West Kootenay Regional Arts Council

PULP closing party and publication launch
2024-07-27 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
Artists Edward Poitras and Mia Feuer return for the PULP closing party and publication launch. Join us for refreshments, pick up a copy of the new book, and mingle with the artists.

In the hands of artists from across Canada, the artworks that embody PULP speak to personal, regional, socio-political, and historic symbology; seen in the feminist forms of Gathie Falk and Badanna Zack, with an Indigenous perspective through the work of Edward Poitras, through the revolt and response of Mia Feuer, the masks of Miya Turnbull, and the poetic/historical approach of Susan Andrews Grace.

This is your last chance to see this incredible collection of works! This event is FREE and open to the public.

ArtWalk Nelson Opening Night #2
2024-07-27 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | Downtown Nelson, Various, BC, Canada
The Nelson and District Arts Council invites you to hit the streets and celebrate the 36th annual ArtWalk. Wander the streets taking in the amazing talent of over 40 artists at 30 unique venues, where singers, dancers, musicians, and more will entertain you and all the other art lovers as you discover the diversity of talent. The second opening is on Saturday, July 27th from 6-9pm. This is a free, family-friendly event.
Maps will be available at participating businesses, local cafes and shops, and the Nelson Visitor Centre.
You can also find the map online here: https://ndac.ca/programs/artwalk/

Music in the Park Sunset Series: Latin Lovers
2024-07-27 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | Centennial Park, New Denver
There’s no better way to enjoy a Saturday night than at Centennial Park, New Denver with LIVE music and summer evening breezes in the air. By donation.

Community Drumming Circle with Leo Carpio
2024-07-28 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | Centennial Park Gazebo, New Denver, BC
When people gather to make music, the world is slightly better place. Spend your Sunday afternoon getting into rhythm with those around you. No experience necessary. Some drums, shakers and other percussive instruments will be provided, but please bring your own if you have. Also bring a blanket or a chair. We will gather in the gazebo at Centennial Park in New Denver from 2pm-4pm. By Donation.

Guided tours of the Cold War Bunker
2024-07-31 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-08-07 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-08-14 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.
Email info@nelsonmuseum.ca to register. Adult admission required – children under 18 are always free!

KHC Summer Kicks- Garret T. Willie
2024-07-31 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Edmonton) | Keith King Park, 1501 Maple Dr., Golden, BC
Summer Kicks! Free outdoor concert in beautiful Golden BC.
Called “Canada’s next big thing in down-and-dirty, classic-rockin’ blues guitardom” by the Toronto Star, Garret T. Willie more than lives up to that purple praise. Hailing from tiny Cormorant Island just off the northeast tip of Vancouver Island, Willie was only 10 years old when he dazzled an Alert Bay Music Festival audience by scorching his way through a couple of AC/DC cover tunes. Jump ahead 13 years and Willie has a hit album out, and a reputation as a guitar star akin to Stevie Ray Vaughan or George Thorogood. No mere imitator, Willie is a thoughtful First Nations artist with a unique emotional truth – one that he unleashes in slow-burn ballads and powerful blasts of blues-rock fury. His great band features guitarist Brett Smith-Daniels, bassist Lucas Renshaw, and drummer Saha Enns.

Weekly Tango Mini Lesson & Practice
2024-07-31 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-08-07 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-08-14 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Vancouver) | 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!

Clanna Morna – Celtic Traditional at the Vallican Whole
2024-07-31 19:30 - 22:00 (America/Vancouver) | Vallican Whole Community Centre, 3762 Little Slocan South Road, Vallican, British Columbia, V0G2J0, Canada
Clanna Morna are a traditional Celtic folk band from Victoria, BC, coming to the Vallican Whole this July for a beautiful and intimate live concert.
The band is comprised of Cody Baresich (guitar, mandolins, Irish bouzouki, tenor banjo, percussion, vocals), Finn Letourneau (fiddle, banjo, harmonium, vocals), and Mark Leigh (accordion, tin whistles, harmonium, vocals). With the combination of traditional instruments featuring strong melodic leads, rhythmic guitar accompaniment and foot percussion, the band covers a wide swath of musical ground. From high-energy instrumentals to slow ballads, drinking songs to sea shanties, Clanna Morna brings a unique west coast influence to Celtic & English folk. The band pays tribute to and takes inspiration from legendary predecessors including The Dubliners, The Pogues, The Bothy Band, Planxty, and The Clancy Brothers. Their live shows are dynamic and diverse, with audiences dancing along to upbeat jigs and reels and singing along to rebel songs and heartfelt ballads. Clanna Morna effortlessly bring songs and tunes which are hundreds of years old into a modern context, sharing relatable stories of our collective past with the audience.

