Slocan Valley Cheer 2021

Support Your Local Elves. Shop Slocan Valley.December 1-21, 2021

This December, help us spread holiday cheer to every nook and cranny of the Slocan Valley! Slocan Valley Cheer, a new Shop Slocan Valley campaign, is here to bring us together with  special holiday events, promotions, markets and giveaways. 

From Frog Peak to Summit Lake – makers, artisans and community groups (ahem…elves) are busy toiling away in their wilderness abodes, harnessing the raw inspiration of the Valley around us, to bring you joy this holiday season.

From December 1-21, explore the Slocan Valley retail and arts scene and discover unique gems at local shops, markets and from the artisans themselves. 

View EventsView Local DealsMeet the Artisans

Enter the Slocan Valley Cheer Giveaway on Facebook and Instagram!

How much do YOU love shopping local in the Slocan Valley?! 

From December 1-15, find our giveaway post on Facebook or Instagram and follow the instructions for a chance to win a $200 gift certificate to the Slocan Valley business of your choice! 

We’re also in the spirit of giving back to those in need so we will donate an additional $200 to the Slocan Valley nonprofit organization/community group of your choice! 

WINNER: Holly Kays

The Slocan Valley Economic Development Partnership is thrilled to donate $200 to the Blood of Life Collective, chosen by Holly Kays.

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Experience the Ultimate Cheer at our Markets & Events

Multiple Businesses in New Denver

Merchant's Night

Dec 3: 5-8

Merchant’s night is an opportunity for merchants from within the Villages of New Denver and Silverton to stay open late while people enjoy the festive evening, see Santa and get candy bags. Visit and purchase from local vendors, enter a contest to win 1 of 3 prizes that include gifts from the vendors and Local Bucks. Eat free hotdogs and drink hot chocolate. Carolers will be singing and merchants and residents are encouraged to turn on their Holiday lights for the first time this the season. Finally, to ensure children are involved and excited, we are having a colouring contest for the kids.


Picnic @ Spicer Centre, Winlaw

Kootenay Food Pantry Stock-Up Pop-Up

Dec 4, 11 & 18: 10-3

For three Saturdays in December, we will be rolling out the preserves to help you stock up for winter. Our team has been working hard to process local, organic and seasonal food. Stock up on pickles, jam, sauces and more. You purchases help feed your community by supporting Picnic, the social enterprise created by our not-for-profit co-op. We donate nutrient-dense food to local organizations that support marginalized folks!

If you haven't been to Picnic in Winlaw yet, what better time. Come for amazing coffee, delicious local organic food, and live music by Buddhagrass Unfiltered! Enjoy everything in our outdoor fireside marquee tent.

We're also pleased to announce Picnic's new free soup and smile program. Anyone can come in for a free cup of soup on the days we are open, or you can pay $5 for a cup of soup, which is essentially buying a cup of soup for someone in need.


The Foundry, 7546 Popou Road, Winlaw

Artisan Faire

Dec 4: 10-5

An artisan faire in a festive setting, featuring an eclectic variety of talented Kootenay makers with pottery, jewelry, woolens, fine art, rustic décor, luscious body care, chocolate and more. From decadent gifts to sweet stocking stuffers, we cover a lot of bases! A fire outside, food and treats in the kitchen, live music, friends...fun!
We are lucky to have Jay Conrad, guitar man extraordinaire, filling the air with lovely strummings.
We’ll be following flow through event protocol.


Silverton General Store

Silverton Holiday Market

Dec 4:10-4

Visit Silverton's Holiday Market on Saturday Dec. 4 from 10am-4pm in the historic Silverton General Store, located at 222 Lake Ave. There you will find a variety of local market vendors selling jewelry, crocheted animals, baked goods, pottery, chocolates and more! Along with the vendors, there is an assortment of antique furniture, used books and kids clothes. This market supports locally-made and lightly-used products. During the event, you are also encouraged to visit Silverton Building Supplies, Camp Café and Rad Inc. to be entered into the "Support Silverton Raffle" for a collective prize from these Silverton businesses valued at over $100. Support local with cheer this holiday season!


Outdoors @ Flaca's Bistro, Slocan

Slocan Christmas Market

Dec 11: 10-2

Flaca’s Bistro and The Slocan Saturday Market are hosting our second annual local artisan outdoor Christmas market. This festive event will include local artisans and their wares as well as some festive entertainment (TBA). Flaca’s bistro will be open with warm beverages, homemade treats and delicious food. Dress warm, bring a friend and shop local.


