Join artist Jaymie Johnson to create sculptural works evoking bumblebee nests to be installed on Kelowna’s Public Art Pollinator Pasture. Starting on Tuesday, August 29 at 6 PM and continuing for a series of short workshops over the week, you, family and friends can learn the ancient practices of making rope and coiled forms out of pine needles, nettles and grasses.
There are six free, drop-in events at the Pollinator Pasture at the Brent’s Grist Mill Heritage Park. Come and go as you please. Picnic dinners are encouraged. These outdoor events are open-air and weather dependent. If in doubt, call 778-840-8911. Bring sunhats, sunscreen, and water as required. This is family-friendly event.
The August 29th session is held in conjunction with a Parks Alive event, so music and displays from the Kelowna Museum society will be on site. The other events will have guest artists and artisans as well as musicians. You can also learn about the Border Free Bees research project that links art with wild bee conservation.
This project is inspired by Jaymie’s work with mentoring artist Sharon Kallis at the Richmond Pollinator Pasture in 2016. Jaymie is an interdisciplinary artist who uses a variety of media to explore the connection between art, ecology, and community. In 2016 she apprenticed with eco-artist Sharon Kallis in blackberry fibre use, cordage processing, and community engagement methods. Jaymie is from the West Kootenays and is currently based in Vancouver, BC.
In collaboration with the Border Free Bees research project and EartHand Gleaners Society, this event series is presented by the University of British Columbia Okanagan, in partnership with Emily Carr University of Art + Design, as well as the Kelowna Museum Society and Parks Alive at the City of Kelowna.
Everyone is welcome to attend the following free events. Be prepared for uneven ground and exposure to sun and heat. There is no water access or washroom on site. Please bring drinking water and appropriate sun protection. A shade tent will be provided.
Location: Brent’s Grist Mill Heritage Park, 2136 Leckie Pl, Kelowna, BC. For more information, contact Nancy Holmes at nancy.holmes@ubc.ca or Jaymie Johnson at beedeckingkelowna@gmail.com
Brent’s Grist Mill Events August 29 – September 4:
WorkBee 2 – Pine Needle: Coil
Tuesday, Aug 29 · 6:00–8:00pm
Learn to coil pine needles using stinging nettle fibre as thread.
Special displays and live music with Kelowna Museum Society and Parks Alive.
WorkBee 3 – Wild Grasses: Material Inquiry and Technique
Wednesday, Aug 30 · 6:00–8:00pm
Harvest, process, and learn about wild grasses.
Guest: Sharon Kallis
WorkBee 4 – Nettle: Harvest and Process
Thursday, Aug 31 · 6:00–8:00pm
Harvest, process, and create cordage out of stinging nettle.
WorkBee 5 – Weekend Intensive: Playful Discovery
Saturday, Sept 2 · 9:30am–12:30pm
Playfully create coiled bumblebee ‘pots’.
Guest: artist and natural sculptor Annabel Stanley
WorkBee 6 – Weekend Intensive: Playful Discovery
Sundday, Sept 3 · 9:30am–12:30pm
Playfully create coiled bumblebee ‘pots.’
Guest: singer/songwriter Leila Neverland
Final Celebration!
Monday, Sept 4 · 10:00am–12:30pm
Join us in celebrating the installation of this community project!
Local refreshments will be served.
Guest: singer/songwriter Maiya Robbie.