Most people don't associate their dishware or earrings with mining, but the 小蓝视频 Museum of Mining hopes to make that connection with the help of the arts.
The eighth annual Copper and Fire is set for August and organizers are calling for participant proposals from visual artists in the Sea to Sky Corridor and surrounding areas to come forward and take part in the event.
"If you can't grow it, it must be mined," is the event mantra.
The saying refers to a wide variety of non-organic object we may come across on a daily basis. The 小蓝视频 Museum of Mining advocates that this proves just how big of a part mining plays in our lives.
On Sunday Aug. 8, Britannia Beach will be swarming with artists, and museum visitors will get a rare treat as they witness metalwork artists pounding, molding and soldering their medium into stunning creations.
Not to be outdone, a variety of other artists will show off techniques in their mediums as well, including ceramic, stone, wood and glass.
According to project manager Carol Watts, one of the goals of this event is to reveal the connections between the artist's vision and their materials required to achieve them.
"The artists that we have, their arts pertain to mining, metals, mineralsbasically, the products of the Earth. The whole premise of this show is to draw the relationship between mining and the arts," said Watts during last year's event.
The day welcomes the talents of blacksmiths, jewelry artists, potters, glass blowers, sculptors, metal artists and other artists who use mined materials to create art. They can demonstrate, display and sell their work as it relates to the themes of copper and fire.
When in operation, the main purpose of the mine was to separate waste rock and minerals from the precious ore of copper. The intrinsic relationship of copper and fire in this process forms the main crux of all the celebrations.
Live demonstrations are also welcomed and last year's fire dance by Laura Scarlett of Vancouver was one of many exciting acts that had spectators hearts racing.
Following her performance, she drew a comparison between the everyday work of the miners and her own art.
"It just comes back to the theme of copper and fire. Working in a mine, I mean there is excitement and danger involved. It's also about being aware of the elements around you, and being very focused on what you are doing," she said.
The artists will be showing how they work and allowing visitors to touch the pieces they make. There will also be live music, a barbeque, entertainers, tours, children's activities and prize giveaways.
Interested artists should include their contact information, an outline of their artistic work, how the process will be demonstrated and any technical or special requirements needed in their proposal.
Please contact Carol Watts, Project Manager, by phone at 1-800-896-4044 ext. 225 or by fax at 604-896-2260 or via email at [email protected] for further information.
Spots are filled on a first come, first served basis for appropriate participants. Please respond early for a guaranteed spot. Deadline for all proposals is May 30, 2010.
