Thanks to Angela Fehr for featuring me in her biweekly Artist of the Peace column in Northeast News. You can view the archived article by clicking here.

A group photo of the M-K Artist Camp participants for 2009.

Another memorable artist camp took place August 1-8th, chock full of moons, northern lights, and a whole lot of creativity. Check out the following youtube videos:

Elizabeth Bachinsky singing on the alpine.
Elizabeth Bachinsky sings and Sue Sinclair dances.
Farewell to M-K Artist Camp (Marilyn Belak on flute, Pauline Freed and Sharon Gaunt on paddles.

If you're interested in seeing some photos of this year's artist camp, check out this flikr site.

Great fun was had running the torch aka bullrushes from the Rolla Pub to Albert's Loft, site of September's Sweetwater 905. The event served as a welcome to this year's M-K Artist Camp participants and a kick-off to the countdown to Sweetwater 905 (being held September 4-6, 2009). Following the torch lighting was a fantastic poetry reading and music including much dancing to the music of Bernie Steward and Steven Strasky.

The highlight of my summer so far was a road trip with two of my favorite people in the world - Jennifer Londry and Jeanette Lynes. What fun we had! Not to mention much creative imagining, ie stay tuned for the Skank Journals.

Jennifer Londry launched her book Life and Death in Cheap Motels, written in collaboration with R.D. Roy, at Hot Sauced Words in Toronto July 16th. The performance was terrific and the book tragic, humorous, and altogether original.

Shown here is Jennifer Londry reading from her book at Hot Sauced Words.

After Jennifer and R.D.'s reading, we visited at the Black Swan Tavern.

Shown here l-r Holly Luhning, Jeanette Lynes, and me.

After readings in Kingston, several of us met for drinks and dancing.

l-r Robert May, Jeanette Lynes, Erin Foley, me, Jennifer Londry, Roger Dorey

Poetry Reading and Torch Relay Thursday July 30, 2009

If you are interested in the Muskwa-Kechika Artist Camps, or if you are looking forward to Sweetwater 905, or if you have ever entered a lottery to carry an Olympic torch and were not selected, we have the event for you.

On July 30th, a welcome reception for this year's participants of the Muskwa-Kechika Artist Camp will be held in conjunction with a torch lighting ceremony to mark the countdown to Sweewater 905, a multi-disciplinary festival being held this fall at the Mattson ranch.

The July 30th event will begin at 6:30 pm at the Rolla Pub.

Organizers of the Muskwa-Kechika Artist Camp and Sweetwater 905 will be on hand to award Sweetwater 905 decals to the first 27 people who present them with their t-shirt and $5. Decals will be applied to the t-shirts on-site and will give the owners of the t-shirts the opportunity to take part in the torch relay which will begin at 7:30 pm and will follow Sweetwater Road from the Rolla Pub to Albert's Loft (approximately one mile or 27 telephone poles in distance). Once the torch has reached Albert's Loft, the main flame will be lit and the countdown to Sweetwater 905 will begin. The flame lighting will be followed by a poetry reading in Albert's Loft featuring poets attending this year's Muskwa-Kechika Artist Camp. The poetry reading will be followed by the music of Cockshutt and other guests, including orginal music by Bernie Steward.

Admission to all of the events on July 30th are free and everyone is encouraged to come out and support Dawson Creek's diverse and dynamic arts scene!

For a full listing of the poets reading on July 30th, read on.

This event is sponsored by Writing on the Ridge and Sweetwater 905.

Elizabeth Bachinsky is the author of three collections of poetry - Curio (BookThug, 2005), Home of Sudden Service (Nightwood, 2006), and God of Missed Connections (Nightwood, 2009). Her work has been nominated for the Governor General's Award for Poetry in 2006 and the Bronwen Wallace Award in 2004 and has appeared in literary journals, anthologies, and on film in Canada, the United States, France, Ireland, England, and China. She is an instructor of creative writing at Douglas College in New Westminster where she is Poetry Editor for Event magazine.

City Councillor in Dawson Creek, Registered Nurse and mother of two magnificent children who are grown and flown, Marilyn Belak is published in Canadian literary journals, has produced chap books and is working on a poetry manuscript. In 2008 she participated in the “Written in Stone” project which created a Renga along the walking trail in Dawson Creek. Winter 09 she participated in an online Fiction Course given by M-K alumna, Sheila Peters of Creekstone Press.

Donna Kane has published two books of poetry, Somewhere, a Fire and Erratic, both with Hagios Press. Her work has been included in anthologies and journals across Canada. She is currently completing a degree at UVic and while in Victoria helps with the Open Word reading series and is on the editorial board of The Malahat Review.

Sarah Burgoyne is from Langley, BC, and picked up a passion for writing at a very young age when she began writing a long and complicated fantasy novel punctuated by riddle-poems the characters had to decipher. Among other things, Sarah loves to paint, play music, write poetry, and be outside. She is currently entering the fourth year of the Creative Writing program at the University of Victoria studying poetry and English literature.

Rebekah Rempel grew up near Dawson Creek, B.C., and now lives in Rolla with her husband. She has fourth-year status in the University of Victoria’s Writing Department and plans to obtain her BA with a major in poetry.

