Companion Program
2010 CIF-IFC Annual General Meeting and Conference
The Companion Program will provide a wide variety of activities and allow for a sampling of the many great things Jasper and the surrounding area have to offer.
Jasper National Park has a rich history (http://www.jaspernationalpark.com/jnphist.html) and, combined with spectacular beauty, it provides a destination for over two millions visitors a year.
Those who plan to participate in the Companion Program will not be disappointed by our program. A selection of activities is available to leave you with a sense of having been somewhere memorable, done something exciting and met new friends.
The program will be professionally delivered with the assistance of Yellowhead Regional Arts Festival Society Creative Campus. Your hosts will be Marianne Garrah and Melissa Pattison.
We invite you explore planned events and get ready to enjoy yourself!
Click here to preview and download the Companion Program Schedule.
To download and save the PDF file from the preview window click the download arrow in the upper left corner.
Activity #1: Hike with Photographer Brian Carnell
Bring your camera, hiking shoes, outdoor clothing, backpack, small notebook and water bottle for some quality time spent with Brian Carnell, a local photographer who specializes in scenery photography. Brian’s experience in local culture and his knowledge of the location of that ‘special view” will surely provide a relaxing and interesting experience. You’ll receive some sound advice and helpful hints from a professional who is experienced in working with alpine scenery.
Brian Carnell was born and raised in Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, one of Canada's famous National Parks. He studied forestry and his career took him to the boreal forests of northern Alberta for the next twenty years. Brian and his wife Lois moved to Hinton, Alberta in 1996 to operate their forestry consulting business. Brian has since retired, but could not give up going to the woods. Photography has allowed him the opportunity to explore, and find an outlet for his love of the outdoors. For more information on Brian, go to
www.briancarnellphoto.com
If the weather is inclement, Brian will give a slide show and answer questions about specific techniques and how to get the most out of your camera.
Fee: $60
Activity #2: Water Colour Class
Here is a unique outlet for that creative spirit that seems to inevitably engulf a person when they visit the mountains of Alberta. You can choose to spend time taking instructions in water colour painting from Alberta artist and teacher Tessa Nunn. Tessa will take you through the fundamentals of sketching all the way through to a finished work in the 2.5 hours that you will spend with her. Come relax with Tessa’s session and practice your painting skills or pick up new approaches to a creative pastime.
Materials are supplied at an additional cost.
Tessa Nunn was born in Edmonton, Alberta in 1970. In 2002, she graduated with a Master’s Degree in Figurative painting from the New York Academy of Art. As a painter, she has won numerous scholarships and awards. Her work has been exhibited in France, Canada and the U.S. Tessa holds the philosophy that "art is an experience, a way of life. The energy of the artistic mindset that exists in all of us can change the world". For more information on Tessa and her work, go to
www.tessanunn.com
Fee: $50 (includes $20 materials fee)
Activity #3: Jasper Tramway at Whistler’s
This activity is a “must” if you come to visit Jasper, Alberta. Hop aboard the Jasper Tramway as it makes its way up the mountain side and experience the breathtaking views this trip offers of the Athabasca Valley. You are literally climbing to the top of a mountain on this excursion and the experience is a once-in-a-lifetime result. When you get to the top you can choose to hike further up on a well worn and safe trail that gets you to the highest ridge where you may see some of the small mountain animals that inhabit a somewhat stark landscape. You can also relax in the teahouse at the top, and photo opportunities abound, so bring your camera. You may also wish to throw in your binoculars for the fantastic views you will experience. This activity is certain to drive home the majesty of the Rocky Mountains for all who choose to come aboard.
For more information on the Jasper Tramway experience, go to
http://jaspertramway.com
Fee: $40
Activity #4: Natural Dried Flower Arrangement
The mountain meadows of the Rocky Mountains are abundant with various plants and especially the alpine flowers. One of the best ways to capture this natural beauty for a very long period of time is through dried flower arrangements. Working with natural elements provided, you will create a lovely art piece to grace your table or front doorway. This may be given either in the open air or in a classroom setting, but either way you will be getting the benefits of local resident and outdoors-experienced Ursula Winkler. Ursula lives life close to the land, having spent over 30 years living in the Rockies. This closeness to her ecology shows in her work with natural elements and flora and can be seen in her own personal landscaping as well as what she brings to her community. Come and work with Ursula as she guides you through the identification and presenting some of the Rockies’ unique flora.
Materials are supplied as part of the activity.
Fee: $40
Activity #5: A Morning with a Naturalist
Come spend your morning with a renowned naturalist and learn about the natural rhythms and cycles of the alpine region. Explore Jasper’s flora and fauna with an expert. We are pleased to offer you a morning with Ben Gadd, an Alberta naturalist who has become a well know figure in the naturalist world.
Ben Gadd knows the Canadian Rocky Mountains well. He is the author of nine books on the area. His best-selling Handbook of the Canadian Rockies is an award-winning guide to everything from geology, botany and bears to human history and backpacking trips. With a degree in earth science and 30 years of teaching and writing about the Rockies, Ben is an acknowledged authority on the region. For more information on Ben Gadd, go to
www.bengadd.com
This is intended as an outdoor session so bring your hiking boots, camera, binoculars, backpack, rain gear and water bottle.
Fee: $50
Activity #6: Maligne Lake Tour
No trip to Jasper and area would be complete without a trip to see and experience the infamous Maligne Lake and surrounding area. You will be bussed to the edge of Maligne Lake, guided on a short hike, then will board one of the Maligne Lake Tour boats for a pleasant but spectacular trip up the lake for a perspective of the Rockies from the water that not many get to see. The topography and viewscapes around the lake are one of the best examples of higher elevation lakes in the Rockies. Come and join us for a very exciting and picturesque experience. For more information on the Maligne Lake experience, please go to
www.malignelake.com
Fee: $70
Activity #7: Cultural Tour of Jasper Townsite
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The Town of Jasper has been a community in Alberta for well over a century, mainly due to the establishment of Jasper National Park and the railway. Jasper has a unique history that carries a fascination all its own. We invite you to experience the history and layout of Jasper townsite with this guided tour. Wear your walking shoes and dress in layers for this partially outdoor tour, as you will be given the opportunity to visit such places as the Jasper Museum and the National Park Office, stopping at other areas of interest in between. We will have coffee and tea served to you at the Jasper Art Gallery accompanied by live locally produced and presented music. While there, you will have an opportunity to purchase some of the art available. We also plan to take you to a local pottery studio. What a great way to spend the last morning of the conference. For more background information on the town of Jasper, to pique your interest for this tour, go to
www.jasper-alberta.com
Fee: $45
Activity # 8: Hike with the Photographer Brian Carnell
We are pleased to be able to offer this tour with the photographer Brian Carnell for a second time in the conference companion program as an alternative to the Jasper townsite tour and in case it was missed on the first day of the program. Pertinent details on this activity can be obtained from the text of Activity #1, shown previously.
Fee: $60