West Kootenay Regional Arts Council

Visual Exploration Club (Ages 9-12)
2025-03-12 15:30 - 16:30 (America/Vancouver) | VISAC Gallery, 1501 Cedar Avenue, Trail, V1R 2J5
About Visual Exploration Club (VEC):
Students can expect to learn about other artists, experiment with various materials, and make mistakes. Each participant receives a sketchbook to track their skill development in a wide range of materials such as drawing, painting, printmaking and 3-dimensional art.
This session is for ages 9-12, or intermediate students in grades 4-7.
Workshop Dates:
Wednesday afternoons
January 8 – June 4, 2025 (20 sessions)
3:30pm-4:30pm
No classes during SD20 Spring Break; March 19 & 26, 2025

Minimum 5 students, with a maximum of 12.
Class Fee:
$200 per participant
All supplies are provided
Where:
VISAC Gallery – Under the red gallery awning
1501 Cedar Ave, Trail
Lower Level of Selkirk Building
Register here:
https://revenue-can.keela.co/visual-exploration-club-january-june-2025-9-12
About the instructor:
Erin has a BFA in Studio Arts from UVic and a Masters of Illustration from Falmouth University. Her classes focus on process-based activities that don’t have a set outcome, fostering creativity and a low pressure environment, encouraging exploration and making mistakes!
If you have any questions, reach out to info@visacgallery.com

Cantina Sessions – March (LIVE)
2025-03-12 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-03-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Cantina Del Centro, 565 Baker St, Nelson, BC, Nelson, BC, V1L 4J1, Canada
Mar 9 – Rusty Tones, Live Music, songstress & original music, 6-8pm
Mar 12 – Nikko Forsberg – Jazz, 6-8pm
Mar 16 – Jodie & Stu, Live Music covers & originals 6-8pm
Mar 30 – Rosa Good, Live music, singer songwriter, 6-8pm

KOOTENAY COMEDY OPEN MIC
2025-03-12 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!

KOOTENAY COMEDY OPEN MIC
2025-03-12 20:00 - 23:30 | 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

“Uno” by Raul Pous Facha
2025-03-13 12:00 - 16:00, 2025-03-14 12:00 - 16:00 | VISAC Gallery, 1501 Cedar Avenue, Trail, V1R 2J5
Meet Raul: Architect, Artist, and Digital Fabrication Visionary

“I’m Raul, an architect and artist of Mexican origin, now based in Canada since 2022. My lifelong fascination with materials and manufacturing techniques has deeply influenced my approach to design. While I’ve always appreciated the artistry and individuality of handmade products, I’ve also recognized the challenges they face in achieving precision and consistent quality.

This curiosity led me to digital fabrication, where I discovered the power to translate complex designs into reality with precision and control. Through the fusion of technology and craftsmanship, I am able to create pieces that retain the unique essence of handmade work while elevating their quality and accuracy.”

Exhibition Dates: March 10 – 20, 2025

Opening Reception: Thursday, March 13 from 4:00pm-5:30pm

Gallery Hours: Monday-Friday, 12pm-4pm

To learn more, visit us at: https://visacgallery.com/exhibitions/#unoraulpousfacha

Visual Exploration Club (Ages 13+)
2025-03-13 15:30 - 16:30 | VISAC Gallery, 1501 Cedar Avenue, Trail, V1R 2J5
About Visual Exploration Club (VEC):
Students can expect to learn about other artists, experiment with various materials, and make mistakes. Each participant receives a sketchbook to track their skill development in a wide range of materials such as drawing, painting, printmaking and 3-dimensional art.
This session is for ages 13+, or secondary students in grades 8-12.
If your child is 16 or older, they can also participate in adult classes such as pottery workshops or any drop-in groups.
Workshop Dates:
Thursday afternoons
January 9 – June 5, 2025 (20 sessions)
3:30pm-4:30pm
No class during SD20 Spring Break; March 20 & 27, 2025
Minimum 5 students, with a maximum of 12.
Class Fee:
$200 per participant
All supplies are provided
Where:
VISAC Gallery – Under the red gallery awning
1501 Cedar Ave, Trail
Lower Level of Selkirk Building
Register here:
https://revenue-can.keela.co/visual-exploration-club-january-june-2025-ages-13
About the instructor:
Erin has a BFA in Studio Arts from UVic and a Masters of Illustration from Falmouth University. Her classes focus on process-based activities that don’t have a set outcome, fostering creativity and a low pressure environment, encouraging exploration and making mistakes!
If you have any questions, reach out to info@visacgallery.com

Opening Reception of “Uno” by Raul Pous Facha
2025-03-13 16:00 - 17:30 | VISAC Gallery, 1501 Cedar Avenue, Trail, V1R 2J5

Spring Fling FREE Thursdays
2025-03-13 16:00 - 20:00 | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
Come on down to the Nelson Museum on Thursday evenings, where you can visit the galleries, museum, and shop for FREE. 4-8pm every Thursday.