Sue Sinclair has written four books of poetry and her work has been nominated for awards including the Gerald Lampert and Pat Lowther Awards and the Atlantic Book Prize for Poetry. Her most recent book, Breaker, was published in 2008 by Brick Books. She is currently completing her PhD in Philosophy at the University of Toronto.

Gillian Wigmore grew up in Vanderhoof, BC, graduated from the University of Victoria in 1999, and currently lives in Prince George. Her book, Soft Geography, was shortlisted for the Dorothy Livesay Poetry Prize and won the Relit Award.

Jennifer Londry published her first book in June 2009, a poetry collaboration with R. D. Roy titled Life & Death in Cheap Motels. An exploration of the cheap motel as "both a place and a state of mind," the collection has been compared to a "gut-punch guided tour through all the 3 a.m. gritty neighbourhoods of the soul." She recently completed a second collection, 32 Days of Summer, an odyssey through the mystery of Alzheimer's disease. She is currently at work on a memoir, The Black & White Brides of Christ, about growing up Catholic among aunts who, she says, are a cross between Kathy Bates in Misery and Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's. You can visit her at www.youtube.com at Life and Death in Cheap Motels. Jennifer lives in Kingston, ON.

Plans are now underway for the 2009 M-K Artist Camp. This year, on July 30th, artists will be participating in a welcome reception and kick-off count down to the Sweetwater 905 before heading up to the week long camp. Some of the participants will also be participating in readings along the Alaska Highway. Check back for more news on all of the events leading up to and including the camp.

Click here to see who is attending this year's camp.

While at the Writer's Union of Canada AGM in Calgary, many of us attended the Alberta Writer's Guild Literary Awards Gala. A great time with friends old and new.

(l-r) Back row: Leona Theis, Karen McLaughlin, Merilyn Simonds, me. Front row: Sid Marty, Jeanette Lynes, fiction writer from Calgary, Ian LeTourneau.

Had a great time at the Writer's Union of Canada AGM in Calgary May 22-24, 2009.

Pictured here are two of the highlights of my trip - seeing friends Fred Stenson and Jeanette Lynes again.

Those who stayed on an extra day after the M-K Art Show opening found themselves roped into soaping saddles in preparation for this year's artist camp and expeditions.

Victoria philanthropist and writer Paddy Stewart, Saskatoon poet Laura Edna Lacey, and Rolla sculptor Emilie Mattson.

The M-K Art Show opening was a great success. The artwork is nothing short of fabulous. The show will be on display at the Dawson Creek Art Gallery until June 7, 2009. Work ranges from sculptures, video art, paintings, writing, beadwork, and moccasins. A real testament to the inspiration that comes from experiencing the Muskwa-Kechika!

Chetwynd video artist and 2008 M-K Artist Camp participant Cherie Valentina Stocken discusses her work with Al and Mary Mottishaw.

Some of us gathered at our house after the opening to visit and dance.

(l-r) Jacqueline Hoekstra, Gibsons BC poet and 2008 M-K Artist Camp participant, Sherry Coffey, Athabasca, Alberta writer and organizer of the Athabasca University repository of M-K Artwork and a 2008 Artist Camp participant, Donna Kane, Marilyn Belak, upcoming M-K Artist Camp participant and Kit Fast, Dawson Creek artist and 2008 Artist Camp participant.

Seen here (in front of some of Cranbrook artist Ann Jones's work) are some of the 2007 Artist Camp participants who were in attendance at the opening. (l-r) Ann Jones, Saskatoon poet Laura Lacey, Donna Kane, and Rosaleen and Angharad Ward from Hudson's Hope. 2007 participants Kristen Auger and Adrienne Greyeyes (from Fort St. John) were also in attendance but unfortunately left before we were able to take this shot.

A good crowd turned out to view the artwork at the Dawson Creek Art Gallery at its opening May 12th. Audience members enjoyed the artwork as well as a welcome address from Ellen Corea, curator of the Dawson Creek Art Gallery and by Marilyn Belak, Dawson Creek city councillor. We also had the pleasure of hearing poetry readings by Sherry Coffey, Jacqueline Hoekstra, and Laura Edna Lacey, and a lively account of life on the trail by Paddy Stewart.

The show was made possible through the support of the BC Arts Council, the Dawson Creek Art Gallery, and Writing on the Ridge. The show runs until June 7, 2009.

Donna Kane acknowledging supporters and introducing the artists in attendance.

M-K Artist Camp participant Barbara Swail takes a bird's eye view of the artwork. All of the artwork at the show will soon be available for viewing at the Athabasca University Muskwa-Kechika Artist Camp Collection.

The M-K Artist Camp exhibit was hung at the Dawson Creek Art Gallery Monday, May 11th - and throughout the day artists from out of town began to arrive for the big opening May 12th. After hanging the show, some of us relaxed at the Rolla Pub.