Tickets are sliding scale, $20-$25. Volunteers needed, who get in for free!
Tickets for sale at the door, or reserve in advance by email: info (at) vallicanwhole (dot) com.
Cash bar on site. Doors open at 7, music starts at 8pm.
For more about Clanna Morna, visit https://clannamorna.ca/

31ST ANNUAL KASLO JAZZ ETC FESTIVAL
2024-08-02 12:00 - 2024-08-04 23:00 (America/Vancouver) | Kaslo Bay Park, Kaslo, British Columbia, Canada
This intimate and laid-back world-class music festival has been hosting big names and newly discovered gems of the music business since 1992.
This year, the Kaslo Jazz Etc Festival will once again make use of the astounding acoustics of Kaslo Bay Park to showcase an array of blues, jazz, latin, folk, world music and much more. Our unique floating stage transforms Kaslo Bay Park into a natural green amphitheater and sends live music reverberating out over Kootenay Lake. All weekend long, world-class musicians perform against our breathtaking backdrop of mountains and sky.
Selected as one of the “Top ten places to get out doors and be in tune,” by USA Today, and one of the “Top 10 places to enjoy outdoor summer music” by REUTERS, the Kaslo Bay floating stage has been recognized as one of the premier outdoor music venues in the world.
Festival goers dance in the sand, swim around the stage, or relax in the grass and enjoy the delicious offerings of local food and drink vendors. The intimate, laid-back vibe of this festival seduces audiences and performers alike. So come discover the magic of the Kaslo Jazz Etc Festival, and the culture of the Kootenay’s in the summer!

SUMI Workshop at Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre with Tsuneko Kokubo (aka Koko)
2024-08-03 09:30 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre, 306 Josephine St, New Denver, BC, V0G 1S0
This SUMI workshop starts with a tour through the NIMC, after which Japanese Canadian artist Tsuneko Kokubo guides you in an exploration of SUMI (ink) drawing, using brush and pen.
Click here for more info and to register.
This SUMI Workshop is one of three Nikkei Art Excursions offered to you by SLAC this Summer.

Guided Cold War Bunker tours
2024-08-03 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-08-10 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada

Music in the Park Sunset Series: KLEZMERIDIAN
2024-08-03 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | Centennial Park, New Denver

BC Day at the Rossland Museum
2024-08-05 10:00 - 18:00 (America/Vancouver) | Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre, 1100 Hwy 3B | Junction of Hwys 3B & 22, Rossland, BC, V0G 1Y0, Canada
Spend BC Day at the Rossland Museum, with lots of fun for the whole family!
Take advantage of our assortment of lawn games, including SpikeBall, badminton, and more! Try your hand at gold panning or enjoy our spectacular bubble wands. Explore our outdoor exhibits – climb up a caboose or into a fire truck! Tired of the heat? Cool down inside with crafts, activities, a scavenger hunt, and family-friendly short films in our theatre.
Our popular outdoor tours and gold panning demonstrations will be taking place throughout the day. Come on out to the Rossland Museum for a BC Day filled with fun activities – Monday, August 5th – open by donation 10 am to 6 pm.
We are open daily through the summer from 10 am-6 pm, and offer guided tours (included in admission) at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm daily!
More info: https://www.rosslandmuseum.ca/news/2024/bc-day

Tea & Textiles
2024-08-07 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.

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 (America/Vancouver) | 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

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.

‘The Witness Blanket’ opening reception
2024-08-09 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | 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.

Columbia Basin Culture Tour
2024-08-10 10:00 - 2024-08-11 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | 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 (America/Vancouver) | 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.

Open Studio Workshops (Chris Dufour, artist-in-residence)
2024-08-10 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | 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.

KOOTENAY COMEDY OPEN MIC
2024-08-14 20:00 - 23:30 (America/Vancouver) | 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 (America/Vancouver) | 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.

Rag Rug Workshop
2024-08-15 17:30 - 19:30 (America/Vancouver) | 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.

Jeux de mots et d’écriture – An Evening of Writing Games
2024-08-15 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | 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!
