THURSDAY
S I N C E
JUNE 13, 2013
1 8 9 5
Vol. 118, Issue 92
Nick Romanchuk promoted
105
$
Page 2
INCLUDING G.S.T.
PROUDLY SERVING THE COMMUNITIES OF ROSSLAND, WARFIELD, TRAIL, MONTROSE, FRUITVALE & SALMO
Community Futures ready to help BY SHERI REGNIER Times Staff
SHERI REGNIER PHOTO
Trail artist Ursula Abresch opens her exhibit, “Graffiti: Time and Elements” tonight at 7 p.m. in the VISAC Gallery on Helena Street in downtown Trail. Abresch’s exploration into urban art includes 50 pieces of close up photography, that weave a tale about Canada, painted on the sides of old trains.
Artist displays beauty of graffiti BY SHERI REGNIER Times Staff
Sometimes accompanying a husband to the lumber yard can be inspiring. Such was the case with artist Ursula Abresch, an art photographer from Trail. “A few years ago my husband was buying some wood in Castlegar by the train track,” she said. “I had an hour to wander around, and there was a train parked nearby.” Abresch said an eye-catching piece of graffiti signed by “Labrona,” was painted on the side of the train. “It was such a beautiful piece, obviously done by an artist, so I began to wonder who ‘Labrona’ is.” Once home, after a quick Internet search, Abresch discovered that Labrona is a Canadian artist living in Quebec, who sells his work in galleries but is known
for street art, such as train graffiti. “Then it struck me that there are other artists out there who paint on trains,” she said.
“But why would anybody with that much ability go out in the middle of the night on the sly to do this?” URSULA ABRESCH
“But why would anybody with that much ability go out in the middle of the night on the sly to do this?” Abresch found it intriguing that an artist would send his work out on the side of a train and probably never see it again, nor receive monetary gain.
“And yet they send this gorgeous art out into the world for people to enjoy.” Abresch’s unusual and somewhat haunting photographs are taken up close, so that each piece looks like a brightly coloured, abstract painting. Her photography style, or “photoimpressionism,” creates intricate details of the original graffiti and its wear, created by the elements over time. “As I started to look closer, I began to notice the interaction between the graffiti and how over time, the paint cracked, or was scratched or not quite dry when the original work was done,” she explained. “I am not interested in making a picture of the graffiti itself, but I am interested in taking little pieces of it and creating a new story,” To view Abresch’s work, visit ursulasphotos.com or call 364-1181.
Thinking about turning your dream of owning a business into reality? Then you’re in good company because Community Futures of Greater Trail has experienced business mentors ready to explore the possibilities and eager to turn the dream into a reality. Having launched and sold a highly successful company out of the Community Futures business incubator, general manager Don Freschi is ready to lend his business acumen to the next generation of innovators and visionaries. Earlier this year, life went full circle for Freschi when he accepted this position. “I came from Firebird with a business background,” he said. “After that contract ended, I thought I would like to give back to the community somehow, and this was the best way.” Community Futures of Greater Trail, located on Spokane Street next to the post office, offers new business start-up mentorships and support to those with an entrepreneurial spirit. “Community Futures provides many programs but our main purpose is business mentoring,” explained Freschi. “We will help with strategies on how to start and maintain your business and how to make it better.” Freschi said that the succession planning courses and workshops are free, with online virtual work shops available for a small fee. “We want people to know about these opportunities, because we are all about building a successful business within the community.” Costs for long-term leases, business signage, or necessary office equipment and furniture are alleviated with the South Kootenay Business Centre, located inside the building. “For $350 to $400 a month (lease-free), our furnished office spaces can start you off, everything is supplied to you,” said Freschi. “It is important for the community to know that we are here and ready to help.” A recent initiative called the Micro Loan program provides entrepreneurs a loan of up to $10,000 to improve cash flow, purchase equipment, improve inventory or use as working capital. “For example, if you need to buy a new lawn mower or patio furniture to maintain your business, we can help,” he said. See FRESCHI, Page 3
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