If you find yourself in downtown Medicine Hat, Alberta over the next 5 months, have a look at the Tumbleweed Spaces that line the exterior of the Esplanade gallery.
Since 2012, I've sporadically shot thousands of images of Medicine Hat as part of a collection I've referred to as "the Hometown Series" and if you've followed me at any point in the last decade there's a good chance you've seen a part of it randomly pop up in your feed. The Hometown Series became so popular over lockdown that you may even have a print from it hanging in your home at this point.
As I described in my notes it's become a digital tapestry of my community, but in its simplest form, it's really just an excuse to look at the familiar in a less familiar way.
Of course, this exhibition wouldn't have happened without all of you and your support. It also wouldn't have happened without the amazing team at TREX Southeast who were the ones who nudged me to consider doing this and presented the opportunity a year ago.
It's amazing what time and a little creative energy can turn into. Thank you all for the push and for continuing to share the ride!
Last night was Midnight Madness in downtown Medicine Hat, Alberta, and over the last couple years, this has become one of my new favourite Christmas traditions. Mostly, it's an excuse to snack and shop, but in addition to a few great visuals (like the balloon glow) we've made a habit of using the event as an excuse to find thrifty treasures around downtown.
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A few of my finds included more VHS, 45s, and 8 tracks. I also found a handful of location-based glassware, your grandma's spoon collection from around North America, and a handful of vintage travel guides - including the official photo book of the torch relay from the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics, the guidebook from the Tower of London gift shop, and a 1966 travel guide of Pompeii (100% in Italian). And what did my total come to for all of these incredibly rare historic artifacts? A whopping $18 for the night. It was a lot of fun.
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The Superwheel (the largest travelling ferris wheel in the world) was back on the midway at the Calgary Stampede this year, but did you know they offer a VIP experience?
We didn't either.
The Superwheel has a single VIP capsule, and with upgraded seats and air conditioning, what you're really paying for is that it's the only capsule with a glass bottom. The perspective was cool, the air conditioning was appreciated, but the ride didn't last anywhere near long enough to justify the $25 per person ticket. Who am I kidding though, I'm easily swayed by a view.
8/10 would go again lol.
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I was really impressed by Jake Vaadeland & the Sturgeon River Boys set on the Coca Cola stage at the Calgary Stampede this year.
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Some describe their sound as a mix of bluegrass and rockabilly, but as someone who's been particularly swept up in nostalgia on my latest documentary, what I really loved was that it was like stepping back into the Calgary Stampede in 1959 - right down to the deliberate ad reads on stage. I was pleased I got the chance to meet the guys and pick up a record afterwards.
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When you get a message asking if you'd like to witness one of the last airworthy B-17 Flying Fortresses in the world come in to land and then have the opportunity to privately explore it, the correct response is, "I'm on my way". Here are a few behind the scenes snaps (including a few interiors) following yesterday's landing of "Sentimental Journey" at the Medicine Hat Airport.
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A few visual highlights from this year's Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival in Medicine Hat, Alberta. These images were captured across 4 days around various launch sites within the city.
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