Inside KSA at Selkirk College – the Magic Revealed at Winter Show & Sale
By Bob Hall
That one-of-a-kind treasure for under the tree—or for yourself—can be discovered while supporting artisans on the verge of making their dreams a reality at the annual Kootenay Studio Arts Winter Show & Sale.
The decade-long seasonal tradition is an amazing opportunity for the community to explore the stone heritage building on the corner of Josephine and Victoria streets. It’s inside where the magic happens.
“What the students do here is pretty magical to most people,” says Jewelry Studio instructor Laura White. “They don’t know how we start with raw materials and end up with a beautiful product, like a sheet of metal turned into jewelry. There’s always a lot happening here.”
There will be student exhibitors and vendors from the Ceramics, Jewelry, Textiles and Blacksmithing Studios. Adding to the magic will be origami lighting, music and refreshments. On Saturday, the public is also welcome to tour the campus and watch students working in studio spaces.
The exclusive group of artisans participating in the sale is about to complete their two-year diploma at Selkirk College Kootenay Studio Arts. Sienna Estes is a Jewelry Studio student who makes high-end creations with beautiful gemstones set in original metalwork.
From the Slocan Valley, the local artist has been “stringing beads together” since she was nine-years-old. Inspired by attending the KSA Winter Show & Sale in past years and fueled by a desire to pursue her own passion, the mother of two children started attending KSA.
“I couldn’t make what was in my mind anymore,” Estes says. “KSA has been a great opportunity for me to expand what I am able to create.”
She is excited for the upcoming show, the experience of camaraderie with her fellow students and being part of a vibrant night in Nelson.
“People are out—they’ve often enjoyed dinner and they’re feeling festive,” Estes says.
White shares Estes’ feeling of excitement. The energy is contagious and the instructor feels a sense of pride as she sees her students set up for success.
“The Winter Show & Sale is an opportunity for students to participate in a craft fair, as they would as an artisan, but with the support of our instructors,” says White. “Our second-year students are about to leave the nest. It is a positive way for them to feel success in this final learning experience.”
The KSA Winter Show & Sale opens Friday, December 9 from 6 to 9 p.m. and runs Saturday, December 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Buyers are able to purchase directly from students with a variety of payment options available.
The price range will be mixed, from high-end pieces to studio production work. People will also be able to discuss commission work with the students.