Eldorado, 808 Kildare Street, New Denver

Weekend Wonderland @ Eldorado

Dec 11 & 12: 11-7

Save the Date!

Come visit our magical wonderland December 11 & 12 as we celebrate this holiday season and support our local economy and thrive!

Featuring local makers, Indigenous artists, hot elixirs, musicians, storytelling and so much more.

Stay tuned for more details!


Studio - 713 Josephine Street (Room 1) - New Denver

Morgen Bardati - Open Studio - Show and Sale

Dec 10: 12-4 & Dec 15: 12-4

Morgen Bardati is opening up her studio! Check out new works with natural dyes, rust and indigo. Peruse her silk and cotton scarves, shawls and natural fibre purses.

Visit her studio on the dates above or book an appointment by emailing morgenbardati@gmail.com or check her out on Facebook and Instagram.


Vallican Whole Community Centre

The Jolly Old Elf Market

Dec 17: 3-7 & Dec 18: 11-6

The Jolly Old Elf Market is geared for those who are looking for handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gifts made by local artisans. We will have live music on Saturday the 18th by Diamond Willow and hot apple cider and cookies served by the Jolly Old Elf herself.


Cedar Creek Gardens & Spicer Centre, Winlaw

Wandering Winter Wonderland

Dec 18: 10-3

Come celebrate the wonders of the winter season at the 9th Annual Winlaw Winter Wonderland event! A cozy and cheerful day filled with holiday spirit for the whole family, this year hosted at BOTH Cedar Creek Gardens & the Spicer Centre.

Support local artisans and makers at the vendor market place at the Cedar Creek Gardens then wander over to the Spicer Centre to enjoy music by Buddhagrass Unfiltered, local organic food and drinks at Picnic and more festivities. Connect with your community around a warm bonfire at this special time of year.


Ice Creek Shop, 505 Harold St, Slocan

Ice Creek Lodge Pop-Up Shop

Mondays & Tuesdays in December from 10-1:30

Holiday Pop-Up Shop.

Ice Creek Lodge & Skate Slocanada
Hats & T’s
Great gift ideas for everyone!

Come check us out@
505 Harold St, Slocan BC

——December——
Mondays and Tuesdays
10 AM - 1:30 PM


Check Out Slocan Valley Cheer Promotions From These Participating Businesses!

Sonova Naturals

We are Sonova Naturals, a dynamic duo who run an all-natural home and self-care company based in the Slocan Valley! We make luxurious all natural aromatherapy & massage candles, body butters, bath bombs and bath bars! All of our products are made with the highest quality fruit butters, waxes and organic essential oils. Our products are sure to relax your senses, nourish your skin and bring comfort and enjoyment to your home! Follow us on Instagram to get to know us! 

Promotion:

Get the perfect gift for your self care loving friends and family! We have a beautiful three-piece holiday gift basket on special. It includes a scented candle, a body butter and our luxurious moisturizing cacao butter bath bar. We will also add in a free bath bomb to your gift basket! Available on our website: www.sonovanaturals.com. Order by Tuesday, December 7, to receive your goodies in time for the holidays! Lovingly handmade in the Slocan Valley 💕

Visit Our WebsiteVisit Us On FacebookVisit Us On Instagram

Ritual Aromatics

Ritual Aromatics is a botanical and natural perfume and incense company that utilizes the whole plant for a deeper, more complex and sustainable scent experience. It’s slow perfumery.  Handmade, small batch art to captivate and transport. Inspired by tradition and timeless secrets mixed with modern magic.

We seek to create rituals that support and nurture body and mind in a safe and natural way. To foster a deeper connection to the natural world and the stillness between moments. Allowing scent to remind you of your sassy, strong and beautiful self.

Promotion:

To celebrate the launch of my new website (https://ritualaromatics.ca/), I’m having a 10%-off sale between Dec 1-21. Each item purchased enters you in a draw for a chance to win a cast iron incense cauldron, a little bag of black salt and an incense of your choice.

Visit Our WebsiteVisit Us On FacebookVisit Us On Instagram

The Valley Kitchen

The Valley Kitchen is a dynamic food centre located on snʕickstx tmxʷúlaʔxʷ (Sinixt territories) in Winlaw, BC. Our facility offers a rental kitchen and event space, food and equipment storage, a Sunday community café and consulting services for commercial kitchen design.

