature fills with water then spills once it’s full.

Below: Kids try out one of the features at Revelstoke’s newest park facility Photos: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine further information, see the splash park website or call the city parks department at 250-837-9351.

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ENTERTAINMENT

The Frog Prince in a garden stage A new Revelstoke-based theatre production company is using local scenery as the backdrop for David Mamet’s twist on the Grimm’s classic

By Melissa Jameson There’s something incredibly special about live theatre performed outdoors.

Revelstoke will have a chance to experience that magic when The Frog Prince is performed at Track Street Growers later this month.

Anna Fin, a local actor and director whose new production company Mystic Moonbeam studio is presenting the play, said the inspiration for the outdoor setting came from her horse.

“I have a horse at the Selkirk Saddle Club and my first horse I had there, her name was Mystic Moonbeam, and every time I would go and feed her I would look around and go, ‘Oh, this is beautiful. This is like a fairy-tale setting,” said Fin. Fin had come across Pulitzer prize winning playwright David Mamet’s version of The Frog Prince. She fell in love with the play and originally wanted to have it performed at the saddle club,

The tale of The Frog Prince comes to life at Track Street Growers Sept. 21 and 22. Photo: Anna Fin but said that wasn’t something that was able to happen. Still, Fin knew an outdoor setting was what The Frog Prince needed.

“There are certain stories that work indoors, however, I feel like a fairy tale in particular works so well with an idyllic outdoor setting, a little meadow, a grove, a will tree, flowers … that sets the scene already. It’s magical enough. I feel that’s where a fairy tale belongs. And then to bring people to watch it outdoors, I think there’s something about that,” she said.

With her mind set on an outdoor stage, Fin reached out to Track Street Grower’s Sarah Harper to ask for ideas on possible

venues. The two have previously worked together on stage and five years ago acted in a piece that ended up at the Kootenay Zone Fest,with both Harper and Fin earning awards.

“It was quite a ride and I’ve always appreciated and looked up to Sarah as an artist, as an actor on stage and also all the tech stuff she does,” said Fin. It was Harper who suggested Track Street Growers as the perfect outdoor venue for The Frog Prince. Harper also has a background being involved with festivals and festival creation, including the annual Garlic Fest held at Track Street each fall.

“I’m super excited for this connection because I am a festival maker and I love the theatre, the theatre was always my church. Garlic festival fulfills some of that, and I’ve been working to bring more theatrical aspects into garlic fest because that’s where my love is, and that festival highlights musicians and supports artists, so having the theatre arts here on the property is super fulfilling for me,” said Harper.

The play itself involves three actors — Fin, Matthew Krist, an actor from Toronto, and local Ray Cooper, who Fin says she is excited to work with. “He’s a very talented fellow and from the first time I saw him on stage, I think maybe three or four years ago I thought ‘I want to work with him’.”

Mamet’s version of The Frog Prince runs about 45 minutes long, and for those familiar with the playwright’s other works, this one doesn’t contain the profanities and language he is known for, making it a family-friendly option suitable for ages 7 and up.

The Frog Prince takes place at Track Street Growers on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. and On Sunday, Sept.

22 at 2 p.m. Admission is $13 for adults, $8 for children. Tickets are available at ArtFirst Gallery, The Revelstoke Visitor Centre, via e-transfer to moonbeamstudio7@gmail.com or at the door.

The Frog Prince will also be featured in an adapted form the next weekend at LUNA Art Festival.

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ENTERTAINMENT

Woodstoke celebrates opening of forest walk The multistage event features performances by some of Revelstoke’s favourite musicians

By Melissa Jameson You can thank 2017s major windstorm for being at least partially responsible for creating Woodstoke, a celebration of local music and the opening of the Riverside Forest Trail.

BC Interior Forestry Museum Director Glenn Westrup said when the museum’s board of directors first decided to build the Riverside Forest Walk there were no preconceived ideas apart from a trail that would go through the forest.

“Then we had the big storm in September 2017 which went straight over the top of the dam wall, sheered down got underneath the power lines that are next to the forest walk and that’s how it got in there and just went right through the middle of the forest like a big explosion,”said Westrup.

Within an hour the storm had completely taken out the middle of the forest. The devastation, however, turned into a positive opportunity as the museum was able to use its contacts within the forestry industry to have the area cleared and turned into a landing site (a forestry term for the area logs are taken to before being hauled away). Westrup said when he and members of the museum’s board looked at the location afterwards they decided it would be a perfect site for some type of community development.

“At that stage we knew we were going to replant and we’ve replanted 2,240 trees since April down there,” said Westrup.

The actual landing area can’t be used at the moment (there are still rocks and boulders that need to be moved). Once it’s cleared and leveled out the site would be available for community events.

Westrup said there are even plans to have toilets located nearby and if grant applications are successful is hoping the landing site will be available for community events by early next summer.

“The museum isn’t in the business of running major events, but I thought Woodstoke would be a nice little opening for the forest and be a template for other people to have events there that are of a similar standard,” he said. “We’re

trying to get really nice vibe going with quality acts and recycling and people taking their waste away, dispose of it in a sustainable way.”

Woodstoke includes multiple stages, with different music performed at each site. The Highway Stage will be located in the parking lot for the Riverside Forest Walk. As you continue along the trail you’ll come to a gentle, shaded glade where performances will include folk, blues and roots music. At the far end of the trail a sort of “DJ jungle” will include performances by some of Revelstoke’s most popular DJs. You’ll also find food trucks and possibly a bar (the museum was still waiting on approval at the time of publication), although Westrup said the focus is on having a family-friendly event.

The event includes performances by local groups Partial To Pie, Maritime Kitchen Party, Huw’s Who, DJ Dexaville, Catnado & The Subaneers, DJ Westside, Fierce Art Project, Stacie Kathleen, DJ Yannimal and more.

“We’re trying to focus on homegrown talent because we get to see lots of bands during July and August from all over the world down at Street Fest,” said Westrup, who connected with a few individuals involved in the local music scene including Steve Smith, Shannon Sternloff and Randy Jones, to help with entertainment for the event.

“The really nice thing is all the bands, they want to be involved, because what we’re trying to create here is an environment for future use of the site.”

Westrup said the idea is to open up the Forestry Museum to more use by the community.

“That’s the direction I was given when I took this job four years ago. A lot of people have been to the forestry museum, so now we’re trying to get them to the forest. There’s still a lot of work to do down there, but the more friends we make, the more contacts we make, the more people say ‘I can do this, Wouldn’t this be a nice idea?’ It’s really nice to add that altogether,” said Westrup.

If, by some odd chance, you haven’t yet visited the BC Interior Forestry Museum it’s well worth a visit. You can

DJ Dexaville is one of many local performers lined up for Woodstoke. Photo: contributed

check out the recent addition of a logger sport saw and ax from New Zealand, or if you’re lucky enough catch a pop-up demonstration put on by the museum’s staff.

Woodstoke takes place Saturday, September 7 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the BC Interior Forestry Museum’s Riverside Forest Walk. Early bird tickets are $10 available at the museum or Every-

thing Revelstoke. The event is free for youths 16 and under. A shuttle will be available to take people from downtown to the event (call the museum for more details, a location had not been set at the time of publication). The BC Interior Forestry Museum is located on Highway 23 North, beside the entrance to the Revelstoke Dam Visitor Centre.

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CALENDAR VISIT REVELSTOKEMOUNTAINEER.COM/CALENDAR FOR MORE DETAILS AND TO SUBMIT YOUR OWN EVENT FOR FREE FOR INCLUSION ONLINE AND IN OUR MONTHLY PRINT CALENDAR. *Please check the event on the day as details may change*

WEEKLY EVENTS MONDAY Ladies Only Dirtbike Rides @ Revy Riders MX track 6 p.m.

All abilities welcome, club membership required. Visit revyriders.ca for more details.

Moto-Monday Motorcycle Tour @ Tim Hortons Parking Lot 7 p.m.

Bring your street legal motorcycle and enjoy a ride before meeting up at a local patio. For more info contact John @ 250837-1430.

TUESDAY Bikes, Beers & Babes @ Revelstoke Community Centre Parking Lot 6p.m.

