Renowned Cranbrook artist Joseph Cross is being appointed to the BC Arts Council. A self-taught artist, Joseph Cross is an active member of the Cranbrook community and has taught art locally. He is known for blending cultural heritage and natural wonder in his works, which include oil paintings, pastels, and pen-and-ink drawings.
"Joseph Cross is a well-respected artist with a keen sense of community and regional identity," said BC Arts Council Chair Stan Hamilton. "His long history as a resident of Cranbrook and the East Kootenay region give him a great perspective on the role played by the arts in B.C.'s smaller and rural communities. I welcome him to the service of arts and culture in British Columbia."
As a member of the BC Arts Council, Cross will work towards fulfilling the Council's mandate of supporting the arts and cultural community. Cross said he was initially approached by Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett about being on the Council.
"It's just another way of contributing to the arts in our community and in the area," Cross said. "So I'm going to step up to the plate and see what I can do."
The mission of the BC Arts Council is to engage all British Columbians in a healthy arts and cultural community that is recognized for excellence.
Born in Saskatchewan, Cross moved to Cranbrook in 1974 and began his career in the arts four years later. He has received numerous international recognitions throughout his career, and was chosen as 'Artist of the Year' by Trout Unlimited Canada in 2007. He has been commissioned to produce portraits, paintings, and presentations by various individuals, organizations, and corporations, including the Ktunaxa Tribal Council.
"I'd like to congratulate Joe on his appointment to the BC Arts Council," said MLA Bennett. "Through his art work and his community involvement, he has made a huge contribution to the City of Cranbrook, and I can't think of someone more deserving of this position."
To learn more about Joseph Cross and his work, please visit www.josephcrossart.com.
To learn more about the BC Arts Council, please visit www.bcartscouncil.ca/about/whatwedo.htm