International Women’s Day
Kathy Stead, Alice Byrne, Judy McMahon, Millie Barret
Women Who Made History: The artists who have seen the early days of the Fernie Arts Co-op and are still part of the store 20+ years later
More than 20 years ago, a group of local artists came together with a shared vision — to create a space where Fernie’s creative talent could be celebrated. At the time, it was difficult for local artists to find gallery space, but these trailblazers were determined to change that.
Among those wonderful people were Joanne Burke, Jeannie Grey, Erica Konrad, Debra Brygadyr Cook, Nancy Watson, Marcie Welsh, Keya White. Today, the Fernie Arts Co-op stands as a testament to their passion and perseverance.
This week, we would like to celebrate 4 exceptional women, 4 artists who have seen the early days of the Fernie Arts Co-op — Millie Barnett, Judy McMahon, Alice Byrne, and Kathy Stead – they have seen it start and they are still remaining part of the store in 2025.
Their memories of the early days are cherished, but their pride in its journey remains the same.
Millie Barnett: From Teddy Bears to Timeless Art
‘Our first location was in a space in the old library’ – Millie remembers. ‘It didn’t take long to realize that we needed to be on Main Street, so we made the move. Looking back, we had both laughs and tears along the way, but we always made sure the co-op remained a viable business. And through it all, I’ve always appreciated the support that the other artists have given me and each other.’
Millie’s artistic journey began with wool—long before felting became her signature technique. Teaching in the Arctic and Saskatchewan, she drew inspiration from a broad range of experiences. She first crafted teddy bears from fabric and fur coats, using wool from her own sheep. When she moved to the Kootenays, she continued refining her craft, becoming a founding member of the Fernie Arts Co-op. Over the years, her designs evolved, and she embraced the ancient art of felting. Today, her one-of-a-kind felted animals, meticulously sculpted with barbed needles, feature rich blends of mohair, alpaca, llama, and wool. No two creatures are ever the same, and her work has found homes across the world.
Judy McMahon: Capturing the Beauty of the Wild
When the co-op first opened, Judy McMahon rolled up her sleeves—quite literally—to paint the walls of the store’s first location. “I painted them yellow and purple,” she recalls with a laugh. A passionate photographer, Judy was drawn to Fernie more than 30 years ago by her love of the mountains. With a background in film, photography, and geography, she built a career capturing adventure and nature. Her work has been featured in publications like National Geographic Adventure, Ski Canada, and The Globe and Mail. Today, she continues to turn her lens toward the landscapes and creatures of Fernie, preserving the magic of the wild through her photography.
Alice Byrne: The Adventurous Spirit of Creativity
Alice’s journey to Fernie started with an adventure—moving from Germany to work as a nanny. Since then, she has built a life, a family, and a creative legacy in the community. She remembers the early days of the co-op, meeting with fellow artists at Jean Grey’s worktable on 3rd Avenue, dreaming of what the store could become.
Alice’s artistic style is as adventurous as her spirit, spanning jewellery, mixed media, and photography. Her vibrant creations reflect her love of travel, skiing, and nature. Whether through bold colours, playful designs, or intricate craftsmanship, Alice’s work radiates joy.
Kathy Stead: A Life in Art and Education
Kathy grew up on the shores of Lake Superior near Thunder Bay, Ontario, and still returns there every summer. She moved west in 1980 and eventually settled in Fernie, where she built both a career and a home. As a high school art teacher for 32 years, she taught in Thunder Bay, Calgary, Sparwood, and Fernie. Kathy has immersed herself in painting, plein air adventures, and capturing the beauty of the natural world. "When I retired, I was looking for somewhere to promote my work and also have a sense of cooperation and support—and that’s exactly what I found here at the Arts Co-op." – Kathy says.
A Legacy That Lives On
What began as a small group of artists looking for a space to showcase their work has grown into a thriving arts community. The Fernie Arts Co-op has transformed over the years into a local art outlet featuring 40+ local artists, but thanks to the dedication and legacy of the members like Millie, Judy, Alice, and Kathy, its heart remains the same—a place where artists and art lovers come together to celebrate creativity.
See the link to the article in the Fernie Fix Magazine for the Arts Co-op 20th Anniversary
https://www.ferniefix.com/article/art-and-entertainment/fernie-arts-co-op by Keya White
