West Kootenay Regional Arts Council

‘Utopia Unveiled’ exhibition
2024-07-06 - 2024-09-28 | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
The history of communal living is the subject of Utopia Unveiled: Intentional Communities in the Kootenays, the latest history exhibition at the Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery. Utopia Unveiled features artifacts, photographs, and stories from the Shawn Lamb Archives and the Doukhobor Discovery Centre, as well as many contributions from community members. A new documentary film produced by the Museum will also be screened throughout the show, featuring interviews with people reflecting on their story.

Healthy Aging Visual Art Prize
2024-07-11 - 2024-09-30 | Online
The Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Aging and the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health at the University of British Columbia (UBC) are pleased to announce a call for submissions for the Healthy Aging Visual Art Prize. This contest invites entries depicting diverse, inclusive, authentic and anti-ageist representations or images of “Healthy Human Aging”. A wide range of mediums are accepted including painting, drawing, small sculpture, photography, ceramics, textiles, mixed media, glass, print making and digital arts. The deadline to submit is September 30th, 2024. Winners will receive cash prizes and select finalists will be invited to show their work at exhibitions at UBC and the Jericho Arts Centre. For more information see: healthyaging.med.ubc.ca/art-contest

The Witness Blanket
2024-08-10 - 2024-09-20 | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
Seemingly disconnected remnants of clothing, crumbling buildings, and fragmented cultures are woven together into a blanket, designed to shine light on the Indian Residential School system that connects them, and stand as a monument to the resiliency and strength of those who survived them.
The Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery (NMAG) is honoured to exhibit a replicated portion of The Witness Blanket in the summer of 2024, on tour from the Canadian Museum of Human Rights in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Inspired by a woven blanket, Witness Blanket is a large-scale work of art created by master carver Carey Newman, containing hundreds of items reclaimed from residential schools, churches, government buildings, and traditional and cultural structures from across Canada.
The Witness Blanket is on display from August 10 to September 20, 2024.

Art On Ninth Artist Retreat
2024-08-23 - 2024-08-25 | Radium Centre
Dive into the wonder of watercolours in this comprehensive and immersive weekend retreat led by Calgary artist and art educator, Stephen Dozois!
Perfect for new painters and well seasoned artists alike, this retreat offers two days of concentrated instruction and hands-on practice, allowing for focus, skill development, and the exploration of new techniques.
Stephen has designed his retreat to be stimulating, challenging, innovative and fun, offering a deep exploration of various watercolour techniques in a supportive and nurturing environment where artists are encouraged to experiment, take risks and learn new methods.
Here’s what’s in store.
Day 1:
Opening Reception and Artist’s Demo at Art on 9th
Day 2:
Mastering the Basics
The weekend kicks off with a focus on the foundations of watercolour painting starting with a quick demo of stretching watercolour paper and emphasizing its importance. Stephen will then dive into fundamental topics such as drawing techniques, composition principles and selecting a subject. He will then move onto the steps it takes to realize a watercolour painting from start to finish. It’s a comprehensive start that covers all the essentials for creating captivating and well-structured works of art.
Play with Paint
Then it’s time to have some fun playing with paint, as Stephen covers several techniques including wet on wet, wet on dry, dry brush, fun ways to use masking fluid, colour mixing, brush handling, using alcohol, wax, salt, watercolour pencils, ink pens and so much more!
Throughout the day, you’ll work on two or three paintings, drawing inspiration from provided references or, weather permitting, venturing outdoors for some plein air painting.
And rest assured, one-on-one feedback, guidance, and coaching will be provided every step of the way, ensuring a supportive and encouraging environment for all.
Day 3
The Real Fun Begins!
We will be trying a unique form of watercolour you are sure to love – Watercolour Batik. Using Ginwashi rice paper and heated wax as a resist (paper and wax supplied), this technique encourages creativity, experimentation and innovation. Watercolour Batik is a unique, vibrant fusion of artistic traditions, bridging a gap between Eastern and Western artistic techniques. Enabling the artist to explore new ways of expression and push the boundaries of traditional watercolour painting methods.
Through hands-on demonstrations and individualized instruction, you’ll discover these new techniques, resulting in art that is truly one-of-a-kind.
Don’t Miss this Incredible Opportunity to Develop Your Talent
Join us for Creative Splash – a weekend of exploration, learning, and creative growth. Whether you’re a beginner looking to build a solid foundation or an experienced painter eager to expand your skills, this workshop promises to be a fun and enriching experience. Register now on our website https://artonninth.com/products/creative-splash

Artist in Residence for August
2024-08-23 10:00 - 2024-09-01 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | J.B. Fletcher Store Museum, 3602 Sutton Street, Ainsworth, BC, V0G 1A0, Canada
Drop into The JB Fletcher Store Museum for our next exhibit with artist Elizabeth Augsten starting on August 23. Elizabeth will be on site Aug.31 and Sept. 1 demonstrating her process.
“My work in acrylic is a melding of light and shadows from places either real or imagined, presented in a loosely representational style. Featuring vibrant colors and often incorporating water, my pieces are inspired by music and aim to capture the dynamic interplay between sound and visual experience. Through these abstracted landscapes, I reflect the inherent beauty of the environment while evoking a sense of rhythm and emotion.”

Brushes & Lunch with Steve Quatrocci
2024-08-24 10:00 - 14:00 | Taghum Hall, 5915 Taghum Hall Rd, Nelson, V1L 6Y4
Brushes & Lunch at Taghum Hall in August is a plein air (outdoor!) watercolour painting class with Steve Quatrocci on Saturday, August 24 from 10am – 2pm. Supplies are provided, or bring your own for a reduced fee. Steve is a gifted artist whose vision impairment makes him uniquely able to see the essence of his subject, and also to help others overcome challenges. Plus, there’s lunch! $35 if you being your own supplies; $45 if we supply. Sign up at taghumhall.ca

Selkirk Weavers & Spinners Studio and Giftshop
2024-08-24 10:00 - 16:00 | Doukhobor Discovery Centre, 112 Heritage Way, Castlegar, BC, V1N 4M5, Canada
Visit the Selkirk Weavers & Spinners Guild Studio and Gift Shop located at the Doukhobor Discovery Centre, Heritage Way in Castlegar this summer. Meet our members, shop a selection of handcrafted items in our giftshop and enjoy live demonstrations. Thinking to join? Find us on Facebook and Instagram @selkirkweaversspinners. Saturdays only in June. Wed-Sat July through Sept.

Guided Cold War Bunker tours
2024-08-24 11:00 - 12:00 | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
During the height of the Cold War, in the 1950s and 1960s, nearly 50 bunkers were constructed across Canada. In 2017, the Nelson Museum began work on restoring the space and opening it to the public. You can join a tour of one of the Museumʼs best-loved spaces!
From iodine pills and Geiger counters to board games and ashtrays, visitors get a glimpse of the vast measures taken to create normalcy in an extraordinary time.
Email info@nelsonmuseum.ca to register. Adult admission required – children under 18 are always free!

KARAOKE NIGHT!
2024-08-24 21:00 - 23:30 | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
Hosted by Brian Kalbfleisch
