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Exploring the Fernie Art Walk

Last reviewed: January, 2024

Explore Fernie’s galleries and working studios on a self-guided tour. Meet the artists and discover the subjects and styles that inspire our artists and artisans.

Stroll through Historic Downtown Fernie past charming rose-gold and red brick architecture, enjoy spectacular views in every direction and take in some unique art installations.

Fernie Art Walk

Pick up a paper copy at the Fernie Visitor Information Centre, Arts Station or Fernie Museum. 


1 | THE ARTS STATION, A HARDY TOWN SCULPTURE & GROW WITH THE FLOW MURAL

601 1st Avenue | 1-250-423-4842 | The Arts Station | Monday - Thursday 9:30am - 9pm; Friday & Sunday 9.30am - 3pm; Closed Saturday

The hub of Fernie’s cultural scene featuring an art gallery, 100-seat theatre, studios and workshop spaces. Home of 'A Hardy Town,' a permanent sculpture by Paul Reimer and Michael Hepher commemorating the Great Fire of 1908.

Fernie artists, Becca Davies & Tara Higgins completed the 'Grow with the Flow' street mural in August 2022 adding to Fernie's growing collection of street art. The mural celebrates Fernie's active lifestyle and love of music and makes a beautiful backdrop for the weekly outdoor concerts held on Wednesdays in the summer. #ferniemuralproject


 

2 | HSQUARED STUDIO

598 2nd Avenue | 1-778-519-5100 | hsquared gallery | Open daily 11am - 5pm

An eclectic mix of the work of over 20 contemporary Canadian artists, artisans and makers including paintings, pottery, jewellery and lighting. 


 

3 | POLAR PEAK BOOKS & TREASURES

572 2nd Avenue | 1-250-423-7044 | Fernie Arts Co-op | Open Daily 10 am - 6pm

Art from over 60 local artists including handmade jewellery, photography, original paintings, textiles, pottery, and sculpture portraying the region and lifestyle of the Elk Valley. 


 

5 | STUDIO 562

562 2nd Avenue | Studio 562 - Leanne Stothert | Open Saturday 12pm - 4pm and other hours

Featuring artwork by local artists Leanne Stothert, Tessa Stanley, Vanessa Croome, Erica Fait and others.


 

6 | ELEVATION GALLERY

532B 2nd Avenue 1-778-519-5090 | Elevation Gallery | Thursday - Saturday 12pm - 5pm 

Outside on the back deck of the Royal Hotel is a large-scale graffiti wall mural by Liam Monahan and a vintage truck, hand painted in surrealist style by Milarkey.


 

7 | OUTDOOR ARTWORK

Laneway behind Grow Children's Boutique, and behind the Castle on 1st

Two works by Aiden Lindsay. Easily accessible from 1st Ave and a great spot for selfies! 'Growth' depicts a set of angel wings, and 'Sisters' reflects our local landscape.


 

8 | FERNIE MUSEUM

491 2nd Ave | 1-250-423-7016 | Fernie Museum | Open daily 11am - 4pm

Though-provoking art and heritage exhibits rotate through the accessible 2nd floor gallery. The permanent heritage exhibit on the ground floor depicts over 130 years of Fernie's history and community. Gift shop featuring local products, books and gifts.


 

9 | EYE OF THE NEEDLE & 'BLUE FERN' SCULPTURE

260 5th Street | 250-423-2671 | Eye of the Needle Gallery & Studio by Fernie Forge | Thursday - Friday 10am - 5pm; Saturday 11:30am - 5:30pm

Artisan gallery & studio in a heritage building featuring metal work from Fernie Forge and others, plus fibre art, candles, glasswork and one-on-one felting classes. Don’t miss the multi-media ‘Blue Fern’ sculpture outside, tucked beside the gallery.


 

10 | FERNIE CENOTAPH

401 4th Avenue | At Fernie Courthouse

A thoughtful depiction of a soldier with head bowed in sorrow above the poppies of Flanders Fields. Attributed to German-Canadian sculptor and Emmanuel Hahn, the work is a replica of the artist's memorial sculpture designed for Nova Scotia to commemorate the end of WWI. 


 

11 | MINERS' WALK

501 3rd Avenue | At Fernie City Hall

A charming and unique tribute to Fernie’s heritage on City Hall grounds. Small-scale iron sculptures by Fernie Forge & The Face of the Miner by Jeff De Boer. Interpretive panels and gardens. 


 

12 | ALL KINDS OF BEAUTY MURAL

Corner of 2nd Ave and 7th St | #ferniemuralproject

The design for All Kinds of Beauty by Michael Hepher was selected from six applicants, and the final piece was completed in October 2019 with funding from the Columbia Basin Trust. The mural depicts the hopes, dreams and lifestyle of Fernie. 


 

OTHER ARTWORK & ARTISANS

 

CHAINSAW CARVER

1439 MacDonald Ave/Hwy 3 | 250-423-0552 | Open regularly or by appointment

Michael A. Penny’s working studio gallery producing finely detailed wood sculptures. Open regularly or by appointment.

 

SARAH PIKE POTTERY

1480 McDonald Avenue | 250-430-7937

Unique, slab-built pots with personality, beauty and a little attitude. Products are sold from a small display area in Sarah’s home studio in West Fernie, and internationally. Open by appointment only

 


KATHY STEAD – VISUAL ARTIST

86 Ridgemont Drive | 250-423-4979

Fine art painter and mixed media artist working in a variety of semi-abstract and realism styles.


 

'OUT OF THE BOX' DUMPSTER PROJECT & THE FERNIE BANNER PROJECT

The Arts Station's annual 'Out of the Box: Dumpster Art Project'  has seen many Fernie's dumpsters transformed into works of art. You'll find them scattered all around the city, but the back alleys behind 2nd & 3rd Avenue are great spot to start the hunt.

As you wander, look up to see other local art hanging from downtown lampposts as part of The Fernie Banner Project. Each year, a new batch of artwork arrives downtown, and the current banners are moved to the highway for a second year. 

Fernie's public art initiatives are guided by The Arts Station - Fernie & District Arts Council


 

FERNIE & ELK VALLEY CULTURAL GUIDE

The Fernie & Elk Valley Fall Cultural Guide is a periodical publication highlighting the art, artisans and culture of the Elk Valley with walking tours, listings, features on facilities and attractions, stories about local artists and places of interest, events, and beautiful imagery. Pick up a hard copy at visitor centres and coffee shops or view the digital version ONLINE.


 

ICONIC FERNIE - EXPLORE MORE WITH A FREE MOBILE APP

Find 6 themed self-guided tours in our free & handy mobile app - The Iconic Fernie. Choose to collect points as you explore to then redeem for cool local rewards. Learn more or download here.

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