I’ve spent a good bit of time ensconced in river communities over the years, first as a raft guide, later as a kayaker. Always had an affinity for the people drawn to rivers, and for the lifestyles they value. Although my time on the river has waned a bit since moving to Golden, I’m most pleased to be in a community that has a rich and lively river culture. But I fear that many people in this town are unaware of that lively culture, that it is overlooked, and certainly not nourished. 

So I put together a little grant application for a project documenting some of the people that make up the river community on the Kicking Horse, one of the most heavily used rivers in BC when it comes to commercial rafting. I was fortunate enough to be granted support from local organizations including the Golden District Arts Council, Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance, and Columbia Basin Trust.

My timing may not have been ideal, throwing a personal project on top of an already busy summer schedule, but the portraits have been shot, the prints have been made, and the show will hang next week. I’ve chosen an unusual venue for the exhibit, one that is most appropriate to the subject matter. The show will be displayed on the walking bridge over the Kicking Horse for three weeks, with a small opening reception on September 7. 

A special thanks to Jon Wilsgard at the Town of Golden for his support in hosting the exhibit on town property. 

The full collection of portraits can be viewed here: the kicking horse in me.