A three-day symposium in Nelson and Kaslo featuring Kootenay and Okanagan artists and writers known as the Ten Thieves Artist Collective runs from March 13 to 15 will include panels, workshops, a keynote talk and an art exhibition all centered on exploring humanity’s current relationship to matter.
“Our relationship with matter which includes the elements that support our existence have been taken for granted,” said LOOT curator Deborah Thompson, a Nelson artist. “The symposium will focus on examining and re-imagining our attitudes towards matter, and the stories we tell that shape this vital relationship.”

“LOOT: Orienting to Matter,” the symposium will begin with a keynote address by UBC Okanagan feminist environmental and humanities professor Astrida Neimanis at 6 p.m. March 13 at the Nelson Museum, Archives and Gallery, 502 Vernon St.

The event’s panels and workshops will be held March 14 and 15 at the Langham Cultural Centre, 447 A Ave., Kaslo, starting at 10 am each day.
An art exhibition of new works by the Ten Thieves Artist Collective – Susan Andrews Grace, Eimear Laffan, Carol Wallace, Jim Holyoak, Genevieve Robertson, Hildur Jonasson, Maggie Shirley, Marnie Temple and Deborah Thompson – will be on display at the Langham from March 7 to May 8.

Admission to LOOT’s events is free or by donation.
Registration is encouraged for the workshops, which include drawing, poetry, making art with natural materials. There will also be a lakeshore geology and hydrofeminsim walk.
Registration information and a detailed agenda for the symposium are at https://thelangham.ca