West Kootenay Regional Arts Council

Project Wild One Book Signing with Author Louise Sidley at Otter Books
2025-03-22 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Vancouver) | Otter Books, 398 Baker St, Nelson, V1L 4H5
Due to delays at the printers, Louise Sidley’s book signing event has been postponed to March 22 at Otter Books.
Project Wild One, published by Red Deer Press is intended for readers ages 7 and up. This eco-friendly tale is full of adventure and challenges assumptions about nature and the role young people have in it.
Books will be available for purchase and signing by the author.

Queen City Burlesque Expo Presents: The Grand Gala
2025-03-22 19:30 - 22:00 | The Capitol Theatre, 421 Victoria Street, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 5R2, Canada
TIX: https://bit.ly/QCBEGala
?????
Experience extravagance at the 6th Annual Queen City Burlesque Expo Weekender event: The Grand Gala at Capitol Theatre in Nelson BC.
From passionate to political, from farm animals to sparkling showponies, join us as we celebrate the most liberating of art forms for a guaranteed night of laughter and fun.

Spring Fling Community Dance Fundraiser
2025-03-22 20:00 - 23:30 | Eagles Hall, 641 baker street, Nelson, BC, V1L 4J3, Canada
SPRING FLING!!!
We are having a community dance fundraiser! March 22, 8pm-12am.
As the spring brings anew, let’s make this Equinox burst at the seams with a Fresh Start vibe! Come shake the cobwebs off, swing a tail feather, churn up the dirt on the dancefloor and Spring Fling the winter blues away, together!
Our friends, Tamara and Scott have been fighting a long legal journey to remediate their land. There has been a waste spill across their property that has left it poisoned, and they are close to the finish line in winning a remediation. This accomplishment will mean a lot to this family in reclaiming both their health and the health of their land. For more than a year and a half they have been throwing everything they have, and more, at the mounting lawyer fees to undertake the challenge of our court system.
All proceeds from this event will go directly to assisting in legal fees towards the last push to see this journey to the finish line. We wanna raise the roof with joy, friends, music and dancing to give this family a lift through the home stretch. Please join us on the dance floor with live bands and smooth beats, find a little something in the items for auction, and help our pals feel the love and support from their community.
WE’RE AT THE FINISH LINE!!! IT’S FRESH START TIME!!!
We are looking for a couple volunteers to help with set up & clean up. We are also seeking donations of items to auction.
$20 advance tix only.Please contact feckthisshyte2025@gmail.com for tickets or more Information.

Red Dirt Skinners – Live at Taghum Hall, Nelson, BC
2025-03-26 18:30 - 21:30 | Taghum Hall, 5915 Taghum Hall Rd, Nelson, V1L 6Y4
We are delighted to present… RED DIRT SKINNERS LIVE AT TAGHUM HALL NELSON BC
Described by Roots Music Canada as “The Pink Floyd of Folk Music” the Red Dirt Skinners are the multi-award winning multi-instrumentalist husband and wife team of Rob and Sarah Skinner. Widely regarded as one of the most innovative acts to come out of the UK in recent years.
The duo cross more genres than would make sense to mention and have won National and International Awards in Rock Folk Blues Country Roots Alt-Rock and Songwriting. It would be fair to say that if you like songs influenced by Pink Floyd Simon and Garfunkel Supertramp Queen David Bowie coupled with some epic storytelling humour and heartfelt emotions you’ll love a Red Dirt Skinners concert.
With male and female harmonies blending together as one voice and Sarah’s trademark soprano saxophone solos you will be swept along by the refreshingly different sound of the Red Dirt Skinners.
A Red Dirt Skinners concert combines captivating storytelling with knowing lyricism and outstanding musicianship. The Skinners have a natural rapport with their audiences and their live shows are a wonderful experience; a musical journey to remember. Be prepared for laugh-out-loud lyrics followed by songs sure to pull at your heartstrings. Rob and Sarah Skinner will steal your hearts. Don’t miss their show!

