Imagination in Motion comes to life through the creative journeys of Mark Anthony Jacobson in Crawford Bay and Lisa Wood of Creston. Mark Anthony (known as Rainbow Thunderbird), is a renowned Anishinaabe (Ojibway) artist, author, and executive producer who has spent more than four decades expressing his culture through powerful visual storytelling. His work reflects a deep spiritual connection to the land, carrying forward the rich traditions of Woodland AI art while continuing to evolve its voice on an international stage.
In Creston, Lisa channels imagination into community-driven experiences. As co-owner of a Wild North Brewing Company, she helps shape distinctive flavours while fostering connection and creativity. Beyond the brewery, she brings energy and originality to her role as event coordinator for the Hop to Vine Hustle, blending fitness, fun, and community spirit into a vibrant annual event that inspires participation and joy. Both bring a distinctive spark that ignites connection and fuels a vibrant community spirit in the Birthplace of Adventure.
MARK ANTHONY JACOBSON
Mark Anthony is an internationally recognized Indigenous artist, who has spent over 40 years expressing his culture and deep connection to the spirit of the land through his paintings.
“It is the spiritual energy of the land and the inspiration of the wildlife and landscapes that feed my soul as an artist. The Kootenay mountains is awe inspiring and is truly an artist’s paradise”, shares Mark Anthony (when we asked ‘how does living here shape the way you work’).
He’s a dedicated advocate for truth and reconciliation and believes strongly in the importance of sharing knowledge and fostering understanding through lived experience. As a survivor of the ‘Sixties Scoop’ and the intergenerational impacts of residential schools, he carries stories that are not easy to confront, yet they are essential to acknowledge. Through his journey, he has found meaningful healing in his close relationship with the natural world.
Nature is his constant source of truth. It offers reflection, balance, and renewal. His artwork is rooted in a profound respect for Mother Earth and the animals who share in her existence.
“The harmony within nature, in all its forms, is truly magnificent”, added Mark Anthony.
“We love the Kootenay lifestyle, our community is 350 people (Crawford Bay, BC), so we get a lot of solitude, peace, and serenity. Nature is big, humans are small. We like that. My son is 8 years old and loves the freedom to explore and express himself in that and so do we”, explains Mark Anthony.
(Mark Anthony Jacobson, Anishinaabe artist and innovator, proudly introduces Woodland A.I./Anishinaabe Intelligence, a fusion of traditional Indigenous art and cutting-edge technology. Building upon the storied legacy of Woodland Art from Northwest Ontario.)
LISA WOOD
Lisa and her husband Craig, both lifelong residents of Creston, co-founded Wild North Brewing Company in 2021. Their vision was to establish a welcoming environment that brings people together to enjoy exceptional craft beer and foster community connections.
“I’m a born and raised Kootenay girl, so I can’t imagine any other place feeling like home. There’s a genuine sense of connection. People here take pride in this valley, you can feel that whether you’re at a local event, on a trail, or talking to someone in line at the store. There’s an underlying shared appreciation for this place that makes it easy to feel rooted”, describes Lisa when asked – what makes the Kootenays feel like home to you.
One of Creston’s most anticipated summer events is the Hop to Vine Hustle, a lively celebration organized by the Creston Valley Libation Producers Society under the leadership of Lisa. This lighthearted, non-competitive race event blends fun, fitness, and local pride into one unforgettable day. Participants can choose to walk or run the scenic 11-kilometre route, which winds its way through Creston’s breweries, wineries, cideries, and distillery along their journey.
The adventure culminates in a vibrant celebration at Millennium Park, where finishers are welcomed with tastings from a variety of local craft-beverage businesses, live music, and plenty of community cheer. Not up for the race? No problem! You can still join the fun by grabbing a ticket to the lively after-party in the park and raising a glass with friends.
“The relationships here are amazing. You get to know people over time, and that personal connection naturally flows into how we collaborate, support each other, and do business. It’s not about being flashy, it’s about being consistent, respectful, and showing up in a way that aligns with who you are,” Lisa explains.
Outside of work, Lisa enjoys a range of outdoor activities including golfing, fly fishing, hiking, snowshoeing, and paddleboarding. She values the unique experiences each activity provides -whether it’s the tranquility of the water, impressive mountain views, opportunities for socializing, or moments of solitude. Conveniently, these pursuits are all easily accessible, allowing her to enjoy the outdoors.
“This is a place where day-to-day life includes nature, connection, and balance, not just on weekends or vacations, but as a normal part of living here,” Lisa adds.
