A new partner for our Canmore Tasting Trail in 2018 – the Carter-Ryan gallery

Spending time with Jason Carter and Bridget Ryan is a breath of fresh air. Carter is a painter, sculptor and graphic artist. He practices his art seven days a week. Ryan is a singer, writer, actor, producer and TV host. Together they are respectful, fun and energizing. I met them at a tourism conference and fell in love with their passion and willingness to experiment and collaborate.

In Carter’s artist statement he says, “In the world we live in, there is much to be cynical about, but I have found an outlet that I, myself, gather much joy and light, and am so fortunate to be able to pass that joy on.” He also says, “I am aware that much of my craft comes from an innate ability that I have been born with, and believe this to be a blessing and a responsibility, both of which I take very seriously. I am continuously using my gift to create new stories inspired from traditional characters with my stone and canvas. I seek inspiration from the past as I create a bold and colourful future.”

Carter and Ryan have written children’s books together and Ryan’s play, Mavericks on the Mountain is a local favourite along with her production of A Christmas Carol, live theatre at The Fairmont Banff Springs hotel.

We are thrilled our guests will have the chance to take in the indigenous animals that are the subjects of Carter’s carvings and on canvas at the gallery as we gather our groups on our tour dates this year. Carter is a member of the Little Red River Cree Nation of Northern Alberta. Ryan is from Edmonton and has lived in New York City. The two now split their time between Canmore and Edmonton 70/30.

If you like the idea of learning more about soap stone carving, ask at the gallery and join one of Carter’s live workshops.