Kootenay Resilience Festival: Food Forum
2024-06-15 16:00 - 19:00 (America/Vancouver) | Kaslo Front Street Park, Kaslo, BC
The Kootenay Resilience Festival leverages the power of music to bring people together in order to foster critical action. As part of the festival’s Food Forum taking place at Front Street Park in Kaslo, attendees will be treated to performances by country star Shaela Miller and the vibrant DJ Raya Sun. Miller’s evolution in the music scene, marked by her soulful voice and sincere stage presence, brings a fresh sonic exploration, while DJ Raya Sun infuses the atmosphere with celebratory bliss through her eclectic mix of feel-good tunes. Beyond the musical offerings, the festival serves as a platform for dialogue and learning, with experts delving into topics like local growing, permaculture, and regenerative agriculture, paving the way for discussions on sustainable food strategies.

2024 Sinixt Canoe Journey Nelson Stop
2024-06-16 - 2024-06-17 | Capitol Theatre Nelson, 421 Victoria Street, Nelson
The Nelson stop of the Canoe Journey offers community members the chance to paddle alongside the traditional dugout canoes, discover the secrets of nature in our medicinal plant workshop, and enjoy live performances by Sinixt Members.
The Canoe Journey is a powerful assertion of the belief that Indigenous peoples of the region are stewards of the river and the salmon—one of their first foods. This journey highlights the vital connection between their language, culture, and the natural environment.
This event offers a transformative opportunity for the (Sinixt) Snayckstx/Arrow Lakes and Colville people (Snʕayckstx and Sxʷyʔiłp) to reconnect with their language, traditional territories, and waterways. The Salmon Ceremony, a traditional and spiritual practice, addresses the needs of both the people and the environment. This may be one of the most significant moments in history to amplify the Indigenous community’s voice regarding our shared responsibility to the land, waters, and natural environment.
Last year’s journey spanned 272 miles, from the Head Waters of the Columbia River at Revelstoke and Two Rivers, Washington, on the Spokane Indian Reservation, culminating at the Kettle Falls Fishery and traditional Salmon Ceremony site.
This year’s sponsors are:
Columbia Power Corporation, West Kootenay Regional Arts Council, Nelson Museum, Archives and Gallery, The Capitol Theatre, Real Estate Foundation of BC, The Nelson Chamber of Commerce, Lalin Vocal Ensemble, Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism, VIDEA, BC Arts Council, The City of Nelson, Canadian Heritage, The Hume Hotel.
Below is a full list of free community opportunities. Be sure to find the separate events on this website for the Plant Workshop (taking place upstairs at The Station) and the afternoon and evening events (taking place at the Capitol Theatre) to register and/or get free tickets!
June 16
Morning
Paddlers arrive at Lakeside Park (across from concession building)
Craft tables at Lakeside Park – Rotary Shelter
10:00AM – NOON – Indigenous Plant Workshop @ at THE INNOVATION CENTRE ON THE MAIN FLOOR OF “THE STATION” (91 Baker Street)
TO REGISTER, PLEASE SEE SEPARATE EVENT ON THIS WEBSITE
Led by: Faith Zacharle and Rob Crandall
Join us for a hands-on plant fibre processing and traditional medicine making workshop led by Sinixt knowledgeable keeper Faith Zacherle and native plant specialist Rob Crandall. Learn about traditional plant uses and their significance to the Sinixt people. This workshop is a unique opportunity to connect with indigenous culture and deepen your understanding of local flora.
This event is free and open to all members of the public to attend, however space is limited to 25 participants, so sign up soon to secure your spot!
3:00PM – 5:00PM – Canoe Journey: Afternoon Event @ the Capitol Theatre
FOR FREE TICKETS, PLEASE SEE SEPARATE EVENT ON THIS WEBSITE
Introduction Janice Morrison, Mayor
Welcome by Shelly Boyd and Cindy Marchand
Film screening: Resist Reframe
Film screening: Beyond Bigbie
Storyteller: Dan Nanamkin
Spoken Word Artist and Poet: Stevey Seymour
Film screening: Scattered Roots
Spoken word artist James Pakootas
Film screening: Calling the Salmo Home
Film screening: Canoe Journey
Q&A with Filmmaker Derrick LaMere
7:00PM – 8:30PM Canoe Journey: Evening Event @ the Capitol Theatre
Concert: Tony Louie with James Pakootas and CarliAnn Forthun Bruner (multi-media presentation, “Coming Home”)
FOR FREE TICKETS, PLEASE SEE SEPARATE EVENT ON THIS WEBSITE
Introduction for event: Brittny Anderson
Welcome by Shelly Boyd and Cindy Marchand
Spoken Word Artist: James Pakootas
Singer/Songwriter: Tony Louie
June 17
10:00AM – NOON
10:00AM: meet at Lakeside Park and paddle to view pictographs and hold ceremony – Community is invited to join in/on non-motorized boats/boards, launch point for Sinixt canoes at Lakeside Park or end of airfield at Nelson Recycling Depot (Lakeside Drive) depending on weather.

