The preview show at Backcountry Essentials went off this weekend! Thanks to all who came out on reconnaissance to check out what the fuss is all about… you’ll find out this week at the The Cascadian Collection: Mountain Art Showcase + NWAC Benefit! Kick off your Mt. Baker Legendary Banked Slalom weekend on the creative tip!

FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE

So make sure to come down to State Street Arts Gallery/INNATE for an evening showcase of creative collaboration in the name of mountain art and culture, and to support our beloved avalanche and weather forecasting agency, NWAC!

We have an impressive group of Cascadian locals exhibiting their photography, paintings, screen printed designs and more. Live music, live screen printing, and good vibes flowin’ all night long!

+ Silent auction to benefit Friends of NWAC and artists!
+ Photo booth and costume box to capture your swagger!
+ Unofficial warm up party for the 2012 Legendary Banked Slalom!
+ Prize raffle with TONS of swag and giveaways!!

Artists:
Colin Wiseman
Justin Kious
Liam Gallagher
Jessie Carlson
Dylan Hart
Ryan Duclos
Mike Ennen
INNATE

HUGE thanks to our affiliates:
Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center (NWAC) | Smith Optics | Eddie Bauer First Ascent | Backcountry Essentials | INNATE | LUSTR Watches | State Street Arts

We had the opportunity to talk with 17-year old photographer Dylan Hallet from Boulder Colorado. Take a look at his snaps and enjoy the interview.

Q. How long have you been capturing photos?
A. I have been captivated by the lens for many years, but just started shooting with a dslr a little more than a year ago.

Q.Who/What/Where are your inspirations?
A. Local photographers such as Grant Gunderson, and Dylan Hart have provided much inspiration. It’s amazing how much you can learn my looking at other individuals work.

But I would say most of my inspiration comes from the beauty of our natural world, and capturing images of nature’s creations. I have been blessed to spend lots of time here in the PNW, as well as trips up to northern BC and Alaska, where the un-touched landscape is beyond inspiring.

Q. How long have you been snowboarding?
A. I have been snowboarding since I was 8, so that makes it 9 years.

Q. What board/skis do you ride?
A. Lib-Tech Travis Rice 164.5

Q. Favorite brands?
A. Whatever makes it possible to get out and play. But Lib-Tech makes some killer boards, and Union makes a rad binding. INNATE for the T’s, and Rime Knits for the noggin.

Q. What’s you’re favorite part about Cascadia? (if you don’t know what Cascadia is, click here).
A. All the powda from the many mountains, as well as the incredible terrain, begging to be explored.

Q. Give us some background on this recent set of photos in a few sentences.
A. Riding with good friends and great snow has enabled me to really see what one can do with a camera and a lens. This recent storm has brought some of the best snow of my life, and when the sun decides to show some of the best images as well. Most of these shots were taken in the Mt. Baker backcountry, with friends and shredders Charlie Griffith, Conlon Kiffney, and Mattias Evangelista.

Come down to State Street Arts Gallery/INNATE for an evening showcase of creative collaboration in the name of mountain art and culture, and to support our beloved avalanche and weather forecasting agency, NWAC!

We have an impressive group of Cascadian locals exhibiting their photography, paintings, screen printed designs and more. Live music, live screen printing, and good vibes flowin’ all night long!

+ Silent auction to benefit Friends of NWAC and artists!
+ Photo booth and costume box to capture your swagger!
+ Unofficial warm up party for the 2012 Legendary Banked Slalom!
+ Prize raffle with TONS of swag and giveaways!!

Artists:
Colin Wiseman
Justin Kious
Liam Gallagher
Jessie Carlson
Dylan Hart
Ryan Duclos
INNATE

AND DON’T FORGET!! The OFFICIAL “Cascadian Collection” Preview Show on the First Friday Downtown Art Walk at Backcountry Essentials is on February 3rd from 6-10 PM, check the Art Walk map and get a taster for what’s to come! Art, culture, and beer and gear all for all!