Back Row (l-r) Wayne Sawchuk, Donna Kane, proprietor Patti Martin
Front Row (l-r) Jacqueline Hoekstra (Gibsons, BC), Paddy Stewart (Victoria, BC), Elaine (Okanagon Falls, BC), Anne Jones (Cranbrook, BC)

On Saturday May 2, The Dawson Creek Public Library hosted a dynamic reading by spoken word poet Barbara Adler and CBC's Betsy Trumpener (whose new book of short fiction, The Butcher of Penetang, was recently published by Caitlin Press).

Later, Betsy and Barbara checked out the Rolla Pub.

L-R Kit Fast, Wayne Sawchuk, Donna Kane, Betsy Trumpener, and Barbara Adler

It's great to be back in Rolla for the summer, and I was so glad to get back in time to hear Betsy Trumpener and Barbara Adler read at the public library, and later to have a chance to visit with friends at the Rolla Pub.

L-R Patti Marten, Donna Kane, Betsy Trumpener, Barbara Adler

The Muskwa-Kechika Art Show, taking place at the Dawson Creek Art Gallery May 12th - June 7, 2009 will feature artwork by the 2007 and 2008 M-K Artists as well as by artists who participated in the M-K Expeditions in 2007 and 2008. From poetry by Sheila Peters to visual art and music by Garry Oker to a sculpture by Brian Jungen, this is one show you won't want to miss!

Shown here, a detail of one of the paintings that will be on display - "The Darkness is Lifted in the Muskwa-Kechika" (oil on wood by 2007 M-K Expedition artist Deryk Houston).

A huge thanks to all my friends who threw a surprise birthday party for me. Seen here is the traditional birthday pyramid (thanks also goes to those who helped me reach the top without toppling the rest!).

Here is a picture of everyone at my birthday party (missing from photo: Johanna Bush and Rosaleen Ward). Later, we rolled up the rug and danced and danced to Dave's dancing CD. How lucky I am to have such great friends!

In 2008, Writing on the Ridge established a partnership with Athabasca University to develop an online repository of each year's artwork. A big thank you to Sherry Coffey, Repository Network & Content Specialist and 2008 Artist Camp Alumni, for spearheading this project. You can now view the artwork by clicking here .

Mother Tongue Publishing has recently published a beautiful anthology of BC Poetry, titled Rocksalt.

The Victoria launch was held on Saturday, November 15th, and as I am down here for school, I was able to attend and read my poem that has been included in the book.

While I may be the only poet in the book who can boast being from Rolla (which is shown on a map included in the anthology), there are a few other contributors who have been to the Rolla pub after giving readings at the Dawson Creek Art Gallery. They include Patrick Friesen, Catherine Greenwood and Sheila Peters.

Don Denton, literary photographer, was on hand and took the photo you see here.

The third M-K Artist Camp held August 7-14, 2008 brought another year of inspired ideas, wilderness trekking, chopping wood, campfire chats and great companionship.

To see some of Kit Fast's photography, click here.

To see Jacqueline Hoekstra's photos on youtube and her tribute to Paint, click here.

Shown here is the group in the alpine, keeping warm by the fire!

Gaspereau Press will be publishing Don McKay's book of poems and essays inspired from his trip to the Muskwa-Kechika Artist Camp in 2006. For information on or to buy this beautiful one-of-a-kind book, click here.

One of the poems, "Song for the Song of the Loon" is also available on audio file in Don's new CD published by Rattling Books.

Bios of the 2008 M-K Artist Camp participants are now being added to the M-K Artist Camp page. To see who will be expressing themselves in the wilderness this year, click here!

Thanks to Jenny and the Friends of the Library for having me facilitate a weekend writing workshop. What a fun and talented group of writers!

Shown here is the bunch of us. (l-r) Back Row: Tom Benoit, Peg Benoit, Florence Anderson, Julie Milliken, Barbara Glasier, Barbara Swail, Tracy McKenzie Front Row: Jane Parsons, Theresa Gladue, Lisa Irvine, me

Today I visited some Grade 11 and 12 students in a writing class at South Peace Secondary School. As always, I enjoyed it a lot and hope the students did too. I wanted a picture of all of us outside on the sidewalk where students have been chalking up poems, but we would have had to have photo release waivers so I could only take a picture of the sidewalk, shown here. Click on it to see a bigger chunk.

Dymphny Dronyk was the brainchild behind the League of Canadian Poet's Western Swing, a cross border exchange of Albertan, Saskatchewan and BC poets. One of the readings took place on April 29th at the wonderful Rabbit Hole Bookstore in Grande Prairie and included readings by Dymphny Dronyk, Alexis Kienlan, rob mclennan, Jenna Butler, and a few of us from Dawson Creek: Marilyn Belak, Rebekah Rempel, and me, shown here.

Thanks to a kind invite from Victoria's Poet Laureate Carla Funk, I will be reading with Carla at The Pacific Festival of the Book on March 15th.

Photo: Victoria's Poet Laureate, Carla Funk

On Saturday March 1 (after a bit of searching for Cormorant Street...), we were lucky enough to take in M-K Artist Camp alumni Dorothy Field's opening of her wonderful new show "What the Body Knows." Her exquisite work tells stories that are both imaginative and moving, The show will be on display at the Martin Batchelor Gallery in Victoria, BC until April 3.

