Lieutenant Governor of BC Janet Austin experiences Selkirk College Studio Arts
By Contributor
June is often filled with excitement for students in Selkirk College’s Kootenay Studio Arts programs as their year-end show approaches.
A visit from the Lieutenant Governor of BC, Janet Austin, continued to enrich the end of their year.
Immersing herself in the West Kootenay area’s arts and culture sector, BC’s thirtieth provincial representative of the Canadian monarch made sure to stop at Selkirk College’s Victoria Street Campus, previously known as the Kootenay School of the Arts.
“I think it’s fabulous to be in a small arts class,” said Austin, “how wonderful to have that personal time with your instructor to help you develop your own process and vision as an artist. Artists are accepted and celebrated in this community as extremely important cultural and economic parts of the area.
"This acceptance provides a foundation for artists to flourish.”
The Lieutenant Governor was accompanied by David Valentine, the Provincial Commissioner as well as Amanda Campbell, the Government House Director of Communications and Events. Austin viewed final projects from students in the Textiles program, viewed a bronze-cast in the metal art studio and even tried her hand on a ceramic spinning wheel.
Austin was impressed by Nelson’s vibrancy and the quality of the Selkirk College arts programs.
After her visit at Selkirk College, Austin visited other cultural West Kootenay landmarks, such as the Doukhobor Discovery Centre in Castlegar.
The Lieutenant Governor also visited Cranbrook and Creston before returning to Victoria.
At the end of the tour of the Selkirk College School of the Arts building, college staff and faculty stood for a group photo with their visitors. (Left to right) Interim School Chair of the School of the Arts Kate Tait, Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin, Textiles instructor Marilyn Lee and Provincial Commissioner David Valentine.