Promotion:

In the lead up to Winter Solstice, The Valley Kitchen will be having holiday sales on some of your favourite café and online products as well as treats baked especially for the season. All items are made in-house by local food businesses. Find the perfect gift or stock up on frozen, ready-to-bake items for the winter months ahead. Order online at www.thevalleykitchen.ca and pick up during café hours (9am-3pm) every Sunday.

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Slocan Village Market

Slocan Village Market is your affordable community grocery store!  This December, we want to bring Slocan Valley Cheer to you!

Promotion:

For the month of December, follow us on Facebook and enter in-store for a chance to win one of two weekly giveaways of a $100 gift certificate for Slocan Village Market!  Each week a winner will be chosen from one of our online followers and one from the draw box in store. Follow us here at: https://www.facebook.com/SlocanVillageMarket

Visit Our WebsiteVisit Us On Facebook

Emery Herbals

Emery Herbals provides open access to consciously sourced botanicals, professional health services and empowering education experiences that encourage and cultivate sustained wellness. This herbal dispensary, online apothecary, healing suites and teaching centre is located in Winlaw.

Emery Herbals teas are mindfully-crafted and small-batch prepared with the purest available, ethically sourced herbs, the formulations informed and developed by over two decades of Colleen Emery’s clinical herbal medicine practice. 

Promotion:

The Emery Herbals Tea Collection provides 12 herbal tea blends packaged in a gift box ready to share with tea lovers in your world. Enter into the draw to win a complete tea collection as well as a beautiful tea mug by local potter, Robin DuPont. The giveaway will run on Instagram on December 8 and 9 and one winner will be drawn on Friday, December 10.

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Raven Roast

Raven Roast is an herbal coffee alternative made from organic, gluten free roots, seeds and leaves from a variety of superfoods and adaptogens. We source ingredients directly from farms that have ethical labor and sustainable agriculture practices. Raven Roast aims to be the coffee alternative that tastes the most like coffee while also helping you curb or quit your caffeine habit.  Indulge in that afternoon cup without paying for it later.  No more afternoon crash or jitters.   Local Slocan Valley-made and shipped across the country through our website ravenroast.com

Promotion:

Thanks for buying from local small businesses!  Locals don’t pay shipping with coupon code: FREESHIPPING until the end of the year. Also stay tuned for our giveaway featuring tins of Raven Roast and pottery from a local artist to enjoy it in. 

Visit Our WebsiteVisit Us On FacebookVisit Us On Instagram

Raven’s Nest

Raven’s Nest, located in historic downtown New Denver, is an eclectic shop offering the finest in planet conscious clothing and gifts. We feature classic styles plus the latest in Canadian eco-fashion as well as quality books & journals, gorgeous woolen blankets, jewelry, beeswax candles, calendars, cards and much more. Our annual holiday customer appreciation sale will begin on Merchants’ Night and go through to New Year’s Eve with everything 10% off the regular price in store and at RavensNestBC.com.

Promotion:

Cozy up with a warm wool blanket and a good book from Raven’s Nest!

During New Denver Merchants’ Night – Friday, December 3, 5-8 pm – any customer who buys a book will be entered to win a Klippan wool blanket, and any customer who purchases a blanket will be entered to win a selection of books by Slocan Valley authors. An eligible purchase can be made either in person at our shop or on our new website. At the end of the evening a representative of the Chamber of Commerce will randomly draw one name from each hat and the winners will then be announced on our Facebook and Instagram pages.  

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Viva Cacao!

We are a small-batch chocolate company based out of Slocan, BC.  We offer a full line of ethically sourced, dairy-free chocolate bars made with superfoods and organic coconut sugar.  

Promotion:

Enter to win our 71% New Moon drinking chocolate, a decadent holiday chocolate bark, and a Viva Cacao! T-shirt. The giveaway will run on our Instagram from December 1-5, and one winner will be drawn on Friday, December 6. Total value is $55.

Visit Our WebsiteVisit Us On FacebookVisit Us On Instagram

Hummingbird Farm

Hummingbird Farm is a specialty cut flower and small fruit farm nestled in the heart of the Slocan Valley in Vallican! We grow hundreds of varieties of annual and perennial blooms in season from late April until early October. Proudly certified organic since 2015. Our floral subscriptions are stuffed with our very best blooms every week or bi-weekly in season, either delivered or for farm pickup! 

