The Canadian Rockies International Airport has a new addition to its departure lounge.
BC Parks, internationally acclaimed artist Joseph Cross, and Cranbrook airport manager Tristen Chernove have collaborated to promote B.C.'s fabulous parks. The display is specifically oriented to Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park and the fundraising project to support the B.C. Park Enhancement Fund.
Joseph Cross has completed the third in a series of four paintings depicting the magnificent scenery and vistas of Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park. The Mt. Assiniboine project is a labour of love born from Joseph Cross' desire to support provincial parks. The first painting, titled "Sunburst Morning: Sunburst Mountain & Cerulean Lake" was created following a number of expeditions by Joseph and Sharon Cross into Mt. Assiniboine park. The second painting is "Mt. Assiniboine Reflection".
A third painting, titled "I Wish I Was Sitting On That Deck Right Now", is a pastel painting measuring 24" x 18" unframed. "This painting is representative of the view from one of the several Mt. Assiniboine Lodge cabins. It's one of those views when you say, 'Pinch me – I think I'm dreaming,"' says Cross. "The view from the cabin with Mt. Assiniboine as the centre of attention is special indeed. The title for the painting came from an email from one of the B.C. Parks staff who happened to see an image of this painting, and it just seemed to say it all."
Each of the original paintings have been reproduced in limited edition giclée on canvas and the reproductions are being offered for sale to the public, with the profits going to benefit Mt. Assiniboine Provincial Park and other Kootenay Provincial Parks through the Park Enhancement Fund.
B.C. Parks is a proud partner on this fundraising initiative and is working with the Crosses to share information about and promote this project, and to announce the completion of each painting.
The information is posted on the B.C. Parks website at www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/merchandise/josephcross/.
In commenting about the project, Ministry of Environment representative Glenn Campbell said, "One of the strengths of the B.C. Parks system are the partnerships that are formed to support, preserve and protect this valuable provincial commodity. We are very pleased with this initiative."
Tristen Chernove, airport manager, added, "Building on the strong sense of place at the Canadian Rockies International Airport is a constant focus.
"I'm delighted to have such a great display of an iconic park of the region represented by a local artist here for travellers to enjoy. Through this partnership with Joseph Cross, B.C. Parks and YXC, we have established an art mounting system that will serve to feature other local artist works in the future."
To find out more about how to purchase one of these prints, to learn more about the artist, or to view images of this or other paintings by Joseph Cross, you can view the artist's website here: www.josephcrossart.com.