Fernie & Elk Valley Culture Guide Issue 7 - Winter 2017 | Page 4

The Arts Station Where Art, Culture & History Converge A vibrant and engaging space for the creative community in Fernie featuring all disciplines of the arts for visitors and locals alike. The Arts Station has a varied program of entertainment and activities throughout the year including live concerts, film screenings, pottery workshops, community theatre, gallery shows, and art classes for all ages. LIVING HISTORY IN A HERITAGE BUILDING From 1898 to 1964, the Canadian Pacific Railway station was the economic and social hub of the community and the only connection between the valley and the outside world. The station burned down in the Great Fire of 1908 and was rebuilt as the current station 1909. The CPR donated the disused building to the City of Fernie and in 1987 the Fernie Arts Council began the four-year process of moving the building onto a new foundation and undertaking renovations. The former waiting room became the foyer gallery and every other space found new life as studios, event space, and even a restaurant. The Arts Station opened in 1990 as an indispensable base for artists in the Elk Valley. 4 SUGAR PLUM FESTIVAL NOVEMBER 30 – DECEMBER 22 The holidays come alive in Historic Downtown and at The Arts Station with a celebration of traditions new and old in the Sugar Plum Festival. On November 30th the festival opens with the Holiday Wreath Show Reception at 7:00pm. Wreaths will be on display throughout December, and available for sale with money raised going to the Youth Arts Station Bursary. The festival continues December 2nd & 3rd with Sugarcoated, a nutcracker- inspired musical theatre show for all ages, featuring the dancers of the Heart & Soul Dance and Theatre Collective in full seasonal costumes. 6:30pm on December 2nd & 3:00pm on December 3rd. Tickets $15. On December 9th at 11:00am, Tutus and Tails is a magical experience for ages 4-10. A reading of ETF Hoffman’s original Nutcracker, nutcracker- themed mask-making workshop with photo booth, ballet class, and gala performance for friends and family to attend. Tickets are $68 and include a costume to take home, keepsake program, and 4 tickets for the gala at 1:30pm.