West Kootenay Regional Arts Council

Tea & Textiles
2024-09-04 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.

Guided tours of the Cold War Bunker
2024-09-04 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!

Producer Jam Vol.5 (Nelson) | FIELD RECORDINGS
2024-09-04 18:00 - 22:00 (America/Vancouver) | Jam Factory Co-working Space, 303 Vernon St., Nelson, V1L4E3, Canada
Bring a friend to another FUN night for Producers, Beatmakers, and Electronic Music Composers to jam and hang! (and eat snacks)
WHAT IS IT? It’s a night of collaboration games for Music Producers, Beat-Makers, and Electronic Music Composers, of all genres, DAWs, and skill levels.
Bring your Headphones and laptop with your preferred DAW or hardware such as MPC, Maschine, Push3, or others.
The event is on SEPTEMBER 4th from 6-10 pm at “The Jam Factory”, 303 Vernon St, Nelson, BC V1L 4E3. This is the FIFTH volume of a series of monthly jams, each featuring a unique collaboration “game” or “style”.
Here’s how it works:
OUR GOAL: FIELD RECORDINGS
Field Recording: The first 30 minutes of this jam will be used recording “found sounds” or field recordings from our environment to be reformed into rhythmic and musical elements in the following phases.
Recording Sharing: All recordings will be distributed to participants via provided Dropbox links, and/or USB
Production Phase: Spend the next hour creating elements (drums, bass, synths, chops, etc.) inspired by and/or derived from the field recordings.
Optional Stem Sharing: Export your audio stems and upload them to a shared Dropbox or USB
Collaboration Phase: In the remaining hour, combine uploaded elements from other participants as you see fit.
Show and Tell: Conclude with a showcase and Q&A session.
This collaborative approach, dubbed “Co-Independent Collaboration”, aims to foster community networking, enhance creative decision-making skills, boost confidence, and inspire both new and seasoned electronic composers.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to have fun, learn, and connect with fellow music enthusiasts!
RECAP:
-Date: SEPTEMBER 4th
-Time: 6:00 pm – 10pm
-Location: The Jam Factory, 303 Vernon St, Nelson, BC V1L 4E3
-Cost: $5 participation fee (to cover space rental)
What to Bring:
-Laptop with preferred DAW
-Hardware if you prefer (e.g., MPC, Maschine, Push3)
-Headphones
-Cellphone or Field Recorder
QUESTIONS?
Text or call: 1 250 505 7725
SEE YOU THERE!
Oh! and don’t forget to bring a friend!

Producer Jam Night Vol.5 (Nelson) | FIELD RECORDINGS
2024-09-04 18:00 - 22:00 (America/Vancouver) | Jam Factory Co-working Space, 303 Vernon St., Nelson, V1L4E3, Canada

Weekly Tango Mini Lesson & Practice
2024-09-04 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-09-11 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-09-18 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-09-25 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!

Quilt Till You Wilt
2024-09-05 16:00 - 2024-09-07 15:00 (America/Edmonton) | 601 1st Ave, Fernie BC
This is an opportunity for Fernie Quilters to come and work on their projects in a group setting over multiple days.
Business meeting Thursday 4pm
The primary purposes of the Fernie Quilters’ Guild is to provide education and mutual support to the Guild members; to promote skill and creativity in quilting; and to contribute to our community through sharing and charity.
If you wish to join or find out more information please contact directly:
ferniequilters@gmail.com.
https://www.facebook.com/Fernie-Quilt-Guild-127022111007607/

ED Fest
2024-09-06 - 2024-09-07 | Rotary Park, 10 Ave S, Cranbrook, BC V1C 2N2, Cranbrook
This fall, the vibrant community of Cranbrook, British Columbia, will be transformed into a pulsating hub of creativity and expression with the annual Ed Fest Arts & Music Festival. Scheduled for two days, this festival is not just an event but a celebration of the arts, inviting people of all ages to immerse themselves in a world of artistic wonder.
Ed Fest is designed to showcase and elevate the appreciation of diverse art forms including music, dance, literature, theatre, and visual arts. It’s a time when the community converges to explore new ideas, celebrate local and emerging talent, and most importantly, to be inspired. Organized by a passionate collective of organizations, local artists, educators, and community members, Ed Fest aims to weave a unique and unforgettable cultural tapestry that resonates with everyone who attends.
Ed Fest is committed to inclusivity, ensuring the festival is accessible to everyone regardless of age, gender, race, or cultural background. This philosophy is reflected not only in the programming but also in the welcoming atmosphere that encourages every participant to enjoy and engage in the festivities freely.
Plan to join the celebration this fall and be part of something truly special at the Ed Fest Arts & Music Festival in Cranbrook, BC. Come to enjoy the creativity, stay for the community, and leave inspired by the boundless possibilities of the arts. For more information on the festival schedule and ticket bookings, be sure to check the Ed Fest website. Don’t miss this artistic celebration—it’s more than a festival; it’s a community’s heartbeat.

