Things were jumping at the Old Fire Hall on April 30 as people came out for Art Party Nakusp.
The party offered a chance for people to showcase their art and check out other forms of creativity.
Art in all its forms were on display that night. There were the more traditional mediums, such as paintings and photography, but there was also textile art, along with light fixture art and dance.
The party came about because there don’t seem to be many spaces in the area for people to showcase their work. Almost every room available in the fire hall was used. The area that normally hosts the farmer’s market on weekends was turned into an open area featuring light fixture art, a bar, and a DJ table. The back room featured paintings and photographs, along with a textile art piece made by Sweet Pea Creations, a photo booth, and a bike made by Kate Tupper.
Tupper was one of the organizers for the event.
“I’ve travelled to lots of places and have seen different activities that other towns are having,” she said. “I wanted Nakusp to have that too.”
While there was much to see on the main level of the fire hall, there was plenty upstairs as well. A mini stage had been set up in one corner, where performers could do their thing. Easels featuring a variety of work by a local ladies art group were in another area of the room. One feature that stood out to many people was the variety of artwork which had been hung on a puppy crate. The artist, Deirdre Dore, used the crate out of necessity.
“We were told we weren’t allowed to put anything on the walls,” she said. “It was kind of challenging to hang paintings if you don’t have easels.”
She thinks having an event like this in Nakusp is important to the community.
“There are so many talented artists here, and other artists that want to come next year, and just great stuff going on.”
It wasn’t just local residents who were impressed with the event.
“I think it’s a really great event that brings a lot of people together,” said Cheyanna Shypitka. “I think it’s a super great thing for a small town.”
Shypitka lives in South Slocan, and loved how lively the event was, especially compared with the Spring Fling that takes place in Castlegar each year.
“A lot of Castlegar events are funded by Columbia Basin Trust, so they have certain obligations to uphold, it’s a lot more formal,” she said. “With this, there’s a lot more camaraderie and friendliness that’s not present at events that I’ve been to recently.”
The event was a first for Nakusp, but if the reaction from those in attendance was anything to go by, it won’t be the last.