Gearing up for VISUALS' ArtWalk Squamish Valley

34 artists in the Squamish Valley are busy getting geared up for ArtWalk, the annual Studio and Gallery Tour, held the third weekend each September. The event was voted best art event last year by readers of the Chief and organizers from VISUALS promise ArtWalk will be even bigger and better, with 70% more artists participating. Here is a sampling of some of the artists you'll meet on the tour:

Kay Austen, a master potter with 40 years experience in Europe and North America , crafts functional and non-functional earthenware, stoneware and porcelain for domestic and commercial use. She is inspired by the nature of our contemporary west coast and her latest gems mirror her sense of wonder and delight in our area. Kay has been the artist in residence at several local schools and has run her own studio/gallery in the Garibaldi Highlands since 2002. Kay's work has been displayed in numerous galleries and gift stores in Central B.C. and the Lower Mainland. Currently, her work is available at the B.C. Potters Guild Gallery on Granville Island , "The Mad Potter" in Richmond , "Little Cricket Gift Galleries" in Ft. Langley and Maple Ridge, the Squamish Adventure Centre and her own Glacier Gallery & Studio at 1071 Glacier View Drive . Kay looks forward to welcoming visitors during ArtWalk. 

Michael Kanka, Photographer, started his career 25 years ago shooting mostly commercial and industrial, along with some sport, music, fashion, portraits and of course weddings and family. After years of traveling and living in Germany , he and his wife finally found home in beautiful Squamish. Here, on the doorstep of the great outdoors, he is inspired by nature, landscape and wildlife.

As a Photographer, Michael has the opportunity to look at the world from a different angle. "My point of view from behind the lens shows me things which are usually missed. I have the opportunity to capture the essence of special moments and preserve them for a lifetime".

Michael's pictures have found homes in Europe, the United States and Canada , in both public and private collections. Visit Michael Kanka at his studio in the Garibaldi Highlands during ArtWalk.

Linda Bachman, painter, recently moved to Squamish , BC to pursue her ongoing love of nature by painting and enjoying the great outdoors. She is motivated with each incredible natural visual when exploring the coast of British Columbia . Her commissioned works always include an impressionable image from nature and a personalized identity within the painting for her client. 

Linda has painted all her adult life with consignment requests from nursery canvasses to sporting images and enjoys going outside the realistic norm to add some visual intrigue. Visit with Linda in the Squamish Arts Council Building on Cleveland during ArtWalk.

Martin Thorne, Wood Turner is a passionate "maker", using materials provided by nature which have been textured by sun, wind and rain, or discarded from building sites or industrial processes. "These raw materials spark my creativity and excitement builds as I explore their texture and form". Martin creates pieces which are either functional or abstract but must have their elements in proper arrangement, their form must be good, they must be engaging, thought provoking and hopefully fun. He prefers not to title his work, choosing to let his pieces be explored without preconceived notions. 

Martin has demonstrated his skill at local and international woodturning symposiums. He is a toolmaker and has taught courses in the art of both forging and heat-treating knives and carving tools. Martin is a member of the Fraser Valley Woodturners Guild and American Association of Woodturners. Martin's work can be found in galleries and private collections world wide. His studio, a popular stop among visitors, is located on Third Avenue & Vancouver Street downtown.

Mark Sept 20 and 21st on your calendar for this amazing free event. There will be demos and refreshments at some venues, art prize draws, amazing art to view and purchase and beautiful scenery along the way. ArtWalk tour from Britannia to Squamish to Brackendale, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept 20 and 21. Free ArtWalk Guide & Maps available at the Squamish Adventure Centre and other art venues.