Seen here is Dorothy Field with one of her pieces created from the 2006 M-K Artist Camp exhibit (just one of the many fabulous pieces on display) along with Wayne Sawchuk, host and guide for the M-K Artist and Naturalist Camps.

Residing in BC's capital for a few months has given me the opportunity to take in many poetry readings. The week of February 4th brought no less than four poetry readings, one in which I read at along with Steve Price. That reading took place February 8th at the Black Stilt Coffee House.

The week was topped off by a visit from Hudson's Hope's Rosaleen Ward and a cultural pub crawl, where we managed to find a place that was nearly as much fun as the Rolla Pub!

Photo: Rosaleen Ward and me at Big Bad John's.

The inaugural issue of "Lake: a journal of arts and environment" is now out and features the Muskwa-Kechika Artist Camps.

For more information, visit Lake

On December 15th, a housewarming party at our new place in Rolla generated the creation of two music videos which can be viewed on youtube!

To hear all of us sing "Jingle Bells" click here (special thanks to Bill Studley for leading us in this).

To hear Dean Mattson sing "Wayfaring Stranger" click here.

On Saturday December 1st, a few M-K Artist Camp participants and friends gathered for a visit. Seen here is 2006 Artist Camp participant Deryk Houston going above and beyond by helping us hang one of his paintings on our wall.

Photo: Hands-on help in hanging the painting provided by (l-r) Wayne Sawchuk, Deryk Houston, and Marilyn Belak

Hands-off help with the hanging of Deryk's painting was provided by (l-r) 2007 Artist Camp participant Brian Jungen, Rollolian Larry Kunz, artist and musician Dean Mattson, 2006 Artist Camp participant Barbara Swail, and photographer Kit Fast.

After-hanging refreshments were enjoyed at the Rolla Pub. Seen here are some of us with proprietor Patti Martin.

Seen here at the Rolla Pub enjoying a lively conversation on art are (l-r) 2006 Artist Camp participant Emilie Mattson, artist and musician Dean Mattson, and 2007 Artist Camp participant Brian Jungen.

The current issue (Vol. 21 No. 4 Winter 2007-2008) of BC Bookworld features "writers who are outside the urban bubble". To read my essay in this issue, you can pick up a copy of BC Bookworld at your local library or read it online at ABC Bookworld.

On November 13th I read in Vancouver along with Ruth Roach Pierson and George Sipos at the Robson Square Reading Series, hosted by the wonderful poet, Liz Bachinsky.

It was great to see old friends and to make a few new ones.

Seen here after the reading and before being turfed (or at least it seemed so) from the lovely Sylvia Hotel bar are (l-r) Sally, Ryan MacLeod, Bridget and George Sipos, Kyle, Blake, Liz Bachinsky, Ruth Roach Pierson, me, and Jacqueline Hoekstra.

It was great to be back with friends Jeanette Lynes and Ruth Roach Pierson.

Photo: me, Jeanette, Ruth

On October 23, Ruth Roach Pierson and I read at the Economy Shoe Shop in Halifax. Thanks to David Rimmington for hosting the event.

Photo: (l-r) Shown here after the reading are me, poets Brian Bartlett, David Rimmington, Ruth Roach Pierson, and Sue McLeod)

Poet extraordinaire Jeanette Lynes hosted a reading for Ruth Roach Pierson and I in her classroom at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

Photo: me reading to Jeanette's class at St. Francis Xavier

A wonderful time was had in Bonners Ferry with generous hosts Jerry and Ingrid Pavia. Thanks also to John at Bonners Books (one of the best used bookstores I've ever visited!) who hosted the reading which included a reading by Ingrid Pavia and a slide presentation by Wayne Sawchuk.

Photo: Ingrid Pavia reading her poetry at Bonners Books.

Along with fellow Hagios author Michael Trussler and Hagios co-publisher Paul Wilson whose new book Turning Mountain has just been published by Wolsak and Wynn, I had the pleasure of reading in Regina and Saskatoon from my new book.

Shown here at the Bessborough Hotel after the Saskatoon launch are (l-r) poets Jeff Park, Michael Trussler, Holly Luhning, writer and Hagios co-publisher Don Ward, Paul Wilson, artist and photographer Amy Snider, and me.

On Friday, September 7th, I launched my new book at Sweetwater 905, a weekend of music, visual art, and poetry. My reading took place in a granary where Karl Mattson's art installation "Industrial Evolution" was displayed. Not only was it a thought-provoking art piece but I think I may hold some kind of distinction for launching my book beside a two-headed calf.

Unfortunately, I don't have a picture of it. Shown here instead is me reading an opening poem for the weekend from the loft of the Mattson barn. If you'd like to read my opening poem, it's currently the Feature Poem on my home page.

My new book of poetry, titled Erratic, was published by Hagios Press in September.

