West Kootenay Regional Arts Council

Macramé workshop
2024-08-08 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
Artist Celia Hayet joins us at the Museum for a fun macramé workshop, where participants will make their own macramé plant hanger! Inspired by the Utopia Unveiled exhibition, which explores the history of counterculture and intentional communities in the West Kootenays.
Registration is required for these sessions, and each are standalone – please only sign up for one session. All materials are supplied in this FREE workshop, but donations are welcomed!
Sign up for the August 8 session here.

Drop in Art Nights | FREE
2024-08-08 19:00 - 21:00 | Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre, 320 Wilson Street, Revelstoke, V0E 2S0
Looking for a creative space to meet new people and make something? Have a project you’ve been meaning to work on? Join us for our free drop-in art nights! These relaxed evenings are open to everyone so bring your art supplies, a drink, a snack, and come get creative! These evening are a fantastic way to make time for your art.
The gallery will have some basic supplies on hand, like scissors and brushes, however artists are expected to be self sufficient and bring their own supplies. In the past participants have worked on everything from illustrations and paintings, to fishing flies and mending projects. We welcome all forms of creative expression, just please avoid brining any projects that are overly loud or smelly.
– The second Thursday of the month 7pm – 9pm
– June 13, July 11, August 8, & September 12
– The Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre, Kitchen Studio, 320 Wilson st
– Entrance is via the undercover area on the left hand side of the building
– Please leave the space clean for the next person
– All welcome, no bookings required

Reality Trap + Fulfilment + Willful Creatures
2024-08-08 20:00 - 23:00 | Kootenay Co-op Radio, 308 A Hall Street, Nelson, V1L1Y8, Canada
The Train doesn’t stop here anymore…

Local “Gros Volume” crew REALITY TRAP continues their summer run of concerts with a Nelson show in the now legendary basement of the Kootenay Coop Radio.

With Special Guests:

FULFILMENT:A little old school, a little new school, a little mid-school, Fulfilment is a power-trio from Calgary, Alberta. Angsty, nervous, dissonant guitar rock reminiscent of Drive like Jehu, Gang of Four, Mission of Burma with some Louisville swagger and late 90’s mid west influences sprinkled in.https://fulfilment.bandcamp.com/album/10-colours

WILLFUL CREATURES:From Nelson, not much is known about those creatures. Nocturnal? Perhaps! Described as “Spacey Outsider Grunge”There’s 3 of them, Eli, Quillan &Zach.Those are the facts so far.Hear and see for yourself.

August 8, 2024
All ages, 20$ BYOB8PM308 A Hall Street Nelson

Everyone is welcome.No space for HateBring Ear Plugs & good vibesRespect the venue.
Nobody turned away for a lack of fund

Nelson International Mural Festival
2024-08-09 - 2024-08-11 | Nelson Visitor Centre, 91 Baker Street, Nelson, V1L 4G8
Nelson International Mural Festival is an annual celebration of public art in Nelson, BC, Canada, organized by the Nelson & District Arts Council. Join us as local, national, and international artists convene to paint the canvas of the city’s walls.
Spanning the summer months and culminating in the festival held August 9-11, this event is a testament to the vitality of public art. All events are entirely free of charge, welcoming families and individuals of all ages to experience the magic of art in accessible, public spaces.
Beyond the awe-inspiring murals, the festival boasts a dynamic lineup of activities. From live music and captivating performances to engaging workshops, entertaining kids’ activities, and mural tours, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. On Friday evening, wander the downtown murals and discover street performers. On Saturday, join us at the Nelson Visitor Centre parking lot for our main stage performances. On Sunday, step out of your comfort zone and into free arts workshops with us. For a complete list of events visit: nelson-international-mural-festival
The liveliness of this festival doesn’t fade when summer ends. The murals enrich Nelson’s landscape year-round, inviting locals and visitors alike to explore and immerse themselves in the vibrant tapestry of imagination that adorns the city’s walls.

Unicorn Music Festival
2024-08-09 08:00 - 2024-08-12 17:00 | Rosebud Lake, Salmo
Your invitation awaits to embrace your authenticity in a mystic forest realm where an array of music, education, wholistic wellness, nature and community are woven together in a one-of-a-kind experience.