A fun and friendly weekly ride for women of all skill levels. Meet at the community centre parking lot ready to ride.

Revy Riders Group Ride @ Revy Riders Parking Area 6p.m.

Meet with Revy Riders Dirtbike Club every Tuesday. For more information visit revyriders.ca.

THURSDAY Pedal ‘n’ Pint @ Revelstoke Community Centre 6 p.m.

The Pedal ‘n’ Pint series is a weekly gathering of riders for a Thursday evening pedal.

Meet at the community centre parking lot. Riders meet at the pub for pints after-

wards. All skill levels welcome.

SATURDAY

Try out the Revelstoke Golf Club links with just a charity donation. Photo: Revelstoke Golf Club

Revelstoke Farmers Markets @ Grizzly Plaza 8a.m.–1p.m.

Fresh local fruits and vegetables, local honey, baking, preserves, locally-made crafts, knitting, fresh flowers, unique metal and woodworks, food vendors and more.

Saturday Morning Drop-In Squash @ Revelstoke Racquet Den Squash Club 9a.m.–1p.m.

The Revelstoke Squash Club offers public drop-in squash every Saturday. $10/ person and court booking is available.

The club is located at 207 Mackenzie Ave, below Mica Heliski.

SEPTEMBER EVENTS TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 Sandtimer @ The Last Drop Pub 7p.m.–10p.m.

Sandtimer make their way to Revelstoke for the first time to play at The Last Drop Pub for what looks to be a great evening of music.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 Fall Block Party @ Downtown Revelstoke 9 a.m.–4p.m.

The Revelstoke Community Events Group hosts this annual fun for all event in the downtown core that includes fun activities, local vendors, street markets and much, much more.

Woodstoke @ BC Interior Forestry Museum 3p.m.–7p.m.

A celebration of street food, live music and our love of the forest. For more info visit bcforestrymuseum.ca.

Harvest Hootenanny @ Take To Heart Specialty Wood Products 5 p.m.–11:30 p.m.

The Revelstoke Local Food Initiative hosts an evening of delectable farm to table food, local wine and community. Tickets available at revelstokelocalfood.com.

Because ALL Children Matter @ The Regent 7p.m.–10p.m.

A launch party and silent auction fund-raiser to introduce Because ALL Children Matter, a Canadian Registered NGO (non profit) founded by Deanne Berarducci, Johnson Mumbi and Ginger Price. More details available on the group’s Facebook page.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

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Community (locals) Day @ Revelstoke Golf Course All Day Free Green fee to all locals (after 11 a.m.) with a donation to the food bank (non-perishable food items or minimum $5 cash donation). Please call the Golf Shop for tee times 250-837-4276.

Two Crows for Comfort @ The Last Drop Pub 6:30p.m.–8p.m.

Folk-roots duo Two Crows for Comfort spins stories into songs and songs into stories.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 Screaming at Traffic @ The Last Drop Pub 9:30 p.m.

Winnipeg-based punk rock band Screaming at Traffic perform at The Last Drop Pub.

World Suicide Prevention Day @ Grizzly Plaza 8p.m.–9:30 p.m.

Come and light a candle in memory of someone or in honour of those who are

CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER 2019 Visit bikerevelstoke.org for details.

Tim & The Glory Boys – The Buffalo Road Show @ Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre 7p.m.–9:15p.m.

The Buffalo Roadshow is a spirited, all-ages musical hoedown, featuring the music of country bluegrass gospel band Tim & The Glory Boys. Tickets $15 available at eventbrite.ca.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 Revelstoke Women’s Enduro @ Revelstoke 9 a.m.–11p.m.

The 2019 edition of the Revelstoke Women’s Endure includes a full day of fun on Revelstoke’s incredible trails, followed by an after party. Registration and details at revelstokewomensenduro.ca.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

The Revelstoke Women’s Enduro is a great chance to check out top riders on the trail. Photo: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine still living. Hosted by the Revelstoke CMYHSU Local Action Team.

fee of $5 plus an RCA membership. For more information visit bikerevelstoke.org.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

XC Fiver Series @ Mount Macpherson Trails 6p.m.–8p.m.

Come out for the Revelstoke Cycling Association’s Cross Country Fiver Series. Entry

Revelstoke Garlic Fest @ Track Street Growers 11a.m.–5p.m.

The Revelstoke Garlic Fest returns with plenty of vendors, entertainment and lots of garlic! Visit trackstreetgrowers.com for more information.

Try It Series @ Griffith Creek - Mt Macpherson

BikeFest Revelstoke @ Various Locations

11a.m.–3p.m.

Join the Revelstoke Cycling Association and check out adaptive biking on the Miller Time Trail. For more details visit bikerevelstoke.org.

All Day BikeFest Revelstoke is back Sept. 1316with group rides and other shenanigans devised by Brent Strand and Mike Gravelle.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

The Human Condition Comedy Tour @ Craftbierhaus All Day A fundraiser for the Revelstoke and District Humane Society, The Human Condition Comedy Tour features comedians Shawn Gramiak, Scott Porteous and Frank Russo.

Tickets $15, available on eventbrite.ca.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 Opening Reception @ Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre 5p.m.–9p.m.

The Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre presents two new exhibits: Jacqueline Pendergast “Threadscapes” and Tina Lindegaard & Group “Weng Slip”. The arts centre is located at 320 Wilson Street.

LUNA: Nocturnal Art & Wonder @ Downtown Revelstoke Friday Sept. 27 through Sunday, Sept. 29 A weekend-long celebration of art and energy in Revelstoke. Featuring art installations, performances, music, workshops and much more! See advertisements and stories in this issue for details. Check out lunafest.ca for all the details/ticket info.

String Tones @ Revelstoke Jazz Club 7:30p.m.–9:30 p.m.

The String Tones perform at the Revelstoke Jazz Club (located in the Selkirk Room at the Revelstoke Regent). Admission by donation.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 29 Downhill Fiver Series @ Frisby Ridge Fingers 10 a.m.

Part of the Revelstoke Cycling Association’s Downhill Fiver Series. Entry is $5 plus an RCA membership. For details visit bikerevelstoke.org.

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OUTDOORS

Gliding over Revelstoke Challenge to try different things leads to a paragliding flight from Mt. Mackenzie

By Aaron Orlando After over a decade in town, some of my usual summer paths were feeling well worn. The solution: change up the Revelstoke summer routine by trying some new experiences.

Paragliding was top of my list, despite the fact that paragliding’s probably not for me. Flying’s always fun, but I don’t light up about it like some do. I can’t see myself ever buying the equipment or committing to the training. So, it seemed like the perfect opportunity for a one-off experience.

Revelstoke Paragliding offers tandem flights from Mount Mackenzie at Revelstoke Mountain Resort (RMR) down to the landing area near the shore of the Columbia River. I called them up and booked a flight.

We met at the RMR village and signed on the dotted line. There were three pilots on the excursion. I chatted with Andrew Worthington on the way up the gondola. When he’s not paragliding for fun, he works doing paragliding tours, backcountry guiding, rock scaling and probably some other risky stuff, one can assume. He looked healthy and displayed no signs of any medical issues that could suddenly incapacitate him — a good thing.

While me and the other two guests sized up the pilots, they stared out the window looking for clues to help them on their flight. Tree branches moving slightly in the wind, clouds in the distance, the surface on the river below all gave clues about the behaviour of the wind.

We shuttled to the take-off area, right near the start of the new Fifty-Six Twenty bike trail, overlooking a field of alpine wildflower blooms. It was windier up there.

They matched me with my pilot, Bill Goglin, a Williams Lake resident who works the rest of the year as a logging contractor. After some instructions and a little practice, it was time. First, you crouch low, take the slack as the canopy catches the wind, then run down towards a drop-off.

Next comes the Wile E. Coyote moment: you’re still running but your feet aren’t touching the ground.

The first ten seconds are the best — that same feeling you had as a kid when you finally got the nerve to jump off the high platform at the swimming pool. Now you’re committed.

Once up, it’s remarkably peaceful. We flew around the summit area for about 10 minutes, taking in new perspectives on Revelstoke, Mount Cartier and Ghost Peak in the back. Down below bikers rode down the new trail, which looked like a small thread through the trees.