Shown here is the cover of my book. Cover art - Peter von Tiesenhausen's "Ship"

Below is a schedule of upcoming book launches:

February 8, 2008
Planet Earth Poetry at Black Stilt, Victoria, BC
(Reading with Steve Price)

November 13th
Robson Square Library, Vancouver, BC
(Reading with Ruth Roach Pierson and George Sipos)

October 23rd
The Economy Shoe Shop, Halifax, NS
(Reading with Ruth Roach Pierson)

October 22nd
St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, NS
(Reading with Ruth Roach Pierson)

October 18th
Bonners Ferry, Idaho

September 26th
The Sheraton Cavalier Hotel, Saskatoon, SK
(Reading with Michael Trussler and Paul Wilson)

September 25th
The Exchange, Regina, SK
(Reading with Michael Trussler and Paul Wilson)

September 7th
Sweetwater 905, Rolla, BC

For the second time this summer, Rollolians took part in a progressive art/sauna/leg wrestling/walking tour. Special guests at this event included my son and daughter and freelance writer/reporter for the Vancouver Sun (and a seasoned leg wrestler in his own right), Larry Pynn.

This year, in addition to our M-K Artist Camp, a Naturalist Camp was also held. The Camp took place from August 4-11th amd brought together an impressive group of naturalists led by Ben Gadd whose book Handbook of the Canadian Rockies is the one book you should never be without while in (or out of, for that matter) the Canadian Rockies!

Some notable events of the naturalist camp (and there too many to mention!) were a trip into the alpine, a mountain hike to an erratic containing archaeocyath fossils, Ben's seasonal ecology sessions, and plotting a burn site to monitor vegetation.

Photo of Naturalist Group: Back Row (l-r) Ben Gadd, Bev Ramey, Sandra Hepburn, Cathy Koot, Michael Boronowski. Front Row (l-r) Bill Ramey, Kathy Iselmoe, Donna Kane, Meredith Thornton, Wayne Sawchuk, and Chancey the dog. (Photo courtesy of Michael Boronowski)

Imagine waking to a drum song, riding horses into the alpine, hiking up mountains, and enjoying great conversations about art, wilderness and life while sitting around an open campfire. These are just a few examples of what took place July 28th - August 4th when 12 artists from across the country came to the Muskwa-Kechika Management Area.

See below for more pictures from the 2007 M-K Artist Camp.

To see bios of the artists who participated, visit our Muskwa-Kechika Camps link.

Photo: The 2007 M-K Artist Camp participants in the Muskwa-Kechika (photo by Wayne Sawchuk).

While some rode horses into the alpine, others hiked. Writer/publisher Sheila Peters (right) and I enjoyed a scenic rest near the end of our trek.

This year, the camp enjoyed the shelter of a new tipi. Many of the artist presentations took place here and, when not presenting, some of us painted. Seen here is Sara-Lynn Johnson adding her creativity to the tipi wall.

The artists once again had the pleasure of riding and hiking into the alpine. Hats off to Wayne Sawchuk for leading the way.

Some of the artists helped out in bringing the horses back to camp. Pictured here is artist Brian Jungen on Hazel.

Taking in the view of Mayfield from the top of a mountain are artists (l-r) Adrienne Greyeyes, Laura Edna Lacey, Kristen Auger, Brian Jungen, and Sheila Peters.

The artist camp inspired many different ways of viewing art and wilderness. Along that theme was a song written by Garry Oker while at the camp. Garry is seen here enjoying a truly expansive view.

City Councilor Marilyn Belak invited the women of the media to lunch. If you're wondering why I was invited, it's a good question. I do know that I appreciate the great support of the media in all my events (not to mention Councilor Belak's work on council) and they are a great bunch to be around!

Photo: (l-r) Lindsay Warner (CJDC TV), Joei Warm (Northeast News), Cary Walter (Dawson Creek Daily News), Marilyn Belak (City Councilor), me, Alicia Asquith (CJDC News) - and in front - the lovely April Parker (Peace FM)

From Bonner's Ferry, Idaho, 2006 M-K Artist Camp alumni Jerry Pavia dropped by for a visit in his Mercedes Benz - fueled with vegetable oil. Shown here is Jerry with his car by a lovely field of canola.

And what does Jerry do when he's not driving his car?

Click on his picture to find out (mystery woman aka councillor and poet Marilyn Belak).

The Whitehorse Poetry Festival took place June 22-24, 2007 and was a great success. Thanks and congratulations to Clea Roberts and the Whitehorse Poetry Collective for their hard work and terrific hospitality!

Photo: (l-r) me, Clea Roberts, Barry McKinnon, and Sharon Thesen enjoying a post-reading dinner at the home of Clea and Mark Roberts

Here we are (l-r Hardy Friedrich, Emilie Mattson, me and Dean Mattson), after the impromptu art auction at Karl Mattson's - in which I scored this fantastic painting - setting off to the next stop of the night's progressive art tour.

June 16th was the night of the M-K Art Video screening, which took place at our house and continued on to a tour of Emilie Mattson's studio, then to a stop at Karl Mattson's studio which transpired into an art auction of Karl's work in which I was the successful bidder on this painting of Karl's. Pictured here in Larry Kunz's sauna (the third, but not the last stop of the night's progressive art tour) is Karl and his painting and me, thrilled purchaser of the piece.

The 2007 Muskwa-Kechika Artist Camp is just a few weeks away. Visit Muskwa-Kechika Camps to have a look at some of the dynamic artists attending this year's camp.

