Alpine Echo Gallery: Where Art Meets the Mountains

Background of the Founders

Hayley Stewart earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Drawing and Painting from the Ontario College of Art and Design in 2008. She moved west shortly after, living in Tofino before settling in British Columbia's Interior. She splits her time between Revelstoke, BC, and Baja California Sur, Mexico. Her work is known for its bold use of colour and smooth blending, bringing a modern yet organic feel to mountain-inspired landscapes. In 2024, she co-founded Alpine Echo Gallery alongside The Local Art Co-op in Revelstoke.

Zuzana Riha is a Canadian painter whose works emphasize texture and colour to reflect the beauty of natural landscapes. She primarily works in oil on canvas, layering hues to create depth and atmosphere. Her paintings often depict alpine environments inspired by the terrain surrounding Revelstoke. She has exhibited her work in various galleries across British Columbia and continues refining her mountain art techniques.

Meghan Porath serves as the Executive Director and Curator of the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre (RVAC), where she fosters a thriving creative community and supports fellow artists in their artistic journeys. With a passion for both creating and curating, Porath has dedicated much of her career to championing the work of others. In 2024, she co-founded Alpine Echo Gallery to provide a pleasing art space that reflects the essence of Revelstoke's mountain town character. As a contemporary artist, Porath's work delves into dynamic explorations of abstraction, utilizing unique wood cutouts as her primary medium.

They aim to create a space that highlights original, high-calibre work without losing the connection to the place that inspires it. Unlike some galleries that prioritize volume and commercial appeal, Alpine Echo aims to keep its focus on large-format, striking pieces that command attention.

Location and Layout

Alpine Echo Gallery is located in Mackenzie Village, a growing commercial and residential area in Revelstoke. Its location is intentional. Instead of setting up in the town's busiest tourist corridors, the gallery is positioned in a place where people can take their time exploring the art. The space itself spans over 2,000 square feet, allowing for the display of large canvases without feeling overcrowded.

Visitors will find the gallery laid out to encourage slow viewing. The lighting is designed to enhance the texture and colour of each piece, and the uncluttered presentation makes the artwork's details stand out. The founders have taken a thoughtful approach, ensuring that the setting does justice to the work on display.

Featured Artists and Their Work

Alpine Echo Gallery represents artists whose work aligns with its mountain landscapes and natural beauty theme. Some of the notable names in the gallery's collection include:

Dominik Modlinski – Known for his bold, colourful depictions of wilderness landscapes. His work captures the movement and energy of the natural world, making each painting feel alive.

Nicola McGarry – A multidisciplinary artist whose work explores the relationship between people and nature. Her pieces often carry an emotional depth that resonates with those familiar with the solitude of the mountains.

Pauline Hunt – A respected member of the local art community. Her work continues to influence new generations, and some of her sales contribute to a scholarship fund for Revelstoke Secondary School students.

The gallery does not try to be everything to everyone. The selection of artists is curated to maintain a strong identity, ensuring that each work connects to the gallery's overall vision.

Events and Community Engagement

Alpine Echo Gallery is not just about selling art. The founders plan to make it an active part of Revelstoke's creative scene. Workshops, artist talks, and collaborative events will be part of the gallery's ongoing efforts to engage the community.

For local artists, this means opportunities to learn, connect, and showcase their work. For visitors and collectors, these events provide insight into the process behind the artwork. The gallery's approach goes beyond static displays; it is meant to be a space where conversations about art and nature occur.

Visiting Alpine Echo Gallery

The gallery is open daily from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm, with closures on Wednesdays to accommodate exhibit changes and private events. Visitors will find the space at 2110 Coursier Avenue in Mackenzie Village. Those interested in purchasing art or learning more about the gallery's upcoming events can contact Alpine Echo Gallery at alpineechogallery@gmail.com.

For artists looking to showcase their work, the gallery welcomes inquiries. While the selection process is highly curated, the founders are open to discovering new talent that fits within their artistic vision.

Why Alpine Echo Gallery Matters

Revelstoke has no shortage of inspiration for artists. Still, until now, there has been a gap in high-end, large-scale artwork dedicated to the local landscape. Alpine Echo Gallery is changing that. The gallery offers something distinct by focusing on original, mountain-themed pieces and fostering a space that prioritizes quality over quantity.

For collectors, it is a place to find meaningful, investment-worthy pieces. For artists, it is a serious platform that values originality. For the town, it is another step in the evolution of Revelstoke's creative community.

Alpine Echo Gallery is already becoming an essential part of the local arts scene. Those who appreciate fine art with a connection to the natural world will find plenty to explore. The gallery is ready to make its mark, and the artwork inside speaks for itself.