ArtWalk Nelson Opening Night #1
2024-06-29 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 first opening is on Saturday, June 29th 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/

Mountain Mosaic: Festival of the Arts 2024
2024-07-01 12:00 - 15:00 (America/Edmonton) | Pynelogs Cultural Centre & Park, 1720 4 Ave, Invermere, BC, V0A 1K0
CV Arts is thrilled to be bringing back Mountain Mosaic to the Columbia Valley community!
We’re hosting a free party in the park and everyone is invited to celebrate local art and culture!
Following the Invermere Canada Day Parade, Join us at Pynelogs Cultural Centre Park for local live music from:
Blitzen Coast • Tryg Strand and the Band • OIN • Second Winds Brass Band • Rhythm by Nature Community Drumming •
Blackstar Studios Live Community Mural • Purcell Mountain Painters Gallery Exhibition • Face Painting • Inflatable Carnival • Family Fun Entertainment and Activities • Food Trucks • Artisan Market • 50/50 Draw • And so much more…
None of this would be possible without the generous support of:
Columbia Basin Trust
District of Invermere
Travel Columbia Valley
Black Star Studios
FarOut Gear Rentals
Invermere Home Hardware
Fehr Seasons HVAC
Cris Leonard @ Royal LePage – Rockies West Realty

‘Utopia Unveiled: Intentional Communities in the Kootenays’ exhibition opening
2024-07-05 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
The history of communal living is the subject of Utopia Unveiled: Intentional Communities in the Kootenays, the latest history exhibition at the Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, which opens Friday, July 5 at 7pm and runs through September 28. Utopia Unveiled features artifacts, photographs, and stories from the Shawn Lamb Archives and the Doukhobor Discovery Centre, as well as many contributions from community members. A new documentary film produced by the Museum will also be screened throughout the show, featuring interviews with people reflecting on their story.

‘Utopia Unveiled’ exhibition
2024-07-06 - 2024-09-28 | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
The history of communal living is the subject of Utopia Unveiled: Intentional Communities in the Kootenays, the latest history exhibition at the Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery. Utopia Unveiled features artifacts, photographs, and stories from the Shawn Lamb Archives and the Doukhobor Discovery Centre, as well as many contributions from community members. A new documentary film produced by the Museum will also be screened throughout the show, featuring interviews with people reflecting on their story.

