Author and artist Abby Wilson, who runs the popular website West Kootenay Hiking, has just published a brand new hiking book for the area. She’ll launch the guidebook West Kootenay Hiking on Saturday, May 31 at 7:30pm in a multimedia presentation at the Nelson Pubic Library. The book features 77 of the best hiking trails in the West Kootenay region of southeast British Columbia and features clear layouts, detailed topographic maps, and elevation profiles. The launch event will include breathtaking slides showing some of the trails as well as some background about Wilson’s journey from blog to book. There will be plenty of time for questions, and Otter Books will be on hand with copies for sale.
literature
Project Wild One Book Signing with Author Louise Sidley at Otter Books
Due to delays at the printers, Louise Sidley’s book signing event has been postponed to March 22 at Otter Books.
Project Wild One, published by Red Deer Press is intended for readers ages 7 and up. This eco-friendly tale is full of adventure and challenges assumptions about nature and the role young people have in it.
Books will be available for purchase and signing by the author.
Write Off the Bat!
Taghum Hall invites writers to come out of the garret and into something more convivial on the weekend of February 22 and 23. Write Off the Bat! is an on-site, theme-based writing marathon, a juried competition, and a chance to hang with fellow writers—and get fed! The weekend’s supportive environment includes morning pep-talks from celebrated local authors, a delicious lunch each day, plus snacks, coffee and tea—and a chance to win prizes. Advance registration is required. More information and the registration link can be found at www.taghumhall.ca/events
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