West Kootenay Regional Arts Council

Creston Fall Fair Sept 5 and 6, 2025
2025-09-05 - 2025-09-06 | Creston Flats Stables, 633 Indian Road, Creston, BC
Creston’s Fall Fair is hosting an Artisan’s Alley as well as Horse events this year.
Mahood Sculptures is among the many Kootenay Artists who will be
showing their art and speaking to people.
Creston Valley Fall Fair runs Friday, Sept 5th from 10 am to 9 pm.
Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm.
tickets are $ 10

Saturday Bunker tours
2025-09-06 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-09-13 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-09-20 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-09-27 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-04 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-11 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-18 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-25 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) and 2 more dates | 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)

Wednesday Bunker Tours
2025-09-10 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-09-17 13:00 - 14:00, 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, 2025-10-22 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-10-29 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!

Botanical Printing on cloth w/Tracy Fillion
2025-09-20 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Vancouver) | Oxygen Art Centre, 320 Vernon St Unit-3, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4E4, Canada
Learn the fundamentals of botanical printing on fabric. In this hands-on workshop, we will explore how to identify suitable fibres for plant dyeing and how to properly prepare cloth for plant dyeing and eco printing.
We will also discuss dye plants, ethical harvesting practices, and working in harmony with seasonal and local materials.
Using locally grown flowers, each participant will have the opportunity to design and create their own botanically printed cotton bandana to take home.
free to attend
registration required
all materials provided
[max. 20 students per workshop]

REGISTER: https://oxygenartcentre.org/seed-bombs-event-1-w-tracy-fillion/

Beading Space with West Kootenay Metis Society
2025-09-27 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-25 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)

Tea & Textiles
2025-10-01 09:00 - 12:00, 2025-11-05 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.

Join the Friends of the Nelson Public Library
2025-10-14 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-11-11 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.

Day of the Dead: A Cross-Cultural Celebration
2025-11-01 15:00 - 23:00 (America/Edmonton) | The Eagles Hall Nelson, 641 Baker St, Nelson, BC V1L 4J3, Canada, BC, V1L 4J3, Canada
Join us for a very special Day of the Dead celebration, a free, family-friendly community event where we’ll honor tradition while embracing the richness of many cultures. Inspired by Día de Muertos, this event brings together diverse practices of remembrance and celebration of life.
What to Expect at the Day of the Dead Celebration
✨ Mexico – Dia de Muertos
Interactive altar. Arts & crafts while we share the meaning of this tradition. Plus, live serenatas (serenades) will fill the space with music and remembrance.
✨ Philippines – “Undas”
Experience the Filipino tradition of Undas through a communal altar, prayers, and music. Participate in shared offerings, hands-on crafts, and enjoy a live performance of Dahil Sayo.
✨ India – “Moksha”
“Moksha” is a visual and interactive display of India’s diverse rituals of remembrance, including storytelling, a short talk, and a participatory dance performance.
✨ Celtic Roots – “From Samhain to Halloween”
Presenter Shannon Silvermoon will explore Samhain’s ancient rituals and its transformation into Halloween. Participate in a short visualization, ancestor offerings, and intention-setting for the new year.
✨ Reflections on Grief and Healing
Led by death doula Leif, this space invites us to reflect on loss, grief, and renewal.
✨ Community Offerings
-Food vendors & face painting
-Performances by local & guest artists
-A closing dance party with uplifting global beats
📌 Save the date: Full schedule with times will be shared soon!
Event Schedule:
-3:00 – 4:00 PM: Altars making & community gathering begin, live Serenata from 3:30–4:00 PM & face painting & mini traditional food market open
-4:00 – 4:10 PM: Land Acknowledgment
by Rick Desautel
-4:10 – 5:10 PM: Community Talk: “Grief, Loss, and Healing”by Leif Mjolsness
-5:10 – 6:20 PM: Cultural Presentations:
Ireland – Origins of Halloween (5:10–5:30)
India – Moska (5:30–5:40)
Mexico – Traditions + Activity (5:40–6:00)
Philippines – Heritage + Activity (6:00–6:20)
-6:20 – 6:30 PM: Closing Remarks
-6:30 – 7:00 PM: Dance Performances featuring:
Miriam Martínez, Slava Doval’s DanceFusion, Sophie Barbaric, Surya & Nino, Tango group & Tapatia Collective
-7:00 – 9:30 PM: Dance Party featuring
DJ Mochilero & DJ Dubconscious
-9:30 – 11:00 PM: Karaoke & Curated Playlist