Needle Felted Painting Workshop Series with Sarah Elizabeth
2025-03-13 18:00 - 20:00 | VISAC Gallery, 1501 Cedar Avenue, Trail, V1R 2J5
Learn the basics of needle felted painting in this calm and meditative workshop. Needle felting is a creative craft that involves sculpting shapes and figures using wool and special felting needles. It’s a simple yet versatile technique that allows you to create amazing creations with just a few supplies.

When: Thursdays, 6:00pm-8:00pm

Duration: 4 weeks (February 27 – March 20, 2025)

Ages: 16+
Minimum 6 participants, with a maximum of 10.

Class Fee: $140 for VISAC members ($170 for non-members)

Supply Fee: $25

Where:
VISAC Gallery – Under the red gallery awning
1501 Cedar Ave, Trail
Lower Level of Selkirk Buildin

About the instructor:
Sarah Elizabeth Fibre Works is about all natural fibres; hand processed using the traditions of years gone by and the innovations of the present. The aim is to create a full circle connection for the consumer; an understanding of both the fabulous qualities of the product as well as the connection to the natural world.

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@visacgallery.com

Purple Mountain Sunset – Family Friendly Paint Night by Gilbert Studios
2025-03-13 18:00 - 21:00 | Gilbert Studios, 3364 Southridge Drive, Castlegar, BC, V1N 4G1, Canada
March is Sunset Month! (At least at Gilbert Studios!) Join me to create your version of this stunning Purple Mountain Sunset !

Date: Thursday March 13thTime: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PMLocation: 3364 Southridge DriveCost: $40 or bring a friend and pay $75 for both of you(must be paid together)Etransfer to hold your spot please message me for details.
A great way to enjoy a creative night out with friends, and family!

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced painter, this event is designed to be fun and accessible for everyone! All the materials you need: brushes, paints and canvas plus a tasty snack and warm beverage will be provided.

FAMILY FRIENDLY. You are welcome to bring a child (recommended age 12+) but as long as they are focused, able to follow directions and sit for the full duration of the class they are welcome to attend! Ratio of one adult per child.

https://www.facebook.com/StudioPaintNight/Studio is located in Castlegar, British Columbia

Speaker Series and Gallery Show with Melanie Mercier: Rooting for Nature, Rooting for Ourselves
2025-03-13 18:30 - 19:30 | Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre, 1100 Hwy 3B | Junction of Hwys 3B & 22, Rossland, BC, V0G 1Y0, Canada
Melanie Mercier is returning with a double-header event! “Rooting for Nature, Rooting for Ourselves” is a celebration of the intrinsic connection between nature and humanity, highlighting the symbiosis that exists between all living beings and the health of our environment, and a visual exploration that inspires environmental stewardship. Join us at the Museum at 6:30 pm on Thursday, March 13th, for a Speaker Series talk and Gallery Show that aims to not only spark conversations but also inspire tangible actions that contribute to a more sustainable and harmonious world.

Entry by donation. Please RSVP online, send us an email at info@rosslandmuseum.ca, or give us a call at 250-362-7722 to let us know you are coming!

Juliet: A Revenge Comedy
2025-03-13 19:30 - 22:00 | The Capitol Theatre, 421 Victoria Street, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 5R2, Canada
“This is one of the best. Give yourself a treat.” – Liz Nicholls
“A must see!” – Toronto Guardian
“Monster Theatre’s imaginative, feminist take on the fates of Shakespeare’s tragic heroines is not to be missed”- NNNN (out of 4) NOW Toronto
“Juliet: A Revenge Comedy is an example of the new heights that can be achieved when we rethink tropes as old as time.” ★★★★★ – Winnipeg Free Press
What if JULIET doesn’t kill herself? JULIET: A Revenge Comedy is a fast-paced, action-adventure comedy that follows Juliet on the literary adventure of the century. Juliet refuses to die for someone she just met two days ago. She recruits a team of Shakespeare’s most famous female characters to find out why they’ve been forced to die!
The Capitol Theatre
Adult: 25; Senior: $22.50; Under 30: $10

