Over the last several years, we’ve been providing each and every one of our pass holders, from Tigers (5 & under) all the way to Super Seniors (75 & up), a small token of our appreciation for being a pass holder – our season pass holder gift. The 2023-2024 season will be no exception, with this year’s gift having involved a great deal of thought and collaboration!
This year we really wanted to step it up a notch. We wanted to provide our valuable pass holders – that’s you – with something meaningful, functional, and beautiful. What is there that every skier and snowboarder could use, we thought, and how could we tie that in with a piece of art – local art.
After landing on the idea that doing a customized Gogglesoc, a protective microfiber goggle cover / cleaner, might work, we reached out to the Pincher Creek Allied Arts Council. It was shortly after this that we became connected with Janifer Calvez, a southern Alberta based artist who grew up in our neck of the woods, and things took off from there. After a little bit of back and forth, and reviewing some of Janifer’s original, Castle oriented pieces of work, we decided we could and should feature one of them on a season pass exclusive, custom Gogglesoc.
While we wait for our coveted micro-fiber goggle covers to get arrive, we wanted to share a little bit about the artist behind them. Janifer was kind enough to indulge us in a little Q&A so please join us in learning a bit more about the person largely responsible for how rad this year’s season pass holder gift is going to be!
Photo Credit: Brent Calver
Q: Tell us about your connection to Castle and the South Rockies (Pincher – Castle – Crowsnest) region?
A: I was born & raised in Pincher Creek, so I skied at Castle (Westcastle) all of my life. We live half time in the area now, and we are grateful we can enjoy Castle and the South Rockies all year round, hiking, biking, snowshoeing, cross country and downhill skiing.
Q: What inspired you to paint this particular painting?
A: I’m forever noticing the amazing landscape around me so I stop to take photos all of the time. I was preparing for a solo art show called Earth, Wind, & Sky, where I wanted to capture many of the amazing views we see all around us. Castle Mountain Resort was definitely on my list, along with Waterton, the expansive vistas to the mountains, Lake Louise, and more. I try to capture the feeling of the moment through colour, movement, and line in my impressionistic style.
Q: What are your favourite things to paint?
A: I love to capture my impressions of the expansive landscapes around me, including prairie, mountains, sky and flowers. I hope people feel a sense of connection when they view my work.
Q: What did you think when we reached out about working together?
A: I was very excited to see the call out from Castle wanting to pair up with a local artist to create a great keepsake for all of the season’s pass holders. I was extremely excited when you reached out to me, as I have many paintings inspired by our time spent at Castle.
Photo Credit: Gordon Mackey
Q: How do you think our project turned out?
A: I’ve only seen the mock ups/proofs which look amazing, but am looking forward to seeing the Gogglesocs in person. I hope people will enjoy them.
Q: What is your favourite run at Castle?
A: It has changed over the years. When I was a kid, we only had the T-bar so it was the North Run, the Burn, Jelly Roll, tree skiing or Shot Gun. More recently I’ve enjoyed North Star, and last season I enjoyed the Tamarack Bowl and Sheriff so we could stay up top, and Drifter for the way down. Truth be told, I follow my family to see where they want to go.
Q: How many days on snow are you hoping to get this season?
A: As many as I can, crossing fingers for awesome snow.
Q: What’s the best way for people to learn more about you / your work?
A: You can follow me on IG or FB @janifercalvezart or visit my website at janifercalvez.com. I also have a studio space at the Lebel Mansion in Pincher Creek and show my art at in the gallery shop there, as well as at Lineham House Galleries in Okotoks, AB.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
A: Thank you for collaborating with a local artist (me) for this fantastic project and here’s to a fabulous ski season.
And thank you, Janifer! You’ve been a joy to work with on this project and we appreciate your love and enthusiasm you exude not only for your craft, but also for the South Canadian Rockies region!
Want to see how the Gogglesoc turned out? Check out the photo below!
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