Book Launch and (optional) Illustrating Workshop
New Denver artist and Kokanee Glacier hut keeper Petra Hekkenberg presents her new book Further in the Alpine - the second illustrated journal of Kokanee Park, with stories, visuals, a short film, Q&A, book signing and an optional 1hr illustrating workshop at the end. The book presentation is by donation and supports the Slocan Lake Arts Council and the artist. The optional illustrating workshop has a small fee, scroll down to read more!
About the book
Petra shared her deep love for mountains in her first illustrated journal, In the Alpine (2022), recording daily observations while working as a park operator at Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park. No two seasons are the same, of course: Further in the Alpine is a continuation of this backcountry hut-keeper’s impressions as she engages with the park’s wild residents, its visitors, and her own human vulnerability through words and drawings that offer an intimate glimpse of life in the Alpine.
Short Film "In your Mind's Eye"
In 2022 Petra created this 20 minute short film with the subtitle Moods of Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park and it won the first price at the North Valley Mountain Film Festival! Come enjoy this film on a big screen during her book launch. The film was co-created with Whitney Taylor (film) and Sam Harrisson (soundscape & audio)
Illustrating Workshop for all ages (optional)
For those interested, Petra offers a 1 hr illustrating workshop following her book presentation. Suitable for both adults and children. In this workshop, Petra will show you some of the techniques and tricks to making pen illustrations! You could make your own Holiday card for example, or draw a landscape or your favorite pet. All materials are provided. The workshop starts at 3PM and costs $20 for adults and $10 for children up to 16yrs old. Sign up with this registration form. Maximum 12 participants.
Further in the Alpine was self-published, and this event held, with the support of an Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance (CKCA) grant of the West Kootenay Regional Arts Council and with support of the Slocan Lake Arts Council.
See more of Petra's work here:
Instagram @petrahekkenberg
Facebook @petrahekkenberg
petrahekkenberg.com
Nelson ski guide warns of high avalanche risk in West Kootenay backcountry
By John Rune, KCR News
One of Nelson's most experienced wilderness guides says the risks for skiers and snowboarders in the West Kootenay backcountry are too high to take any risks this December.
"Now it's really sketchy," said John Buffrey to KCR News. "It's really worth emphasizing people not expose themselves to any avalanche risk at all. Like, it's as tumultuous as I've seen it in a decade."
Buffrey said light snowfalls along with clear and cold weather have created a series of stratified layers, apt to collapse with a skier in the start zone being the catalyst.
"Even Ymir proper would be hazardous, very hazardous. The risk would be considerable, is the right word," Buffrey said, pointing to mid-January as the first time in the next little while that it might be safer.
Over the past decade, around 10 people per year have lost their lives in the B.C. backcountry. It's been a slow decrease, attributed to better safety programs and increased knowledge.
'Now, it's really sketchy'–Nelson backcountry guide John Buffrey on dangerous conditions in the Kootenays right now
