Gary Haggquist – Painter

The Forest Echoes at Cultus Lake is the home and studio of my favourite artist. I first met Gary Haggquist in 1993 while organizing his solo show at the Chilliwack Art Centre’s Downstairs Gallery. I was immediately captivated by his work and have been a big fan ever since. In writing of his work, Gary says “The natural world has always been my wellspring of inspiration. Memories of exploring the forests of my youth can still flood my senses with the sounds and smells of those wild places on the edge of suburbia.” Through his canvas’s Gary is able to take us with him as he explores this world in such a way that is beautiful to experience but difficult to explain in the limited space I have here. I urge you to see for yourself. Gary is currently represented by the Art Junction Gallery in Whistler and his work is also featured at Grey Area Gallery on Vedder Road.  You can learn more about Gary and see a full spectrum of his work at his new website www.garyhagggquist.com

Ted Dreidiger – Pottery

The Chilliwack area is rich with talent when it comes to potters, and a short drive out to Yarrow will take you to the home and studio of one of our finest and perhaps best known. Ted Driediger grew up in this area and has been honing his pottery skills in his studio here for the past 23 years. Inspired by the natural world around him, his love of gardening and his own drawing and painting skills, Ted produces a wide variety of pieces that are both decorative and functional. The rich earth tones of his work can be found in everything from the teapots and mugs, the functional serving dishes and sushi sets to the lovely large vases, plates and bowls. Ted tells us he is inspired also by the knowledge that he can always “do better” and also, perhaps most importantly, by his customers, many of whom have returned time and again over the years to add to their collection.
Unlike some artists who ship their works to other galleries and stores to be sold, Ted has always maintained a personal contact with the people who purchase his pottery. “Meeting with the people, helping them to choose the pieces, and having them take my work into their homes gives me a special sense of fulfillment. For me that completes the creative process.”
Ted has been a regular participant at the Arts Council’s annual Christmas Craft Market and as well holds his own studio show and sale each June and November. The studio, located on Yarrow Central Road just west of the #3 Road intersection is open to the public daily. You might want to call ahead just to be sure he’s there. Ted Driediger 604-823-6961.

Photographer – Stephan Baker

I found the silver lining in a cloud of frustration a couple of weeks ago and it reminded me again what it is that I love about Chilliwack: I can always find something (or someone) special that I didn’t know was here. The frustration had come as I made my way from store to store in search of Chilliwack postcards. I had assumed these would be readily available, but no! Any number of Vancouver or Whistler scenes but not one of Chilliwack! Finally, an inquiry at the Artisan led me to local photographer Stephan Baker and in short order, I had both a delightful assortment of original Chilliwack postcards and a new addition to my list of talented local artists. ~ Anita

Stephan’s focus with his photography is the natural beauty of British Columbia with a focus on the Fraser Valley. Stephan has been taking award winning photos for over seven years, and through his own initiatives has published a coffee table book showing off the beauty of Chilliwack and its surrounding area. Stephan’s aim is to capture nature as “it is” and to create awareness of the beauty that surrounds us in the Fraser Valley.
Stephan also has other products available which include cards, bookmarks and large prints. For more information about Stephan and the products he offers please visit his website: www.stephanbakerphotography.com