Debert Bunker: By Invitation Only film screening
2025-03-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
Outside a military base in Debert, Nova Scotia, on a cold day in February 1984, a small but mighty group of women harnessed the power of performance art, protest, and the media—and captured the attention of the entire country.
That same day in February, 329 people were planning on using the bunker for rehearsal of a nuclear attack—nearly all of them white, middle-aged men with government or military leadership roles; only 11 women were on the list.
Months earlier, women from all over the Maritimes began planning for a multi-faceted day of action, dubbed Debunk Debert. The group arranged radio interviews on CBC morning shows, arranged for men to handle the day’s cooking, cleaning, and childcare, and staged a protest at Camp Debert, the location of Atlantic Canada’s only cold war bunker.
The protesters’ message was clear: while these men continue government from inside the bunker, what is happening to the women and children you’ve left behind? How do you continue government, or humanity, without a second generation? Documentary filmmaker Liz MacDougall explores these questions and covers the protest in her 1985 documentary Debert Bunker: By Invitation Only, screening Friday, March 14 in the Cold War Bunker, presented by the Nelson Museum to celebrate International Women’s Day.
The screening of Debert Bunker: By Invitation Only is at 6:30pm on Friday, March 14, followed by an open discussion with Anna Purcell and Tressa Ford. Tickets are $10 for museum members and $15 for the general public and includes a reproduction of the ‘Debunk Debert’ buttons created for the original protest.
Tickets can be purchased in person at the Front Desk or online. Space is limited for this one-time only event.

March Music at Red Light Ramen
2025-03-14 18:00 - 21:00 | Red Light Ramen, 308 Herridge Lane, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 6G5, Canada
As we prep for the spring season, we’re keeping things warm at Red Light Ramen with delicious bowls, refreshing drinks, and a lineup of amazing talent to set the vibe. This month, we’re bringing in some incredible DJs alongside a few special sets you won’t want to miss. We’re also still hosting private events—if you’re looking for an intimate spot to gather, reach out to inquire!
Our Friday lineup (6–9 PM) brings incredible talent to set the tone for your weekend:
M.7 – Brooke Riome Art Exhibition @brookeriome
Severancz (@sabinenburns) & Emerencz (@emerencz)
M.14 – Sijay James (@onbeyond)
M.21 – El Toro (@dj_eltoro_)
M.28 – Mo’ Like Wax (morelikespace)
Reservations are always encouraged. See you at the Red Light. ??

STAND UP COMEDY WITH EVAN WALTER AND ELI LEONARD
2025-03-14 20:00 - 23:00 | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada

The Peelers (Celtic Punk) – St. Patrick’s Weekend
2025-03-14 22:00 - 23:30 | The Flying Steamshovel Inn & Gastropub, 2003 2nd Ave, Rossland, BC, V0G1Y0, Canada
Born out of the Scots Gaelic and Irish culture of Glengarry County, Trad and Punk Rockmeet head-on, reflecting the North American experience of the diaspora with a tip of thenewsboy cap to the Quebecois narrative, and the lure of Boston and New York.
Songwriter Dave Barton’s lyrics blend truth and fiction, glory and sport, love and loss, darkness, and despair, while introducing composites of individuals, companions, friends, and foes met along the musical journey.
The band are heading into their 26th year and have toured extensively sharing stages with diverse notable names such as Flogging Molly, The Pogues, Lagwagon, Andrew WK, Tommy Makem, The Mahones, Face to Face, and many others.

Guided Cold War Bunker tours
2025-03-15 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!

Learn to Make an Axe Block
2025-03-15 12:00 - 15:00 | Blewett, Nelson, BC, V1L 6X1, Canada
In this 3 hour workshop I will teach you to make your own axe block that is the perfect working height for you. The axe block is the mini work bench of the carving world. A simple but very functional piece of portable equipment that is necessary for an enjoyable carving experience. A properly sized axe block can make the difference between a sore body at the end of a session or not. We will cover mostly axe and saw work in this class.
This course is perfect for everyone, especially those that are total beginners and have perhaps never used an axe or knife to carve before. You will learn the confidence to handle sharp tools safely and by the end will be ready to do with your own home carving station.

March Music at Red Light Ramen
2025-03-15 18:00 - 21:00 | Red Light Ramen, 308 Herridge Lane, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 6G5, Canada
As we prep for the spring season, we’re keeping things warm at Red Light Ramen with delicious bowls, refreshing drinks, and a lineup of amazing talent to set the vibe. This month, we’re bringing in some incredible DJs alongside a few special sets you won’t want to miss. We’re also still hosting private events—if you’re looking for an intimate spot to gather, reach out to inquire!
Our Friday lineup (6–9 PM) brings incredible talent to set the tone for your weekend:
M.1 – Brooke Riome Art Exhibition @brookeriome
Severancz (@sabinenburns) & Emerencz (@emerencz)
M.8 – Sijay James (@onbeyond)
M.15 – El Toro (@dj_eltoro_)
M.22 – Mo’ Like Wax (morelikespace)
Reservations are always encouraged. See you at the Red Light. ??