We Can Help Animals! BC SPCA Comics Workshop (Ages 8-12)
2025-11-07 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Edmonton) | West Kootenay Community Animal Centre, 124 Heritage Way, Castlegar BC
Are you a young changemaker looking to help animals?
Participants will learn ways to help at-risk animals through a variety of activities at the West Kootenay Community Animal Centre. Discuss how the BC SPCA helps animals.
Create comics about the value of all beings. Give back by collaborating on a project for the shelter. This is a fast-paced and engaging workshop that combines play, creativity and learning!
Date and Time: November 15, 2025 from 9:30am-12:30pm
Location: West Kootenay Community Animal Centre, 124 Heritage Way, Castlegar BC
Ages: 8-12
Price: $37.50
Note – While there may be some time for animal interactions, we cannot guarantee the availability of suitable animals.

Kootenay Chamber Players - Songs of the New World
2025-11-09 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Edmonton) | Silverton Memorial Hall, Silverton BC
Join the Kootenay Chamber Strings for a radiant afternoon of music celebrating Antonín Dvořák’s time in the New World. Written during his stay in the United States in the 1890s, Dvořák’s String Quartet in F major, Op. 96 (“American”) and String Quintet in E-flat major, Op. 97 overflow with the composer’s signature lyricism, rhythmic vitality, and heartfelt warmth.
Inspired by the open landscapes of America and infused with echoes of his Bohemian homeland, these two masterworks capture a unique moment of musical cross-pollination—where folk melodies, spirituals, and Dvořák’s own deeply rooted sense of melody come together in perfect harmony.
This intimate concert offers a rare opportunity to hear both of Dvořák’s “American” works side by side—an afternoon of glowing string sound, storytelling, and spirited ensemble playing.
About the Kootenay Chamber Players
The Kootenay Chamber Players bring together five accomplished musicians who share a deep love of collaboration, creativity, and community. Drawing on diverse musical backgrounds—from classical and folk traditions to jazz and contemporary styles—the group brings an open-hearted approach to performance that reflects their Kootenay roots: down-to-earth, adventurous, and passionate about sharing their craft.
The ensemble features Natasha Hall and Spring Burke on violins, Martine denBok on viola, Jeff Faragher on cello, and Rob Fahie on double bass. Together, they create performances that are rich in warmth, connection, and joy—music made by friends, for friends.

Studio Connexion Winter Group Show
2025-11-13 11:00 - 2025-12-23 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | Studio Connexion Art Gallery, 203 Fifth Ave. NW., Nakusp
The Winter Group Show is coming back to Studio Connexion Art Gallery in Nakusp. Fine artworks by more than 35 talented artists from across Canada who are represented at Studio Connexion will be for sale during the Christmas season. Art-gifts are the type of presents that keeps on giving. Anne-Elizabeth Béliveau is the owner and the curator of the quaint space. She is delighted by the artworks the artists have been creating for the event.
Most of the artists she represents do landscape, abstract or wildlife. It is a great selection for the season or any occasion.
The Winter Group Show starts Thursday November 13th and runs through December 23rd. Walk-in-hours are 11am to 4pm.
Studio Connexion Art Gallery is location at 203 FIFTH Ave. in the heART of Nakusp just 2 1/2 short blocks from Broadway St.
