The Guide’s Hut is teaming up with local ski and snowboard designer, DID, to create a one-of-a-kind art show. The mountain equipment shop has enlisted the help of DID owner, Jean-Vincent LeBrun, to create custom skis and boards using original art from Elk Valley artists.
“Mark Gallup from The Guide’s Hut came up with the idea of having an art show with local artists,” remarked LeBrun. “I thought I’ve had that idea before, I think it can be done.”
A call to artists was sent out and seven have signed on to create original pieces to be used on either a pair of skis, or a snowboard. Contributing their creativity are Mike Hepher, Catilyn Bellavance, Brina Schenk, and Mark Kowalchuk, just to name a few.
“We started with just three artists, which had me kind of worried, but then all of a sudden they just kept coming, we even have a couple from Calgary,” explained LeBrun. “We did give out guidelines to the artists, which are necessary for me to put them on the equipment. They had to paint on a specific type of paper that I can transfer to a ski or board and use water based colours.”
The functional works of art will be on display for the public to view at the Clawhammer Letterpress and Gallery on the night of December 8. LeBrun commented, “We just want to get the community involved and have everyone come out to check it out.”
The public will get the chance to vote for their favourite piece of art, and the artist who created the winning design will take home the skis or board they created. The Guide’s Hut and DID will provide ballots at the art show, and starting December 8, voting will take place for a week on The Guide’s Hut and DID’s Facebook pages.
Following the art show and contest, the remaining pieces will be displayed and available for purchase at The Guide’s Hut. “The prices are the same as a regular ski so we’re talking around $800 for custom art and an exclusive product, which is really unbeatable,” said LeBrun. “The piece will be a one-off, the prints won’t be re-used again for copies or anything else, so it’s a unique item.”
The free ski and snowboard art show will take place at Clawhammer Letterpress and Gallery on Saturday, December 8 at 7 p.m.