The arts community in Hinton is planning a number of exciting events for the upcoming months, starting with a celebration of forests in the community. 

To mark the International Year of the Forest, as proclaimed by the United Nations, the Hinton Art Club will be hosting a gallery at the Hinton Municipal Library. The exhibit opened on Jan. 4, with a reception on Jan. 11. The display will continue until Jan. 31 during regular library hours. 

On Feb. 19, the community will once again celebrate its many artists at the annual Arts on Fire evening. The event is hosted by the Office of the Mayor and Creative Campus at the Hinton Centre. Tickets are available at the Guild, and by contacting the mayor’s office at 780-865-6005.

During the evening, the newly created Arts on Fire Recognition Awards will be held for the first time. Categories include Emerging Artists, Lifetime Achievement, Patron of the Arts and Cultural Pillar awards. 

While the arts community is planning and enjoying a celebration of artists, one of the town’s favourite venues is getting a facelift. The Firebay Studio and gallery at The Guild has been undergoing some renovations over the holidays.

The wall separating the multi-purpose room and the potter’s studio is being repaired and given a new paint job that will brighten the inside of the venue. 

To help deal with outside noise and drafts, the fire bay doors are being replaced with newer insulated doors. Two of the new doors will not be functional, but a third will remain in use. 

New art hanging hardware is being installed in the studio space and the hallways for future exhibitions. Hardware will also be installed in the Government Centre and Infrastructure Services Building to display works from local artists. 

Another great new upgrade is the addition of 220v power to accommodate live musical performances.