Promotion:

We have a special promo for subscription purchases this fall between December 1 and December 21. Everyone purchasing a subscription will be entered to win a free dried flower wreath that will be a perfect Christmas gift and is valued at $90! Find out all the details of our subscriptions and order on our website by visiting the shop page at hummingbirdfarmbc.com and you will automatically be entered to win.

Visit Our WebsiteVisit Us On FacebookVisit Us On Instagram

Raven Acupuncture

Raven Acupuncture (Brendan Murray-Nellis R.Ac.) is a busy little acupuncture clinic at the Slocan Wellness Center in the big city of Slocan.  Did you know that we have a dispensary full of Western and Chinese herbal remedies? Kimmy has joined me in the clinic as our new admin magician. She efficiently direct bills insurance, schedules appointments, answers the phone and hardest of all keeps me organized and on task. We welcome new patients and are now also offering shortened follow-up appointments as a more affordable option for continued care.  

Promotion:

It’s been a stressful couple years. Come give your nervous system a break. Relax, unwind, recoup and save $50 when you prepay for a series of 5 appointments from now until the end of December 2021. 

Visit Our WebsiteVisit Us On FacebookVisit Us On Instagram



Meet the Artisans (Elves)!

Jess Duchart - Ritual Aromatics

Jess is an incredible botanical perfume and incense maker who calls Winlaw home. Fascinated with the journey that scent takes us on, Jess started, Ritual Aromatics, so she could introduce others to the modern magic of slow perfumery and handmade, artisan incense.

Jess went to school for aromatherapy in 1996/97 and has been exploring the world of scent ever since. In the last 10 years, she’s gone deeper into the study of botanical perfumery and incense making.

“Lately the forests have been a huge source of inspiration,” said Jess. “Everything from the multitude colours of green and the ever-changing scentscapes throughout the seasons. The world is pretty chaotic right now, but one of the upsides to that is being able to see the abundance surrounding us. Bio-regional perfumes and incense is something I'm having fun experimenting with. That being said, I've also been travelling through scent to places I've visited in the past and special places I hope to see someday.”

Jess loves working with raw materials and the creativity they inspire. The curiosity in which she approaches the world of scent and the way she expresses it gives her a medium for expression and is what makes her creations stand out.

Learn more by checking out her brand new website → link below


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Christina Knight - Freedom Creations

Christina is a painter and loves to draw and create with bold colours. She also loves crystals, jewelry and photography.

Her business, Freedom Creations, was borne out of the freedom she wished to create in her life. She creates every day, and has made it her job. She makes hand spun yarn, hand knit hats, hand knit fingerless mitts, art cards, photography cards, stickers, original oil paintings, beaded crystal necklaces, earrings, and felted flower pins. And she loves it when someone finds that perfect thing they love to wear and use.

Christina started Freedom Creations 15 years ago, bringing her family along to markets where she sold her creations. Her business has been growing steadily ever since.

What inspires her most? The clear air, the mountains, the lake, the river, the swans, the wildlife, and her lovely Slocan Valley community.

Check out Christina and Freedom Creations today on Facebook and Instagram!


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Jennifer McCaw

This is Jennifer McCaw, a silversmith obsessed with outer space. Her recent work uniquely explores the mapping, colour, texture and movement of the celestial bodies.

She tries to replicate the colours and textures we see in telescope images by using techniques such as extreme heat, impact, and oxidation. Using materials including silver, gold, precious and semiprecious gemstones, she creates jewelry objects featuring constellations, zodiac, planets, moons and comets.

By the way, Jennifer is also a farmer! She and her husband own and operate a small market farm in Winlaw called Fairway 4 Farm (TAG). She’s been making jewelry since she was a little girl but nowadays she draws inspiration from the beautiful night sky in the Slocan Valley.

What does she love most about being an artist?

“I love creating tiny, wearable sculptures, filled with layers of meanings, secret messages, and information,” said Jennifer. “I love to see people wearing my work and filling it with their own meanings and significance. Jewelry has so many stories...it is so personal, we carry it through our lives, and it has so many functions and languages. It communicates information about our lives, status, wealth, culture, place, membership, loyalties, and so much more.”

Thanks for sharing Jen! Your work is out of this world.


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Erin McAuley - Soulumination Artworks

Erin is a prolific silversmith, using mixed metals, organic texture and vibrant gemstones to create one-of-a-kind whimsical jewelry pieces.

