June 15: Get your Dose of Art

By Amaris Bourdeau

This article first appeared in print in the June issue of Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine.

Revelstoke is the epicentre for mountain lovers. It is makes it an obvious choice for artists with a penchant for nature paintings. The Revelstoke Art Gallery, for instance, features much of this mountain art. From retro gondolas to elusive flowers to perfect snow-covered hills, the gallery has it all, and we see no sign of its popularity declining. But that’s just the thing… it can be hard to find your place in a town where the art scene’s focus remains so clear already.

On June 15 from 6–11 p.m., Revelstoke’s ever-supportive Dose Coffee will be hosting an art night, appropriately titled Dose of Art, with the goal of displaying street and urban-style art.

Nicolas Houle, chef at Dose and emerging artist inspired by skateboarding. Photo: Claudia Bambi/Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine

The talent is out there. And it’s about time someone gives it a podium. In other words, Dose and its beloved quirky owners are stoked to present another side of the Revelstoke art scene, which comes as no surprise given the café’s alternative, graffiti-style, dinosaur-prominent décor.

Artists will include (with more to come!):

* Nicolas Houle, chef at Dose and emerging artist inspired by skateboarding;

* Claudia Bambi of Turbo Bambi Graphic Design

* Hayley Stewart, admired for her atypical, colourful representations of mountains

* Kate Shea, whose distinct pop-art illustrations of the brilliant female aura, lionesses, and nature-gone-eerie are as refreshing as they captivating.

DJing the event will be Felix Dallaire and Laurie Gauvin, whose radio show “Le 5 à 7 DJ Set” plays on Stoke FM the last Tuesday of every month.

Dose of Art is meant to be more than a gathering of art. Rather, it aims to be a fun, creative event for artsy people in Revelstoke. On that note, and given the show’s street theme, Dose’s new chef Josh White will be cooking up some street-style food using local suppliers. We’re talking fun and tasty, as always.

Houle sat down to answer a few cool questions about this event, namely regarding why this art show is important for him and the town.

What made you want to do this event?

Who’s coming to Dose Art this Friday?? 🤗 . . Really, why wouldn’t you? But hey if your on the fence (we understand there’s alot of fun things to do in this town) we have something to sweeten the deal! Simply comment on the post below, tag some buddies who you would like to attend with and you’ll go in the draw to win a $40 gift certificate to spend on the evening! Each person you tag is another entry! Winner will be announced Friday by 12 noon. . . Gift certificate can be used at ‘Josh’s street food stand’ (we’re talking steamed buns and corn dogs) or see the boys in the bar for some @fourwindsbrewco or Pilsner tins. Yep that’s right for all of you folk who think that Dose is too pretentious we’ll be serving some of Canada’s finest! . . At the end of the day we are all here to have fun and the love and thought that has gone into this event by @turbobambi_design and @niktaracehoule should be enjoyed by all! . . So get down appreciate some local art, eat delicious food, drink and be merry. We cant wait! Much love ✌

A post shared by D O S E C O F F E E (@dosecoffeerevelstoke) on Jun 12, 2018 at 8:21pm PDT

John and Lauren, the owners of Dose, are always pushing the boundaries of what a coffee shop can be. Working here, I see young, driven people everyday and it’s really inspiring. It’s more than just a café, it’s a venue, it brings people together, and it shows some cool art. John and Lauren encouraged me to pull together an art event, so here goes.

What can we expect to see at the show?

I think we can expect to see a more alternative style than what we’re maybe used to in the town normally. It’s for locals by locals, and we’re not afraid to show something different. For example, Bambi, with her wild and colourful illustrations and paintings. I want it to be a fun atmosphere. Music, food, and visuals…

In what way is Revelstoke a good place to host an art show?

It’s good to do events here because the town is so engaged and supportive. Revelstoke is a wonderful place. We’re lucky to have all these talented people. My DJ friend Felix, Bambi who’s been a big part of this planning, and Josh who won’t let you down with some tasty ass food.

What are you most looking forward to at this event?

I’m looking forward to seeing everyone come by, have a good time, enjoy a cocktail, engage in some conversation – even better if that conversation is about the art! Hopefully we’ll see enough people there that we can host this event again throughout the summer. I encourage everyone to come by, maybe bring some art home, or at least leave inspired. We won’t let you down with the wild factor!