Whistlestop Gallery
Artists and artisans of the Robson Valley
Living Stories of The Robson Valley:
Through an Artist's Lens.
The Living Stories of the Robson Valley project is a collaboration of local artists, writers, woodworkers, and designers who have come together to showcase some of the stories that have built connections and community throughout the Robson Valley.
​Community is defined by the stories it tells about itself, for good or ill, and stories told through the lens of art are inherently positive … and that is our project, to tell the stories that tell people who we are. Seven artists have contributed images that are on the banners that line Main Street and the benches at the Visitor Centre. Each tell a tale. A tale of community, a tale of perseverance, of dedication, a tale of love. Click on the links, learn about the artists, the attractions and the stories, then explore for yourselves!
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Photo of Mount Robson by Athena Caputo
With respect:
Indigenous peoples have walked these lands since time immemorial. We recognize their stewardship and are grateful to travel along side them. The stories that we are telling follow the introduction of the railway through the area in 1913.
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To learn more, please visit: https://native-land.ca/
Special Thanks
We would like to thank our banner artists:
Sheilagh Foster, Glen Frear, David Marchant, Simon Williams, and Darwin Paton.
These amazing artists were the framework for this project.
Adrien Hooper, Darcy McKay, and BRHK Custom Wood Designs built the amazing benches and Matthew Wheeler designed the brochure and added his expert eyes and vast historical knowledge.
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A special thank you to three young artists who were essential to this project: Jayde Richter , Rozina Shaw and Athena Caputo. Jayde and Rozina worked together to create the artwork for the benches and Rozina provided the cover art for the brochure. Athena and Rozina wrote the stories that were the heart of the project and Athena built the webpages that showcased the project. These fabulously skilled, talented, and creative young people consistently exceeded expectations, and their enthusiasm was an inspiration. They are the future of the Robson Valley - and the future is in good hands!
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This project would not have been possible without the support from our project contributors: Destination BC and the Visitor Centre Network, the Village of McBride, and the McBride & District Chamber of Commerce.
We would also like to thank the Valley Museum and Archives, Fraser Headwaters Alliance, and BC Back Country Horsemen for their invaluable contributions.
We are grateful to all the people who shared stories, information and pictures. Their thoughtful expertise and ongoing cooperation adds accuracy and depth to the amazing story of the Robson Valley.
Funding for this project was provided by Destination BC through the Visitor Services Experience Enhancement Grant and we are grateful for the support that lets us share our stories.