Then I learned more about the invisible layers of air, each with different characteristics. We descended down into a layer with a bit more turbulence. It wasn’t bad, but it was a reminder: ‘You’re hundreds of metres in the air, floating under piece of cloth with a guy you met half an hour ago.’

Soon we were over the Columbia River Flats into a much calmer layer, even doing a couple small stunts (they give you the option not to) before touching down.

We came to a skidding stop on the grass landing spot just beside Airport Way south of town.

The verdict: it’s definitely worth it — a classic once-in-a-lifetime experience, for most.

To learn more, visit www.revelstokeparagliding.com, ask at RMR, or visit the Revelstoke Paragliding booth at the village at RMR.

Clockwise from top: The view towards Mount Begbie as a group of three paragliders hover above.

Looking down towards a paraglider coming in for a landing on the Columbia River Flats. A paraglider heads towards the Columbia River just after take off from Mount Mackenzie. A view of the Fifty-Six Twenty trail from above. Photos: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine

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OUTDOORS

New trail opens lift-access mountain biking era at Revelstoke Mountain Resort

The new Fifty-Six Twenty trail has opened at Revelstoke Mountain Resort, bringing lift-access mountain biking to Revy for the first time. The trail starts in the trees and continues into the alpine near the top of the Stoke Chair. Photos: Aaron Orlando/ Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine

By Aaron Orlando The longstanding wish of many mountain bikers in the Revelstoke area has come true with the opening of Revelstoke Mountain Resort’s (RMR) new lift-access bike trail at the resort on July 26. I pedaled up on opening day to check it out.

Revelstoke has an ever-growing network of mountain bike trails, but this is the first time the gondola has spun for mountain bikes. Until now, it’s been push, pedal, shuttle or heli to the top of local descents.

The trail, named Fifty-Six Twenty, after RMR’s 5,620 feet of vertical lift-access terrain, is a 15-kilometre long marathon of a trail winding from the alpine near the top of the Stoke Chair down to the resort’s base village.

Starting at the base of the mountain, you ride the gondola to the top, then pedal up a seven-kilometre trail that winds through the trees, the sub-alpine, then pokes out into alpine meadows at the end.

The uptrack is a wide, machine-built trail that’s mostly free of rocks and roots.

From the top, there’s a great view of the Columbia River valley below, and the mountains towards Cartier and Ghost peak to the other side of the mountain.

You can rest up among the wildflowers and watch Revelstoke Paragliding do takeoffs nearby before you do the descent.

From the top, tighten up your chinstrap and get ready for a brake-sizzling descent down a brand-new flow-oriented trail.

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The vast majority of the trail down is also machine-built and fairly wide. A big majority of the corners are bermed and there are lots of jumps, rollers and tabletops the whole way down.

Generally, the corners are wider near the top and then get tighter as you descend into the trees.

I wasn’t counting, but it seemed like there are about 50 optional jumps and other features on the way down; almost all of them have a beginner-oriented rollthrough option next to them.

From near the top of the gondola, there is also an out-and-back trail to the Greeley area of the mountain that doesn’t have a lot of elevation gain. RMR staff said the trail is complete, but when I went it wasn’t open due to wet conditions on the trail, the result of our unusually rainy summer this year. It should be opening soon.

Locals have been calling for lift-access biking for the dozen years since RMR opened for winter operations. The new trail was welcomed by the Revy biking crowd, although not everyone in the downhill shuttling crowd was happy.

There’s not an option to connect to the lower half of the trail from gondola top (staff warned you can get your winter pass pulled if you leave the trail), meaning downhillers are going to have to pedal or push their heavy, spring-shocked bikes to the top — at least for this season.

RMR spokesperson Carly Moran said the resort is planning to open more trails

leading down from the gondola top in the future, starting with one next year. That’ll allow for gondola laps with no uphill.

Moran said there are no plans to open the Stoke chair to bikes.

Local reaction “It’s so looong!” was the most common reaction. There are long descents in the Revelstoke area, but they are either preexisting hiking trails, or, like Frisby Ridge, purpose-built biking trails but without the wall-to-wall berms and features of Fifty Six Twenty. In general, the crowd is pumped for the new trail.

A 1.2-kilometre section of the trail is as-yet incomplete. Staff said they ran into bedrock while building it and is looking to re-route it. Instead, you travel down a winter CAT track for the section. The trail is already so long that I really didn’t feel like I missed out, though.

The trail definitely fills an gap in the local mountain bike trail offerings. It’s the easiest way up to alpine views. It’s got berms and features without vehicle shuttles.

Tips -Budget time to take a couple breathers on the downhill.

-If you’re new to flow trails, give your brakes a once-over before you go, especially if you’re on a cross-country oriented

bike with smaller brake rotors. They’re going to get really hot.

-The climb trail requires a level of fitness, but they do rent e-bikes if you have a weaker rider in the group.

-For newcomers to flow trails like this, the descent has roll-through bypasses for almost all of the jump features. It’s not for complete newcomers to mountain biking — resort staff say they’re not permitting beginners on the trail, only intermediate-level riders and up.

Details The trail is seven kilometres up and 15 kilometres down. A day ticket is $35 for adults or $169 for a summer pass. If you have an winter pass already, you can get an add-on summer pass for $109. Special rates for kids aged 6-12. Ask for the locals’ discount if you’re a Revy resident with ID. First gondola is at 8 a.m. and last upload is 3:30 p.m., but the hours change in early September. The season runs until September 22. Check the RMR website for prices, times and details. If you’re on a road trip with non-bikers or children there are lots of activities for the rest to do at the base, including restaurants, the new Aerial Adventure Park and the very popular Pipe Mountain Coaster. Or they can check out the thriving cafe, restaurant, retail and culture scenes in Revelstoke’s heritage downtown core.

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RMR Trail Team from left to right: Ben Yeager, Gareth Weston, Nick Hanlon (biker), Simon Delisle and Rob Ley. Photo: Tom Poole

Fifty-Six Twenty: Behind the build

By Louise Stanway

HAYLEY STEWART

TEENA NEHRING

KAREN MILLARD

If you haven’t already heard of Fifty-Six Twenty, let’s catch you up to speed. This summer, Revelstoke Mountain Resort opened its first lift-assisted mountain biking trail — the first of its kind in Revelstoke. This 15-kilometre-long, machine built blue trail is characterized by wildflower meadows and a seemingly endless series of jumps and berms. The trailhead is located at the top of the Stoke Chair and is accessed via a 7-kilometre climb trail that starts at the top of the Upper Gondola.

Let’s take a moment to put that into perspective. Whistler’s lift-accessed ‘Top of the World’ trail allows riders to be lifted to the top of Peak Chair (above 7,000 feet) and then embark on the 5-kilometre descent, spanning almost 5,000 feet of vertical. Impressive, right? Or, looking further afield, the ‘Petzen Flow Country Trail’ in Austria currently holds the title of longest flow trail in Europe. Its 11-kilometres of single-track trail features S-bends, tables and ramps. Try not to spit out your coffee here, but Revy’s trail is a staggering 4-kilometres longer than Petzen Trail and offers more vertical than Top of the World.

Naturally, when we met with Keenan Kovacs, Trail Crew Supervisor at RMR, we immediately asked the burning question on the tip of everyone’s tongues – is Fifty-Six Twenty the world’s longest flow trail? Keenan responded that it was still up for discussion. Alas, just as construction and maintenance of the trail is an ongoing project, so is the solidifying of the facts that shape its identity. In the meantime, Keenan and his team compete to try and measure the number of jumps and berms on the trail. “The closest we’ve come is 230 berms – but, as you can imagine, it’s easy to lose count.”

It seems the initial response from the crew — as well as riders from all over — has been undeniably positive. This then prompts the question: why aren’t we seeing more trails of this kind? Former Silverstar Bike Park manager and Founder of Contour Trails, Cam Sorensen, believes the biggest hurdle is the sheer length and magnitude of the trail itself. Cam and his crew were called in to assist with the project in its latter stages, as the steep grade coupled with unpredictable alpine weather meant that the project was facing serious delays.

Both Cam’s and Keenan’s teams faced similar challenges during the shoulder seasons.

