For most people, the idea of mining doesn't exactly scream excitement, creativity or fun, but the Britannia Mine Museum has worked hard to change that perception through its newly renovated facilities, fascinating permanent displays, historical collection, authentic mine site tours, events and cutting-edge education programs.
This weekend is an ideal time to see for yourself, as the venue is hosting a couple of interesting and fun - not to mention creative - mine-themed art happenings.
Until Sept. 16, the museum features a unique and quite cerebral new exhibit, hosted in the historic Machine Shop, called MINeD.
The exhibit features a series of metal sculpture pieces that are described as "lively and organic in shape." Created by artist Margie McDonald, the pieces are meant to symbolize the imaginations of the brain through the use of recycled metal. The new exhibit reflects mining, the materials that are mined and how those elements influence art.
Originally from rural Newfoundland, McDonald is now based in Port Townsend, Wash. She trained in fibre arts with a focus on textiles, tending toward sculptural forms using traditional techniques.
"Her unique art pieces are perfect for our museum as it illustrates how mining and mined materials can influence artistic expression," Kirstin Clausen, executive director of the Britannia Mine Museum, said in a statement. "It shows our audiences just how mining can be relevant to our daily lives, including how our imaginations can take shape and art can be transformed."
For the exhibit, the interior of the Machine Shop has been transformed with wire and metal sculptures to become a metaphor for the inside of a giant brain where imagination takes place.
Meanwhile, the museum will host its 10th annual Copper and Fire Arts event on Sunday (Aug. 12) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The popular and family-friendly event features talented artists from all over British Columbia showcasing their unique arts and crafts with themes of "copper" and "mined materials."
"Our signature Copper and Fire Arts Event is a unique opportunity for people to see the connections between art and mined materials from the earth," Clausen said. "As the saying goes, 'If you can't grow it, it must be mined,' which illustrates how integral resources are in our lives, and in this case, mined resources. It's thrilling to see how these talented artists can morph and transform metal and minerals into amazing art pieces."
The event features artists such as metal workers using copper and bronze, ceramic artists using a number of different mediums, and, of course, jewellers.
During the day, performers such as Vancouver's Headwater and Walk on Charlie, as well as singer-songwriters like Karen Fowlie and Dana Marie Battaglia will provide live music.
The event also features hands-on workshops and arts and crafts activities for kids of all ages, including face painting, copper wire sculpture and bead jewelry - as well as all the usual museum exhibits, tours and displays.
For more info on either MINeD or Copper and Fire, go to www.britanniaminemuseum.ca.