10 years ago a group of us known as the purple donuts hosted the Festival of the Sweetwater Moon, an arts festival that featured singer/songwriter Roy Forbes. The night before the event, an impromptu planning session at the Rolla Pub inspired the placement of a temporary and "unofficial" Roy Forbes Freeway sign (painted by artist Emilie Mattson) on the Rolla Road.

It was an idea that persisted inside me for a decade, and I'm pleased to say that it's finally official and permanent!

"Roy Forbes Drive" was unveiled in Dawson Creek on June 9th by Mayor Calvin Kruk. The unveiling was followed by a sold out and fantastic performance by Roy at the Kiwanis Performing Arts Centre.

A very big thank you to the City of Dawson Creek for seeing my request through.

For more information on Roy's tribute weekend, click here.

Photo: me with Roy Forbes at "Roy Forbes Drive."

Prior to the reading at the Hudson's Hope Public Library, poets Lorna Crozier and Patrick Lane were given a tour of the Hudson's Hope Museum by Coordinator Rosaleen Ward.

(l-r) Rosaleen Ward, Coordinator of the Hudson's Hope Museum, with Donna Kane, Lorna Crozier, and Patrick Lane

The town of Hudson's Hope had the rare opportunity to hear two of Canada's best-known poets when Lorna Crozier and Patrick Lane read to an appreciative crowd at the Hudson's Hope Public Library Thursday May 17, 2007.

Thank you to Karen Anderson and staff at the Hudson's Hope Public Library for hosting this event.

Patrick Lane reading at the Hudson's Hope Public Library

Over 30 poets and well over 100 audience members participated in Poetry Day in Dawson Creek on Wednesday May 16th. Readers from near and far, from first-time readers to seasoned performers took to the stage at the Dawson Creek Art Gallery and gave community members a taste of poetry like never before!

Thank you to the Canada Council for the Arts, the Dawson Creek Art Gallery, the Dawson Coop, Al Mottishaw of Re-Max Dawson Creek Realty, and Writing on the Ridge for their generous support of the day.

Seen here is me, Donna Kane, giving a welcome and introduction to the first reading of the day.

Dymphny Dronyk and Alexis Kienlen, whose books have recently been published by Frontenac House, read from their work at the Poetry Day in Dawson Creek event.

Dymphny and Alexis accept a gift from Marilyn Belak, a councilor (and poet in her own right) from the City of Dawson Creek

Award-winning poets Lorna Crozier and Patrick Lane were the day's featured readers. Their magnificent readings were the perfect end to a wonderful day of poetry in Dawson Creek.

Patrick Lane and Lorna Crozier relaxing at the end of the day's events with Patti Martin, proprietor of the Rolla Pub

No reading in Dawson Creek would be complete without a wind-up reception at the Rolla Pub.

A group of poets and audience members who took in the post-reading reception at the Rolla Pub

Rebekah Rempel, former South Peace Secondary School and Northern Lights College graduate, read some of her poetry with Lorna Crozier and Patrick Lane at the gala evening reading May 16, 2007.

Rebekah is currently studying poetry with Lorna Crozier at the University of Victoria.

Rebekah Rempel at the gala evening reading

A highlight of the day's events was a reading by Mayor Calvin Kruk. Calvin read Dr. Seuss's "Green Eggs and Ham" to a delighted crowd of poetry enthusiasts.

Mayor Calvin Kruk reading a well known poem about first impressions

Poetry Day in Dawson Creek's first reading of the day was the Local Poets Reading. Nine amazing local readers inspired the crowd during the lunch hour of May 16, 2007.

Seen here are local poets (Back Row l-r) Linda Studley, Shannon McKinnon, Theresa Gladue, Dori Braun, Brenda Neil, Anne Clayton (Front Row l-r) Barbara Carlson, Jeannie Lindgren, Marilyn Belak

From CJDC's Grizz Michael's riveting reading of Ernest Cline's "Dance, Monkeys, Dance" to Peace FM's Hugh Headley's rapping of Kool Moe Dee's "Go See the Doctor" to original poetry penned by Alaska Highway News reporter hardy f, representatives from radio, television, and newspapers throughout the region wowed the crowds at the Media Poetry Bash, an event to be remembered for a very long time!

Special thanks to CJDC's April Parker for a wonderful job introducing the readers!

Seen here are the media folks who took part in the Media Poetry Bash May 16, 2007

Artwork from the 2006 Muskwa-Kechika Artist Exploration Camp has been touring the Peace Liard region since February 2007. The show is making its final appearance at the Fort Nelson campus of Northern Lights College. The show opened May 11th and will be on display at the college until May 31st.

If you live anywhere near the Fort Nelson area, be sure to take in this remarkable show!

Click on the photo to see details of artwork by all 14 artists who attended the camp.

Marl Brown (left), Curator, Custodian and Founder of the Fort Nelson Museum, was one of the community members who took in the opening of the M-K Art Show at the Fort Nelson campus of Northern Lights College on Friday May 11th.

Emilie Mattson (right) discusses her sculpture with other regional artists who attended the M-K Art Show in Fort Nelson. The show will be on display until May 31st.

Friday April 13th marked the opening of the Muskwa-Kechika Art Show at North Peace Gallery in Fort St. John.