Her vocational path came accidentally, while pursuing post secondary training in welding and metalwork. Two months into the program she was given the choice to continue her training working in jewelry, and she dived in and never looked back. In 2007, she graduated with honours from the jewelry and small object design program at Kootenay School of Arts and launched her business, Soulumination Artworks. Erin now sells her creations on her website, at various local markets in the Kootenay region and in select boutiques in Nelson and Ucluelet.

Erin’s creations are bold, imaginative and other-worldly. She draws her inspiration mainly from the endless colours, textures and seasonal changes of the nature surrounding her in the Slocan Valley.

“To live here year round is to witness a parade of glorious change,” Erin says. “ From the first unfurling of the thousands of shades of tender green leaves and vibrant blossoms in spring, to the endless sparkling landscape of ice crystals lightly veiled in illuminated misty winter air, I grow more grateful for the sanctuary of this valley with each passing day. I feel supported by the deep roots of my community, and am moved by the history and stories that are deeply woven into each bend of this valley.”


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Beth Campbell - Viva Cacao!

Beth is a passionate, driven chocolatier who not only loves making delicious chocolate alchemy, she also prioritizes human rights and environmental sustainability with every choice she makes in her business. That business is Viva Cacao - a small home-based chocolate factory near Slocan.

Viva Cacao offers a full line of ethically sourced, dairy-free chocolate bars that are soy-free, gluten-free and made with coconut sugar. Beth is big on environmental sustainability, with all their packaging being eco-friendly and compostable.

Halloween was always a favourite holiday for Beth until she had a child and started to learn more about the industry of chocolate. She was saddened to learn that most of the cacao beans used were farmed with the use of slavery and child labour.

“Being a lover of cooking and baking, I was inspired to dive into the world of chocolate to offer a treat that was ethically-sourced and did not rely on slavery to produce,” says Beth. “I wanted to create chocolate that one can feel good about eating in every aspect.”

What inspires her on a daily basis? Beth uses her natural surroundings in the Slocan Valley to generate inspiration and energy. Walking, skiing and bike rides are all things that she can rely on to clear her head and give her an extra energy boost when needed.


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Sonja Ruebsaat - Sonja Rue Artist

Sonja is a contemplative multi-disciplinary artist using visual arts, poetry and dance to reflect on life, death, beauty and the environments that shape people.

Her primary medium for visual arts is acrylic, and she also works with pencil, ink, photography and digital mediums. She creates prints, original paintings, printed fabric and home decor items. She also works with her husband Luke (@robotintheforest) in designing and building unique artisan lamps. Art used on the textiles and lamp shades are original pieces created by Sonja.

Sonja has been exploring art and creativity since she was a child. After years of living in the city, raising kids and working long hours as a video editor, Sonja and her family moved to the Slocan Valley in 2009. It was after this move that Sonja began to have more time to re-explore visual arts. Eventually, she found herself doing art every day.

“For me creative exploration is a conversation between self and environment.” she says. “My art asks questions about reality, perception and how we interact with each other and our surroundings. My creative mediums often inform each other as I work within the context of these larger questions. It becomes like a little ecosystem of discovery that I am invited into simply by noticing things, by listening, and by wanting to share these slices of reality. In this intersection of inner and outer wilderness I discover how to reflect on the world through imagery, language and movement.”


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Noam Ash - Noam Ash Pottery

Noam is a home-based potter who adds liveliness and originality to every piece of pottery he creates. His work is beautiful, highly functional and made for everyday use.

During his three years at Kootenay School of Arts, Noam discovered a joy for throwing bowls and cylinders on the potter’s wheel. He decided to go retail and Noam Ash Pottery was born. He has spent the last 15 years building a family home and clay studio in WInlaw.

Noam’s work is for sale at Camp Cafe in Silverton, as well as the Touchstones gift shop in Nelson. Direct sales can be arranged by appointment.

What inspires Noam while he is throwing and glazing pottery?

“I'm inspired to make ordinary yet spirited vessels that please the eye, are comfortable to hold, and therefore enhance the pleasure of eating and drinking,” he says. “The natural beauty and quiet pace of the Slocan Valley very much lends itself to my practice.”


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Stacie Lobreau - Soluna Alchemy

Stacie is a dedicated herbalist who is committed to creating products made from locally-sourced, organically homegrown and ethically wildcrafted herbs. Three years ago, Soluna Alchemy was born, a herbal medicine business run by Sophie and her family in the Slocan Valley.