“Spring is very wet due to the runoff, which means drainage was a constant issue,” said Keenan. “That, combined with impenetrable bedrock, means trying to get a machine through can be close to impossible sometimes. There were certain moments in spring where we’d be crossing super steep sections – such a Snow Rodeo – and it felt like one wrong move and that could be it.”

After hearing about certain arduous setbacks, including being caught in a snowstorm last fall (which led to a hike-out through 30 cm of heavy snow), the project didn’t come across as all too positive. Keenan and Cam disagree. “It’s so rewarding to ride a section after you’ve completed it. For me, the jumps in Hickory and Tally Ho have been my favourite part to work on and ride,” said Keenan. Similarly, Cam suggested that anyone who enjoys mountain biking should immediately add this trail to their bucket list. In the eyes of the team, the grind was fully worth the reward.

After tasting Fifty-Six Twenty, most riders have been left with an appetite for more.

As per the master plan, RMR has stated that this trail will become part of a network of mountain biking trails that will be developing over the coming years. Next season, we can expect to see more downhill specific trails—without the climb. The details are still being fine tuned, but the wheels are very much in motion.

509 Fourth St E, Revelstoke, BC | (250) 837-6084 | www.welwinds.com

TINA LINDEGAARD

A behind-the-scenes look at one of the world’s longest and most impressive flow trails

MAIN GALLERY HAYLEY STEWART Soul Quench GALLERY 1 POTTERY GUILD Current Works GALLERY 2 WORK FROM OUR INSTRUCTORS GALLERY 3 DAVID ROONEY Art Collector

OPENING RECEPTION THURSDAY AUGUST 29 | 5 - 9 PM | RVAC SHOW RUNS AUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 20 2019 320 Wilson Street | 250 814 0261 | www.artsrevelstoke.com Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre gratefully acknowledges the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia and The Columbia Basin Trust.

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14

OUTDOORS

The soloist

By Bryce Borlick It’s daybreak, quiet and calm with the palpable energy of a new day and the anticipation of the things it could bring.

Today’s ride will be solo and, although riding with friends is always a blast, this is a splendid morning to appreciate in silence. Cool morning air, hot coffee in my stomach, the first golden rays of sunshine — it’s simply sublime. I close the door silently, slide onto my saddle and, with a click of the pedals, it begins.

Rolling down the embankment and onto the tarmac, I feel my pulse rise gradually as I settle into an easy rhythm. Fog sits on the river and swirls up the mountainsides, vanquished to the atmosphere by the rising sun. Without the social chit chat that would normally accompany the climb, I settle into a comfortable pace and let my mind wander. Is it a hint of yarrow, or maybe sweet gale coming in with the breeze? I reminds me that Autumn isn’t far off. Dead ahead, Begbie towers over deeply forested slopes and, before I know it, I’m at the parking lot.

“Hey bud!” I’m snapped back to reality

Photo: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine

by friends sorting out a route that will get them to work on time. I openly lament that I’m heading a different way but secretly I’m happy to continue my solo ride and I pedal on, slipping back into my lucid daydream.

I don’t actually know where I’m going, nor does it really matter. For now, I turn right and glide into the lavish green of the forest, feeling at home under the protective canopy.

I’m climbing again. I think broadly about life, about family, and about my line through the dew slickened rocks and roots on the singletrack in front of me. Onward and upward I go, tackling the various challenges with varying degrees of aplomb.

Eventually I reach the top of the trail and spin the last few easy pedal strokes, the meaning of life still elusive. My energy is good and I drop in without pause, savouring the continuity that you rarely get on a group ride.

Now everything changes as I pick speed and the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest fade into a green blur. Nimble and predictable beneath me, my bike responds to subtle weight changes like an exuberant extension of myself. The hoots and hollers of a social ride are notably absent but the fully immersive flow state of the solo ride can hardly be considered an inferior experience. I leave behind all conscious thoughts, existing purely in the moment, and I find the meaning of life exactly where I last left it — right in front of me on the trail.

An hour? Maybe two? A while later I blast back onto the tarmac feeling energized physically, refreshed mentally, and cleansed spiritually from this time in my inner sanctuary. Up the embankment, I’m home, and with a click of the pedals, I’m ready to face the world again.

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FOOD & DRINK

When life gives you juniper berries...

Revelstoke’s Jones Distilling offers behind-the-scenes glimpse into the art of craft gin creation

By Cara Smith To many, it’s just another type of alcohol. But if you dig deeper into gin, you’ll find that its dark and storied history makes it one of the more fascinating spirits.

The Canadian Gin Guild is offering an experience that does just that and takes things a step further by teaching participants about the botanicals that go into making gin and helping them create their very own bottle of the spirit.

This unique event is hosted at Jones Distilling in the historic Mountain View School building, which sat vacant for years before being renovated to house the distillery. It’s clear that the aim was to preserve many of the original elements and the spirit of the old school. A water fountain remains in the hallway; a pencil sharpener is kept in the distillery to sharpen pencils used in the gin course.

Walking into the distillery, you can see the influence of the history of gin as well. Images from 1751 by English artist William Hogarth of London’s Gin Street and Beer Lane on the walls hint at the journey through gin’s history that the course will take you on.

In the history component of the course, you’ll learn about the dark days of gin when it led to social deprivation in London and how the taste for gin prevailed, leading to innovations in distilling and the “ginaissance” we’re experiencing today.

The course also includes a hands-on learning component with the different kinds of botanicals that go into the making of gin, and a rare opportunity to come up with an original gin creation.

The making of gin begins with a base alcohol. At Jones Distilling, that base alcohol is made with a pale malt grain grown in B.C. The alcohol is re-distilled with international botanicals, which must include juniper berries (technically not berries, but rather cones with a berry-like appearance) to be considered gin. Beyond that one stipulation, the options are virtually endless for botanicals in gin.

Each botanical contributes something unique. Licorice root adds dryness, orris root is found in most perfumes and allows aromas to shine and stand out, and Angelica root is a distiller’s “salt and pepper” and amplifies flavour.

After learning how the different botanicals combine to create individual flavour profiles, attendees work with head distiller Megan Moore to come up with combinations to suit their individual palates and get to walk away with a custom bottle of gin of their own making.

Megan Moore is regularly switching up the selection of more than forty international botanicals lining the windowsills at Jones Distilling, always 18

eager to see what combinations guests will come up with. She says she often encounters flavour combinations she hasn’t considered through this collaborative process.

“This is a very personalized experience for people,” Moore says. “You can’t walk into a liquor store and just ask them to make you up a bottle of gin customized to your taste. The people who come in are looking for a fun afternoon, but also something special that they can take away and share with friends and family.”

In addition to the Create Your Own Gin event, the Canadian Gin Guild offers tours and tastings at the distillery and a Botanical Basics option that focuses primarily on gin botanicals. They’re also partnering with other local businesses to include their events in exclusive Revelstoke experiences.

Create Your Own Gin is now running Friday and Saturdays at 4 p.m. Bookings are made in advance at the Canadian Gin Guild website.

Top: Jones Distilling’s head distiller Megan Moore displays the colour wheel at a Saturday gin session in Revelstoke.

Bottom right: Mixing up the right gin.

Below: Tasting samples at Jones Distilling.

Pleasant surprises from the unexpected

By Heather Hood Autumn is just around the corner and the transition begins once again. For this year’s grape crop, the weather was all over the map: cooler temperatures, lots of precipitation and also some beautiful blue bird days.

Summers such as the one we have just experienced are good reminders that letting go from what we expect can also be a good thing.

Like the wines this month, they might be not what you are expecting but a pleasant surprise. Enjoy this bigger Pinot Noir or the Ego wine, which is full-bodied but mellow.

Liber Farm & Winery Sauvignon Blanc Sémillon, 2017 Cawston, BC $19.87 A fresh and zippy wine that has nice aromas. On the palate the wine is dry and the characteristics of the Sauvignon Blanc shine through with grapefruit and grass. The Sémillon balances it out nicely with hints of tart apple and honey.

Pair with grilled fish, fennel salad or richly flavoured cheeses

Hillside Estate Winery Pinot Noir, 2015 Penticton, BC $27.95 This wine shows bright red fruit on the palate. It is a rich and fuller Pinot Noir, which has flavours of dark ripe cherry, dried raisins, tobacco and oak. The finish is nice and really lingers in the palate with nice tannins and hints of caramel.