From immersive wellness activities to euphoric live music and entertainment throughout 3 DAYS, our festival offers an unforgettable journey for mind, body, and soul. Escape the hustle and bustle, digitally detox, and reconnect with yourself and others in a serene and balanced atmosphere while expanding your consciousness in a transformative adventure like no other.

With focus on educational expansion through the plant medicine and wholistic healing realms, we open a space of inclusivity, striking a perfect synergy of ecstatic vibrations and rejuvenation for the whole weekend.

Join us! Aug 9-12, 2024 in Salmo, BC.

Selkirk Weavers & Spinners Studio and Giftshop
2024-08-09 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-08-10 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-08-14 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-08-15 10:00 - 16:00, 2024-08-16 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.

‘The Witness Blanket’ opening reception
2024-08-09 19:00 - 21:00 | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
the Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery (NMAG) is honoured to exhibit a replicated portion of The Witness Blanket in the fall of 2024, on tour from the Canadian Human Rights Museum in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Inspired by a woven blanket, The Witness Blanket is a large-scale work of art created by artist Carey Newman. It contains hundreds of items reclaimed from residential schools, churches, government buildings, and traditional and cultural structures from across Canada. The Witness Blanket project offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the legacy of Canada’s residential school system and Indigenous resiliency. This exhibition is a unique opportunity to discuss, understand, and experience complex issues through art.
The Witness Blanket is on display August 9 to September 20, 2024.

JESSE ROPER W/ GUESTS
2024-08-09 19:00 - 23:30 | Spiritbar, 422 Vernon St, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4E5
– 19+, Two pieces of valid government issued ID required
– No refunds unless event is cancelled
– Presented by On The Road Productions & The Hume Hotel

TIRED COSSACK w/ DANA LEE
2024-08-09 21:00 - 23:30 | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
Post-punk, shoegaze-inspired indie rock, and the odd alt-country twang combine in Tired Cossack. Coming from Winnipeg, Canada, he demonstrates an ability to use simple and upbeat music to break musical conventions. His songs flow like a meandering path devoid of care. Themes of joy and melancholy mix with intense, cold industrial rhythms meeting clever songwriting with nods to Ukrainian folklore.

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.

Columbia Basin Culture Tour
2024-08-10 10:00 - 2024-08-11 17:00 | various locations throughout the entire Columbia Basin region
Meet people behind the scenes at galleries and museums, visit studios and venues not normally open to the public, shop for original art or fine crafts, and experience special events planned for a summer weekend. Since 2009, locals and visitors have enjoyed the self-directed, free Columbia Basin Culture Tour, managed by the West Kootenay Regional Arts Council.

Columbia Basin Culture Tour comes to Taghum Hall
2024-08-10 10:00 - 2024-08-11 17:00 | Taghum Hall, 5915 Taghum Hall Rd, Nelson, V1L 6Y4
Taghum Hall will be a stop on the Columbia Basin Culture Tour August 10 & 11 from 10am – 5pm. In addition to an art exhibition by members of the Creative Tuesday group, there are free workshops in alcohol ink painting, felt-making, watercolour, and a progressive art activity, plus supplies on hand for spontaneous art-making all weekend. The full schedule is available at taghumhall.ca/newsletter.

Guided Cold War Bunker tours
2024-08-10 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!

Open Studio Workshops (Chris Dufour, artist-in-residence)
2024-08-10 13:00 - 16:00 | Oxygen Art Centre, 320 Vernon St Unit-3, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4E4, Canada
Summer Residency
Chris Dufour
Open Studio Workshops: July 13, July 20, and August 10, 2024, from 1:00 – 4:00 PM *updated*
WKRAC Culture Tour: August 10 + 11, 2024, from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closing Event: August 17, 2024, at 1:00 PM
Admission is free. No registration required.

Artist-in-residence, Chris Dufour, is offering three contemporary art open studio events at Oxygen Art Centre on Saturday July 13, July 20, and August 10, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. All events are free to attend.
Participants can expect to engage with the artist and their material practice. Each event will feature a workshop on the topics of explore phytograms, cyanotypes, charcoal and ochre screen printing, and likely some gathering, snacking, and discussing! Flexible in structure, folks are encouraged to come to as many or as little as you’d like.

