Alberta Arts Days at Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

Alberta Arts Days was celebrated at several locations in  Pincher Creek on September 30 and October 1.  At Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village a variety of events covered a wide range of artistic fields and endeavours.

Local authors Farley S. Wuth, Chris Hoare, Murray Pura, Frances Riviere, Eryca Bruder
     Toni Lucas photo

Vendors showed their crafts, and wares at the second-to last Pioneer Market of the season on Friday.
They were joined by 5 authors, ranging in experience from Murray Pura, who is expecting his 9th and 10th books to be published in just a few short months, to Eryca Bruder, who at 11 years of age has just published her first book, "Lillian's Worn Out Brown Boots",  and was attending her first book-signing event.  Christopher Hoare was ready with his latest work, "Rast", a high-fantasy novel.  Rounding out the complement were Francis Riviere, auithor of "Washing at the Creek" and local historian and Curator Farley S. Wuth.  The authors talked with people who came for signings, and to each other about publishers, electronic versus print media, contracts, agents, writing techniques and personal experience.  It was an exciting time for those who took the time to visit.

Claude Choe at KBPV
C.Davis photo

Classical composer, conducter, and guitarist Claude Choe unveiled his latest CD, "Nostalgia" later that evening.  Performing orchestral pieces solo on a classical guitar is a challenge, and one that he rose to beautifully. He also indulged in a few "Pops" favourites.  Helene Mira joined him and astounded the audience with her clear soprano singing voice.  For the last song of the evening Choe requested that the room be darkened to a single light, distanced from the stage. He then played a song that he wrote for his wife, early in their courtship, called "Fantastic Moonlight", a beautiful piece filled with love. It was a truly lovely way to end the show.

Metis Local 1880 celebrating Alberta Arts Days
Toni Lucas photo

On Saturday, Metis Nation 1880 and Sharon Levenue were at the museum from 10 am-2 pm.  Levenue demonstrated spinning and quilting, once common crafts that are becoming more and more rare in this age of mass production.  Carding her own wool for those who watched, she had a pair of socks that she was knitting on hand to show a few of the different techniques she uses, and was ready to discuss her wide knowledge of textiles.
At another set of tables, people were learning more about the Metis culture.  Talking while doing the crafts, people walked away with more than a drawing or or a medicine wheel, they walked away with stories and knowledge.

Allen and Alexander
C.Davis photo

Jenny Allen and Leslie Alexander took a small detour from their busy touring schedule, playing their heartsout for a small but appreciative audience. It was a rousing show that highlighted that Alberta is filled with talented people.
Allen and Alexander were next off to the Twin Butte General Store for an evening performance.  They are in the middle of a Canada- wide "Dirty Laundry" tour in support of recently released  CD's, Allen's "Blanket" and Alexander's "Nobody's Baby".

DJ Frankenstein
C. Davis photo

Finishing off the evening were the sounds and stylings of DJ Frankenstien.  This young man at age 13 has started his own radio station on the internet, and mixes house music.  He is creating his own sound, and was happy to have a place to showcase his talent.  Next he plans to broadcast his "POPradio Pincher Creek" sound over the airwaves, offering an alternative to the more traditional fare being offered.

At the Ranchland Mall artisans Betty Heppner, Sarah Gross, and Roberta Myles showed off textile crafts of crochet, knitting and rug-making, respectively.  These ladies have a wealth of home-spun talent.

Kootenai Brown would like to thank The Department of Canadian Heritage, the Town of Pincher Creek, Co-op, Denham Ford, Sobeys, Waterton National Park, Waterton Natural History Association, Crowsnest Museum, Pauline and Derek Breeze. for their generous donations, and the many people who donated their time, efforts and enthusiasm to make this event happen.