An Evening with Geoff Powter
2024-07-11 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson United Church, 602 Silica Street, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4N1, Canada
On July 11, 2024 at 7:00 p.m., award-winning writer, climber, and adventurer Geoff Powter will present a behind-the-scenes look at his new book, Survival is Not Assured: The Life of Climber Jim Donini.
Survival is Not Assured launched June 1, 2024 and quickly climbed to the top of the bestseller list in Climbing and Mountaineering on Amazon in Canada, the US, and the UK. The book tells the remarkable story of Jim Donini, an icon of American climbing for the past 50 years. It explores Jim’s groundbreaking climbs and his tumultuous experiences both on and off the rock. From the tragic death of his best friend in a car accident, to his integral role in the Yosemite “Valley Uprising,” Jim’s life has been a roller coaster of highs and lows, but his spirit of resilience and determination has been unyielding. Through personal interviews and never-before-shared stories, Survival is Not Assured examines the life and legacy of this iconic climber, providing an inspiring and thought-provoking look at an American legend.
Geoff Powter served as editor of the Canadian Alpine Journal for 13 years and has won 13 National Magazine Awards. His last book, Inner Ranges, won the Climbing Literature Prize at Banff in 2019 and the National Outdoor Book Award in the US. He has hosted the Voices of Adventure interview event at the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival for 25 years.
Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. at the Nelson United Church for a 7:00 p.m. showtime. Books will be available for purchase. Geoff will present a photo slide show and read excerpts from Survival is Not Assured. He will be available after presenting to sign books.
Tickets are $10 and available for purchase here. The Nelson Adventure Speaker series will be donating ticket sale proceeds to the Kootenay Climbing Association in support of building a new climbing and community centre in Nelson.
The Nelson Adventure Speaker Series is a non-profit endeavor, made possible with help from its partners and sponsors: Kootenay Mountain Culture; Notably, a Book Lover’s Emporium; Otter Books; Elephant Mountain Literary Festival; Whitewater Ski Resort; and Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism.

Do you want to learn to paint the portrait in oils?
2024-07-13 10:00 - 2024-07-14 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson United Church, 602 Silica Street, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4N1, Canada
Kristy Gordon is teaching a contemporary Portrait Painting Workshop in Nelson July 13th and 14th at 602 Silica Street from 10am to 4pm each day (with a one hour break for lunch). This two-day portrait painting workshop will have an in-depth focus on painting the facial features, as well as how to place them in the right place on the face. Artists of all levels will learn the principles of color mixing as well as brush technique. The course will center on the experience of painting from a live model. Students will learn how to achieve a better likeness as well as how to paint convincing flesh tones. The class will include painting demonstrations, discussions and individual instruction at the easel. The beginner will learn fundamental principles such as how to blend paint and render light and shadow. The more advanced student will discover how to take their work to the next level and achieve the finish that they desire. Participants can use any painting medium that they would like in the class. Kristy will be doing demonstrations in oils and will provide a suggested supplies list for those who want to use oil paints.

The Art of Adornment
2024-07-15 - 2024-08-15 | VISAC Gallery, 1501 Cedar Avenue, Trail, V1R 2J5
Experience the artistry up close and personal in this exhibition that explores themes of environment, technology and self-expression. Participants of The Art of Adornment designed wearable art for this juried fashion show. Presented in collaboration with the Rossland Council for Arts and Culture (RCAC).
Events and Activities:
August 10-11 @ 10am-5pm: Visit the VISAC Gallery during the Columbia Basin Culture Tour to engage with the exhibition and participate in a recycled art workshop.

Author Event: Joseph Kakwinokanasum
2024-07-16 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Edmonton) | Huckleberry Books Inc, 16 9 Ave S, Cranbrook, BC, V1C 2L8
Named a “Rising Star” by the Writer’s Trust of Canada, and described as a “born storyteller,” Joseph Kakwinokanasum will be reading from his first novel, My Indian Summer.
This event is free, but due to limited space, they ask you reserve your seat by clicking the link here.

July Exhibition Opening
2024-07-18 17:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre, 320 Wilson Street, Revelstoke, V0E 2S0
Join us for an exciting evening as we celebrate the works of six dedicated artists. Enjoy live music, an affordable bar, and great company. Whether you’re a long-time gallery patron or new to Revelstoke’s art scene, this promises to be a fantastic night out! Everyone is welcome to attend this public, family friendly event, no RSVP required.
$5 admission or free entry for members All welcome Semi formal attire encouraged The viewing (quiet) | 3pm – 5pm The social (main event) | 5pm – 8pm RVAC, 320 Wilson st
This month we are proud to be celebrating the hard work of: Isabelle Gagné | @misspixels Ugo Monticone | @ugo.monticone Marc Sauvageau | @marc.sauvageau Nicole Lau | @nicolelauartist Birte Spreuer | @lovebirdielove Florence Janiaud | @florence_janiaud

