Local artist details latest exhibit at North Peace Cultural Centre

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Local artist Holly Kirkpatrick Ulrich discussed her process and inspirations for her new exhibit, “A Search for Voice,” at the North Peace Cultural Centre.

Ulrich joined Moose FM’s Dub Craig remotely during her vacation in Italy for the August 9th episode of This Week in the Peace, in which she described her exhibits as ‘painting and metal work.’

She says the pieces are inspired by the natural beauty in Switzerland, where she lived for a couple of years.  

Ulrich says she gets local inspiration from the Peace River in Fort St. John but says it is not easy to observe its beauty. 

“Why can’t we just have easier access to go look at the river that is so close to us,” said Ulrich. 

“I feel like it’s just a big rip-off, and it wouldn’t be that hard to build trails for a way down there for people coming through the city to see the beauty.” 

According to the Cultural Centre’s website, Ulrich is a self-described artist, writer, and coach who has painted large and small artistic pieces scattered around the globe. She is also a contemporary jeweller who weaves silver, gold, and recycled roofing copper into her work.

She went to art school right out of high school. Eventually, she earned two undergraduate degrees: one in Fine Art from the Alberta University of Art and the other in Education from Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, Canada.

Ulrich said everybody told her it’s really hard to make a living as an artist, but she says she comes from a family of hard workers, which contributes to her success. 

“I’m a hard worker; if it’s still hard to make a living, then I can still work hard and do it. Many years later, I understand what they meant,” said Ulrich.

Ulrich says she is exploring different materials and mediums, likes drawing and will stick with pencil drawings and watercolours. Metalwork will be a lesser hobby for her going forward due to strain injuries in her wrist.

Her exhibition is different from others. While most exhibitions are opening exhibitions, this one is a closing one with a silent auction. 

Some of the proceeds will go to the Salvation Army, which serves the needs of people in Fort St. John.

The exhibit, which opened on August 2nd, will have a closing reception on Thursday, August 29th, from 7 p.m. to  8:30 p.m.