Pair with barbecue salmon, stuffed mushrooms or chocolate cake

Therapy Ego, 2017 Naramata, BC $25.78 A blend of 70% Merlot with the other 30% being made up by Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Malbec. This full-bodied but mellow red has a lovely nose and rich on the palate. It’s bursting with a bouquet of red fruit flavours and nice medium fine tannins. Flavours will coat your palate with ripe cherries and plums coupled with hints of violet, vanilla and caramel. The finish is smooth and lingers nicely.

Pair with fresh tomato sauce, roasted lamb or hard cheeses.

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NEWS BRIEFS

RVAC: Landscape painting gets a vibrant overhaul

Artist Hayley Stewart pushes boundaries, borrows techniques from the graffiti world for Soul Quench

By Melissa Jameson

It’s just over a week before the opening of the Revelstoke Visual Art Centre’s new show and artist Hayley Stewart is madly working on the pieces for her first solo exhibit, Soul Quench.

Inside her Big Eddy studio various completed pieces are propped up, landscapes painted in vibrant eye-popping colours. Stewart is known for her multi-dimensional bold canvasses with a combination of aerosol spray paint and acrylics that speak to an urban, graffiti influence.

For Soul Quench, however, Stewart has taken a bit of a departure from this, using less aerosol paint and an entirely different process.

“I used to use spray paint as the starting point and create these wild style backgrounds to then paint on top of,” Stewart said. “I’m not even sure the graffiti influence is fully apparent in this body of work.

The pieces for Soul Quench mainly use acrylics, although aerosol spray paint does make an appearance, but as Stewart says, “not really in an interesting ‘graffiti-esque’ way.” She does, however, borrow techniques from the graffiti world, evidenced in the halo effect that is often seen illuminating her mountainscape and forest scenes.

“Spray paint is one of my favourite mediums to work with. I was never all that interested in landscape painting until I realized I could make it my own and bring the skill set I had to this new-to-me subject matter. [I’m] still exploring how to create these conversations in my work.”

Stewart had hoped to relinquish some of the control she exerts over her paintings for Soul Quench. Instead, she came to the realization that control is a part of her process, discovering the crisp lines, smooth colour blending and meticulous detail are inherent to her style.

“One thing I always strive for is originality … pushing boundaries. I think I achieved that. [These are] not your typical landscape paintings.

I as trying to push the subject matter, which is often seen as mundane, further,” said Stewart. “Having a major deadline was great for production but was actually quite constraining. I’m looking forward to spending more time experimenting with new processes and techniques in the studio post show. I’m hoping to push some discoveries further.”

Soul Quench is on display at the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre until Sept. 20 along with three other exhibits: Pottery Guild — Current Works, David Rooney — Art Collection and Member Exhibit — Work From Our Instructors. The centre is located at 320 Wilson Street and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Top: Hayley Stewart’s Deep Skies Right: Peach Skies, by Hayley Stewart Bottom: Revelstoke artist Hayley Stewart Photos: Hayley Stewart

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21

EVENTS

Ode to the clove returns to Revelstoke Revelstoke Garlic Festival enters its sixth season celebrating the stinking rose

By Sarah Harper

Another year has passed and our garlic crop has doubled again. The bright and beautiful bulbs have been pulled from the soil, sorted and hung up to cure in the woodshed, under the tent and in every other suitable spot we can find that keeps them safe from the rain. We pray for a dry time, to allow the curing process to take hold, a prayer which ends up being more like a scurrying sundance as time marches on and the summer dips into late season. The countdown begins to celebration day.

One to-do list becomes five lists and they yell at us from the fridge door each morning, teasing us about the handful of new tasks we did yesterday that they didn’t even know about. They whisper throughout the day, gossiping about what we’ve been doing instead and vying for some real attention. Every evening they shake their heads in disbelief. But every now and then it happens, a rare moment, when we have the satisfaction of crossing something off.

As we spin faster and faster in preparation for that one day, we begin to wonder, why do we do this? Why do we celebrate garlic of all things? What is it about this odoriferous plant that inspires people to gather, to muster themselves out of their ordinary rhythm to come together on a Sunday afternoon in September?

Our agony of overwhelm seems to accelerate until that very Sunday, when the rainclouds part and a little bit of sun shines through onto Track Street. We have come to know that folks will come whether it rains or shines, and that to waste time wondering about the weather is only to gossip and spread rumours about the Earth herself. The people will come, for garlic, for music, for nourishment and to stay safe from the illusive Count Dracula.

He comes bounding through the festival gate at the bottom of the property and through a wave of familiar faces; he smiles at me and proclaims, “No vampires here!”

Yes, I think to myself, we’re all safe for another day.

We laugh and smile at each other as if the legendary, reanimated and bloodsucking corpse of a zombie were real and then my friend is swept away with swift exuberance up the driveway into the heart of our alliaceous festival and is swallowed up by the pulse of our community; alive with the momentum of this growing celebration of local food culture.

And garlic.

Freshly cured Garlic. The real stuff.

Allium Sativum. Ail. Aglio. Ajo. Garlek.

Home grown and hand harvested.

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From top: Stacie Byrne sings on the main stage. The scene at Track Street Growers during Garlic Fest.

Below. Stu Smith (left) of Track Street Growers sells Revygrown and made garlic products at the festival. Photos: Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine

Not to be mistaken for the bleached and sad-looking imported bulbs that one could find at the local supermarket throughout the rest of the year but the medicinal, the culinary, the exquisite and essential bulb of the stinking rose.

This is the kind of garlic that would chase the ghouls away, were they really here.

I watch as four generations of a family arrive together, mother helping grandmother and daughter laughing as great-grandson runs off to join his friends at the Imagination Station, safe from the predators of judgment and criticism.

As I look around, I see people that would normally not mix. They embrace one another in warm conversation. The logger and the tree-hugger, the sweet Italian gardener who has been cultivating here forever and the transient ski bum who has just arrived. They share a smile and breathe easier in each other’s company. People traveling through town that accidentally happen to find us, and those who have heard and braved the highway to feel firsthand what has been inspired here, meet like old friends.

It’s just a moment in time, but loosely scripted, so that what needs to shine through, will.

No vampires here, indeed.

The band kicks into a sweet groove on the Electric Porch; the crooked boards of this old home bend in forgiveness and hold up the melodies in a rustic portrait.

These harmonious flavours flow out and merge with the hearts of those who’ve come here today to bask in this moment of freedom from the mundane.

No doubt these sweet tendrils of sound are traveling further into town, coaxing people towards the bustling marketplace of Revelstoke’s best-kept secret, The Garlic Festival.

I know that they lurk just outside of the festival, those bloodsucking vampires of separateness, of isolation, the patient and relentless monsters of anxiety and fear, of despair, remorse and futility; tireless parasites of suppression and scarcity, the demons of addiction and oppression; those invisible hungry beasts that walk among us and steal our moments and minds, keep us in isolation, preventing us from truly connecting with one another.

But those vampires aren’t here today.

The power of Garlic protects us. We can celebrate that.

The 6th Annual Revelstoke Garlic Festival is to take place this year on Sunday, September 15 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

NCES is organizing a bike valet as part of the fundraising efforts. Please walk or ride your bike to the event if possible and please be mindful of our generous neighbours on Track Street East. Admission is $3 and kids are free but please leave your furry ones at home.

The Garlic festival operates as a fundraiser for local children’s programing through the North Columbia Environmental Society and the Local Food Initiative. It highlights emerging and established artists, artisans, farmers, growers and chefs from our immediate area and our region.

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LUNA SOUND expand at popular arts fest

The Snotty Nose Rez Kids take the stage at LUNA SOUND on Sept. 27. Photo: contributed There is no denying that the landscape of Revelstoke has changed with the creation of LUNA, a free interactive arts festival developed two years ago by a small group of creatives: Miriam Manley, Jana Thompson, Victoria Strange, and Rob Buchanan. Our small city rivaled that of a larger cultural metropolis, with a weekend festival highlighting cutting-edge interactive artists and installation-based projects.