Guided Cold War Bunker tours
2024-09-07 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-09-14 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-09-21 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada

KOOTENAY COMEDY OPEN MIC
2024-09-11 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

Drop in Art Nights | FREE
2024-09-12 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

Elephant Mountain Lit Fest
2024-09-12 19:30 - 2024-09-15 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | Capitol Theatre Nelson, 421 Victoria Street, Nelson
Elephant Mountain Lit Fest is celebrating our 13th anniversary with a weekend packed with workshops, readings, discussions, mentorship sessions, and a book fair! Through a wide spectrum of literary experiences, join us in exploring the work of talented writers who push boundaries, bend genres, and write from their hearts. This year’s festival line-up promises to inspire, challenge, and uplift. View the full festival program here: https://www.emlfestival.com/festival-2024
Featured Presenters
Shashi Bhat
Jayli Wolf
Zaynab Mohammed
Smokii Sumac
Roz Nay
Jayme Moye
Emma Noyes
Book Fair
Visit the Capitol Theatre on Saturday, September 13th from 1:30-4:30 to browse books by over 20 local writers from the Columbia Basin Region! Meet writers and get your books signed.
How to get tickets:
-You can sign up for workshops and mentorships directly on our website here: https://www.emlfestival.com/festival-2024
-Single evening event tickets are booked through the Capitol Theatre’s website or the box office: https://capitoltheatre.ca
-Gold Passes must be booked in person, by phone, or by email through the Capitol Theatre.

Arts & Culture Festival
2024-09-14 12:00 - 2024-09-15 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre, 1100 Hwy 3B | Junction of Hwys 3B & 22, Rossland, BC, V0G 1Y0, Canada
Join us on the Rossland Museum lawn for live music and fun for the whole family at our annual Arts & Culture Festival, September 14th and 15th from 12 to 4 pm all weekend. In partnership with the Rossland IncrEdible Market, we’ll be featuring Kootenay artisans, vendors, and food trucks! Not to mention: art workshops, a bouncy castle, lawn games, scavenger hunt, and crafts to make this the perfect event to enjoy on a September afternoon.
Sign up for a ceramics workshop with Lana Jamieson at 1pm on Saturday – we’ll be making porcelain ghost-shaped candle holders! At 1pm Sunday, Erin Shuttleworth of VISAC Gallery will be offering a styrofoam plate printing workshop! These workshops are free, but space is limited, so please register in advance! Make this your weekend’s main event, or stop by to enjoy our food, music, and artisans before an exciting evening at Between the Peaks music festival.
This Festival is an opportunity for our region’s local visual and performing artists to showcase their talents to the public as we celebrate the spectacular culture in our area with live music, artist demos, artisan booths, and more. Entry is free, but donations are always appreciated!
This event is supported in part by Tourism Rossland, Columbia Power, the Columbia Basin Trust, the Nelson & District Credit Union, Teck Trail Operations, the Province of BC, and the Government of Canada.

The Last Arcade
2024-09-14 18:00 - 23:30 (America/Vancouver) | Oxygen Art Centre, 320 Vernon St Unit-3, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4E4, Canada
Presented by Club 86ed with support from the Moonflower Collective arts grant The Last Arcade at Oxygen Art Centre is a celebration of 1990’s and early 2000’s video games and dance music. Compete for a $50 cash prize in our NES Tetris tournament, relive console and arcade greatness, channel surf our custom cable system, or just bask in the CRT glow while the beats bump. All ages, abilities and skill levels welcome.
tpwtr is a local glunk (glitchy lofi funk) artist who is very excited to share some new music featuring a famous hedgehog.

Elk Valley Pride Festival
2024-09-18 - 2024-09-22 | Fernie, Fernie, BC
A rainbow celebreation of Pride in the mountains! This 5-day festival features Spectrum Queer Arts Day, Drag Brunch, Storytine, Rainbow Reads, Rainbow Reels, and so much more!

Crystal Journey In Nelson, BC. Tagum Hall
2024-09-19 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | Taghum Hall, 5915 Taghum Hall Rd, Nelson, V1L 6Y4
Thursday, September 19thTaghum Hall5915 Taghum Hall RdNelson, BC7:00-9:00pm$25/PersonTickets Available @
https://www.taghumhall.ca/event-details/crystal-journey-with-david-hickey
And At The Door

Bring Yoga Mat Or Blanket To Lie On

What You Can Expect From Crystal Journey:
The show will take place in two 40 to 50 minute sets. David’s usual set up includes 6 Quartz Crystal Bowls, 8 Paiste Planet Gongs, 2 Persian Santoors & Harmonica.

Rural Theatre & Performance Lab
2024-09-20 | Vallican Whole Community Centre, 3762 Little Slocan South Road, Vallican, British Columbia, V0G2J0, Canada
A Country Road Rural Theatre Lab is an artist-focused series of workshops, discussions, performances and community networking events for local theatre and performance artists. It will be hosted at the Vallican Whole Community Centre from September 20th to 22nd.
The event will feature workshops in dramaturgy, acting, vocals, viewpoints, improv, clowning, and devising, as well as a roundtable discussion on local rural production and the New Works Cabaret, a showcase of short new theatre pieces by local artists.
Registration is by sliding scale, and open to artists at any stage of their craft. To learn more or to register, visit www.ruraltheatrelab.com.
Financial support for this project generously provided by the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance and the Columbia Basin Trust.

