Crawford Bay Arts & Culture

Perhaps life in Crawford Bay seems to move more slowly because time is measured by the coming and going of the Kootenay Lake ferry. Yet, there’s a lot going on in the artisans’ studios of this little community. Take a break and you’ll find blacksmithing, weaving, broom making, pottery, copper enameling and glass blowing – all happening in real time.

Community volunteerism reaches great heights to produce the annual Starbelly Jam, a family oriented music festival that brings some really big names to Crawford Bay – and more than doubles the population for the weekend.

GALLERIES:

Arrowsmith Gallery
12698 Hwy 3A, Boswell
Ph: 1-250-223-8177
NKArrow@Kootenay.com
This gallery features seven area artists – pottery, sculpture, fabric art and many original watercolours.
Open from May to October, Thursday-Monday, 10-5pm; other days by appointment.

Toltec Gallery
16116 Hwy 3A
Ph: 1-250-227-6970
Featuring great contemporary art, pottery, jewellery and original handcrafted gifts.
Open daily 9-5pm

HERITAGE:

Crawford Bay
Crawford Bay was named for ‘White Man Jim’ Crawford, a prospector and trapper who died in 1914. The Bluebell Mine in the nearby community of Riondel once supplied ore to the smelter in Pilot Bay. Today, the Crawford Bay area is home to one of the most vibrant and eclectic artisan groups in all of BC.

Gray Creek
Ph: 1-250-227-9315
GCS@graycreekstore.com
The tiny community of Gray Creek, located on the east shore of Kootenay Lake, is famous for its lost gold boulder. A log heritage building was built of hand hewn cedar logs in 1912 as a school and meeting place, and is today used as the Community Hall. And, Kootenay Lake’s oldest and largest general store, the Gray Creek Store, has been in operation by the same family since 1913. Here you’ll find everything you can think of including a stock of unique wood burning stoves.

Harrison Memorial Church
16004 Crawford Creek Road
Built in 1919 by Commander James Harrison in memory of his three sons killed during World War I. His wife, Lucy Caroline Wedgwood Harrison died during the construction and it was also dedicated to her. The Commander died in 1926 and he and his wife are buried nearby, on the grounds of their estate, later known as Wedgwood Manor.

Wedgwood Manor
Built in 1910, by a British Royal Navy officer for his wife, the daughter of British china magnate Josiah Wedgwood, the manor is an intriguing English Country House transplanted to a setting of amazing natural beauty. Fully restored, it perfectly complements its setting. Six enticing guest rooms are luxurious retreats from everyday life. Free historic tours from 2-5 pm upon request.