This push to redefine Revelstoke as a cultural destination succeeded, and last year LUNA hosted over 6,000 people within the downtown on Saturday night. Over 40 high quality art installations helped to solidify LUNA’s win of Best Tourist Attraction. LUNA is back for 2019 and the question on people’s minds is: Could LUNA get any better?

The answer is YES! This year, the LUNA team is extending its Friday night offering with LUNA SOUND. This ticketed portion of the LUNA weekend focuses on music, and in true LUNA fashion, will feature musicians that push the boundaries of their respective genres, culminating in an original mash-up of eclectic styles against a backdrop of LUNA’s magical artistry.

LUNA SOUND re-imagines the century-old historic Regent Hotel. As with everything LUNA, don’t expect to enter through the front door. LUNA prides itself on experiencing the unexpected, and LUNA sound is no exception. Guests will enter through a secret art garden and emerge into a flow of eclectic stages, a chillout room, historic bar, and LUNA themed appies for six hours of music, dance, art, and festivities.

The intimate Starlight Stage kicks off with blues band Blue Moon Marquee led by A.W. Cardinal, a Metis of Cree heritage, who howls with a thick and smoky vocal while playing a jazz tinged guitar. Next up the bold, upbeat, immense, and soulful, Old Soul Rebel is a powerhouse duo with African and Indigenous roots, coloured by brass and driven by drums.

The Galaxy Stage features artist Missy D, representing a blend of African cultures in her life-force and in her music. Her live band blends Hip-Hop, Rap and R&B. Following her performance is Art d’Ecco; an artist channeling the learnings of David Bowie in both sound and fashion. A performer who fluidly crosses musical and gender lines, Art d’Ecco represents “neo-glam,” with the music boasting hints of ‘50s pop to psychedelics, from Velvet Underground-era art rock to Grimes-inspired electronics.

The outdoor Big Bang Stage excites festival-goers with the memorable fire-eating antics of Small Town Artillery, a high-energy indie rock band with an infectiously entertaining stage performance. Next on this stage is Snotty Nose Rez Kids (SNRK); trap beats with woven lyricism that challenges Indigenous stereotypes.

LUNA SOUND caps off with Delhi to Dublin with their famous Bhangra, fiddle fusion and invariably joyful beats.

At $25 per ticket, LUNA SOUND is a sure-fire bet for the 19+ festival crowd and the proven track record of LUNA Art and Wonder is enough to know that Friday night will surprise, and immerse those who join in. Revelstoke is on the cultural map. Tickets are limited and can be purchased at: lunafest.ca 24

ands music offerings t

Check out the thick, smoky lyrics of Blue Moon Marquee at LUNA SOUND on Sept.

27. Photo: handout 25

FEATURE

Revelstoke visual arts scene is taking off We spoke with professional Revelstoke artists to talk about past and future changes in the local arts scene, and to find out their views on the future of professional arts in Revy.

By Aaron Orlando

R

evelstoke’s arts scene is in transition. While the amateur arts scene continues to be strong, a new wave of professional and semi-professional artists are able to support or supplement their income with their works. Ahead of the LUNA festival, we caught up with six local artists to find out how the arts scene has changed, and what they predict for the future of visual arts in Revelstoke.

ROB BUCHANAN Rob Buchanan is an award-winning professional photographer, artist,

designer and editorial cartoonist. His photographs have appeared in many places including National Geographic Adventure and Traveler Magazines, the Knowledge Network and the Patagonia clothing catalogs. His winning images have been on two world tours with the Banff Film Festival and even appeared on the Jumbotron in New York’s Times Square. He has worked as an editorial cartoonist for 24 years for the Revelstoke Review where he has won two provincial awards. His large-scale metal interactive public art installations have been used by thousands of visitors to Rogers Pass and Revelstoke, B.C. He has taken documentary photos for the Canadian Physicians for Aid & Relief in Malawi, Africa, worked in Nepal, Belize, Costa Rica, Turkey, and the Western Arctic. In his 23-year career as a professional exhibit designer, he has worked in mediums as diverse as sandblasted rock, water-jet cut steel, wood, moss, spray paint, fiberglass, linocuts, film, sound, and light. In 2018, he served as one of nine provincial arts and culture ambassadors for BC Culture Days. Currently, he can be found plotting and scheming about contemporary art installations for Revelstoke’s Luna Art Festival.

What are some exciting projects

you’ve been working on?

I’m very excited to be working on the first phase of the Art Alleries project.

This was an installation idea I presented to the LUNA selection committee in 2017 as a permanent LUNA Legacy Project. It was accepted in 2018 when funds from the Columbia Basin Trust became available. The basic concept for this project is to re-imagine an alley as an outdoor art gallery: alleys + art galleries = art alleries. The idea is to repurpose a series of alleys into a thematic, walkable and barrier-free, open-sky art gallery experience. Imagine gritty laneways and dumpsters, snow, the evening darkness, and the ambient noises of a city juxtaposed with fine art hanging on the worn alley walls. The goal is that every year, new artists would be selected to open new alleys. Lit with solar powered LED picture lights, an Art Alleries tour would offer an authentic, behind-the scenes look into a city. Not only will these alleys be repurposed into a constant reminder of a vibrant arts and cultural sector, introducing light into dark environments also serves to improve safety in our downtown core.

Tell us about your work for LUNA this year.

One exciting project I’m involved in is the “Peek-a-Booth” installation.

Six artists from six different mediums will combine to take over one of our downtown kiosks and transform it into an infinity landscape experience.

This project involves Kyle Thornley the blacksmith, Leah Allison the glass blower, Jess Leahey the painter, Kelly Hutcheson the stain-glass artist, Greg Hoffart the builder, as well as myself and incorporates mirrors, peep holes and optical illusions. This installation takes the viewer on a voyage far above our traditional mountain landscape.

of creative types – the Revestoke art scene is taking off! And not only are there artists in town, there is a legitimate audience and a buying public to help support them. One trend I’ve really noticed is the growing vibrant metal art community. I’m so excited to see all the welders, blacksmiths, fabricators and machinists who are operating locally.

I love public art, and metal sculptures are really well suited to Revelstoke’s challenging outdoor environment. The other trend that puts a smile on my face is collaboration. Every year I see more artists of different disciplines combining to share skills and inspire each other.

Sometimes being an artist can be a lonely pursuit, but in Revelstoke there is a very welcoming and inclusive vibe.

What are your predictions for the Revelstoke arts scene over the next decade?

I predict that not only Revelstoke, but also the entire Columbia Basin will unite to form a regional art powerhouse!

Much like the Powder Highway concept, Revelstoke to Nakusp to Nelson to Castlegar, as well as other Basin communities will actively develop their arts and culture offerings into a linked four season destination experience that celebrates creativity and diversity while travelling through one of the most stunning landscapes in Canada. Revelstoke, with its strategic position on the Trans-Canada highway, will play a gateway role.

Artists of all mediums (and even some that haven’t been dreamt up yet) will continue to call Revelstoke home.

What trends have you noticed in Revelstoke’s arts scene over the past decade?

This is a very exciting time for Arts and Culture in Revelstoke. I’ve been working here for almost 25 years and in the last few years I’ve seen a huge increase in artists coming to town. From video projectionists to filmmakers, glass and metal artists, painters, sculptors, writers, photographers, musicians, designers, curators and all other manner

Left: Rob Buchanan’s Climbing Skin Mosiac of Mt. Sir Donald in Rogers Pass. Image: Rob Buchanan Opposite top: Kyle Thornley’s Seedpod sculpture. Photo: Katie Langmuir Opposite bottom: Jess Leahey’s Ski Hill and Canoe. Image: Jess Leahey

KYLE THORNLEY Kyle is a trained welder who found the creative side of metal work over ten years ago. He is trying to expand my working vocabulary in the medium.

Blacksmithing is about breathing life into a cold and harsh material with heat and force. He manipulates metal and iron as if it were plastic, creating shape, line, and form with a number of different tools and techniques. “For me and the work I create I’m often drawing on inspiration for the natural world; sculptural and functional art pieces that are a rep of what I see around me. But, as I move ahead the creative experience and what I produce is ever changing.”

