The inflight publication for Pacific Coastal Airlines has featured Castlegar in its latest issue. Called Soar, the bi-monthly magazine is distributed on all Pacific Coastal aircraft and in the October/November edition it details the art scene in the West Kootenay region, specifically in Castlegar and Nelson. The story is titled “State of the Art – Get Lost in the Kootenay’s Art Scene” and is written by Kate Robertson who takes the reader on a journey from Castlegar’s renowned sculpture walk and up Highway 3A to Nelson’s graffiti festival.
In the article, Robertson writes, “It’s hard to say what attracts artists and creative types to a region. Maybe it’s beautiful nature vistas, an appealing mysticism or simply that when artists start to congregate, word travels. Whatever the secret is, the West Kootenay cities of Castlegar and Nelson have figured it out, making each a perfect art lover’s destination.”
We couldn’t agree more. Castlegar has an incredibly strong artistic scene that art lovers love. We’ve featured various art events on this website before such as in the pieces “Why is Castlegar the Sculpture Capital of Canada?” and “10 Reasons To Visit Castlegar Before and After Shambhala” and whether your preference is enjoying indoor shows or outdoor spectacles, there’s something for everyone. As proof, above and below are photos taken by Dave Gluns that showcase just some of the sculptures, which were featured during the 2017 Sculpture Walk.
In her article Robertson goes on to write about Castlegar, “For the past nine years, the small mountain town has been wowing visitors with its Sculpture Walk – an annual rotating outdoor exhibition of sculptures created by local and international artists. Grab a brochure and do a walk-about to check out all 30 of them and see why Castlegar has become the Sculpture Capital of Canada.”
She then goes on to write, “During the summer months, Castlegar is also home to an Art Walk, where artists are matched with local businesses scattered throughout town. At the Kootenay Gallery of Art, a year-round venue, you can view contemporary art exhibitions. The works of over 100 local artisans are sold in the gift shop.”
Pacific Coastal Airlines offers three flights a day between Vancouver and Trail on Sundays, Mondays and Fridays. From Trail, it’s an easy 20-minute drive to Castlegar. To read Kate Robertson’s Soar article in its entirety, visit the Soar website.