Newkeys Place presents, Blues in The Afternoon with Sam Hurrie
2024-08-11 16:00 - 19:00 | 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

Tired Cossack + Reality Trap – FREE CONCERT in Rossland
2024-08-13 20:00 - 23:00 | The Flying Steamshovel Inn & Gastropub, 2003 2nd Ave, Rossland, BC, V0G1Y0, Canada
On this coming Tuesday, August 13, Winnipeg’s own TIRED COSSACK is taking its tour to The Flying Steamshovel in Rossland for a free concert, supported by locals from REALITY TRAP.
DETAILS:
TIRED COSSACK
Coming from Winnipeg, Canada, TIRED COSSACK demonstrates an ability to use simple and upbeat music to break musical conventions with clever songwriting and noticeable nods to Ukrainian folkore.
His songs flow like a meandering path devoid of care. Themes of joy and melancholy mix with intense, cold industrial rhythms in its unique blend of post-punk, shoegaze-inspired indie rock, with the odd alt-country twang.
Listen: https://tiredcossack.bandcamp.com/
REALITY TRAP
Local heavy hitters on a mission to conquer the Kootenays.
Listen: https://coupsurcoup.bandcamp.com/album/slocan
Tuesday, August 13
8PM
FREE ADMISSION
The Flying Steamshovel
2003 2nd Avenue,
Rossland, BC, V0G 1Y0
Event:https://www.facebook.com/events/372231092235393

Guided tours of the Cold War Bunker
2024-08-14 13:00 - 14:00 | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada

Music in the Park
2024-08-14 18:30 - 20:00 | Nakusp Park Gazebo, 8th Ave NW and Broadway, Nakusp, V0G 1R0, Canada
The Arrow Lakes District Arts Council Presents our 26th Annual Music in the Park. Every Wednesday night from July 3 – Aug 27, 2024 at the Nakusp Park Gazebo from 6:30pm-8:00pm. Free live musical entertainment.

Weekly Tango Mini Lesson & Practice
2024-08-14 19:30 - 21:30 | Christie Lee’s Hall, 807-703 Radio Ave, Nelson, BC, V1L3L3, Canada
Want to learn and practice dancing Argentine Tango?

We host a weekly mini-lesson and practica at Christie Lee’s Hall in Fairview.

The guided portion from 7:30-8:15 has a different host and topic each week (check our Facebook page for host and topic announcements). We have an open practice after the lesson until 9:30pm.

Dancers of all levels are welcome! Material is beginner-friendly.

Tango is an improvised partner dance originating in Argentina and Uruguay; you don’t need a partner to attend tango practices or events and it can be danced by anyone and everyone.

Please bring your dancing shoes and a water bottle.

5$ donation

Where to find us: Christies Lees Hall is on Radio Ave., in lower Fairview. You can access Radio from 4th or 7th Streets. The Hall’s part of the Kiwanis Villa complex. On Radio Ave. look for “701” on the deck post near the sidewalk leading to the front doors. Also, look for the sandwich board near the sidewalk.

Google map link: https://goo.gl/maps/zFraPXNpJ6aBBJtv6
Maps will tell you that it’s “temporarily closed” but don’t believe it!

KOOTENAY COMEDY OPEN MIC
2024-08-14 20:00 - 23:30 | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
Hosted by lil’ Mikey, its an open mic Comedy night!
To sign up come early or message kootenaycomedy on instagram!
$5

Family Story Time
2024-08-15 10:30 - 11:00 | Nelson Public Library, 602 Stanley St, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 1N4, Canada
Drop by the Nelson Public Library Thursday mornings at 10:30 come to sing your favourite songs and hear some great stories!
All ages welcome.

The Night Market at Music in the Park with Maritime Kitchen Party, Stubbs and the, and Rhythm by Nature
2024-08-15 17:00 - 20:30 | Trail Gyro Park, 234 Park Rd, Trail, British Columbia, V1R 4X7, Canada
Join the Trail & District Arts Council and Trail’s Incredible Farmers Market on August 15 for an entertaining evening of food vendors, market, beer & wine garden, and live music at The Night Market in Gyro Park. There’s lots to do at the last Music in the Park for the season from 5 pm to 8:30 pm, all topped off with great live music.
Music starts with the Maritime Kitchen Party and their Cape Breton classics, before Stubbs and the spontaneous, multi-lingual show for the whole family with crowd-pleasing covers and their own original and theatrical music.
To add to the evening’s experience, Rhythm by Nature will be running 15-minute drumming workshops at 5:15 pm, 5:45 pm, and 7 pm.
The show will be moved indoors if the weather is not cooperative. Check our Facebook page.