A good crowd turned out and the exhibit looked wonderful. Thanks to Shar and Sarah at the North Peace Gallery and the Spirit of BC Program for their support in making this show a success!

Pictured here is a sculpture by Emilie Mattson, whose work was part of the M-K Art Show.

Pictured here is a painting (oil and tar on canvas) by Karl Mattson, titled The Sentinels.

Pictured here is Yeva Mattson with her piece, titled MiKro/MaKro

Shown here is a video still from one of Von Bark's videos, titled The Horses!

"Under the Influence", an art exhibit of work by students of Laine Dahlen's Visual Arts program at Northern Lights College, opened Saturday night. The event, which was kept as a surprise, was a celebration of Laine's 30 years of remarkable artistic mentorship. Over 100 people attended the event and it was a wonderful and heartwarming evening!

"Under the Influence", a drawing I did in Laine's class in the early 1990s, before I switched to poetry.

On Wednesday, March 7th, I visited two Grade 10 classes at South Peace Secondary School in Dawson Creek, as part of the Federation of BC Writers Off the Page Program.

I had a great time, and I hope the students did too!

Seen here is me with Laura Paterson, student teacher, and some of the students I visited.

On February 17 and 18, I had the pleasure of facilitating a creative writing workshop at the Dawson Creek Library. Thank you to Jenny and the library staff for hosting the workshop and for feeding us! What a terrific weekend. It was an honor to hear so many creative and wonderful words.

On Saturday, February 10th, Canada Council for the Arts' Genevieve Landreville enjoyed visits to some notable artist studios in our area. Seen here is Genevieve enjoying a ski at Peter von Tiesenhausen's home and studio. Genevieve also made stops at Karl Mattson's studio as well as Emilie Mattson's.

(l-r) Peter von Tiesenhausen, Theresa von Tiesenhausen, and Genevieve.

Victoria artist Deryk Houston (left) was one of the out of town artists who attended the opening. Seen here with Deryk is Rosaleen Ward and Wayne Sawchuk.

We were pleased to have both youth artists attend the opening. Seen here are Colton Gibbins from Bonners Ferry, Idaho and Yeva Mattson from Prince George. The painting in the picture is by Colton.

The opening saw a packed crowd enjoying the art and the presentations given by artists and dignitaries.

As part of the M-K Art Show opening, the 50th anniversary of the Canada Council for the Arts was also celebrated. Genevieve Landreville, Special Events Coordinator with the Canada Council for the Arts, came all the way from Ottawa to join in the festivities. Seen here is Genevieve and friends cutting the anniversary cake.

Mayor Calvin Kruk and City Councilor Marilyn Belak made a special presentation to Genevieve Landreville in honor of the Canada Council for the Arts 50th anniversary.

One of the highlights at the post-opening reception at the Rolla Pub was the firework show. One firework was launched for the crowd.

Over 100 people came out to enjoy the artwork created from the Muskwa-Kechika Artist Exploration Camp.

Tomorrow is the big night, and some of us are still finishing up our pieces for the Muskwa-Kechika Artist Exploration Camp art show, opening at 7 pm tomorrow, February 9th, at the Dawson Creek Art Gallery.

Seen here is me, working on my banner titled You Know Me Better Than I Know Myself.

As part of the launch of the M-K Art Show, Writing on the Ridge will also be hosting an anniversary party for the Canada Council for the Arts . Genny Landreville with the Canada Council for the Arts, will be travelling from Ottawa for the festivities.

Since its inception in 2001, Writing on the Ridge has hosted over 50 author readings, more than one reading for every year the Canada Council for the Arts has been in existence! Many of these readings have been supported by the Canada Council for the Arts, and Writing on the Ridge wishes to thank them for their invaluable support to arts and culture in Northern BC.

This year, Writing on the Ridge is proud to assist in two exciting camps to be held in the beautiful Muskwa-Kechika Management Area. Click here for more information!

Photo: Detail of a painting created from the 2006 Muskwa-Kechika Artist Exploration Camp (click on image to see the entire piece). The painting is by Victoria artist Deryk Houston (Title of Piece: "Muskwa Kechika" Medium: acrylic on canvas Size: 30" x 130").

Over 70 people showed up at the Dawson Creek Art Gallery to take in Wayne Sawchuk's slide show of his 2006 Muskwa-Kechika Expedition and the Muskwa-Kechika Artist Exploration Camp which took place this past August.

While visiting the Rolla Pub after a full day of readings, Elizabeth Bachinsky agreed to an impromptu reading at the request of the pub clientele. Thank you Liz for your generosity and wonderful words!

Elizabeth Bachinsky, finalist for the 2006 Governor General's Award for Poetry, gave four readings while in Dawson Creek on November 16th. Elizabeth wowed the crowds at South Peace Secondary School, Northern Lights College, and the Dawson Creek Art Gallery, finishing off with an impromptu reading at the Rolla Pub.

