I He(art) Harrison Hot Springs and Calgary...and wherever you're reading this

Hello! You're reading the CBC Arts newsletter, and if you like what you see, stick around! Sign up here, and every Sunday we'll send you a fresh email packed with art, culture and a metric truckload of eye candy, hand-picked by our small and mighty team. Here's what we've been talking about this week.

It's the series you know and (hopefully) love from last year: I He(art) My City! And on Friday, we started our informational road trip in Calgary with curator Maeve Hanna. 

The team's commissioned a bunch of artists from across Canada to write travel guides to their hometowns, so you can look forward to that in the coming weeks.

But because summer isn't long enough to explore every art scene from here to Tuktoyaktuk, as promised, I'm turning the newsletter into a sort of companion project for the next few weeks.

I've asked for your local tips — and now, it's (finally!) time to start sharing them.

It's not too late to contribute, pals. Email whenever!

But first, let's turn things over to reader Earla D. in...

Harrison Hot Springs, B.C.

What's the most magical spot in your hometown?

"The most magical spot in my hometown is a place called Spirit Trail. That's what the locals who live in the village of Harrison Hot Springs call this walk through the forest. With dozens of clay masks hung amongst the tall cedar and hemlock trees, its gentle path leads you to spots to sit, whether to sketch or contemplate the quiet."

What's the best place to see art where you live?

"The best place to see art where I live is the Ranger Station Art Gallery, run by a small band of volunteers here in Harrison Hot Springs. Each month, artists are highlighted from all over. They also share the space with local artists and host the members' miniature art shows, their artist-in-residence show and [an annual show by] school children. And when you sit in its space overlooking the lake, you wonder if there is another art gallery with such a great backyard."

[Ed note: Just the other week, I interviewed the Kent Harrison Arts Council's artist in residence, Aileen Penner, about what it's like living and working there!]

Who's your favourite local artist?

"Jayne Patrick. Her work is bold [and] mindful, and it's almost like she collaborates with nature to express its beauty and wonder. I was blown away when I learned she's employed full time elsewhere because her art is so intentional. The bottom line with Jayne's work: I appreciate seeing my world through her eyes and hand."

And because we promised you eye candy

Paintings and illustrations by Elise Conlin. (Who tracked down her booth at the Toronto Outdoor Art Fair? The event took over Nathan Phillips Square this past weekend.)

Paintings by Leone McComas, (Same question as above! She's another local who was showing paintings at the fair.)

My favourite monster/Toronto drag queen/star of Canada's a Drag just landed a spot on the reality series Dragula, and because I will take any excuse to share stuff from Yovska's Instagram, here you go. Sweet dreams.

Greek gods...glitched! Sculptures by Zachary Eastwood-Bloom.

Before you throw out that old pair of jeans...(Denim art by Ian Berry. Denim!!!)

You've got to see this

I He(art) Calgary - Here it is: that aforementioned city guide. Curator and art critic Maeve Hanna will show you her Calgary, and it's a tour that could keep anyone entertained for weeks, if not months — especially if you have a passion for art, ice cream and karaoke. (I think Maeve might be my new best friend.)

Let these artists mess with your face - Later this summer, anyone will be able to create their own custom face filters for Instagram, but there are a few Canadians who are already pushing the app's potential. We checked in with three of those artists — folks who have completely different visions of our puppy-faced future. You're going to want to try all their effects.

Fakes! Frauds! Flim flam! - A massive haul of ancient art forgeries was discovered in Saskatchewan. Would you believe it?! Uh...you really shouldn't. But you might want to explore The Secret Library of Mr. Prud'homme, anyway. It's an art show that doubles as a fictional museum collection — one created by dozens of writers and authors from all over the country. We spoke with the curators, who revealed how they pulled it all off.

Follow this artist

Kirsten Hatfield (@kirstendo) - If that colour scheme makes you think of Kid Pix and Angelfire, then you might just be a '90s kid. You might just love Kirsten Hatfield, too. We met up with the artist in Vancouver.

Got questions? Typo catches? Story ideas?

We're just an email away. Send us a note, and we'll do our best to get back to you.

And if someone forwarded you this message and you like what you've read, here's where to subscribe for more.

And I know, I know — your hometown definitely deserves a shoutout in this newsletter.

So, good news!

I still want tips for "I He(art) My City!"

Maybe you'll be featured in the newsletter this time next week. But you have to email first!

• What's the most magical spot in your hometown?

• What's the best place to see art where you live?

• Who's your favourite local artist?

You know how to get in touch.

Until next week! XOXO, CBC Arts