In Fernie, creativity can be found in studios and galleries, but it also spills out onto the streets, tucked into public spaces, and around many a corner. Commissioned murals and sculptures bring the town to life with stories, reflecting the vibrant energy of the local community. Home to dozens of talented and recognized artists, Fernie offers a rich arts scene where both residents and visitors can discover and experience art in accessible and inspiring ways.
Local Art, Big Personality
Galleries & Art Shops
Art Everywhere You Look
As you explore Fernie's downtown, keep your eyes open for beautiful murals and sculptures.
All Kinds of Beauty Mural
Artist: Michael Hepher
Location: Corner of 2nd Ave & 7th St
This impressive 16 x 96-foot mural by local artist Michael Hepher celebrates the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of Fernie. It incorporates elements of the natural landscape, local industry, and community activities, reflecting the diverse passions and lifestyles that define this vibrant town.
All Aboard Mural
Artist: Erich Stoffels
Location: 551 1st Ave, on the wall of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #36
'All Aboard" by Erich Stoffels is the latest addition to Fernie's mural collection and it is a deeply symbolic one. A whimsical depiction of a traditional steam locomotive, highlighting Fernie’s historical connection to the railways, the artwork is also a touching tribute to Fernie’s military veterans with colourful poppies instead of steam coming out of the stack.
A Hardy Town Sculpture
Artist: Michael Hepher & Paul Reimer
Location: 601 1st Avenue
Both pieces always accessible off Station Square. "A Hardy Town" is a poignant public sculpture, that commemorates the community's resilience following the devastating Great Fire of 1908. Created by local artist Michael Hepher and Paul Reimer, the sculpture was unveiled in 2018.
Grow With The Flow Mural
Artist: Tara Higgins & Becca Davies
Location: 601 1st Ave
Grow With The Flow was created in 2022 by local artists Tara Higgins and Becca Davies and celebrates Fernie's dynamic community, intertwining elements of nature, music, and the town's mining heritage.
The Miner's Walk - The Face of the Miner
Artist: Jeff De Boer
Location: 501 3rd Ave, front lawn of City Hall
Interpretive outdoor exhibit and a charming and unique tribute to Fernie's mining heritage, featuring small-scale iron sculptures by Fernie Forge and The Face of the Miner by Jeff De Boer.
More Art to See Around Town
The Fernie Banner Project
Since 2005, Up to 40 works of art have been selected annually and turned into beautiful art banners. These banners are hung from the light posts along 2nd Avenue in Historic Downtown Fernie, and when the new banners arrive each year the ones on 2nd Avenue are moved to the highway for a second year.The banners provide a colourful and interesting welcome to Fernie, highlighting the diverse local arts & culture scene and welcoming visitors to explore and see our spectacular surroundings through someone else's eyes. Featured works include paintings, drawings and mixed media art from professional & amateur artists of all ages, plus photography, glasswork, pottery, quilting, sculpture, fibre art, metalwork, installations and more.
Out of the Box - Dumpster Project
From 2014 – 2024, the 'Out of the Box' Dumpster Art Project brought art to the public via a special program to paint public dumpsters in Fernie. A weekend of dumpster painting was held annually to create new has beautiful works of art, which can now be found at many locations around town.