Rag Rug Workshop
2024-08-15 17:30 - 19:30 | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
Inspired by the Utopia Unveiled history exhibition, textile artist Tracy Fillion will be at the Nelson Museum to explore the art of upcycling rags into a beautiful rug. All materials will be supplied for you to make your own small round rug, or you can bring your own special rags and fabrics that you want to give a second life.
This is a FREE program, space is very limited and pre-registration is required. Sign up here.

Trail’s Kootenay Savings Music in the Park
2024-08-15 18:00 - 20:00 | Trail Gyro Park, 234 Park Rd, Trail, British Columbia, V1R 4X7, Canada
Trail Arts Council brings local and touring acts to Gyro Park at Kootenay Savings Music in The Park from 6:15 pm to 8:00 pm every Thursday from June 27 to August 15.
Schedule: June 27 Trail Maple Leaf Band, Trail Pipe Band, and B, McJones Highland Dancers; July 4 White Lightning and John Hewitt Band; July 11 Ron Halliday Band and Gabriel Palatchi; July 18 Kym Gouchie Trio, Twin Fiddles and Lisa Nicole; July 25 Steve Marc and Melody Diachun and The Swing Bastards; Aug. 1 The Eisenhauers and Meredith Moon; Aug. 8 KNS and Robin Layne & The Rhythm Makers; Aug. 15 Maritime Kitchen Party, Stubbs and the and drum workshops with Rhythm By Nature.
Shows are moved indoors if the weather is not cooperative. Check our Facebook page.

Jeux de mots et d’écriture – An Evening of Writing Games
2024-08-15 18:30 - 20:00 | AFKO, 807 Baker Street, Nelson, V1L 4J8
Passionné par les mots et la créativité littéraire? Rejoignez-nous à l’AFKO pour une soirée inédite où Sophie vous guide à travers un voyage captivant au sein des possibilités infinies des mots.
Lors de cette expérience enrichissante, Sophie vous propose une série d’exercices ludiques et inspirants qui non seulement stimulent votre imagination mais vous permettent également de vous connecter les uns aux autres de manière simple et authentique. Que vous soyez un écrivain en herbe ou un amateur de jeux d’esprit, cette soirée est conçue pour tous ceux qui cherchent à explorer leur créativité et à partager leurs histoires.
C’est une occasion unique de laisser libre cours à votre imagination, d’explorer de nouvelles perspectives et de célébrer la beauté de l’expression écrite.

Dates:
11 juillet
23 juillet
15 août
Heure : 18h30 à 20h00
Lieu : AFKO, 807 Baker Street, Nelson
Venez nous rejoindre pour une expérience enrichissante où chaque session promet d’être un voyage de découverte, de créativité et de connexions significatives à travers l’art de l’écriture. Ne manquez pas cette occasion – réservez votre place dès maintenant pour une soirée inoubliable à l’AFKO !
Voir le formulaire ci-dessous.

An evening of writing games
Join us at AFKO for an evening dedicated to unleashing your creativity through the power of words. Led by Sophie, these sessions will explore the limitless possibilities of language, blending playful prompts with opportunities to connect authentically with each other.
These interactive sessions are designed to inspire and engage participants of all writing levels. Whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith or just starting out, Sophie’s guided explorations will encourage you to express yourself freely and imaginatively.
Dates:
July 11th
July 23rd 23rd
August 15th

Time: 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: AFKO, 807 Baker Street, Nelson
Come and join us for an enriching experience where each session promises to be a journey of discovery, creativity, and meaningful connections through the art of writing. Don’t miss out – reserve your spot now for an unforgettable evening at AFKO!

Mural Workshop
2024-08-16 16:00 - 18:30 | Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre, 320 Wilson Street, Revelstoke, V0E 2S0
Instruction 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.

August 16, 17, & 18
$180 – All materials provided
Teens and Adults
RVAC | 320 Wilson st
For beginner and intermediate artists
Artists will be painting collaborative murals in pairs

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): In pairs, continue painting your collaborative murals