HUGE thanks to our affiliates:
Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center (NWAC) | Smith Optics | Eddie Bauer First Ascent | Backcountry Essentials | INNATE | State Street Arts

Our friend Garrett Grove is an incredible guy. He lives for capturing images doing the things he loves to do outside. He and his lovely wife Bridget are an amazing couple that live an adventure-based, outdoor-passion fueled lifestyle that continues to inspire many. He recently posted this Retrospective on his photos from 2011- without further adieu, enjoy the show and show him some love! Cheers and pray for powder!

Wishbone celebrated their one year anniversary last night at the Wild Buffalo and we took a couple snaps of the night while we danced.

Wishbone is comprised of DJ’s Booger and BoomBox Kid, Wishbone’s events feature live mashups, selections and remixes.

These remixes are drawn from a wide variety of genres including New Disco, Electroclash, Indy Dance, and Indie Rock…with the occasional touch of Dubstep. Despite being on the scene for only a short time, their energetic performances have inspired sold out shows and capacity crowds at venues across the Pacific Northwest. When asked to describe their sound they will invariably respond: “Electro’s the new Rock’n'Roll”.

wishbonesound.com/

On December 2, 2011 we celebrated the three year anniversary at INNATE and the soft opening State Street Arts Gallery, which connected to our shop. Here’s a quick run down of the night. Make sure to come down to the shop we are open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11am – 7pm.

Music by Beat Connection
Filming/Editing by Matt McDonald

On December 2, 2011 we celebrated the three year anniversary at INNATE and the soft opening State Street Arts Gallery, which connected to our shop.

Here’s some snaps from the night by Matt McDonald. If you are interested in getting your art featured in the gallery or in INNATE fill out our Artist Submission Form on the site:
innations.com/art-submissions/

Photos by Matt McDonald

A Holiday Cheers to 3 solid years in business at INNATE! Come down to State St. Arts Building for an evening of warm cider, cold egg nog, and, you guessed it- fresh printed t’s! posters! Custom Holiday greeting cards! Pretty girls!

Don’t forget to bring a warm clothing donation to save 10% on your new gear and help out those in need! We want to bring a mountain of goodies to the donation station!

In collaboration with State St. Arts Community, we are also celebrating the opening night reception of “Free Beards and Jivin’ Women” next door in the gallery. Be sure to bring a donation for beautifully crafted African jewelry, local photography and mixed media, hot and cold libations and lots of good vibrations!

Bring your mom! Bring your brother! Bring your uncle and your cousin! Give the gift of creatively crafted goods, and keep your loved ones steezin’ all season! Come down to INNATE and State St. Arts for our 3 Year Anniversary Party and Holiday bash!

CLICK TO RSVP @ FACEBOOK EVENT

Winter has arrived at Mount Baker ReCreation Powder Ranch. As one would expect, it was deep, super fresh, and packed with people. It snowed nearly two feet the night before- not bad for the initial soul riding session of the season.

The morning began with a delay on chair numero uno, for the sake of all of our safety. Considering it was opening day, it was no surprise the patrol crew’s patience came in to play on opening the gates. On the other hand, it was an opportunity to drop bombs and ignite some early morning fireworks.

We ditched the wait and peeled out to Four in order to catch the top of Honkers. From there, it was on to Gabl’s and Libraries, then a few lifts up Six to straight line Canucks and check into Hotels. The bottom was shallow, which kept the flow a bit slow and the opportunity for flight subdued. With a cautious approach, we were able to enter the white room, slash some frozen waves and smash a few fur-burgers.
The resort’s website mentioned,”take ‘er easy, watch for sticks, rocks, and stumps hiding under the fluffy stuff…as anxious as you all are to be on the mountain, remember it’s still early season conditions.”

It’s only the beginning, and hopefully we’re in for a season full of cold temps and many storm cycles.

We all gathered to release, give in to gravity, and connect with our majesty–a white wonderland that lies on the foothills of a volcano. It was a celebration–a family reunion of sorts. Only to remember, each and every time we take that drive, that it’s an adventure with an incredible reward. Oh how we love la Niña. Lets pray she’s here to stay…

The Mt Baker Film Festival is tonight! Doors at 6PM, films at 7PM. Come check us out at our booth and pick up a few new patches for the 11-12 season! Pray for powder!