Tell us about some exciting proj26

Looking forward to the next decade, what do you predict for the Revelstoke arts scene and your arts career?

I see the Revelstoke art scene continuing to grow and diversify. How can it not? The possibilities here in Revelstoke for artists and creatives of all kinds just keep growing. Thanks to festivals like LUNA, ArtFirst, and so many of the other supports available the future of Revelstoke’s art scene is pretty bright.

More people will be coming to join in and this spells success for everyone. I hope to find a solid footing here in Revelstoke for my art, but would love to see my work stretch beyond our mountain home to connect with other communities and places across the country, bringing a piece of my experience and perspective to them of our paradise here in the mountains.

time illustrator and visual artist. I work in multiple mediums ranging from my better-known works in pen and ink, to acrylic and watercolour paint, and, thanks to LUNA Fest, I am currently cutting my teeth in installation and public art. Most of my work could fall into the category of abstract landscape, but I like to inject a few cheeky details and give the piece a little extra life.

Tell us about some exciting projects you are working on.

LUNA is always my most exciting project. I get to work with my peers, which is so energizing because most artists work alone, and I get to make something big, and weird, and exciting for all my friends and family. There are not many places that even let you make public art, not to mention give you a budget and throw you a party. The concept of interactive art public art is such a small niche that it’s hard to even find in urban centers, I can’t believe we get to do it in our small town. It’s really fun.

These days what are the keys to earning a living as an artist in a small mountain town like Revelstoke?

ects you’ve been working on.

thrive?

Currently I am collaborating on a large-scale interpretive, sculptural piece with Parks Canada. This is a really exciting project to be working on as it combines art culture and blacksmithing with environmental education and awareness.

I’m also working on a new public art commission that I have been chosen to work on. A large-scale organic sculptural piece that will be fountains in a few parks across Red Deer. And I have been accepted into a spot in the final round of another public art commission; we are just in the design stage, but it has been exciting to be a part of the process. I have been spending time exploring projects and pieces that incorporate recycled materials as much as possible.

Having a ton of support from the community is the key to any kind of success, small mountain town or otherwise; however, living here I have truly come to understand the necessity of this support from others. Being a small town your access to materials, gear or any other specific needs can sometimes be hard to come by. Knowing there’s a whole community of people there if I need something is incredible. There are lots of opportunities here in town through collectives, businesses, and incredible festivals like LUNA that provides incredible exposure to a broader community (one outside of Revelstoke) that I would not otherwise reach Revelstoke has the most incredible arts community with so many workshops and opportunities to display your work.

JESS LEAHEY My name is Jess Leahey. I am a full-

For me it’s been diversity and flexibility. Diversity in mediums opens up a lot more opportunity for work. Commissions alleviate some of the stress of contract work. I know a lot of artists have a difficult time working to someone else’s vision, but I really enjoy it, probably because I work a lot in the ski industry so I like what I am making. I think a great thing about Revelstoke is that it isn’t saturated in any one medium or genre.

A small community only has a handful

Tell us about your work for LUNA this year. What was your inspiration How would you describe the Revelstoke arts scene to someone who’s for the work? never visited here?

I draw a lot inspiration from my external environment, living here in Revelstoke we spend so much of our time in the outdoors, as do others who live and visit the area. The pinecone is something those that get outside on the trails and elsewhere that everyone comes into contact with. It seemed like something that would translate well on a large scale. That and it’s something that everyone, even those that are not from the area would recognize, are interested in, and be fascinated by.

In terms of support for artists, what are the key supports you need from the community to

Thriving, exciting, collaborative and diversified; it’s incredible to see the diversity in both the type of art being created here in Revelstoke and the artists themselves. It is a town that is such a draw for adventure seekers and younger people, those with new ideas and approaches to any given art form.

Looking around town now you can see more contemporary art creations, murals, and street art side by side with more traditional and realistic art pieces that represent another experience and perspective of our mountain experiences.

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FEATURE of full time artists, which makes it easier to build a following. There is space and work for all of us which makes it friendly and supportive, not competitive like you might find in the city.

What trends have you noticed in the arts scene in Revelstoke over the past years?

Growth. Art and tourism really flatter each other. As tourism booms more local artists are able to make a career here.

I am very excited to see the arts being taken more seriously as business and a generator of income, in the past I felt a lot of our resources and energy went to hobby facilitating, which of course is important, but created a glass ceiling of sorts for artists wanting to elevate to the next level. It’s nice having a place to show your art shown, but I need to sell it, and recently that’s been getting easier as art buyers are visiting or relocating to the area.

TURBO BAMBI

Based in the beautiful mountains of British Columbia, Bambi is an artist who’s as familiar with traditional methods as she is with the digital world. The “Turbo” moniker represents a dark and bold aesthetic, whereas “Bambi” stems from an affinity for cute and colourful imagery. While markers, drawing tablets, acrylics, and oils make frequent appearances, all mediums are welcome in Bambi Land. Catch the wave to her Instagram for more @turbobambi_design

Tell us about some exciting projects you’ve been working on.

Last spring, I was given the opportunity to teach art to kids in my first language — French, at L’ecole des Glaciers. It was such a great experience, I am now teaching art the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre. I also have a special mural in progress. It will be revealed on my Instagram page once it’s completed.

Stay tuned!

BENJI LOWCLASS

LEAH ALLISON

Tell us about your work for LUNA this year. What was your inspiration for the work?

I’m trying to keep this year’s LUNA project as a surprise but one thing I can say is that it will be very true to my current style. As you may know, Cyclops are a recurring theme in my art and this time is no exception. Festivalgoers will be able to spot this tall and colourful structure from afar. However, once they get closer, they might be facing an illusion.

Benji Lowclass is a freelance graphic designer and illustrator based out of Revelstoke.

Tell us about some exciting projects you’ve been working on.

I just finished painting a couple walls downtown Nelson for the International Mural Festival. For the past year I have been working with a small team on a graphic novel. We plan to release the first volume in late fall. I worked on artist series outerwear for Bula head ware and accessories. I’m in the early stages of an album cover design for the band UB40.

Tell us about your work for LUNA this year. What was your inspiration for the work?

Here: Turbo Bambi with a recent work at the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre.

Top: Benji Lowclass with a mural he created in Nelson this summer as part of the Nelson International Mural Festival. Photo: Electrify Photography

I plan to spray paint a Revy-inspired mural on the back wall in the alleyway of the Free Spirits Sports shop. I want to see more walls painted in town; it’s a great way to show off what we’re all about.

What trends have you noticed in the arts scene in Revelstoke over the past years?

I’ve noticed more and more artists working and collaborating together to create more art in the community.

In terms of support for artists, what are the key supports you need from the community to thrive?

Hire a local graphic designer, illustrator, artist or photographer. There are talented professionals in this town with the insight and skills to create quality advertisements, posters, apparel, logos, photography and more.

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I’m a glass artist and the owner of Big Eddy Glass Works, a glass blowing and flame-working studio and gallery in the Big Eddy. I’ve been living in Revelstoke since 2013 and have been making glass for 17 years. I love blowing glass and making things that are beautiful, functional and unique, focusing mainly on drink ware and cocktail-making accessories. I believe that everything tastes better out of a handmade glass.

Tell us about your work for LUNA this year. What was your inspiration for the work?

My inspiration for LUNA is actually LUNA, the most magical night in Revelstoke! The collaborative spirit and community support is amazing and I am stoked to be a part of it! One of my projects will consist of hundreds of pieces of blown glass and a lot of LED lights. By using the unique properties of glass to refract, reflect and transmit light I plan to turn a small section of downtown Revelstoke into a magical, starry sky.

Looking forward to the next decade, what do you predict for the Revelstoke arts scene and your arts career?

I’ve definitely seen growth in the arts scene during the six years that I’ve lived here but there is still a long way to go before people think of Revelstoke as an art destination. But I think the next decade will be bringing a lot of growth to Revelstoke and as far as the arts scene goes, I think it’s going to explode and I’m excited to be a part of it!

LUNA Fest Runs Sept. 27–29 in Revelstoke. See stories, ads and the calendar listing in this issue for more information.