The Royal Art Throwdown – THE FINAL
2025-03-28 19:30 - 23:30 | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
Bit of a different format.Two heats of artists with 45 minutes to create. Winners are voted by you, then they do a second piece with an hour on stage. You vote again and we crown a winner!!Big prizes up for grabs for the artists as well as lots of art pieces to win for you guys in the crowd.Who’s the artists??We got ….Andrea LebelLucy HarrowSarah ShiptonJen AdamsJaxon JuromeLarisa EikensDana FrizzelLinda Mummery
DOSE bringing the vibe for the big show.
Get there early. It’s gonna be busssyyy!!Big Love xx

Guided Cold War Bunker tours
2025-03-29 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-04-05 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-04-12 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!

Revival *Album Release Event* Art Show & Live-Performance
2025-03-29 13:30 - 20:00 | Vallican Whole Community Centre, 3762 Little Slocan South Road, Vallican, British Columbia, V0G2J0, Canada
*Album Release Day*
Saturday March 29th
Doors Open 1:30pm
Artist Talk/Show 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Live-Music Performance 5:00 – 7:00pm
Door Price $10-15
*Food and Tea/Coffee Available for purchase
The project known as ‘Revival’ is a creative outpouring by folk artist Ru Rose. Revival showcases a deeply sincere full length conceptual debut album of 12 original sacred folk songs recorded Live-Off-The-Forest-Floor in the mountains of the unceded and ancestral territories of the Sinixt and Ktunaxa nations, also known as the Kootenays of British Columbia. Interwoven with the songs of the album is a series of 12 intricate paintings created with hand-made inks, dyes and paints.
With deep gratitude for the support of Creative BC and the Province of British Columbia in making this creation possible, and for the Columbia Basin Trust and the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance for supporting this Album release community event.
.
.
Original Songs / Concept / Production / Vocals / Acoustic Guitar / Shruti Box / Native Drum / Painting by Ru Rose Cabodyna
Sound Engineer / Bass / Percussion / Support Vocals / Banjo by Kai Cabodyna
Percussion (Kins Domain/Sowing Seeds) / Support Vocals (Kins Domain) by Indiana Cabodyna
Violin by Shawn Fisher
Lead Guitar (Sowing Seeds) by Amir Derakhashan
Support Vocals (the Womb) by Vanessa Deverell
Sound Engineering / Mix by Barry Jones of Sincerity Studios Mastering by Tyrell Jordan of Arrow Lake Recordings
www.rurose.earth/shows

Stories Inspire Passion -SIP talks 2025
2025-03-29 15:30 - 19:00 | Prestige Lakeside Resort, 701 Lakeside Dr, Nelson, British Columbia, BC V1L 6G3, Canada
Join the Canadian Federation of University Women Nelson & District, for a celebration of the collective spirit of Kootenay Women on Saturday, March 29th at Lakeside Prestige.
Seven local women will share their personal stories about what has inspired them to become the person they are today. There is nothing more exciting than meeting new people, sharing lived experience stories, and enjoying good food and beverage!
Speakers this year include:• Katrine Conroy – first female to work at Celgar Pulp Mill, becoming a Power Engineer, an Early Childhood Educator, worked at Kootenay Family Place as an ECE and Executive Director, and as an instructor at Selkirk teaching ECE, was as elected as MLA since 2005 – recently retired MLA.
• Cheryl Dowden – Ed at ANKORS, social justice advocate, community leader advocating for the vulnerable population, an avid traveler, outdoorsperson, and passionate about being a mom.
• Laura Landsberg – a rare vocalist who can cross all genres, highly respected member of the music community, 20 years vocal instructor at Selkirk College Contemporary Music & Technology Program, continues to perform in various musical projects.
• Slava Doval -a passionate, lifelong dance artist, choreographer and instructor. The founder and director of Dance Fusion, a Nelson-based dance school that has been in operation for sixteen years.
• Andrea Fox – Andrea is a certified nature-based therapist, environmental activist, outdoor educator, and wilderness guide. Fox received the 2024 Suzy Hamilton Legacy award for their passionate and dedicated work in protecting old growth forests and biodiversity. Andrea Fox founded Elemental Journeys and offers youth programs, primal skills workshops, adult wilderness retreats and one-on-one counselling. Fox brings curiosity and play to every exploration.
• Lena Horswill – community advocate & leader, originally from Malaysia, she immigrated to Canada at the age of 25 and began working with CUSO (an international development agency), former retired ED for Nelson Community Services and at present is Board Chair for Nelson City Police Board.
• Kate Armstrong – award-winning author of her memoir The Stone Frigate: The Royal Military College’s First Female Cadet Speaks Out, is passionate about writing and is currently pursuing a master’s in fine arts in Creative Writing at UBC, she is also an avid sailor/yachtsman and plans to race in the Atlantic.
The main goal of the event is to raise funds for the scholarships that we award to young women in our community who attend Selkirk College, and LV Rogers Secondary School in Nelson. Our club has a history of awarding scholarships for over 50 years.
Each ticket includes a glass of wine or other beverage, as well as an assortment of tapas and finger sandwiches.
Raffle tickets for some fabulous prizes will also be sold. Enter for your chance at a $400 cash prize, free night at the Prestige, a $200 Save-On grocery card and $100 Kootenay Co-op True Local basket.
We thank our above mentioned sponsors along with our event sponsor this year, Fern Sabo with Spring Creative Inc.
We look forward to hosting you for a wonderful evening!Doors open at 3:30pm, program begins at 4:00pm.If you have any questions about the event, please reach out to us at nelsoncfuw@gmail.com.
Tickets will be available at Otter Books, Feb. 6Complimentary tickets may be available, please inquire at nelsoncfuw@gmail.com

