Public Art

Fernie Miners’ Walk

We were commissioned by Fernie Miners’ Walk Society to make metal art sculptures as the “Kids’ Quest” part of the Miners’ Walk. At the same time as adults are reading story boards about the history of coal mining in the Elk Valley, children are encouraged to find the objects hidden on the walk. Sandra researched the creatures and her original drawings were used to make the three dimensional creatures.

Please click on the square image to enlarge it.

 

Copper Plaque

Sandra was commissioned to make a copper repoussé falcon to commemorate the centennial of the first unit of Sokol Canada, founded by Czech coal miners in Michel, British Columbia in October 1911. Artifacts from Michel, a mining town that no longer exists, are now housed close by in the museum at Sparwood. This is where the plaque will be permanently exhibited.

 

Blue Fern Unfolding

“Blue Fern” is a ten foot high abstract representation of a large fern uncoiling. Made from steel, glass and wool felt, the work is located at 260 5th Street Fernie – between Fernie Forge’s Eye of the Needle Gallery and Fernie Meat Market. Designed by Sandra Barrett and made by Henry Hamilton and Sandra Barrett, the sculptural panel will be unveiled by Fernie Mayor Mary Giuliano at 10:00 on Saturday August 8 to celebrate the 2015 Columbia Basin Culture Tour.

Fernie Forge will be participating in the culture tour at their new Eye of the Needle location for the first time this year. Sandra will be demonstrating her passion to incorporate colourful handmade felt and glass with her forgework. There will be an exhibition of Florence Barrett’s recent work for theatre and film in the studio and an opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind items from the gallery.

More information about participating venues, including glass artist Katherine Russell who is also opening her Elkford studio during the culture tour (and whose work is for sale at Eye of the Needle Gallery) is at www.cbculturetour.com

 

Watercolour

This mixed media sculpture depicts bull trout spawning in gravel beds along the Elk River. The life size fish are in natural, rusted shades and swim purposefully together. Vibrant colour comes from the hand felted wool, embellished with tiny mirrors and beads to reflect light. The fast flowing current is represented by bright blue silk incorporated within the felt. Coloured blown glass spheres suggest bubbles in the clear mountain water. The title itself is a twist on the commonly perceived painterly interpretation – instead it refers to shifting shades of colour within the singing river. Designed and made by Fernie Forge. Exhibited in Fernie Museum’s Summer 2016 “Currents” exhibition.