Meeting the creative demand

Fisher Peak Art Gallery is garnering the support of the Cranbrook community

Nicole Leblond stands proudly beside one of the local art pieces. —

Heather Lewis photo

One doesn't have to spend a great deal of time in the Kootenays to know that this area is rich with artistic talent. Nicole and Larry Leblond made it their business to exhibit the region’s local talent—literally—when they opened Fisher Peak Art Gallery in Cranbrook, B.C.

“Our goal is to make the community, the province and even the world aware of the many talented artists in the Kootenays,” said Nicole.

Initially the gallery was to be a retirement project, showcasing Nicole's cold porcelain flower arrangements and the work of two or three other artists. Part of the space was to be a workshop and office for her husband, Larry, the company's administrator who also contributes by building his wife's frames.

However, once the couple had a chance to do more research, they met up with Pauline Artifacet at Artrageous Gallery in Cranbrook, who opened their eyes to the immense amount of talent that this area has to offer. The Leblonds travelled to various places throughout the Kootenays to get more ideas and inspiration for their gallery.

“Wherever we went, we saw that the Kootenays were full of talented artists and artisans (working in) various mediums,” said Nicole. “After many hours of deliberation and help from other artists, we decided to go with a traditional art gallery and proceeded to sign up artists and artisans proficient in fine art, metal art, sculpture, pottery, ceramics, fibre art, photography—as well as jewellery, woodwork, stained glass and candles.”

A collective effort

In no time at all, there were more than 40 artists and artisans signed up and eager to be a part of Fisher Peak Art Gallery. The Cranbrook community was more than pleased to welcome this new addition, and many locals were ready and willing to help in any way they could.

“When we needed help with advertising, both local papers helped put ads together for us and all the local hotels agreed to place our rack cards on their front desks,” said Nicole. “Shaw Cable interviewed us and ran a five-minute segment every half-hour for more than a week, then followed up with a news announcement of our grand opening.”

In addition to this, the Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce allowed them to promote the business at one of their lunch functions. During the gallery’s grand opening, the City of Cranbrook sent several VIPs to the event, including Councillor Liz Schatschneider—and East Kootenay MLA, Bill Bennett, came to assist with the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“After four months of being open, we now firmly believe that Cranbrook was starving for another place where good quality art is displayed,” said Nicole. “We are one step closer to our goal. We only have the province and the world to make aware of the talent in our community and the Kootenays. That, we are sure, will come.”

Surpassing their greatest expectations

The Leblonds can identify many proud moments, having started a successful business with no prior experience and having been welcomed so warmly by their community.

“But our proudest moment happens daily when customers come in and tell us how beautiful the gallery is,” said Nicole. “We are now working with the B.C. Department of Tourism to get a highway sign so that motorists coming through Cranbrook will know where we are. We are also working on our website, www.fisherpeakartgallery.com, so that all our artists’ and artisans’ work can be seen by the world. We regularly have artists come in to work at the gallery—like John de Jong, Alison Bates, Cathy Pelter, Cory Horne and Karen McColl—whether for a few hours showing customers their skills or redecorating the gallery.”

The Leblonds have many people to thank, including: Mary Ann Bidder, who designed their business cards, rack cards and invitations, among other things (her art is also on display in the gallery); Joseph Cross and his wife Sharon who supported and promoted them from the beginning; and George Hogg and Tracie Truscott, who are also strong supporters. Nicole and Larry would also like to thank Ronda Wood, Marilyn Oliver and Ann Holtby-Jones, who showed them how to display the art; Karen Crawford, who took many pictures of the art for the gallery's website; Mike Maher, who painted the Fisher Peak mural in front of the gallery; and Mary Anne Bennett, Grace Ivers and Edith Lydell who regularly come to assist in the gallery.