Women in Film Panel Discussion
2025-03-29 16:00 - 18:00 | Nelson Innovation Center, 91-D Baker Street, Nelson, BC, Canada
Join us for an inspiring panel discussion featuring the talented participants of the “Her Vision” Women in Film Mentorship Program (made possible by Nelson Civic Theatre Society’s Kootenay Screen-Based Industry Program/Kootenay Film). This event celebrates the achievements of emerging women and non-binary filmmakers in the Kootenays, highlighting the experiences and projects they developed under the guidance of experienced mentors.
Hear firsthand from the apprentices about what they gained from their mentorship. As well, enjoy insightful talks from seasoned mentors in the industry, who will share their experience, expertise, and insights into navigating the current landscape of film. The audience are welcome to participate in the Q & A to foster enriching dialogue.
This intimate event is a unique opportunity to connect with a vibrant community of creatives, fostering collaboration and empowerment among women and non-binary filmmakers in the region. Come and be part of celebrating the vision and creativity of women and non-binary filmmakers in the Kootenays!
A massive thanks to KAST (Kootenay Association for Science & Technology) for sponsoring the event venue.
Date: Saturday March 29, 2025Time: 4 – 6pm PSTLocation: The Nelson Innovation Centre (91-D Baker ST, Nelson, BC V1L 4G8)
FREE to attend!

SIP Talks: Stories Inspire Passion
2025-03-29 16:00 - 19:00 | Prestige Lakeside Resort, 701 Lakeside Dr, Nelson, British Columbia, BC V1L 6G3, Canada
The Canadian Federation of University Women Nelson & District is hosting a fund raising event celebrating the collective spirit of women who live in the Kootenays. Come hear how people find their passion and live it daily at SIP Talks: Stories Inspire Passion. The proceeds go toward our Scholarship Fund awarded to women at Selkirk College and LVR Secondary.
The impressive line-up of speakers Include: Kate Armstrong, Katrine Conroy, Slava Doval, Cheryl Dowden, Lena Horswill, Laura Landsberg, and Andrea Fox.
Saturday, March 29th, 4 – 7 p.m., at the Nelson Prestige Lakeside Resort; $70 at Otter Books or online at https://Siptalks2025.eventbrite.ca

Cows Go Moo Live At Bloom Nightclub
2025-03-29 19:00 - 22:00 | Bloom Nightclub, 198 Baker St, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H4, Canada
The Pride Presents
Cows Go Moo
Full Rock Band of youths from Whitehorse Yukon!
DJ Philly Groove & Lil Sis
Youth DJ’s From the Yukon
Kolbe Mikah
Kootenay Pop & Rnb artist

This is a family friendly event all ages welcome
7-10pm

Tea & Textiles
2025-04-02 09:00 - 12:00 | 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.

