‘Elevation’ extolls life, landscape in Pacific Northwest

The beauty of the Northwest landscape – and the ways we connect with it – are inspiration for a new event that kicks off during the monthly Downtown Art Walk on Friday, Feb. 5, and runs through Feb. 27 at galleries, theaters and other venues.

“Elevation: The Art of Cascadia” celebrates nature-inspired art with exhibitions, presentations, performances, workshops, excursions and an outdoor expo.

Groups presenting “Elevation” are Adventures NW Magazine, Allied Arts of Whatcom County, Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism, City of Bellingham, Recreation Northwest, Daylight Properties and Kulshan Brewery.

“This show embraces our artists and their chosen arts — musicians, poets, painters and other creative expressions — and raises them up together into the spotlight for people from inside and outside this area to explore and enjoy.” says Anita K. Boyle, artist, poet and publisher.

Painter Nancy Canyon grew up in Spokane, where the tallest mountain she frequented was Mount Spokane — nothing in comparison to Mount Baker, she says.

“It wasn’t until I moved here though that I found out how incredible the area is for hiking, snowshoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming and for inspiring my creativity,” Canyon says. “’Elevations’ brings my close-up view of nature to the public.”

John D’Onofrio, publisher and editor of Adventures NW Magazine, says “Whatcom County is sort of the center of what some people think of as Cascadia, that heart of the Pacific Northwest where the Cascade Mountains reach their highest drama and the Salish Sea is a sparkling jewel.”

“Like any place, the regional art is informed and inspired by the place where it’s created,” he says. “In the case of Whatcom County, we’re fortunate enough to create in paradise.”

This story was originally published February 3, 2016 at 4:01 PM with the headline "‘Elevation’ extolls life, landscape in Pacific Northwest."