LUNA

LUNA artist inspired by lantern craft Sarah Spurr’s Night Light explores traditional festival and folk art craft

By Melissa Jameson In the midst of all the chaos leading up to last year’s LUNA Art Festival, Sarah Spurr found the inspiration for Night Light.

“Night Light was an idea that came to me last year while busy in “Lunatic mode” (something the artists and organizers affectionately call the chaos leading up to the big night,” said Spurr.

“I was completing my raven mobile for The Space Between and already thinking ahead to next year. Because my piece was a mobile I was really into observing all things hanging and at that time Ai Wei Wei was on my social media leaking incredible photos from the installation of his Los Angeles exhibition Life Cycle — a sculptural response to the world’s refugee crisis.”

Spurr said Wei Wei’s installations have been eye opening for her, particularly the way he works with other specialized

makers to exhibit craftsmanship while simultaneously showcasing human rights issues.

“His work comes with a message relevant to his unique point of view and it has nudged me to try different crafts like carpentry and lantern making. You really appreciate these masters when you are just starting out and learning,” she said.

This is Spurr’s third year participating in LUNA, and while she doesn’t consider herself a professional artist, she says she has expressed herself through art making her entire life. Spurr describes Night Light as a personal exploration into traditional festival and folk art craft. Although she doesn’t want to give away too many details, saying “I think mystery is a big part of the ‘wonder’ component of the festival”, Spurr did mention Night Light includes a “mystical beast” inspired by a real Revelstoke wildlife icon.

“To me LUNA Festival is a platform for idea generation and experimentation,” said Spurr. “The entire process

is designed to channel fantasies into reality.”

Spurr’s Luna offering will once again illuminate the dark spaces around Chubby Funsters. Artists are able to include location as part of their concept during the application process. While there are numerous areas begging for a bit of art, Spurr says the area around Chubby Funsters has always ended up being just right for the pieces she creates.

“I’m drawn to the sheltered aspect of having old brick walls, out of the way from street lights. The audience navigates the downtown like a scavenger hunt to find each piece and every installation will have its own location needs in order to shine,” said Spurr.

Spurr will also be doing a follow up talk at Chubby Funsters on Sunday, Sept. 29 at 11 a.m. LUNA Studio is a new program for 2019 which includes an opportunity for the public to meet the artists and learn about their construction process.

Left: Revelstoke artist Sarah Spurr. Above and below: Part of Sarah Spurr’s past exhibit at the LUNA festival. Above: Photo by Sarah Spurr. Below: Photo

by Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine

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HEALTH

A sticky situation

Sugar negatively affects mental and physical health. Tools to get off the roller coaster.

By Shannon MacLean RHN, CHNC, BA-IR Humans love sugar. It’s a central, tasty part of our celebrations, gatherings, and even song lyrics. Go ahead, I bet you can think of a few tunes right now. To question its use seems uncandy. Yet it’s not all sunshine and lollipops. Consumption of processed carbohydrates and refined sugars t rigger the growth of harmful gut bacteria, contribute to impaired immune function and chronic inflammation, increase cardiovascular disease risk factors, impair brain function, and can even contribute to cancer.

Yikes, with that laundry list, why do our tongues still shout, ‘pour some sugar on me!!’?

Why sugar is addictive Sugar activates the dopamine reward circuit in the brain, producing feelings of pleasure and euphoria that drive us to seek it repeatedly. Sugar further excites by stimulating the release of the body’s innate pain-relieving opioids.

Repetitively stimulating this system may essentially rewire the brain, leading to addiction. This inclination toward sugar addiction can be attributed to the evolutionary mismatch we subsist within. Our drive to find highly palatable, densely caloric food sources may have kept us alive in our hunter-gatherer days. The consumption of seasonal high-sugar fruits would have promoted body fat storage, enabling us to survive winter and famine. Unfortunately, in our modern world, refined, highly processed, and sugary foods are always within minutes or steps, and all foods are available year-round.

Break up with processed sugars Enjoy complex carbohydrates instead — these can be found in whole foods like vegetables, grains, and in-season fresh fruit. In their whole food form, these foods contain fibre, water, and a balance of micronutrients which contribute to health and slow the breakdown and absorption of the natural sugars they contain.

Reunite with healthy fats Glorious fat, with the undeserved bad rap. Healthy fats are vital for brain and nervous system health, hormone regulation, immune function, temperature regulation, healthy skin and hair, energy, absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, and even satiety/curbing sugar cravings.

Skip the inflammatory vegetable oils.

Healthy options include ghee, grass-fed butter, extra virgin olive oil, unrefined coconut oil, avocado oil, nuts and seeds, avocados, grass-fed meats, and organic 30

What goes up must come down. Fluctuating blood sugar levels can contribute to depression, anxiety, mood swings, aggression, and memory loss. free range eggs. When a processed-sugar craving hits, try a scoop of fudgy, naturally-sweet coconut butter.

Pair with protein Like all aspects of diet, optimal protein intake is individual and ever-changing.

We do know that protein has a stabilizing effect on blood sugar; pairing carbohydrates with protein can help keep blood sugar stable. Examples include apple slices with nut butter, adding hemp hearts to smoothies, or topping leafy greens with chicken or chickpeas.

Start savoury Breakfast can be a game changer when it comes to regulating blood sugar, mood, energy levels, and cravings. Upon rising, drink a few glasses of water. Once hungry, aim to have a savoury breakfast that contains fibre, substantial protein, and sufficient fats. Examples include chopped kale and eggs fried in ghee, or two eggs, a banana, and a scoop of nut butter, fried in ghee to make pancakes, or chia pudding made with hemp hearts, berries, and coconut milk. Skip the cereal, toast, or other baked goods — these refined morning carbs spike blood sugar and set you up for blood sugar and mood swings, along with cravings, throughout the day.

Think outside the box The majority of processed food is inflammatory, devoid of nutrients,

and contains various forms of highly processed sugars, or neurotoxic artificial sweeteners. Making simple snacks and treats at home, utilizing whole foods and natural sweeteners, allows you to control the ingredients and amount of natural sugars and others ingredients going into your food, while still enjoying your birthday cake!

Tune your taste buds After eliminating concentrated sugars, you may begin to find fresh, crisp apples taste incredible, like candy, even. Berries burst in your mouth, sunbathing on your tongue. Mmmm! This phenomenon always one to earn back their refined ‘buds by eliminating processed, overly sweetened foods, and rediscovering the naturally sweet, marvelous variety of in-season whole fruits and vegetables. One may even begin to appreciate bitter flavours more — a great boon as bitter foods such as leafy greens, grated beets, lemon, and ginger help stimulate digestive secretions. When it comes to flavour and immunity, studies show that excess sweet activation leads to a weak immune response, while those with active bitter receptors have a significantly greater immune response.

Sprinkle cinnamon Cinnamon has been used for over 4,000 years, was highly valued in Egypt, and originally introduced to Middle Eastern meat dishes as a preservative.

Cinnamon can lower blood sugar levels and improve sensitivity to insulin, which helps transport sugar from the bloodstream to the tissues in order to

keep blood sugar levels balanced. Cinnamon has the seventh highest antioxidant score of any herb on the planet, is antimicrobial, anti-fungal, smells lovely, and is darn tasty! Try adding it to your coffee, smoothie, dessert, or even savoury middle-eastern-style dishes.

Rest and relax Insufficient sleep increases hunger and appetite, and compromises impulse control within the brain, increasing food consumption, decreasing feelings of satiety, and increasing cravings for sugar and other stimulants. In turn, high carbohydrate diets can make it harder to fall asleep and sleep soundly, so the cycle can continue if we don’t prioritize sleep. Meanwhile, stress management is integral for balancing blood sugar, as stress-hormone cortisol has an inverse relationship with insulin — meaning stress wreaks havoc on blood sugar levels, just as high sugar intake causes a spike in stress hormones. All this equates to prioritizing sleep and breath as integral steps for blood sugar management.

Finally, be sweet with yourself. If you find yourself in a sugar low, thank your incredible body for connecting what you ate to how you feel, and look forward to using that knowingness at your next opportunity.

Shannon MacLean is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist with a BA in International Relations. She is passionate about empowered, root-cause healthcare, wild foraging, recipe creation, and all things health and wellness. Her Instagram is @ sprucetipnutrition.

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