MECAhinton

MECAhinton At Mountain's Edge Culture and Arts (MECA), our mission is to cultivate and elevate Hinton's artistic and cultural landscape.

We are dedicated to nurturing a vibrant arts and culture community.

03/09/2026

ART IN THE BLACK

Featured Creative: Marilyn Bulger, Musician and Potter

Some instruments carry a presence the moment you see them. The harp is one of those instruments, and in Marilyn’s hands it becomes something even more powerful. A sound that is graceful and expressive.

Marilyn has spent many years sharing music with those around her. The harp requires patience, discipline, and an incredible sensitivity to sound, and those qualities are reflected not only in how she plays but in how she approaches her creative life. Beyond music, Marilyn is also a potter, shaping clay with the same thoughtful attention she brings to every note.

One of the most meaningful parts of this session was seeing that creative spirit continue into the next generation. Marilyn’s granddaughter is also studying the harp, carrying forward a love of music that connects past, present, and future.

Photographing Marilyn felt like capturing more than a portrait of a musician. It felt like documenting a legacy.

Do you remember the first time you heard a harp played live?

03/03/2026

A drive through Hinton, Alta., won’t reveal many murals, or even a dedicated gallery space, but the local art scene still thrives – just under the radar. As ...

02/19/2026

ART IN THE BLACK JASPER EDITION

Featured Creative: Diana Ward, Painter

Di is one of those people who lights up a room the moment she walks in. Warm, vivacious, and armed with a wicked sense of humour, she brings both lightness and strength to everything she does.

Our session was full of laughter and gorgeous Norwegian sweaters. There is something powerful about photographing someone who is completely at ease in her own skin. Di has that rare combination of confidence and playfulness, and it made the entire experience feel effortless.

Behind the humour and sparkle is a serious commitment to her creative practice. She shows up for her work with intention and heart, and that depth balances beautifully with her quick wit and bright presence.

Ending the Jasper edition of ART IN THE BLACK with Di feels fitting. Joy, intelligence, and strength wrapped into one totally unforgettable creative.

02/18/2026

ART IN THE BLACK

Creative Jessie Lynn, Beader

If you’ve noticed I’ve been a little quieter, it’s only because I’ve been busy photographing more incredible creatives in Hinton.

The Jasper edition is wrapping up, and I cannot wait to share the final portraits. After that, we move straight into something powerful, including a first look at an extraordinary new sculpture from one of Hinton’s standout artists.

There is also a CBC interview in the works, highlighting the depth and diversity of creatives in our region.

This project keeps growing because artists keep showing up.
If you know a creative who should be part of ART IN THE BLACK, tag them below or share this post.

More coming soon.

02/12/2026

ART IN THE BLACK JASPER EDITION

Featured Creative: Gilly Thomas, Writer

Gilly came into this session with her book very much on her mind.

She wanted her portraits to reflect the tone and intention of the work she is creating. Thoughtful, grounded, and deeply human.

Writing a book is an act of courage. It asks for vulnerability, discipline, and a willingness to explore complex inner landscapes. As Gilly spoke about her work, her clarity and conviction were unmistakable. This is not casual writing. It is work shaped by years of reflection, professional experience, and a genuine desire to contribute something meaningful.

Her background as a body mind therapist informs her writing, but this portrait focuses on the author. A woman committed to putting her ideas into the world. A creative stepping fully into her voice.

It was an honour to photograph her at this stage of her journey, and I would love to capture her again when her book officially makes its debut.

02/10/2026

ART IN THE BLACK JASPER EDITION

Featured Creative: Tammy Taylor, Painter

Tammy has been painting since she was very young. That lifelong relationship with her craft shows clearly in the realism of her work. Her paintings capture animals with a presence that feels both precise and deeply felt.

During our session, Tammy’s face lit up every time she spoke about her art. She shared stories about the pieces she brought with her, her creative journey, and the role her family plays in supporting her work. Her husband was right there beside her, offering encouragement as she stepped in front of the camera, and that support was felt throughout the session.

Tammy was in Jasper for the BUZZFest gala, where she was also giving a live painting demonstration. Photographing her in that moment felt especially fitting. This portrait reflects not only the skill behind her work, but the passion, connection, and community that continue to shape her creative life.

02/05/2026

ART IN THE BLACK JASPER EDITION

Featured Creative: Simone Heinrich, Photographer

I teased an image of Simone right after the Jasper BUZZFest opening gala because her portraits were impossible to rush past. This felt like a moment worth returning to.

Photographers are often most comfortable behind the camera. We’re used to watching, waiting, and responding to what unfolds in front of us. Stepping into the frame can feel unfamiliar and vulnerable. Simone embraced her ART IN THE BLACK session with trust and courage.

Simone is a well recognized wildlife photographer whose work captures moments in the natural world that many of us never get to witness. Her images reveal patience, instinct, and a deep attentiveness to the life around her. Turning the lens toward Simone felt like a reversal of roles, offering space for her to be seen rather than to observe.

This portrait is a reminder that creatives who spend their lives documenting others and creating for others also deserve room in front of the camera. It was a privilege to photograph Simone as part of this special Jasper edition of ART IN THE BLACK.

02/03/2026

ART IN THE BLACK JASPER EDITION

Featured Creative: Rob Klettl, Woodcarver

Rob is an incredible woodcarver, and he was an absolute joy to photograph. From the moment he stepped in front of the camera, everything felt easy. He brought warmth, humour, and an open spirit to the session, and that gregarious energy carried straight through into the images.

His carving reflects patience and skill, guided by a deep respect for the wood itself and the natural forms that inspire his work.

Holding this piece, Rob looks completely at ease. The connection between maker and work was immediate and natural, which made the portrait come together effortlessly.

This is what ART IN THE BLACK is about. Creating space for creatives to show up as themselves, alongside the work they love, and letting that connection lead the image.

02/01/2026

ART IN THE BLACK JASPER EDITION

Featured Creative: Sandra Coombe, Artist

Sandra is a powerful presence within the Jasper Artists Guild, and a driving force behind so much of what makes the creative community here thrive. She brings focus, momentum, and follow through, and she does it with generosity and care.

In this portrait, Sandra holds her favourite painting from BUZZFest 2026, an aurora filled work that felt inseparable from her the moment she lifted it. The way she naturally held the piece close to her body created a strong vertical line, almost like a current running through her, grounding the artwork and the maker together.

This image speaks to a creative spirit that is steady and sustained. Not loud, not fleeting, but deeply rooted and purposeful.

Photographing Sandra was a reminder that leadership in the arts is often carried quietly and confidently, through action, vision, and an unwavering commitment to community.

The painting is currently available for purchase at the Jasper Art Gallery, located at 500 Robson Street within the Jasper Library and Cultural Centre, Jasper, Alberta.

Thank You from the ChairThank you to everyone who joined us for MECA’s 2nd Annual General Meeting yesterday. Your presen...
01/12/2026

Thank You from the Chair

Thank you to everyone who joined us for MECA’s 2nd Annual General Meeting yesterday. Your presence, engagement, and support truly reflected the strength and diversity of Hinton’s creative community.

It was encouraging to come together to reflect on what we’ve built so far, celebrate the artists and initiatives that shaped 2025, and look ahead to what’s next. Thank you for helping shape MECA as a community-driven organization that will continue to evolve alongside the artists and creatives it serves.

With gratitude,
Kristin Braun
Chair, Mountain’s Edge Culture & Arts Society

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Hinton, AB

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