For an award show that's all about highlighting local talent, it only made sense to find artists and tradespeople from our own backyard to build the award trophies.
While the nominated artists were busy collecting online vote in hopes of bringing home a Kootenay Music Award, the trophies were being passed between local businesses who contributed to the final products.
Ourglass made the award bodies out of sheets of black and clear glass cut into triangles and fused together. Then, those were sent to Speedpro Signs and covered with a layer of vinyl with the lettering and design cutout. Next, Live Metal Works sandblasted the surface, so the cutout portions would show the clear glass in contrast to the black. Finally the vinyl was peeled away and the final product fitted into a wood base created by Nelson woodworker Jon Porter.
Porter and Dan Farden of Ourglass also made last year's awards. This year the duo wanted to make the awards bigger and better and involve more people in the making.
"As an artist, I'm always trying to push myself and see what's possible," Farden said. "Last year's award didn't have the writing on it, so we needed the extra people to make that happen."
He said it's nice to make something he knows will be treasured by the people who receive them.
"It's nice to know my work will wind up on display some place," Farden said.
He's looking forward to the evolution of the awards and hopes to continue building them in future years.
"I think every year we'll be able to do something a little different, which is nice," he said. "I'm already thinking about what I want to do next."
Voting for the Kootenay Music Awards is now closed. The winners will be announced May 10 at Spiritbar. The event will feature live music by a number of last year's award winners — including Shred Kelly and The Automation — as well as some special guests. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 or $10 for Kootenay Co-op Radio members. Money raised through ticket sales will be donated to the Kootenay Co-op Radio.