Not everybody looks at a piece of blown glass or pottery and thinks of mining. But that's just what the BC Museum of Mining is inviting visitors to do during the fifth installment of the Copper and Fire interactive art show Sunday, Aug. 12.
"The museum wanted a signature event and we wanted an event that could surprise people about mining," said museum executive director Kirsten Clausen.
With 16 artists - six of whom are from the Sea to Sky Corridor - the day features the talents of blacksmiths, jewelry artist, potters, sculptors and other artists who use mined materials to create art.
"It's to expose people to the fact that we use so many mined materials in our everyday life that people don't realize," said project manager Carol Watts.
But what really sets this community event apart are the demonstrations."The artists must be able to engage the public in how mined materials, fire, copper and metals turn into art," said Watts.
Each year the event grows, she said, and many artists return year after year to participate and share their craft with museum visitors.
"One group that has come up every year is the Burnaby Heritage Blacksmith Association," she said.
"They come with their forge and their anvils."
Among the noted artists attending this year's Copper and Fire is sculptor Valeri Sokolovski, who created the carved stone tribute to the Museum's Mill Building sponsors and whose work has shown in France, Italy, Japan, the U.S. and Canada.
"We have some really world renowned artist that are appearing," said Watts.
A feast for the senses is also provided with an M&M Meat sponsored charity barbecue, with funds raised going to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada.
The ears are also treated with the music of artists including the Carolyn Grass Trio, Mario and Anne Iacavone, Dana-Marie and Gord Rutherford.
There will also be kids activities and gold panning headed up by gold panning world champion Yukon Dan.
Event tickets are half-price and include admission to all the regular museum attractions, and to a new exhibit that runs at the museum until October.
