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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.
Pick up a paper copy at the Fernie Visitor Information Centre, Arts Station or Fernie Museum.
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
An eclectic mix of the work of over 20 contemporary Canadian artists, artisans and makers including paintings, pottery, jewellery and lighting.
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.
Featuring artwork by local artists Leanne Stothert, Tessa Stanley, Vanessa Croome, Erica Fait and others.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Michael A. Penny’s working studio gallery producing finely detailed wood sculptures. Open regularly or by appointment.
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
Fine art painter and mixed media artist working in a variety of semi-abstract and realism styles.
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.
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.
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.
