LUNA Arts 2023 line-up showcases wide rage of art

It just wouldn’t be LUNA Fest without a bunch of fun, funky and sometimes a little wacky, interactive displays during LUNA Arts. From flying saucers to short films and the ever-popular Powder Slug Express, here’s a look at a few of this year’s offerings: 

Brent Strand, The Powder Slug Express

Without doubt, one of LUNA Fest’s most popular interactive exhibits, The Powder Slug Express has been a mainstay at LUNA since its inception. Created by Trent Kappler, Jana Thompson and Rob Buchanan as a tribute to Revelstoke’s iconic Powder Slug chairlift from the old ski hill on Mount Mackenzie, the express is made up of three ski lift chairs converted into chariots pulled by bicycles. Wanna catch a ride? The Powder Slug Express stops at Orton Street, Second Street, Third Street and in the alley. 

Amy Funbuttons, Flying Saucer and extra-terrestrial installation

Created with the help of carpenter, lighting designer and test probee Ian Willyard, aerial entertainer and multi-disciplinary circus performer Funbuttons’ work is “about the growth of our mind and consciousness due to interaction with the extraterrestrial and those not of this world.” 

Catch her out of this world performance at Second and Mackenzie.

HALF/ASIAN with Amy the CODA (Ian Griffiths and Amy Braun)

An audio-visual performing duo creating art rooted in identity exploration and embodiment, Half/Asian (Griffiths) plays 80s synthesizers purchased from the thrift store and sings in English. Amy the CODA (Child of a Deaf Adult) signs in her first language – Pidgin Signed English, a combination of ASL signs and English grammar and syntax. See them live at Dose Coffee.

Meagan Musseau, Becomes Body of Water Interwoven with Territories Beyond the Sky

In this short film created from land-based action by Musseau in her home region of Elmastukwek, Ktaqmkuk territory (Bay of Islands, western Newfoundland), the artist patiently braids long strands of grey fabric and neon green tulle. She activates the strands within the landscape, braiding past and present while moving towards the future.  Location TBA.

Andy Kermack, My Greenhouse

My Greenhouse focuses on an individual’s personal growth. 

“I found that people, myself included, will find or create a space that is meaningful and safe, which allows them to explore themselves and grow,” Kermack writes in his description of My Greenhouse.

Kermack is a Calgary-based commercial photographer originally from Revelstoke. You can view My Greenhouse on First Street outside the Regent Hotel.

Ansel Anderson, Oneironautics of Avante-Garde Paracosms

Anderson’s art offers up a colourful collection of vibrant, semi-abstract nature-scapes inspired by the mountains, forests and oceans woven into mosaic-inspired patterns, bold shapes and blank space. You can check out Anderson’s work inside the Roxy Theatre Foyer.

Barbara Maye, Freiheit

Revelstoke’s very own multimedia artist, sculptor and art instructor, Maye’s Freiheit is a table for one with all elements created using only tiny pieces of paper. 

“Freiheit represents that in a shattered place, there is always hope to rise and find stability even with weak resources. Teetering on the difference between alone and lonely, growth begins with courage to look within at our shadow selves and seek the answers for us there.” 

You can view Freiheit at Brandon Bowers Funeral Home.

Sylvie Roussel-Janssen, “Vectors”: A Sustainably made light Sculpture with Woven Snow Fence

Vectors is a sculptural installation comprised of five light sculptures made sustainably from recycled plastic and recycled fabric. 

“As I move along in my creative journey, some projects change forms, taken apart and repurposed into new ones. New shapes appear, always carrying a bit of old,” writes Roussel-Janssen. 

You can find Vectors on Mackenzie Avenue, between First Street and Second Street. 

LUNA Arts takes place Saturday, September 23 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. in downtown Revelstoke. For more information visit artsrevelstoke.com/lunafest.