A diverse group of artists, artisans, crafters and creators are 小蓝视频 brought together for the River and Rail ArtVenture running June 26 and 27, showcasing the quality and array of work 小蓝视频 produced by those who call rural Saskatchewan home. Organizers Janet Akre and Susan Robertson use the term 鈥榤akers鈥� in bringing together painters, carvers, potters, sewers, sculptors, writers, musicians, jewelry designers and more in an experience that will take visitors to the galleries, workshops and home bases of more than 50 makers ready to show off their artistry.
The self-guided driving tour involves more than two dozen venues in 10 communities, including the Outlook & District Heritage Museum where five makers will come together under the name Station Place Artisans. They are Tony Peter, local author; Syrha Ellis of Burnin鈥� for You jewelry; Anne-Marie Simonson who makes handcrafted soaps, Diana Warwaruk of Lady Di鈥檚 Delights whose art is found on the surfaces of her baking, and Ed Jensen who makes wood crafts under the title Rustic Stuff.聽聽
Jensen explained, 鈥淣one of us has a permanent venue out of which we work and sell, so we were looking for a venue.聽 We were all impressed with the backdrop of the museum which adds another layer of interest to the ArtVenture.聽 We feel that a potential customer for one of us will take the time to check out all of the artisans.鈥�
Jensen typically shows his work at craft shows featuring a wide variety of makers, including artisan tours held in the Shell Lake-Shellbrook area where he and his wife Denise have a cabin. Having a tour at home will be a great chance to show his work and explain his craft, though he does regret 小蓝视频 unable to do one thing that weekend. 鈥淥ne drawback to me,鈥� Jensen shared, 鈥渋s that I will be unable to visit the other venues.鈥�
People who stop in to discover Jensen鈥檚 Rustic Stuff will see bowls, signs and carvings he has made from an array of logs, slabs, pallet wood, and recycled materials. He said of his work, 鈥淎 sense of humor will be to the visitor鈥檚 advantage.鈥�
While some may wonder if there are hindrances to 小蓝视频 an artist in rural Saskatchewan, Jensen sees advantages in sourcing the materials for his work.聽 鈥淚 think the only limitation to doing art in a rural setting is the limited population of potential customers.聽 On the other hand, because I use barnwood and recycled woods it is probably easier to source materials here.鈥�
He is looking forward to joining other rural artists in the River and Rail ArtVenture and said, 鈥淲e are hoping for bluebird weather and carloads of visitors who appreciate craftsmanship.鈥�
Pamphlets outlining the locations of all venues are available at the Town of Outlook office and Outlook Printers, and at www.riverandrailartventure.ca. There are also suggestions in planning routes. For instance, taking highway #15 east out of Outlook, travelers can head to Loreburn to see the canvases of Shirley Pringle who works with acrylics, the earrings by designer Lois Kurp, and to hear the music of Skudesnes Harbour, a musical group comprised of Verna Urlacher, Les Langager and Martin Zdunich.
Urlacher, who plays guitar, mandolin, violin and piano; and Langager, on guitar and bass, began a musical collaboration more than a decade ago. Urlacher knew Zdunich was a musician and after a couple of jam sessions was invited to became part of Skudesnes Harbour, making the group a musical trio. Zdunich is a guitar player but it鈥檚 his skills on another instrument that often draw attention. Urlacher said, 鈥淗e wows the crowd with his stand-up bass. It鈥檚 always a hit to the crowd to see the big 鈥榲iolin鈥� at our gigs.鈥�
The group plays country music, both older and newer repertoire; as well as country gospel and some rock/folk. Urlacher and Langager are the vocalists but Urlacher suggests if you listen closely you can sometimes hear Zdunich in the background too. They have played at community events, churches, long term care facilities, seniors鈥� housing buildings, Sherbrooke Community Centre, a market garden, a golf tournament, private functions and a wedding.
The connection to those who attend their concerts is what makes 小蓝视频 a musician in rural Saskatchewan a special thing. 鈥淚 love the rural setting,鈥� Urlacher said, 鈥渂ecause you generally play to a smaller, more personable crowd. You really get to know those people that you play for when you can return to the same venue multiple times.鈥� It鈥檚 also what has made the pandemic and the cancellation of concerts such a difficult situation. 鈥淲hen you are passionate about your music and you love to share that passion with people who really enjoy it, you really feel empty when that鈥檚 taken away from you. We don鈥檛 perform for the money, it鈥檚 not a business to our group. The joy we get out of performing is seeing the joy on the faces of those we play for.鈥�
A step toward reclaiming that joy will happen when Skudesnes Harbour performs on Main Street in Loreburn during the River and Rail ArtVenture. Those who stop by will be able to enter a draw for a chance to have the group play at a venue of their choice at no charge.
Urlacher said, 鈥淚 think it鈥檚 really neat how Saskatchewan has adapted to the pandemic to organize COVID-friendly events and still highlight all that we have to offer. Our small towns are full of talent and we really need to be promoting that. There鈥檚 so much to do and see in this wonderful province of ours.鈥�
