West Kootenay Regional Arts Council

Wednesday Bunker Tours
2025-09-24 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-10-01 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-10-08 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-10-15 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Vancouver) | 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.

Wednesday Bunker tours run seasonally from June to September. Saturday Bunker tours are offered year-round. Click on the link to register. Adult admission required – children under 19 are always free!

Summer Lovin’ FREE Thursdays
2025-09-25 16:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-02 16:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-09 16:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-16 16:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
Come on down to the Nelson Museum on Thursday evenings, where you can visit the galleries, museum, and shop for FREE. 4-8pm every Thursday.

Beading Space with West Kootenay Metis Society
2025-09-25 17:30 - 19:30, 2025-09-27 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
4th Thursday and Saturday
Beading Space
FNMI relatives are invited to join us the 4th Thursday and Saturday of the month
NMAG at 502 Vernon
Summer hours –
Thursday July 24 5:30- 7:30pm
Saturday July 26 2-4pm
Theme- Blueberry pin kits

Thursday August 28 5:30- 7:30pm
Saturday August 30 2-4pm
Theme -Orange Shirt pins
Cost is free. Supplies included. Light snack provided. Beginner kits available. Intermediate and advanced welcome to bring own project.
Beginner kits are:
a simple leather thimble.
Basic and based on the theme of the month

Heartberries ‘ode mina’ (strawberry)

POETRY IN THE GALLERY | FREE
2025-09-25 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | 320 Wilson St., Revelstoke
POETRY IN THE GALLERY | FREE
Hosted by Emma Beck
Come spend a free evening surrounded by poetry, creativity, and community! Whether you’d like to read your own work, share a favourite poem, or just sit back and enjoy, everyone is invited. Bring a warm drink, settle into the cozy gallery space, and let yourself be inspired. This is a relaxed, judgment-free event where all voices are welcome—especially beginners!
Thursday, September 25
6:30pm – 8:00pm
Septembers Theme: “Tolerance”
RVAC Main Gallery, 320 Wilson st.
All forms of poetry welcome
No bookings required!
For our younger poets: All ages are encouraged to join these poetry nights, however please note that the last 45 minuets of this session will be reserved for adult content. Starting at 7:15pm some material may not be suitable for younger audiences.

Mural Workshop | Adults
2025-09-26 - 2025-09-28 | 320 Wilson St., Revelstoke
Mural Workshop | Adults
Hosted by Antonia Otoya
Learn how to transform your artwork into larger-than-life murals in this immersive three-day workshop. Antonia Otoya will guide you through a perfect balance of hands-on learning and theory, providing you with the essential foundations of mural painting. This workshop is designed for beginners and artists who want to expand their skills and delve into the world of mural painting. Please note that this class focuses on hand painting with acrylic paint, rather than spray paint.
September 26, 27, & 28
$180 – All materials provided
Adults
RVAC Kitchen Studio & Offsite Location
For beginner and intermediate artists
Artists will be painting a collaborative mural
Pending Public Art Committee Approval
TIMELINE:
Friday Evening: Learn the theory, partner up, start finalising your design.
Saturday (Full day): Translate your design onto the building, mix colours, paint!
Sunday (Full day): Continue painting your mural

Unusual Angles" 2026 Open Adjudicated Art Exhibit
2025-09-26 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Edmonton) | 167 Deer Park Avenue, Kimberley, BC, V1A 2J5, 167 Deer Park Avenue, Kimberley, V1A 2J5
Coming up in February 2026: Open Adjudicated Art Exhibit celebrating visual art and The Kootenays | “Unusual Angles” | February 5 – March 1, 2026
With this year’s theme “Unusual Angles” we are looking to celebrate The Kootenays from unique perspectives.
Anyone can enter up to 3 artworks in any medium. Deadline for entry and artworks: Sunday, January 25, 2026.
What’s in it for YOU?
1. The awesome experience of being part of this celebration of visual art & The Kootenays with other artists and art collectors.
2. A guaranteed spot for your artwork(s) in the online gallery for a month.
3. A guaranteed spot for your artwork(s) in the web shop for a month.
4. Exposure on our website, in our newsletter, on social media, in local news outlets, at the opening reception, and in the art gallery for a month.
5. A chance at winning the $100 (minimum) Inspiration Award (selected by draw from all artworks that didn’t make the shortlist).
6. A chance at having your artwork(s) selected to be showcased at Art Gallery Kimberley in a high traffic location in Kimberley’s Platzl for a month.
7. A chance at having your artwork(s) short-listed for the Kootenay Art Prize.
8. A chance at winning the $500 (minimum) Kootenay Art Prize (selected by draw from shortlist).
9. Added value to your CV.
10. An invitation to celebrate with fellow artists, family, and friends at the opening reception.
Number of artworks selected to be showcased in the art gallery: 20-25 depending on dimensions | Minimum number of entries: 20 | Number of artworks to be shortlisted: 10 | Kootenay Art Prize min. $500, Inspiration Award min. $100.

Zine Making 101
2025-09-26 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Edmonton) | Castlegar Library, 1005 3 St, Castlegar, BC
Join us for a hands-on workshop diving into the world of zines!
Whether you’re new to zine making or have some experience, this session offers a perfect space to learn, create, and connect with other enthusiasts.
You’ll get a chance to brainstorm zine topics with a fun free-writing exercise, and then you’ll have dedicated time and materials to create your very own zine.

"Natural Geometry" Reception, Artist Talk & Interactive Demo by Michael Hepher
2025-09-26 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Edmonton) | 167 Deer Park Avenue, Kimberley, BC, V1A 2J5, 167 Deer Park Avenue, Kimberley, V1A 2J5
Kimberley, BC — September 4–28, 2025 — Art Gallery Kimberley is proud to present “Natural Geometry,” a solo exhibition of hand-printed artworks by Fernie-based interdisciplinary artist Michael Hepher. Known for his vibrant sense of colour, thoughtful interpretation of the everyday, and abilities across mediums, Michael’s series pushes the boundaries of abstraction while using the historic art of letterpress printmaking.
Please join us in celebrating this bold and intimate exploration of how we see, feel, and interpret the natural world at the closing reception on Friday, September 26, 2025 between 6 and 8 pm with an artist talk and interactive demonstration at 7 pm.

Saturday Bunker tours
2025-09-27 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-04 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-11 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | 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.

Click on the link to register. Adult admission required – children under 19 are always free! (https://form-can.keela.co/bunker-tours)

Newkeys Place presents, Blues in The Afternoon with Sam Hurrie
2025-09-28 16:00 - 19:00, 2025-10-05 16:00 - 19:00, 2025-10-12 16:00 - 19:00 (America/Vancouver) | New Key’s Pub, 16070 BC-3A, Crawford Bay, BC, V0B 1E0, Canada
Newkeys Place in Crawforbay presents, Blues in The Afternoon with Sam Hurrie, Like with friends.
Sundays 4-7

Tea & Textiles
2025-10-01 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | J.B. Fletcher Store Museum, 3602 Sutton Street, Ainsworth, BC, V0G 1A0, Canada
The J.B. Fletcher Museum in Ainsworth will be hosting gatherings for fibre enthusiasts and tea lovers to come and work on their knitting, crochet, embroidery, and spinning projects while connecting with fellow crafters. These gatherings will occur the first Wednesday of every month from 9-12. Drop ins welcome.

Open Mic Night at The Angry Hen
2025-10-01 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | Angry Hen Brewing, 343 Front St, Kaslo, V0G1M0
Open mic night at The Angry Hen in Kaslo.
The first Wednesday of every month. All live music is presented in conjunction with Propel Studios, a full-production recording studio with accommodation directly across the street from The Angry Hen.

KOOTENAY COMEDY OPEN MIC
2025-10-08 20:30 - 23:00 (America/Vancouver) | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
With your host Cry Bebe Mikey! $5 at the door! 19+

Open Mic Comedy with some of the Kootenays finest and some others!
message @kootenaycomedy on instagram to sign up!

