Kathy Stead is one of the artists opening up their studios to the public during the Columbia Basin Culture Tour August 10 and 11.
The Fernie artist is hoping people will stop by her Ridgemont home, and studio, to get a glimpse of her life and work.
“I am always fascinated to see other artists’ studios,” she said. “I think it gives you a piece of who they are and what their life is like.”
Stead was an art teacher for 30 years, teaching at secondary level in Fernie, Sparwood and Thunder Bay, Ontario.
“I have always loved art,” she said. “It’s really the only thing I was really good at at school so my career path was quite obvious.”
She works mainly with oils and acrylics and some mixed in her paintings, and enjoys exploring textures.
She also tries to paint outside as much as she can, which is reflected in her new exhibit of flowers on display at Freshies. She also has her work on show at the Arts Co-op downtown.
She hopes to encourage people to come out to see her studio, and the others taking part in the Culture Tour.
“It’s really friendly and casual,” she said. “Come and have a glass of lemonade and a chat. It’s the same weekend as Wapiti, so maybe spend part of the day there and part of the day visiting some local artists.”
She will give free art cards to visitors, until she runs out.
For more information on the Columbia Basin Culture Tour, visit www.cbculturetour.com