Art & Ecology Book Study
2025-04-03 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-04-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
We are excited to offer a 5 week Art & Ecology course that will provide an opportunity for discussion, reflective writing, and art-making to critically examine the present and inspire the process of imagining and eventually realizing better futures. What we can create begins with what we can imagine.Co-facilitated by NMAG and the Kutenai Art Therapy Institute, the course will run on Thursday evenings from 6-8 pm, April 3 to May 1, 2025, at NMAG. There will be required readings each week from the collection of essays, An Ecotopian Lexicon.Registration fee includes a copy of the book, An Ecotopian Lexicon, a collaborative volume of engaging essays that offer new terms and concepts to inspire responses and alternatives to our current social and ecological trajectory.The content and readings are suited for adult learners. Maximum registration of 10 participants. Register here. Course cost is $40+GST for members, and $50+GST for non-members. Sign up for a Museum membership online or in person at the Front Desk.

Nelson Contra Dance
2025-04-04 18:30 - 21:00 | Taghum Hall, 5915 Taghum Hall Rd, Nelson, V1L 6Y4

Tunnel Book workshop w/ Anna Purcell
2025-04-05 12:00 - 14:00 | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
Explore the fundamentals of creating tunnel books with Anna Purcell. Tunnel books are a fun sweet way to play with perspective and layering with paper. Come and play with the principals of still life: perspective, light and shadow, balance and composition, themes, and symbols.
REGISTER HERE
Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Fees for the workshop are $10+GST for non-members and $5+GST for Nelson Museum members, which includes all materials needed.
Click here to sign up for a Nelson Museum membership and save $5 today on your program registration!

Revival – Art Show & Live Performance at SOMA
2025-04-05 13:30 - 19:00 | Soma 444 Baker Street, 444 Baker Street, Nelson, V1L4H8, Canada
Saturday April 5th
Doors Open 1:30pm
Artist Talk/Show 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Live-Music Performance 5:00 – 7:00pm
Door Price $10-15
The project known as ‘Revival’ is a creative outpouring by folk artist Ru Rose. Revival showcases a deeply sincere full length conceptual debut album of 12 original sacred folk songs recorded Live-Off-The-Forest-Floor in the mountains of the unceded and ancestral territories of the Sinixt and Ktunaxa nations, also known as the Kootenays of British Columbia. Interwoven with the songs of the album is a series of 12 intricate paintings created with hand-made inks, dyes and paints.
With deep gratitude for the support of Creative BC and the Province of British Columbia in making this creation possible, and for the Columbia Basin Trust and the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance for supporting this Album release community event.
.
.
Original Songs / Concept / Production / Vocals / Acoustic Guitar / Shruti Box / Native Drum / Paintings by Ru Rose Cabodyna
Sound Engineer / Bass / Percussion / Support Vocals / Banjo by Kai Cabodyna
Percussion (Kins Domain/Sowing Seeds) / Support Vocals (Kins Domain) by Indiana Cabodyna
Violin by Shawn Fisher
Lead Guitar (Sowing Seeds) by Amir Derakhashan
Support Vocals (the Womb) by Vanessa Deverell
Sound Engineering / Mix by Barry Jones of Sincerity Studios Mastering by Tyrell Jordan of Arrow Lake Recordings
www.rurose.earth/shows

RUTH & SHELBY’S BOOT SCOOTIN’ BOOGIE – SALMO
2025-04-05 19:00 - 23:00 | Erie Creek Brewing, 117 4th St., Salmo, Canada
YEEHAW! Dust off your boots Salmo, it’s time to line dance! We will start off the evening by learning a line dance led by Fabiola Gascon, and then get ready to boot scoot the night away under the neon moon. Western wear encouraged. ?
All proceeds from this event will be donated to the Tapatia Collective dance team.
This event is open to all ages, but minors must be accompanied by an adult.
TICKETS: $15-20 sliding scale. To purchase, please e-transfer tapatialadies@gmail.com with your name(s) in the e-transfer message to be added to the guest list.