After experiencing an illness in her twenties, Stacie was led to explore different healing modalities. She dove into the world of herbalism and began intensive studies. For ten years she continued to learn and foster a deeper connection with the plant medicine world. Through this connection she was able to find healing for herself and inspiration to create medicine for others.

Soluna Alchemy is unique in the way that it offers products ranging from seeds to plants to handcrafted medicinal products. Steam distillation is a big focus for the business - providing hydrosols for various therapeutic uses. The business has a high standard for quality - they grow most of the herbs themselves, ensuring freshness and quality that cannot be found in mass-produced herbs shipped from far away locations.

“This land and these pristine waters inspire me every day,” she says. “ The ancestors here walk with us and I am humbled and grateful for this support. Also, there are so many inspired and creative people living in the Slocan Valley. It creates a vibrational matrix that I have been able to tap into to more authentically access my own creativity.”


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Heather Tarr - Witch Way Soaps

Heather Tarr specializes in making soaps using high quality ingredients from her home in Vallican. Her soaps come in fun colours and use essential oils and other natural ingredients, such as clay. She considers beautiful soap an essential part of self-care (and we couldn’t agree more)!

“Hand washing is a huge part of our routine these days, so it’s nice to have soap that isn’t harsh, is fun to look at, and that makes you feel good to use!”

Heather began by making soaps as gifts for friends, and has now been selling soap for a year. She admires the diversity that exists among soap makers, but creating visually appealing designs by bringing her own unique style is what her business, Witch Way Soaps, is all about.

Check out Heather’s soaps on her Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/witchwaysoapery) - She even has one inspired by Frog Peak Mountain in the Slocan Valley!


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kevin-joseph:Sisk - Valhalla Bowls

Valhalla Bowls, created by kevin-joseph:Sisk, are beautiful bowls carved from fallen trees in the Slocan Valley area. Although it’s primarily a hobby, kevin-joseph also creates bowls as a government pension top-up (great idea!).

He also appreciates the “journey of discovery” into the wood, and it’s his medium that has inspired his beautiful work for the past six years.

kevin-joseph does not use a lathe to carve, so his bowls are more organic. His Instagram page boasts that all his bowls are oiled using mineral oil and beeswax!

He is grateful to his friend Rose Petro, who kindly sells his bowls for him. Check out Valhalla Bowls right here —> www.etsy.com/shop/ValhallaBowls


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K.L. Kivi - Maa Press Publishing and Distribution

Maa Press publishes and distributes radically-regional books and maps. They are based in New Denver, on the traditional and unceded təmxʷulaʔxʷ of the Sinixt Peoples.

K.L. Kivi, an author of eight books, founded Maa Press in 2005 at a time when Canada Council funding for small publishers was severely cut. Kivi had a book accepted by a publisher and touring grants secured, when suddenly everything was canceled and the only option was to self-publish.

Kivi realized that a clear need existed for a local publisher focused on regional titles, and that there must be other local, self-published authors who struggle to get their books into stores, and so Maa Press expanded into distribution.

“I love this place and the people who are inspired to write about it. In a globalized world, it's a radically meaningful act to uphold the ecological and cultural value of our homeplaces. I'm also deeply inspired by the Indigenous resurgence that's taking place across Turtle Island, and feel honoured to participate in uplifting Sinixt stories and Sinixt presence in their homeland.”

K.L. is also inspired by the valley, and many of their best ideas emerge when sitting by or paddling on Slocan Lake or hiking in the Valhallas.

“I love seeing our earth-loving, community-loving values shared and spread. I love the community connections that this generates and the sense of accomplishment and purpose that this nurtures.”

Thanks for sharing K.L! Buy unique local books and find out more about Maa Press right here → www.maapress.ca/


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Vince Wishart - Wish-Art Studios

Vince Wishart, of Wish-Art Studios, has been a talented multimedia artist for over 50 years. From being an award-winning tattooist to having sculptures all over Calgary - he truly has a passion for art. His greatest love has always been airbrush, and he has a few murals commissioned as well!

Vince is inspired by deep and transformational spiritual paths, and has a lot of projects on the go, but is really diving into his work with wood.

“I have been able to combine my loves and passions into what my beloved and I call Transformative Artistry. This is the combination of healing modalities such as non-violent communication, restorative justice, NLP, hypnotherapy, transpersonal psychology counseling with the arts, music, dance, and fine art as therapy.”

