Celebrating creativity: Annual three-day art festival returns to Fort St. John

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Artists showcased their work in an annual three-day celebration of talent in Fort St. John last weekend.

Bright Nights took place from June 12th to June 14th at the North Peace Cultural Center. 

There were various free events over the three days, starting with Art Stars on Thursday, June 12th. 

This saw local artists provide insights into their creative journeys throughout an evening of discussions. 

Then on Friday, June 13th, there was a concert with country music artist George Canyon, followed by an Art Market on Saturday, June 14th.

Several artists and vendors from the Peace region showcased and sold their masterpieces at the Art Market, including works created with paint, pottery, wood burning, henna tattoos, jewelry, crochet, digital illustrations and fused glass. 

There were free activities for kids, and also on Saturday, a Big Print Day was organized by the Flying Colours Artists’ Association. 

Some non-profit organizations were also involved, including both Foundry and the Wellness Truth and Family Foundation, which put on activities and shared their services.

Musicians Raven Pruden, Skyler Rowsell, Mike Sours, and more were there to add even more life to the Saturday event through performances. 

Artist Lauren Schroeder told Energeticcity.ca she taught herself to crochet while recovering from knee surgery eight years ago. 

“Don’t ever feel down on yourself, if it’s not as good as what you wanted it to be the first time you try it,” she said. 

Some vendors offer private lessons for groups as well as a whole year of classes, encouraging the community to join as a way to make friends and learn something new. 

“That’s what I do to calm down,” said Candice Attfield, woodburning artist. “This is a community where if you want to try new things, people are very receptive, people are willing to help you and teach you.”

The North Peace Cultural Center hosts a different exhibition every month, featuring various artists and providing a place for them to sell and share their creations. 

Karin Kroecher, president of the Flying Colours Artists’ Association, said: “Art is a way to raise your voice. The world needs beauty with everything that is going on.”

The director of library services at Fort St. John Public Library, Matthew Rankin, added: “We have a very healthy arts culture in Fort St. John, with the cultural society just displaying local artists getting their work out there.”   

Most of the artists participate in markets and fairs to sell their art, as well as other events organized by the local community. 

Find out more about the North Peace Cultural Center on its website.