iN PHOTOS: Kamloops woman preserving artistic treasures of funky heritage home
A heritage home slated for demolition has a very unique interior and the current renter is scrambling to preserve some it by the end of the month.
The house is one of twenty heritage homes on Nicola Street and Battle Street in the process of being moved or removed to make way for a multimillion dollar City Gardens project.
READ MORE: Largest ever Kamloops residential development clears final hurdle at City Hall
“People call it ‘The Big House on Nicola,” said renter Jennifer Adams. “We have it until end of February. I’m not sure when it will be knocked down, shortly after I suspect."
The interior walls of the home are one continuous art canvas, with pieces from local artists, originals and prints hanging, and murals painted directly onto the drywall in sections. The home has been the stage for local deejays and creative gatherings for several years. Although it is a sad transition for Adams, she is opening her doors to a bit more artistic fun before she says her final goodbye to the place.
“I’m inviting artists and entrepreneurs looking for a cool, alternative space for some guerilla recording sessions, painting and music, mixing sessions or photo shoots to come by,” she said. “I want to fill this house to the brim and foundation with art and live musical creations.”
Adams will be keeping most of the art pieces and is looking for a new home for the piano. The family has mostly moved over to their new home.
“The kids started painting all the walls,” she said. “I’m tearing down six years of memories made with local musicians and artists. Lots of good memories were made in this house. The house next door hosted live shows with local bands. This neighbourhood was full of artists and live music.”
Some of the art pieces are by Kelly Wright, Zack Abney, Stace DeWolf, Abutalipva Marianna, Kerri Goodwin-Mandryk, Jack Urquhart from Pirates Palace, Ryan W Connors an Ottawa artist, among others.
For now, the pieces will be stored or hung up in Adams’s new house, where she looks forward to making new memories, new art and new music.
To contact a reporter for this story, email Shannon Ainslie or call 250-819-6089 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.
We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.