Seen here is Elizabeth at the Dawson Creek Art Gallery

Forget the Mile Zero Post, the when-in-the-Peace-you-must-be-photographed-beside place now resides in Bessborough, approximately 28 kms northwest of the formerly famous Alaska Highway marker. Brainchild of local writer Shannon McKinnon, you can keep abreast of her Ditch Stove Project by visiting Shannon's stove project blog at www.shannonmckinnon.com/blog.html.

Seen here is me, having my picture taken beside the stove and Bessborough Betty.

Susan Juby, award-winning author of Miss Smithers and the made for TV Alice, I Think, read to an appreciative audience Thursday October 5th. Susan had the distinction of reading beside the amazing cow placenta boat created by artists Emilie, Dean, and Karl Mattson. The Mattson show, titled "The Expedition" is on display at the Dawson Creek Art Gallery from September 26th to November 11th.

(l-r) poets Sandra Ridley, Jennifer Londry (poet and birthday gal), me, Rhonda Douglas (poet and host of the Tree Reading Series), and rob mclennan. Thank you to Rhonda and Dean for hosting my reading September 26th.

On September 26th, I read at the Tree Reading Series, one of Canada's longest running literary events.

Visiting after the reading. (l-r) Jennifer Londry, Sandra Ridley, Christopher Taylor, and me.

From August 6th - 14th, 2006, twelve artists from across Canada participated in the Muskwa-Kechika Artist Exploration Camp.

Shown here is a detail of a painting created from the art camp (click on the image to see the entire piece). The painting is by Victoria artist Deryk Houston (Title of Piece: "Muskwa Kechika" Medium: acrylic on canvas Size: 30" x 130").

Support for the art camp was generously provided by Arts Now, the Canada Council for the Arts, the Northern Lights College Foundation, the Peace Liard Regional Arts Council, the Chetwynd Environmental Society and the Dawson Creek Art Gallery.

The first exhibit of the artwork produced from the camp will be held at the Dawson Creek Art Gallery February 6 - March 3, 2007. See below for a photo-log of the camp. For more information on the Muskwa-Kechika, visit www.muskwakechika.com

Many of the artists left subtle pieces of art around Mayfield. Seen here is Deryk Houston's Rocks and shaped branches.

Taking in the spectacular scenery at the top of a mountain are Donna Kane, Emilie Mattson, Donna Wende, and Deryk Houston.

Photographers Jerry Pavia and Wayne Sawchuk hard at work.

A group shot fronted by an assemblage of antlers, collected mostly by Colton.

Wayne Sawchuk and Emilie Mattson setting out to do some artwork.

Weaver, writer, and paper artist Dotter Field makes a thread of yarn from goat hair found at a mineral lick.

Artists had the good fortune of spending two days in the alpine. Hats off to Wayne (seen here leading the pack string) for packing us up and getting us there and back with such seeming ease!

Taking in the view from the wharf at Mayfield Lake are Colton and Yeva, two young artists who participated in the camp.

Artist Karl Mattson sits on a chair he built from found materials in an area where a forest fire had recently passed through.

Prior to the two day pack string trip into the alpine, artists had a chance to go on some practise rides around Mayfield. Seen here on Bucky is poet Don McKay.

At the end of each day, artists gave presentations on their work.

It took three float plane trips to bring in the artists and their gear. Seen here, waiting for his flight, is artist Deryk Houston.

Don McKay, on the wharf at Muncho Lake, before boarding the float plane into the Muskwa-Kechika.

After arriving at Muncho Lake, artists boarded a float plane owned by Urs Schildknecht of Liard Air. The float plane took the artists to the art camp, located at Mayfield Lake in the heart of the Muskwa-Kechika.

Just one of the breathtaking views from the float plane as we flew in to the artist camp.

Artists travelled by car to Muncho Lake from Rolla. One of the stops along the way was this viewpoint where participants enjoyed one of their first views of the Muskwa-Kechika. Seen here are (l-r) Donna Wende, Deryk Houston, and Barbara Swail.

The Muskwa-Kechika artists gathered outside of the Rolla Pub (missing from photo - Jerry Pavia, Colton, Wayne Sawchuk, and Yeva Mattson).

The artists began their adventure at the Rolla Pub where over 100 community members came out to celebrate two important events - the recent designation of heritage status to the Rolla Hotel and the Muskwa-Kechika Artist Exploration Camp.

(l-r) Don McKay, Sally McKay, and Von Bark, participants of the M-K Artist Exploration Camp, taking in the welcome reception at the Rolla Pub.

Jeanette Lynes, currently writer in residence at the Saskatoon Public Library, came to Dawson Creek to facilitate a Youth Writer's Workshop over the weekend. Jeanette was our writer in residence at Northern Lights College last summer. It was great to have Jeanette back in the Peace!

Jeanette Lynes takes some time out to look for fossils.

(l-r) Jeanette Lynes and Wayne Sawchuk

Heading back to the airport, Jeanette Lynes stops to visit the famous Beaver sculpture in Beaverlodge, Alberta.

(l-r) Donna Kane and Jeanette Lynes

Sue Wheeler read from her newest collection of poetry at the Dawson Creek Art Gallery Monday April 24th.

(l-r ) Sue Wheeler with Tim Ewert and Donna Kane after the reading.

Photo Credit: Pat Moss

Photo Credit: Pat Moss