Three Visual Artists Selected for the 2015 Chilkoot Trail Artist Residency Program

Name: Three Visual Artists Selected for the 2015 Chilkoot Trail Artist Residency Program
Item: Yukon Arts Centre Public Art Gallery
Author: Galleries West

March 9, 2015

8:32 PM

Unique program allows artists to interact with visitors while pursuing their art

Today March 5, 2015, Ryan Leef, Member of Parliament for Yukon, together with the Yukon Arts Centre and the US National Park Service are pleased to announce the artists chosen for the 2015 Chilkoot Trail Artist Residency Program. The Chilkoot Trail Artist Residency Program provides three visual artists the opportunity to combine their love of the outdoors with their artistic abilities while interacting with visitors on the iconic Chilkoot Trail. In its fifth consecutive year, the program invites selected artists to hike the famous Chilkoot Trail, passing through Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park (Alaska) and Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site (northern British Columbia). Three artists are chosen – one from Canada, one from the United States and one regional (Yukon or Alaska) - to participate in this cross-border creative journey.

Representing Canada is Michelle Latimer, who will be hiking the trail end of July beginning of August. Artist Kevin Curry was selected as the USA representative, and will be hiking end of June – beginning of July. Yukoner Heather Callaghan will be on the trail mid-July as the regional artist.

Quick Facts

Michelle, Kevin and Heather were selected among 108 applicants.
Every year, an average of 2300 visitors hike the Chilkoot Trail, from June to the beginning of September. In Yukon, Parks Canada sites see as many as 65000 visitors per year.
Present-day hikers take an average of four to five days to complete the trek. With support from Trail staff and from a friend or family member of their choice, these artists will interact with hikers, make art, and soak in the natural and historic beauty of the Trail, for two weeks.
During summer 2015, stay tuned for Chilkoot Trail Artists in Residence Talks, in Skagway and Whitehorse.

Quotes

“Our Government is pleased to welcome this year’s artists on the Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site and we look forward to the art that the Chilkoot experience will inspire. Through this program, the public has a unique opportunity to see the famous Chilkoot Trail – once trod by Tlingit First Nation traders and Klondike Gold Rush stampeders – through the eyes of these outstanding artists.”

Ryan Leef, Member of Parliament, Yukon

“We are pleased to support this program in its fifth year, as we have found that it enriches the experience of the visitors who encounter the artists along the trail as well as all those who get to enjoy the artwork afterward. This program is another important part of our long term partnership with Parks Canada in protecting the internationally significant resources of the Chilkoot Trail and providing for an inspirational visitor experience.”

Mike Tranel, Superintendent, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park USA

“The Yukon Arts Centre is pleased to partner with NPS and Parks Canada to bring art to the Chilkoot Trail. The Chilkoot Trail Artist Residency Program has been a transformative experience for past artists and it is sure to be again this year. We are excited to see how the 2015 artists will unite art and innovation with the amazing historic and natural landscape.”

Mary Bradshaw, Gallery Director, Yukon Arts Centre