Dance Exploration Workshop at the Harris Ranch
2024-07-20 09:30 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver) | The Harris Ranch, New Denver, New Denver, V0G 1S0
Come join this unique dance exploration workshop in the scenic fields of the Harris Ranch—with dancer Rachel Harris accompanied by Paul “Garbanzo” Gibbons playing the bamboo flutes. Rachel Harris will guide participants in a dance exploration over her family’s ranch, combined with storytelling of the land and the role it played during the Internment of Japanese Canadians.
Click here for more info and to register.
This Dance Exploration Workshop is one of three Nikkei Art Excursions offered to you by SLAC this Summer.

Kootenay Resilience Festival: Energy Expo
2024-07-20 16:00 - 19:00 (America/Vancouver) | Kaslo Bay Park, Kaslo, British Columbia, Canada
The Kootenay Resilience Festival leverages the power of music to bring people together in order to foster critical action. As part of the festival’s Energy Expo beach bash, taking place in Kaslo Bay Park, attendees will be treated to performances by Creek St. Collective (chill/downtempo/experimental/triphop) and Railtown (rock). Beyond the musical offerings, the festival serves as a platform for dialogue and learning, with experts delving into topics like solar, microhydro, and other alternative generation methods, paving the way for discussions on solutions for a decentralized energy future.

Guided tours of the Cold War Bunker
2024-07-24 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-07-31 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-08-07 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-08-14 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-08-21 13:00 - 14:00, 2024-08-28 13:00 - 14:00, 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!

Everything Became Beautiful Opening Reception
2024-07-25 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Edmonton) | Cranbrook Arts, 1401 5th St N, Cranbrook, BC
Join us for the opening reception of Everything Became Beautiful! Artist Erica Konrad will be in attendance, and will be talking about her work at 6:30. Doors open at 6:00.
All are welcome to this Free event. light refreshements will be served.
6:00-8:00, Artist talk at 6:30

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/

Summer Exhibition Series: Stéphanie Gauvin
2024-07-31 - 2024-08-17 | Studio Connexion Art Gallery, 203 Fifth Ave. NW., Nakusp
Stéphanie Gauvin at Studio Connexion Gallery.
July 31 – August 17. Walk in hours 11am – 4pm
Opening reception on August 10th from 1-4pm.

Wednesday Weekly Markets on Baker Street
2024-08-07 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Baker Street, Baker Street, Nelson, BC
June 5th and will run until September 25th, 2024 from 10am – 2pm
The Nelson Farmers Market proudly supports local farmers and small business owners from around The Kootenay Region. The market has a wide variety of fresh farm produce, including fruit & vegetables, dairy, honey, meat, and eggs.
Our amazing artisan vendors create beautiful pottery, jewelry, apothecary, home goods, and so much more! While you browse the market for amazing goodies and gifts, you can treat yourself to some delicious fresh-baked pastries, hot foods, and a variety of tasty beverages.
Our goal as a market is to provide community members access to healthy food and support the direct interactions between farmers and consumers. The Nelson Farmers Market operations are a means of the City of Nelson’s goal to promote and support local food sustainability.
We are a proud member of the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets. (BCAFM)

‘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.

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 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.

Artist in Residence for August
2024-08-23 10:00 - 2024-09-01 17:00 (America/Vancouver) | J.B. Fletcher Store Museum, 3602 Sutton Street, Ainsworth, BC, V0G 1A0, Canada
Drop into The JB Fletcher Store Museum for our next exhibit with artist Elizabeth Augsten starting on August 23. Elizabeth will be on site Aug.31 and Sept. 1 demonstrating her process.
“My work in acrylic is a melding of light and shadows from places either real or imagined, presented in a loosely representational style. Featuring vibrant colors and often incorporating water, my pieces are inspired by music and aim to capture the dynamic interplay between sound and visual experience. Through these abstracted landscapes, I reflect the inherent beauty of the environment while evoking a sense of rhythm and emotion.”

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.