Paint Night - Spooky Trees - Family Friendly Event by Gilbert Studios
2025-10-09 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | Gilbert Studios, 3364 Southridge Drive, Castlegar, BC, V1N 4G1, Canada
📅 Thursday, Oct 9
⏰ 6:00–9:00 PM
🏠 3364 Southridge Drive
💸 $40 or bring a friend and pay 2 for $75 (must be paid together)
Please message me via my business page to confirm availability before sending payment. Don’t forget to follow the page so you don’t miss out on upcoming classes!
https://www.facebook.com/StudioPaintNight/
Studio is located in Castlegar, British Columbia
Join us for a fun, creative night out—perfect for friends and family! No experience needed. All supplies (brushes, paints, canvas), plus a snack and warm drink, are included.
👨‍👩‍👧 Family friendly: Recommended for kids 12+ but any age is welcome provided they are able to follow instructions and stay seated for the full class (ratio of 1 adult per child).
☕ Warm drinks (coffee, tea, hot chocolate) and a light snack provided. Let me know if you have any allergies (studio is nut free and I have gluten free options)

Clement Yeh Artist Talk
2025-10-12 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | 320 Wilson St., Revelstoke
ARTIST TALK | FREE
Hosted by Clement Yeh
We’re excited to invite you to a special afternoon with exhibiting artist Clement Yeh as he shares insights into his practice and his exhibition Movement in Time and Space.
Sunday, October 12
3pm – 4pm
RVAC Main Gallery, 320 Wilson St.
Free – Everyone Welcome
This is a wonderful opportunity to hear directly from Clement about the inspirations behind his work, his creative process, and the themes he explores in his art. Whether you’re a fellow artist, an art enthusiast, or simply curious, this talk promises to be inspiring and thought-provoking.

Join the Friends of the Nelson Public Library
2025-10-14 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Public Library, 602 Stanley St, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 1N4, Canada
The Friends of the Library are dedicated to helping the Nelson Public Library through successful booksales and other creative fundraising efforts live trivia nights, with the funds going to new books, necessary technologies, furnishings and program supplies.
Join us: New members are welcome! It’s a great way to meet people and contribute to a vital and important part of our community. We meet at noon (12 pm) the 2nd Tuesday of the month at the Nelson Public Library.
For more information check out Friends of the Library webpage.

West Kootenay Métis Society Monthly Community Gathering
2025-10-14 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Taghum Hall, 5915 Taghum Hall Rd, Nelson, V1L 6Y4
2nd Tuesday of the month
WKMS Monthly Community Gathering featuring fabulous food.
West Kootenay Métis hosts a regular gathering the 2nd Tuesday of every month!
Held at Taghum Hall near beautiful downtown Taghum from 6-8pm
Traditional foods, games, activities, as well as, great company.
Bring your family, stories and to go containers-because its traditional to send you home with food!

Paint Night - Pumpkin Gnome - Family Friendly Event by Gilbert Studios
2025-10-16 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | Gilbert Studios, 3364 Southridge Drive, Castlegar, BC, V1N 4G1, Canada
📅 Thursday, Oct 16
⏰ 6:00–9:00 PM
🏠 3364 Southridge Drive
💸 $40 or bring a friend and pay 2 for $75 (must be paid together)
Please message me via my business page to confirm availability before sending payment. Don’t forget to follow the page so you don’t miss out on upcoming classes!
https://www.facebook.com/StudioPaintNight/
Studio is located in Castlegar, British Columbia
Join us for a fun, creative night out—perfect for friends and family! No experience needed. All supplies (brushes, paints, canvas), plus a snack and warm drink, are included.
👨‍👩‍👧 Family friendly: Recommended for kids 12+ but any age is welcome provided they are able to follow instructions and stay seated for the full class (ratio of 1 adult per child).
☕ Warm drinks (coffee, tea, hot chocolate) and a light snack provided. Let me know if you have any allergies (studio is nut free and I have gluten free options)

BYO PUMPKIN CARVING | FREE
2025-10-16 18:30 - 21:30 (America/Vancouver) | 320 Wilson St., Revelstoke
BYO PUMPKIN CARVING | FREE
Hosted by The Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre
Looking for a way to get into the Halloween spirit without the mess at home? Join us for a free pumpkin carving night just for adults! Perfect if you’re new to town, want to soak up a little more spooky fun, or are simply looking for a relaxed way to connect with others. Bring a friend—or make one here! Just don’t forget to bring your own pumpkin, knife, and carving tools.
Thursday, October 16th
6:30pm – 9:00
Jailhouse Studios, 320 Wilson st.
Free! No bookings required
BYO Pumpkin, knife, and carving tools
Open to anyone 18+
