Fernie Art Walk

The historic downtown of Fernie is known for its heritage buildings, the outcome of two wildfires that decimated town in 1904 and 1908. Fernie’s city council at the time made it mandatory that, “all buildings within a ten-block section be constructed of fireproof material.” The style used was called Italianate – a Victorian-era style inspired by Italian Renaissance villas, and these flat-roofed commercial buildings built from locally produced yellow brick (that continued below streets and alleys to allow for coal chutes into the basements) continues to be an attractive highlight today. 

I doubt those who walked these streets a hundred years ago could have imagined how public art would add to the already beautiful and intriguing historic centre. Thanks to the efforts and creativity of local organizations and artists, downtown is brimming with original pieces of art and sculptures, adding character and depth. Let your curiosity (and this art walk) guide you as you discover the various artistic expressions found throughout our community. 

Look up to discover colourful banners by local artists as part of the Fernie Banner Project.

1. Grow with the Flow by Tara Higgins and Becca Davies, A Hardy Town by Michael Hepher and Paul Reimer, and The Arts Station gallery, 601 1st Ave
2. All Aboard Mural by Erich Stoffels 551 1st Ave, Royal Canadian Legion
3. hsquared gallery 591 2nd Ave
4. Element Jewelry + Objects 571 2nd Ave
5. Fernie Arts Co-op 572 2nd Ave
6. Studio 562 562 2nd Ave
7.Elevation Gallery 532B 2nd Ave
8. Growth and Sisters by Aidan Lindsay, Castle on 1st Ave / Laneway
9. Fernie Museum 491 2nd Ave
10. Eye of the Needle & Blue Fern 260 5th St
11. Fernie Cenotaph, Fernie Court House, 401 4th Ave
12. The Miner’s Walk At City Hall: Small-scale iron sculptures by Fernie Forge; The Face of the Miner
by Jeff De Boer
13. All Kinds of Beauty by Michael Hepher, Corner of 7th Street & 2nd Ave

Mike Hepher, All Kinds of Beauty and Hardy Town 1 &13
Public art is important because it highlights the subtle character of a place. Like the clothes we choose
to wear, people get an understanding of who we are based on the public art we create. Public art is
not practical in the traditional sense, but it has an important function if we develop it thoughtfully: it
shows our style, and helps build unity and communicate personality, and in that way it’s important.
When I start planning a piece of public art, I always think about my community. Public art is almost
always contentious but on balance I want the piece to be a positive addition to the place I live. All Kinds
of Beauty was designed to showcase as many facets of the valley as possible. I spent the better part
of six weeks painting which gave me a real insight into who lives here: the running commentary was
unanimously positive. A Hardy Town, the sculpture in Station Square, was funded by a grant through the
Historical Society to commemorate the great fires of 1904 and 1908 ‘with a positive message’ which was
more of a challenge. We chose a design that included the community by building it so everyone could
walk around it—interact with it—and connect the tragedy to the vibrant community that rose from those ashes. I’ve been honoured to be part of growing our self-image by participating in these creative projects.

Tara Higgins and Becca Davies, Grow with the Flow 1

The inspiration behind Grow with the Flow was community and gathering. We wanted it to reflect Fernie with it’s connection to the outdoors, the history it has been built and Station Square as a place our community gathers. We intergrated shapes inspired by mountains, rivers, railways, music, and homes into a joyful expression of the human spirit, hence the lady who’s cup flows over.

The community and visitors have been very receptive to it. People stop to find different elements in it and take photos. With the installation of Grow with the Flow as well as Erich Stoffel’s piece there is a vibrancy to Station Square that enhances community events such as the Wednesday Socials and people’s live on the daily as they walk down the alleys.

Erich Stoffels, All Aboard 2
The inspiration for All Aboard came to me from its location in Station Square and the Legion itself. The
only obvious mural for this wall was a train, it made sense, with Fernie's history so richly entwined with
the railway. I decided to use the old steam train as an accolade to the engines that brought the people
and supplies needed to build the town of Fernie. I wanted to make the train look like it was pulling into
the square, and give viewers the feeling that they were standing outside the train station, known today
as The Arts Station. By using poppies to depict the steam billowing out of the train, they are a tribute to
the men, women and service animals that have given their lives to protect ours.

I have received overwhelmingly positive response about how much people enjoy seeing the painting.
They were also amazed that the whole piece was put up in less than one week. It has been a wonderful
experience being involved in such a meaningful project. The Legion is celebrating its 100th anniversary
this year, and they now have All Aboard shirts available for purchase, which I think is a perfect way for
people to continue to show support for our Veterans and the Legion.

When you are walking around Fernie, look for painted dumpsters!