Our front cover image, by photographer, musician and trail builder Paul Glover, was taken looking south in the Bulkley Valley’s Blunt Range. It is one of dozens of pieces of artwork that are part of Mountains, an exhibit at Smithers Art Gallery.

The show features established and emerging artists who have used photos, pottery, glass, wood, textiles and paintings to portray their mountain values, attitudes and experiences.

The theme for this multi-media show is "what do the mountains mean to you?"

In light of UNESCO’s international declaration, artists were asked to explore all aspects of their relationships to mountains including spiritual, political, environmental and recreational issues.

UNESCO is drawing attention to mountains this year in order to raise public awareness and increase dialogue to protect ecosystems, promote peace and stability in mountain regions and to advocate for ‘sustainable mountain development.’

"Whether we live at sea level or at the highest elevations, we are all mountain people," the declaration reads.

"We are connected to mountains and are affected by mountains in more ways than we can imagine…

"Mountains provide most of the world's fresh water, harbor as much or more biodiversity than any other areas and are home to at least one in 10 people. Yet, war, poverty, hunger, climate change and environmental degradation are threatening the web of life that mountains support.

"The International Year of Mountains is an opportunity to take steps to protect mountain ecosystems, to promote peace and stability in mountain regions and to help mountain people to attain their goals and aspirations.

"By taking care of the world's mountains, we help to ensure the long-term security and survival of all that is connected to them, including ourselves.

"The consequences of global climate change, the growth in tourism, the demands of industry and agriculture in a period of increased globalization and the changing relationships between men and women are just some of the interrelated issues that need to be examined for a complete understanding of mountains."

UNESCO’s focus on the geography that surrounds us, and the impact it holds on our lives, will not be stopping after 2002. Next year, 2003, is the International Year of Freshwater (mountains collect and store over half of the world’s freshwater).

Mountains is on exhibit at Smithers Art Gallery until December 21.

For more information on UNESCO and mountain issues, visit www.mountains2002.org