The stillness of the flow-creative state, and the meditation that arises from creating his masterpieces is what keeps him creating his works!

Vince likes to observe who he admires in each artistic craft and run in the opposite direction, making sure no one is doing what he does. He calls it "Individuality in a Sea of Conformity."

Keep an eye out for his pieces to appear on his online store at www.lovealive.ca, but in the meantime, Facebook inquiries work just fine!


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Jen Green - Plums & Roses

You most likely have seen Jen Green’s whimsical creations at farmers markets, craft shows, galleries and gift shops around the Kootenays. This textile artist, gardener and mother (among many other things) lives semi-off grid on a mountain side in the Slocan Valley with her partner. Her business, Plums and Roses, started in 2014 but she’s been sewing clothing for 25 years.

Jen’s grandmother taught her how to sew as a child, a skill of necessity back then. Her grandmother made many pieces of clothing for Jen and her sister, allowing them to choose the lace and buttons and encouraging them to spend hours pouring over her sewing baskets.

“I have always been surrounded by artists, crafters and musicians in my family and community,” said Jen. “All my artistic whims were encouraged and indulged.”

As a teenager, Jen traveled around extensively and realized she needed to make some money to continue her nomadic lifestyle. She began to make beaded jewelry and sew simple clothing and accessories to sell to friends, then on street corners, followed by markets, juried shows and galleries.

“Every day my life is inspired by where I live, the light on the alpine at dawn, the moss on the rocks next to the creek, and the support from my friends and neighbours at markets feed my creative soul,” says Jen. “My concern for the earth and my love of all things vintage also inspire me to constantly innovate and explore new ideas.”

You can find Plums and Roses on Instagram → (@plumsandroses)


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Natasha Bogdasavich

Natasha is a Slocan Valley-based interdisciplinary artist. Along with creating bold and colourful paintings, she spends her time homesteading, mingling with goats, running in the forest with dogs and being at or in the river as much as possible.

Natasha began painting at 18 months old. Art has always been a huge part of her life, and she began her professional path as an artist after graduating from Emily Carr University of Art and Design in 2006. Her paintings can be found at several galleries and gift shops across the Kootenays.

Natasha says that it’s the natural world that inspires her the most.

“A lot of my inspiration results from spending time at the Slocan river and in the forest and garden,” she says. “The colours that I'm surrounded by in this valley come out in my work. It is all informed by observations of the natural cycles of growth and decay that plant life goes through as the seasons change. I love the type of outlet that art provides for expressing the way I perceive the world. There are no rules.”

Natasha’s paintings can be found on her website: www.natashabogdasavich.ca


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Barbara Brown

Barbara is a Crescent Valley-based visual artist and author. She paints forest scenes in oil on canvas, and writes about spending time in the forest.

For 20 years, Barbara produced the region’s tourist and street maps, until 10 years ago when the call to create art was too loud to ignore. Map-making had ceased to fulfill her creative urges, and she decided to sell the business. This allowed time for her to follow her heart, spend more time in nature, paint images and write about her profound experiences in the forests surrounding her home.

Working with Isaac Carter of ICandyFilms in New Denver, Barbara has created a film and book project called The Sylvan REFLECTIONS: Wanderings, Paintings & Ponderings From the Forest. The book contains a series of forest paintings with writings about the inspiration behind the images, stories about time spent in the woods, and mindful musings on what it means to be human on this beautiful planet. The film is a companion to the book - it guides one through the seasons of the year with gorgeous forest footage. Barbara and Isaac are currently working on Part 2 of the Sylvan Reflections.

What inspires Barbara the most? “It is the forest outside my door.” She says. “I feel so blessed to live in our beautiful wild valley. Having been granted this blessing, I feel a responsibility to share it with others who might not have access to such bounty of nature.”

You can purchase her incredible offerings and learn more on her website → https://www.barbarabrownart.com/


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Marina - tree.rina

Marina is a Winlaw-based, nature-loving artist (and school teacher!) who creates colourful, whimsical acrylic paintings, watercolour illustrations and ink drawings. She offers commissions and various products such as clothing and accessories featuring vibrant prints of her original artwork.

Marina has been drawing and painting for over 30 years, “making marks since the moment that she could hold a mark-making device in her grubby little hands.” Her creativity and inspiration is unstoppable.

“I am most inspired by the ultimate creator: Mother Earth,” says Marina. “Thoughts and images of the natural world, light, and a touch of whimsy are usually bumbling around in my mind, it's a delight to unleash them onto canvas and paper.”

