In Hinton, Alta. — a town widely defined by its forestry and mining industries — a local photographer is proving that there are plenty of artists underneath the town’s rugged exterior.

Kristin Braun has an ongoing invitation to local creatives in the town of 10,000 to step inside her photography studio, bring props that represent their medium, and pose for a portrait.

Against a stark black backdrop, they emerge as part of a project Braun calls Art in the Black.

“It truly is just meant to be about creating visibility for artists in Hinton,” said Braun. “Let’s build a community that is artist-forward, artist-centric.”

The result is akin to a creative census of Hinton and the surrounding region. 

With more than 40 portraits under her belt since November, Braun has formed a gathering point where people can appreciate the art, as well as the creative behind it.

While Art in the Black is a personal passion of Braun’s, it’s also part of a larger vision she has to enhance the local arts scene in Hinton. Braun is co-founder and chair of Mountain’s Edge Culture and Arts Society of Hinton, which aims to help local artists get paid for their work, and establish the community as a renowned arts town.

Through advertising Art in the Black as a project for anyone with a creative outlet, Braun is making sure her impact on the local arts scene is inclusive.

“They can start with creative and then they put their work out there and then they realize, ‘Oh yeah, I’m actually an artist and I’m a successful artist and I have a lot to share with the community.’”

One of those artists is Nora Allen, a children’s clothing maker. 

At her photoshoot, she posed with her greatest creations of all – her children – wearing pieces she made inspired by the fleeting and whimsical qualities of childhood.

As a seamstress practicing a medium generally considered more of a craft, or simply part of life, Allen said she has struggled against her artist identity.

“But the more that I do it, the more that I see the elements of classical art in it,” said Allen, adding that the photoshoot with Braun showed her that anyone willing to see beyond their fears can claim the name of “artist.” 

By keeping the terms of who qualifies for a portrait broad, Braun has welcomed some niche corners of the creative world – a taxidermist, an aerial hoop artist, a flat-lay photographer and a podcaster – and she’s connecting them to the broader community.

“The Hinton art scene is so underground,” said Braun, adding that people who are making incredible things are virtually unknown outside of the pockets of their social circles.

Among those local creatives is Jessie Smeall, a Métis beading artist. 

“The coolest part is you might realize that someone has a hidden talent that you didn’t know about,” said Smeall.

Like many in the mountain town, Smeall’s creative output is inspired by her community, and what she does outside of threading beads.

She’s also a martial arts enthusiast, horseback rider, woodwind specialist and music teacher.

“I know that I have a story,” said Smeall. 

“And one of the teachings that was passed on to me is that the energy that’s around you and the thoughts that you have, they go into your work as well.”

Through Smeall’s portrait and dozens of others, Braun said the project is a nudge towards a more visible network of creatives.

“Historically, Hinton is a hard-working town and maybe there wasn’t always time for art,” said Braun. “Let’s make time for art.”

While the collection of portraits lives on the internet for now, Braun’s ultimate goal is to have a physical exhibit to bring artists like Smeall and Allen to a bigger stage.

“I want to see Hinton’s arts community be successful and I want to see it rival communities like Banff and Canmore,” said Braun.

And to do that, it will take coming together as a community, Braun said.

“Collectively, we are just so much stronger. When our artists come together, it’s just something so amazing.”