I'm driving down that now familiar stretch of highway, the part right after surviving Devil's Canyon, I'm almost home now; I've almost made it to Wells.

As a girl raised in the big city of Vancouver, I never would have thought I'd end up somewhere where there are more trees than people, moose wandering at will and more art galleries per capita than almost anywhere in Canada (one gallery for every 25 people). But here I am, feeling drawn to the amazing natural beauty of mountains, lakes and northern lights, to the tranquility of silence so rare on our heavily populated planet and to a community of wonderful people from all walks of life, from miners to Barkerville actors and cowboys to artists.

Inaugurated in the 1930's by Fred Wells, a miner who struck gold, Wells is a town built on a lot of heavy toil, but also on a belief in the importance of arts and community. Fred Wells actively sought out workers who could play an instrument or sing a song and others that had families so that the town could grow and the culture flourish.

The ripples of Fred's founding philosophy are very much alive and kicking in modern day Wells, where throughout the summer there is a harp concert, theatre performance, artist talk or gallery opening almost every night. Not to mention the annual Yacht Races, Mt. Agnes Yodel Fest and the ever-popular community dances, lovingly dubbed the "Lame-Ass" (and believe me they are anything but lame).

Tourists pour through in the summer months, most in search of the memory of gold and a town called Barkerville. Barkerville lies 8km down the road from Wells. Although it is not a real town, there is a fine line between real and make-believe, especially when there are more shops, restaurants and often more people inhabiting this ghost town than the real town of Wells next door.

My bicycle becomes a time machine as I cruise the road from Barkerville to Wells peddling past trees, mountains and the legendary bog known around town for its terrific rafting.

Upon arrival in Wells I pass by two churches, both of which are actually artists' studios. Finally I arrive at my destination, Island Mountain Arts, School of the Arts.

This is the place that brought me to Wells. Running since 1977, Island Mountain Arts is the cornerstone that many of the other artists in town have built upon. In fact Island Mountain Arts has set in motion a cultural revolution, attracting world-class artists, alongside aspiring ones and students from all across the country to this little alpine mountain town.

With a focus on providing professional and emerging arts education to the community and beyond, Island Mountain Arts creates an environment rife with inspiration. Director of Programming and visual artist Beth Holden explains, "the courses draw people in, but I think it is the opportunity to network and discuss with other artists that keep students coming back, that alongside the amazing wilderness setting in Wells provides artists with an unmatched creative experience."

Nothing quite compares to the vibrant neighbourhood of Wells and Barkerville. Its natural beauty, historical context and artistic influence provide any visitor with excitement and adventure. This summer Island Mountain Arts has a great line up of courses, concerts, readings, artist talks and, new for 2004, the ARTSWELLS Festival of All Things Art from July 9th - 11th.

For artists looking for the time and space to dedicate themselves to their craft, this year's Wells Artists Project (July 17th - 25th), which is a juried course geared for professional and emerging artists who want to spend nine days honing their talents, is being led by Professional Visual Artist and Educator Michelle Lavoie. A teacher at the University of Alberta, Lavoie will encourage students to investigate their ideas and develop their own, unique visual sensibilities, in addition to providing the skills and confidence needed to make that next step in their artistic career.

So come visit us and check out the wildlife, the nightlife and the good life. Come and join the art rush.

For more information on Island Mountain Arts School of the Arts or to receive our brochure call 1-800-442-2787, email at info@imarts.com or visit our website at www.imarts.com. For Wells-Barkerville info visit www.wellsbc.com.

Contributed by Julie Fowler
media@imarts.com