A coalition of artists are working towards branding northwest B.C. as a haven for art.
Run by Community Futures Nadina, the Enterprising Artisans project aims to unite all artists in the region under a single banner.
Erin Martens is a freelance graphic designer who joined Community Futures to start the project last January. Marents says the artists’ project got its start as a way to spotlight unknown artists who work in small towns and rural areas from Burns Lake to Smithers.
But that spotlight is now casting a wider circle.
“We’ve have so much interest from people in the Hazeltons and Vanderhoof and Fraser Lake,” Martens said. “So we’re going to be pushing it open as the project gets more exposure.”
Martens said the first order of business is to come up with a brand and a new name that speaks to the character of northwest B.C.
So far, the idea is getting strong support from artists, many of whom have joined in using social media.
“We have 140 artists that get a weekly newsletter from me,” Martens said. “And we have 35 blog followers and about 30 that are actively on Facebook.”
Artists or anyone else who wants to follow the Enterprising Artisans can follow their blog at enterprisingartisans.wordpress.com or find the Enterprising Artisans Project group on Facebook.
People can also contact Martens directly by phoning 250-845-2522, or e-mailing her at erinm(at)cfnadina.ca.