Landon Mackenzie: In memory of Brigitte Freybe

I am sure it was soon after the start of the Pandemic when Henning and Brigitte Freybe reached out to me wanting to bounce around ideas…thinking maybe to create a place for artists to work in a rural setting near Keremeos. Would it be worth it? They had come into possession of a large log building still occupied on one side by Sue, the former owner, and located on a beautiful wild strip of land, sage covered and nestled up against the mountain, with even a few big horned sheep. The Similkameen River that enthralled Brigitte ran nearby, but any possible plan would be a lot of work and a lot of money to see it through. Renovating the log house would just be the beginning.

Would it be worth it? On that first zoom call I remember responding to Brigitte that I thought it could be amazing: that if they could spring it, a project in the Log House within five years could probably help a hundred artists. I explained that various residencies over my 40-50 year career had been instrumental in my commitment, my route and how I work and think as an artist. After a pause and to my amazement, Brigitte said “Okay then!”

The beautiful Brigitte Freybe left us in January and moved on to live with the stars and the moon but I see her fingerprints all over the incredible place the Similkameen Artist Residency has become. Her ideas about space and design, lovely details and beautiful dishes are ways I can remember her smile and laughter. The artists who come are delighted and often surprised by the perfect mix of charm and neutral elegance. The studios are real studios, the beds are great. The ambition of each artist as to how much to produce is up to them. I will stay involved to support Henning and Anouchka as my grateful tribute.

-Landon Mackenzie