I arrived at the Wallace Stegner House this morning, very excited about spending two weeks writing and photographing in Eastend and staying in this wonderful home which was built by Stegner's father and restored by the Eastend Arts Council.
Ethel and Ken Wills of the Arts Council had just completed installing an air conditioner in the window of the study when I arrived. The weather had been hot and they had an extra unit and just enough time to install it before I arrived. I had heard about how well visiting artists are treated in this town the by the Council and the people of Eastend, and this was more evidence of that care and concern.
Ethel invited me to the Canada Day celebrations at the Eastend Historical Museum – old time music by local musicians for the adults, face painting and games for the children, and a demonstration of anvil art ('Blacksmithed Roses and Iron Work' by the very talented Deb Giverhaug, one of many artists who live in Eastend). I met Ron Eremenko with whom I went to school and University; I didn't know he lived in Eastend and was very pleased to see him.
Ron invited the people who worked at the festivities – and me – to dinner at his home tonight. I spent the evening dining with and sharing stories with gallery owners, artists, and other people from the town and surrounding area. After being in town nine hours, some of which I spent getting settled in my home for the next two weeks, I felt as if I were part of the town. Everyone has been very welcoming and hospitable.
The Frenchman River runs just behind the Stegner House. I had just enough time left this evening to stroll beside it and watch the sun set over the Cypress Hills.
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