‘The Distance’ book launch with Judy Pollard
2025-04-06 14:30 - 16:30 | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
Judy Pollard will be at the Nelson Museum on Sunday April 6 to launch her latest book The Distance: Dreams and Despair, and will be signing copies available for purchase at the museum shop. Set against the majestic backdrop of southeastern British Columbia, The Distance is a tale of ambition, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to for justice.

Join the Friends of the Nelson Public Library
2025-04-08 12:00 - 13:00 | 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.

Black Bear Review Magazine Launch
2025-04-09 18:00 - 20:00 | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
Selkirk College returns to the Nelson Museum this spring for the launch of the 9th print edition of Black Bear Review! This event features readings from the talented students and community members showcased in the magazine. Refreshments will be served, admission by donation.

KOOTENAY COMEDY OPEN MIC
2025-04-09 19:30 - 22:00 | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
Open Mic Comedy with some of the Kootenays finest and some others!
message @kootenaycomedy on instagram to sign up!

Still Lifes and Portraits in Oil by Jenny Steenkamp
2025-04-10 - 2025-05-04 | 167 Deer Park Avenue, Kimberley, BC, V1A 2J5, 167 Deer Park Avenue, Kimberley, V1A 2J5
In the gallery from April 10 until May 4: Still lifes and portraits in oil by the talented Jenny Steenkamp from Creston. Not to be missed!
Open hours: Monday through Wednesday, by appointment and Thursday through Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm

Oh Pray Tell – Up Close & Intimate
2025-04-10 19:00 - 21:00 | Vallican Whole Community Centre, 3762 Little Slocan South Road, Vallican, British Columbia, V0G2J0, Canada
The Vallican Whole Presents
OH PRAY TELL
Oh Pray Tell is Sally Titasey, Betty Supple and Shayna Jones.

Stomp, clap, banjo, harmonies, experimental folklore, this is much more than a musical performance. This trio of soulful musician-storytellers bring magic to the stage, and promise a gorgeous and inspiring night of music and fable, up close and intimate at the beautiful Vallican Whole Community Centre in the Slocan Valley.

Tickets are $25, available in advance from Rambling Rose Boutique in Winlaw, or at the door.
Kids tickets are $15, only at the door.

As usual, there will be cake, pizza and drinks for sale at the show!

Selkirk College Digital Arts, Fabrication, and Design Year-End Show
2025-04-11 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-04-12 10:00 - 13:00 | Mary Hall – Selkirk College Tenth Street Campus, 820 Tenth Street, Nelson, V1L 3C7, Canada
Join us in Mary Hall at Tenth St. Campus for the annual Digital Art and Digital Fabrication and Design Year End Show!
WHEN: April 11, 6-9pm | April 12, 10-1pm WHERE: Mary Hall at Selkirk College Tenth St. Campus, Nelson BC Entry by Donation Art Sale | Cash only
Join us at the Digital Arts and Digital Fabrication and Design Year End Show 2025, where students embody the spirit of creativity and innovation, shaping the future of tomorrow’s world. Explore new works in graphic design, illustration, animation, photography, web design, product design, 3D design, prototyping, fabrication, and more!

A Celebration of India
2025-04-12 19:30 - 21:30 | The Capitol Theatre, 421 Victoria Street, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 5R2, Canada
Step into the vibrant world and rich cultures of India with “A Celebration of India”! Indulge in an unforgettable evening of Indian cuisine, music, poetry, and dance. Join local performers as they bring the colors, flavors, sounds, and rhythms of India to life!

‘I Had Visitors Last Night’ book launch
2025-04-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
Local author and historian Rita Moir launches her latest book I Had Visitors Last Night, the Storied Life of Lydia Kania. Published in Nelson by Linda Crosfield, (Nose in Book Publishing) these are beautiful hand-bound limited edition books about Slocan Valley (now Nelson) resident Lydia Kania, who turned 100 this year.
Rita will be reading from the book and signing copies at the Nelson Museum on Tuesday, April 15 beginning at 7pm. This event is FREE and open to the public.
