Copper and Fire will once more come together in Britannia Beach this weekend, as the B.C. Mining Museum celebrates mining and the visual arts with technique demonstrations and an art sale of work that highlights its history.
The Copper and Fire Event features 15 B.C. artists, including several from the Sea to Sky corridor who honour the tradition of mining by using copper and fire to create their pieces.
"We wanted to show the parallel between mining and the arts," said Carol Watts, project manager of Copper and Fire. "As a museum, education is a large component, so we also wanted it to be educational and all of the artists had to show how they make their pieces."
Watts said the artists would be showing how they work and allowing visitors to touch the pieces made from materials such as copper sculpting, glass shaping, raku, pottery, jewellery making and blacksmithing. She said there would also be live music, a barbeque, entertainers, children's activities and prize giveaways.
Six Squamish artists will be showing off their pottery, stained glass art, beadwork, silversmithing and copper wire crafts such as jewelry and birdcages. Watts said the museum was thrilled by the local representation.
"We are really happy to have these artists," she said. "Corporate sponsors have made getting these people possible."
Judy McQuinn is from the Sea to Sky corridor and will be showing stained glass pieces inspired by nature and color. Lampwork and Bead artist Colleen Price is from Britannia Beach and makes her beads from rods of glass. Price often works with her husband Bernie Hentze, a silversmith who is also featured on Sunday, to create unique pieces of jewelry.
Al Price is an Ojibway potter, sculptor and carver who works from a home studio in Squamish called Sunchild pottery. He also teaches his craft.
Martina Page is another Squamish-based artist who will be at the show and uses metal clay to create wearable works of art. Last but not least, Squamish resident Ron Lauder will be showing and making his copper birdhouses.
The event will take place this Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the B.C. Mining Museum, located on Highway 99 at Britannia Beach. Although taking place outside in the museums compound, the artists will be under tents, so the event will take place rain or shine.
Admission to the museum will be half price in light of the Copper and Fire exhibit and sale.
Visit www.bcmuseumofmining.org for more information.
