This event is cancelled due to lack of registration
For a description of ..... "Paint the Pits": party of two
.....click here








This event is cancelled due to lack of registration
For a description of ..... "Paint the Pits": party of two
.....click here





What is a "Paint the Pits" party?
Transcript of the CBC / CBQ Thunder Bay radio interview
on "The Great Northwest" with Lisa Laco, February 5, 2001.


It is an opportunity for artists from Thunder Bay, Atikokan and the region to come together for the opportunity to paint and sketch the landscape of the abandoned open pits of the former Steep Rock Iron Mine.

These water-filled, naturalized pits and their surrounding scenery have been likened to a "green Grand Canyon". The mine has been closed for over 20 years now, and the landscape is reverting to a more natural look. To celebrate this naturalization, to put the landscape on canvas or paper, this is the goal of the "Paint the Pits" party.

More details


Four groups in Atikokan (about two hours west of Thunder Bay in Northwestern Ontario) have come together to host this event. The Pictograph Gallery, the Atikokan Intergenerational Centre for Arts and Alternatives, the Atikokan Walleye Hatchery and the Atikokan Mining Attraction will be cooperating to host an artistic happening early in May.



Pre-registration required, by May 1, 2001
Contact information: Shawn J. Allaire
P.O. Box 921, Atikokan, ON P0T 1C0
(807) 597-8737 / fax: (775) 402-2423




How much will it cost?

(Tentatively) $50.00 for the weekend


 

Description of the event:

The groups will hold a mini social on Friday night at the Mining Attraction to learn a little about why the pits are there. There will be refreshments provided and an opportunity to explore the displays, photographs and artifacts from the mining days.

Painting and sketching outside at the pits will occur on Saturday (starting early to catch the dramatic morning light) with the opportunity to work further on the artwork at the painting rooms in the Intergenerational Centre on Saturday evening.

On Sunday morning, we will have a very unique opportunity to have a guided tour of the Atikokan Walleye Hatchery which will be in full swing harvesting the eggs. Since the Hatchery is situated right beside one of the prettier venues in Atikokan, Little Falls and very near the Golf Course, there will be a further opportunity on Sunday morning to paint and sketch the falls or some of the scenic lookouts near the Golf Course.




Sun over "The Pits"




Storm Clouds over
"The Pits"

Proposed Schedule:  for the May 11-13, 2001 weekend:

Friday afternoon and evening: Arrival in Atikokan, lodgings set up.

Evening: Mini-social at the Atikokan Mining Attraction with information handouts, facility tour, displays, exhibits, refreshments served.
Saturday am:  Short tour of mine site, Set up for painting and sketching
Saturday lunch Bag lunch at mine site
Sandwiches provided by the volunteers of the various organizations
Saturday afternoon: Continued painting from various outlooks
Saturday evening: 

Use of the Painting rooms at the Intergenerational Centre to continue work on paintings and sketches



Sunday morning: 

Breakfast on your own

Tour of the Walleye Hatchery with Bill Beyer
Little Falls, right beside the Walleye Hatchery provides the opportunity for a second painting venue as well as lookouts over the Atikokan Golf Course

Sunday afternoon:  Tour of the Pictograph Gallery and return home






Useful Information:

There is a trailer park in Atikokan that can accommodate recreational vehicles.     (Black flies and mosquitos are not that bad in May).



May Weather for the Atikokan area


From Gordon Saunders: " A great range of conditions is possible. It has been as warm as 24 C (1993) and as cold as -6 C (1997). The average range is about 17 during the day and about 2 as a low. Considerable sunshine is the norm, although rain/snow free two-day periods are 2/9. The rain/snow amounts typically are not excessive. Snow is uncommon, but 2.4 cm did fall on May12, 1997. The temp barely got above freezing on that day.

Based on this small sample, almost anything could happen, but the odds are in your favour for most outdoor activities in mid-spring.

Related Links

Atikokan Mining Attraction
Steep Rock Iron Mines Naturalization website
Caland Ore Company website
Atikokan Intergenerational Centre for Arts and Alternatives
Atikokan Online (Atikokan web portal)
Atikokan Information online (more Atikokan information)
Ontario Trillium Foundation
(funder of three of the organizations: The Intergenerational Centre, The Walleye Hatchery and The Mining Attraction)
Link to Autumn Light slideshow
(You can see for yourself how compelling the landscape is)



Thanks for visiting
Email Shawn Allaire		 10296