WELLS, B.C., October 26, 2005: Back (and front) by popular demand, Island Mountain Arts in Wells, British Columbia, Canada is proud to announce the publication of the 2006 Nude BC Gold Rush History Calendar. The 2006 edition is hot off the press! It features a whole new set of historic tongue-in-cheek gold rush poses, and reveals the naked truth about our often over-looked history.

The non-profit art gallery and school in the historic northern Cariboo town sold over 1400 Nude Cariboo History Calendars in 2004, and commissioned local artist, Bill Horne of Amazing Space Studio, to produce another nude calendar for 2006.

"Requests have been coming from across North America for us to make another calendar. Wells may only be a town of 200 people, but with its rich history associated with Barkerville and the search for gold, thousands of people have lived or visited our small town over the years and have great nostalgia for the place," says Artistic Director of Island Mountain Arts, Julie Fowler.

Not afraid to 'bare all' to support the arts, the good folks of Wells, including local celebrities like the mayor, a "blacksmith" and renowned artists, tastefully dropped their drawers in a variety of historic gold rush locations. From Barkerville and Stanley, to the 1930's Wells Community Hall and the tailings of the Cariboo Gold Quartz Mine, the sepia-toned never-before-seen photographs reveal a lot more than just a window into our Canadian heritage. With its diverse range of ages, cultures and body types, the calendar gives a glimpse of some of the intimate details of the lives of the miners, merchants and entertainers who flocked to the gold fields.

"What distinguishes this calendar from others is its historic and satirical nature. I doubt there are many other calendars that have the kind of gender role reversals found in this one. Our intent has been to create a humorous visual challenge to the sexist stereotypes that usually depict women in submissive roles and poses. At the same time, we wanted to pay tribute to a history that's easily forgotten in today's consumerist, techno world. It is a history in which women, as well as men, played significant roles," explains calendar creator Bill Horne.
The calendar goes on sale starting October 27, 2005 and can be picked up at select locations around the province, on ebay, and by mail order through Island Mountain Arts. Join us at the Island Mountain Arts Public Gallery in Wells on Saturday, November 12 at 7pm for the official Calendar Launch Party and Coffeehouse.

For more information on where you can buy a calendar or to order one over the phone call Island Mountain Arts Society toll free at 1-800-442-2787. Calendars are $20 (incl. Taxes) with funds raised going towards the non-profit arts organization, Island Mountain Arts Society, established in Wells in 1977. For more information on courses in the arts, the public gallery, the ArtsWells Festival, the International Celtic Harp School, and the Wells Artists' Project for Professional and Emerging Artists, call
1-800-442-ARTS, visit www.imarts.com or email info@imarts.com.

Julie Fowler
Artistic Director/Curator, Island Mountain Arts Society & The Artswells Festival
media@imarts.com
Box 65, Wells, BC, V0K 2R0
toll free:1-800-442-2787 local:250-994-3466 fax:250-994-3433
www.imarts.com