Marina is deeply inspired by her surroundings. She says that the stunning land of the Slocan Valley stops her in her tracks daily. Marina spends time taking photos in nature to use as references for her art.

“Making art brings me peace, happiness, and growth,” says Marina. “My hope is to share those feelings with the world.”

Check out Marina’s art right here → https://sites.google.com/view/treerina/home


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Bronwyn Hughes - La Loba Jewels

Bronwyn creates one-of-a-kind wearable art and decorative items from her tiny home in Winlaw. She produces original clothing designs and wall hangings made from ethically-sourced handwoven textiles as well as beautifully detailed beaded earrings. She runs an online shop where she sells her creations and also participates in a few select local markets.

Art and creativity have been a part of Bronwyn’s life since childhood. She would spend hours as a child practicing piano, sewing her own clothes and crocheting. The creativity list goes on. For Bronwyn, creating with her hands has always been an intuitive and fulfilling process.

Bronwyn is inspired to keep hand-crafting traditions alive. For her, crafting is a meditative process. She honours the connection of natural fibre grown sustainably and turned into a living art form. Bronwyn loves many aspects of creating art; the self expression and the fact that no two pieces will ever be the same.

The nature that surrounds her in the Slocan valley is also a never-ending source of inspiration. “The valley has a magical quality to it that brings inspiration to my heart on the daily,” says Bronwyn. “I am inspired by beauty; the beauty of a field of flax sparking in the sun and swaying in the wind, the beauty of snow dusted mountains and crisp mornings. I am constantly inspired by one thing or another.”

Check out Bronwyn’s wearable art on her website —-> www.lalobajewels.com


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Christa Didham- The Cosmic Spindle

Christa Didham is a passionate, expressive fibre artist, musician and wordsmith. She is the owner and creative drive behind The Cosmic Spindle, a home-based fibre arts studio offering finished woolen products located near Slocan.

Her mission is to preserve the old ways of living and creating - through the threads that she spins and weaves and the hand-dyed colours of her wooly creative palette. Christa is prolific and highly skilled at transforming high grade sheep’s wool and a variety of other natural fibres into handspun and hand-dyed art yarn, warm woolen hats, and vibrant handwoven wool rugs.

Primitive folk arts are a timeless way of life, and Christa is dedicated to keeping these traditions alive and active for future generations. She is an advocate for self-directed learning; 20 years ago Christa began honing her fibre arts skills through attending ongoing workshops, classes, and extensive mentorships with elders in the fibre arts community. She now offers workshops and classes of her own.

“We live in a fast-paced and highly technological world,” Christa reflects. “These practices have become a way for me to slow down. These fibre art forms and the fabrications of The Cosmic Spindle carry a vibration that no machine could ever produce. It is my hope to keep fibre arts alive, thriving and relevant in these modern times.”

Support Christa and check out her work right here on her BRAND NEW website —-> https://thecosmicspindle.com/


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Morgen Bardati

Morgen Bardati is a familiar face in the Slocan Valley. She is involved with so many different community initiatives, including Handmade Heart and the New Denver Friday market, but at her core, she’s an artist and maker who has made her home in the beautiful village of New Denver on Slocan Lake.

“Hatched and raised out of the red dirt and sunny beaches of Southern Africa”, she eventually migrated to Canada where she felt equally at home surrounded by lakes, mountains and the cold northern forests of her dreams.

The art she makes, including the collections of botanically dyed silks, screen printed purses and soft fibre jewelry are reflections of who Morgen is, where she lives and what inspires her.

“I’ve always had an intense curiosity about the natural world around me and the magical alchemy of making and creating from nature's gifts,” says Morgen. “As an artist, my prints, drawings and fibre art reflect ideas of human movement, economics and our relationship with the environment. As a maker of wearable fibre art, I am entranced by the magical botanical alchemy that occurs when cloth meets the vibrant and earthy colours of plants and minerals.”

Two things have always been a constant for Morgen - being an artist and being a gardener.

“Our garden is filled to the brim with food, plant medicine, dye plants and beauty,” she says. “Most of the art I make revolves around nature, the plant world and my relationship with them. The act of creating with our hands naturally connects heart, mind and spirit. I feel more whole in myself as I connect through my art to the living breathing world around and in me.”

You can find Morgen’s work at various artisan fairs throughout the Kootenays and on her online shop → www.morgenbardati.ca


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