Photo of Evelyn Johannson and six of her eight kids, taken one day on the way to school about the end of the school term 1957/58.
The Johannson’s were some of the many people and families who lived in the Buttermaker’s House over the years.
#ButtermakersHouseRestoration
#ThrowbackThursday
“Steam engine pulling out trees, Markerville, Alberta.”, 1912, (CU188352) by Unknown.
L-R: Arnie Bardel; Paul Bardell, unknown, child.
Courtesy of Glenbow Library and Archives Collection, Libraries and Cultural Resources Digital Collections, University of Calgary.
Above: Photo of Shaye Zadravec and Tim Leacock provided by the artist for promotional material
On November 9th, 2024, Fensala Hall was brimming with the great sounds of Shaye Zadravec and Tim Leacock during the second offering of the Fensala Hall Concert Series 2024/2025 season. Playing to an almost full house, the duo delivered some great classic country along with Shaye’s own ballads. — Photos by John McKechnie
Hailing from Calgary, AB, Shaye Zadravec, a strong vocalist and passionate performer, continues to develop and pursue her career in music.
Since beginning in 2011, she has released an EP, “Norway”, and a full length album, “Now and Then”. Both recordings reached audiences within Canada and overseas which has since led to two European tours throughout the Netherlands.
Accompanied by seasoned musician, Tim Leacock, the pair weave originals and carefully chosen material in their set. Shaye flourishes in the art of interpretation and draws influence from a wide variety of artists and genres carrying her audience on an emotional musical journey.
Sponsored in part by Red Deer County and Alberta Foundation for the Arts!
Above: Image provided by The Travelling Mabels for promotional material
FENSALA HALL CONCERT SERIES presents THE TRAVELLING MABELS!
October 5th, 2024 was a fun-filled evening with great music, free popcorn, prize draws, free dessert, a few tears, and lots of laughs! The standing ovation brought the band back for three more terrific tunes!
Here are photos from the much enjoyed Saturday evening!
Photos by Byron Nilsson
The Travelling Mabels are an award-winning folk/country group from southern Alberta. For more than fifteen years, they have brought their own unique brand of harmony, humour and musicianship to audiences from coast to coast, performing at venues ranging from folk clubs and community halls to big festivals. They have shared the stage with many notable artists including Ian Tyson, Tom Jackson, The Elvis Imperials and Gene Watson. They have also collectively written and recorded four CDs which have enjoyed extensive airplay on radio stations such as CBC and CKUA.
As an ardent fan once humorously stated “If the Eagles and the Trio (Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris) were a family, then surely their children would be The Travelling Mabels”.
Their song release, Alberta Blue, has been a long time fan favourite and features a cameo vocal performance by the legendary Ian Tyson.
Their latest album titled “Take Me Home” features 11 songs, comprised of mostly original music, a Billy Joel instrumental cover and a remix of their most popular song “Alberta Blue”.
Additionally, the lyrics to Alberta Blue have been featured in an award winning Children’s board book titled “Alberta Blue – A Prairie Sky Lullaby”.
Sponsored in part by Red Deer County and Alberta Foundation for the Arts!
The fall weather was warm enough for us to enjoy an outdoor art talk with Karen Scarlett during the coffee gathering at Kaffistofa on October 5th, 2024.
Karen is part way through her Artist Residency stay at the Buttermaker’s House and wanted to share some of her process and progress on the four art pieces she is working on that are tied to her stay in Markerville.
Karen touched on her early years growing up on the family farm near Innisfail, and of the artistic influence she received from her Mom, Dad, and Grandma Scarlett. Creativity is a lifelong adventure for her, and has always been a vital part of life.
After the morning coffee goodies were passed around by d’Arcy Gamble, Karen showed us various artwork she’s currently painting, as well as described her plans for works based on the Church and the Ice House (with ideas percolating for two more, one of which could be the Buttermaker’s House).
Karen finished her talk with a short demonstration of watercolour painting for some eager spectators, both adults and kids!
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the presentation, and the way Karen was able to discuss the process and concepts to be easily understood by the layman.
You can find out more about Karen’s artwork on her website: karenscarlett.com
Excerpt from Karen’s Proposal: “My practice centers around the prairie and the magic it provides. With a focus on vivid landscapes and structures that reflect the cultural essence of a place. I plan to use painting and drawing as a primary medium to capture the unique features of Markerville’s local spaces, such as the Creamery, the Fensala Hall, the Ice House, the bridge and river too. These structures/spaces not only serve as representations of Icelandic settlement but are also symbols of resilience, community, and the pioneering spirit of the Icelandic immigrants who helped build them. My hope is the pieces I create during my stay reflect these characteristics.”
Scarlett is a multidisciplinary artist. Besides fine art, Karen also instructs, consults and creates murals including leading community groups to create a vision for their unique space.
Karen lives in Innisfail, Alberta. You can find her work in private, corporate and public art collections around the world.
Buttermaker’s House Artist Residency is supported by Red Deer County and Alberta Foundation for the Arts. An award is available to qualified applicants, sponsored by INLNA (Icelandic National League of North America).
The Stephan G. Stephansson Icelandic Society’s 50th Anniversary Gala was a labour of love from the committee members and volunteers!
Bernice, Marlene, John, Pam, Beth, and Donna were there right from the beginning of planning the September 28, 2024 event. The spouses and other volunteers magically appeared for the usual behind the scenes set up at Spruce View Hall. Our local smithy Doug Taylor (BrenX Artistic Blacksmithing) came through with a beautiful (and very popular) centrepiece for the 20 tables. d’Arcy & Al Gamble kept the Brennivin flowing with “first the Herring, then take a drink.”
The evening was in good hands under the care of Laurel Corbiere, our Master of Ceremonies, who kept everything on track; and the Spruce View 2025 Grads did a wonderful job serving the meal under the guidance of Jaye Hillman.
After the fun, feast, and fanfare was over, it was wonderful to see the West Central Wranglers 4H and Rangeland Beef 4H arrive just in time for the event take down and cleanup.
The Master of Ceremonies Laurel Corbiere began with her opening remarks, and then introduced Kathleen Raines, the 2024 Alberta Fjallkona, to give an address to the SGSIS 50th Anniversary Gala attendees on September 28, 2024.
Before the formal dinner began several attendees and representatives presented greetings, including President John McKechnie, the Honourable Earl Dreeshen, Mayor Jim Woods, and Councilor Brent Ramsay. Karen Gummo read one of Stephan G.’s poems in Icelandic and then in English; followed by Grace given by Ellen Ingolfsson in Icelandic.
I’ve also included some photos of the meal (along with requested gluten free options) with a warm Thank You to Milly Oak Café & Catering (Derek Layden), Jaye Hillman, and the Spruce View 2025 Grads.
Clicquot Trio
Bryan Niblock, Claire Butler, Stefano Valdo
Ellen Ingolfsson - Grace
Janet Lutz - Harpest Interlude
Karen Gummo - Poem
Related posts:
Clicquot Trio (Supper and Song August 29, 2024; Buttermaker’s House Artist Residency)
Claire Butler (Buttermaker’s House Artist Residency August 30, 2024)
Earlier in the evening there was a poem reading by Karen Gummo. After the meal we enjoyed a performance of three pieces by Harpist Janet Lutz.
Following the Interlude, Bernice Andersen and Marlene Linneberg gave a presentation of “The Magic of Markerville”, sharing the history of Markerville and SGSIS in story and slides, with the assistance of Brooke Henrikson on projector.
Closing out the evening was an encore performance by Clicquot Trio (Brian Niblock, Claire Butler, and Stefano Valdo)