‘Witness Blanket’ closing ceremony
2024-09-20 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
The Witness Blanket closes this Friday, September 20 at the Nelson Museum. This FREE event is open to the public, and will feature a screening of the 8-minute version of the documentary, as well as jingle dancers and speakers. The event starts at 6 pm and seating will be limited.

Argenta Fall Faire
2024-09-21 12:00 - 22:00 (America/Vancouver) | Argenta Community Hall, 1024 Argenta Rd, Argenta ., British Columbia, V0G1B0, Canada
The Argenta Fall Faire is a family friendly community celebration!

Market: noon – 5pm

Live music into the evening!

BRAVE NEW WORKS – a Theatre Cabaret
2024-09-21 19:00 - 21:30 (America/Vancouver) | Vallican Whole Community Centre, 3762 Little Slocan South Road, Vallican, British Columbia, V0G2J0, Canada
Join us at A Country Road Rural Theatre Lab for BRAVE NEW WORKS, a night of theatrical excerpts, works-in-progress, experiments, and new work!
On Saturday, September 21st at 7:30PM, Writer/Creator/Performers from around the Kootenays are bringing short pieces of new work to share… who knows what we’ll see!

BRAVE NEW WORKS is just one piece of a weekend-long event for rural theatre creators.Learn more about the Rural Theatre Lab at www.ruraltheatrelab.com.
Tickets to the Cabaret are sliding scale $10-20. Come out & support Kootenay creators.

The Lab is generously supported by the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance and the RDCK.

Open Mic
2024-09-21 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Vancouver) | Slocan Lake Arts Centre, 408 Lake Avenue, Silverton, BC, V0G 1S0
Hosted by Jeff Bonner, this licensed evening of performances will be a delight and full of surprises! Come to play, or simply to enjoy the local talents.
Event takes place in our Slocan Lake Arts Center: 408 4th Street, Silverton BC
This happens every 3rd Saturday of the month!

NERDLESQUE – ANIMATION FLIRTATION
2024-09-21 20:30 - 23:30 (America/Vancouver) | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada

Rossland Gallery Series Opening – Jaydlyn Joan
2024-09-26 17:30 - 19:00 (America/Vancouver) | Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre, 1100 Hwy 3B | Junction of Hwys 3B & 22, Rossland, BC, V0G 1Y0, Canada
The Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre Gallery Series continues with a special showing of local artist Jaydlyn Joan’s work, “Burning the Koots!” Join us on opening night at 5:30 pm, September 26th for an address from the artist, refreshments, and time to take in the new exhibit with friends. Come check out Jaydlyn’s incredible pyrography and for those who can’t make it to the opening night, Jaydlyn’s exhibit will remain onsite from September 26th to October 10th in the Museum’s Entrance Gallery, where interested parties may also purchase the artwork. RSVP for opening night: https://rossland-museum.square.site/product/rmdc-gallery-series-opening-burning-the-koots-with-jaydlyn-joan/817

STOODIS Indigenous Film Festival
2024-09-27 - 2024-09-30 | Nelson Civic Theatre, 719 Vernon St Suite 103, Nelson, BC, BC V1L 4G3, Canada
In 2023, the STOODIS Indigenous Film Festival debuted, exploring the film industry’s “Colonial Gaze” and immersing audiences in authentic Indigenous narratives. Thomas King’s words, “The truth about stories, is that’s all we are,” underscored the festival’s emphasis on the profound impact of storytelling, particularly on youth.
The festival’s design draws inspiration from the Medicine Wheel, a symbol of cultural significance, representing life’s various facets for Indigenous communities. STOODIS aims to promote the normalization and celebration of Indigenous presence and perspectives. In the predominantly rural, settler community in which we live, the festival seeks to cultivate knowledge, support, and humanization of Indigenous people, fostering a shared understanding of past, present, and future.
In 2024, STOODIS will offer a celebration of diverse and compelling storytelling through film, live performances, and community engagement and conversations. The festival aims to showcase the work of emerging and established Indigenous artists while fostering a sense of community and cultural exchange. This year, STOODIS will spotlight global Indigenous resistance, excellence, and resurgence.

‘Utopia Unveiled’ Closing Party
2024-09-27 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
We wrap up the Utopia Unveiled exhibition at the Nelson Museum with a closing party with performances from Carol Gaskin and Laura Landsberg. Gaskin’s performance, Untangling: The Art of Honouring Ancestors, features collage video and poetry reading. Landsberg’s piece, Lines: tracing an unconventional story through Poetry and Music uses song, poetry, and art to craft spontaneous compositions.
This event is FREE and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.