The Red Thread (And Other Mingled Yarns)
2025-03-15 19:00 - 20:30 | The Langham, 447 A Avenue, Kaslo, BC, V0G 1M0, Canada
A One Woman Show by Ellie Reynolds
This performance is offered to the lovely people of Kaslo on a By Donation basis, no presales – just show up and donate at the door (suggested donation $20). Here’s a little bit more about the show
Ellie’s third solo show picks up a red thread and unspools it, while asking the big questions: are the events of our lives somehow inevitable? Are we fated or doomed to love one person, and what is the Red Thread of Destiny that ties us to one another, and to our own past?
Three mysterious yarn-spinning goddesses of Fate aid Ellie through the labyrinthe as she wrestles with her lot in (increasingly middle) life, reminding us all how telling stories can help us understand how the threads of our lives can stretch, mingle and twist to form webs of connection across time and space.
Moving between the worlds of Greek Myth, to Shakespeare, to North London and Denver Colorado in the eighties, through to the present moment in the Kootenays – The Red Thread is an earnest, yet playful exploration of the role of Fate in our lives and the yarns we spin to try and make sense of it all.

Safe Haven: The Rainbow-Jordan Wilderness
2025-03-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Castle Theatre, 185 Columbia Ave., Castlegar
All are invited to a screening of Damien Gillis and Valhalla Wilderness Society’s new film, Safe Haven: The Rainbow-Jordan Wilderness. The 30 minute film will be followed by a presentation by Valhalla Wilderness Society biologist and campaigner Amber Peters, including stunning photography from 8 years of expeditions.
Castle Theatre, 185 Columbia Ave, CastlegarDoors open at 6:30pm. Film starts at 7pm.
Admission by donation, free for members of the WKNA.
This event is being hosted by the West Kootenay Naturalists’ Association in support of the Rainbow-Jordan Wilderness park proposal. The proposal was designed to protect a globally significant Inland Temperate Rainforest near Revelstoke, BC. Since 2017 Valhalla Wilderness Society has studied the incredible biodiversity of this intact wilderness area that was previously unknown to science. Two years of filming in the proposal’s ancient forest led to the creation of Safe Haven. The film is a call to action for British Columbians to support the campaign to protect one of our richest remaining temperate rainforest ecosystems.
Contact amber (at) vws.org for more information.
Please spread the word and come show your support!

Cantina Sessions – March (DJs)
2025-03-15 19:00 - 23:00 | Cantina Del Centro, 565 Baker St, Nelson, BC, Nelson, BC, V1L 4J1, Canada
Mar 1 – Jaded & Braden Early, DJ duo, mixed genres, 7-11pm
Mar 8 – Runekey, DJ, mixed genres, 7-11pm
Mar 15 – Lil Bones, DJ, Hip Hop & Mixed genres, 7-11pm
Mar 22 – DJ Who, DJ, mixed genrest, 7-11pm
Mar 29 – Good Times Buffet, Vinyl Dj’s, Funk music, 7-11pm

Grateful Dead Tribute Night – A Very Grateful Night
2025-03-15 20:00 - 23:30 | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
Dead Heads Unite on Saturday, March 15th head to the Royal on Baker for a Grateful Dead Tribute Night with performances by the Tulsa Naturals, The Grateful Life, Snakes and Horses, Heavy Sweater and Rob Funk. This is all in support of our homegrown radio station Kootenay Co-op Radio. Tickets are available online on the Royal’s website, $20 for KCR members, $25 for non-members.

Newkeys Place presents, Blues in The Afternoon with Sam Hurrie
2025-03-16 16:00 - 19:00 | New Key’s Pub, 16070 BC-3A, Crawford Bay, BC, V0B 1E0, Canada
Newkeys Place in Crawforbay presents, Blues in The Afternoon with Sam Hurrie, Like with friends.
Sundays 4-7

Write Off the Bat! Awards Night!
2025-03-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Taghum Hall, 5915 Taghum Hall Rd, Nelson, V1L 6Y4
Come hear the winners of Write Off he Bat! an on-site, theme-based writing marathon and juried writing competition that happened February 22 and 23 at Taghum Hall. This free event on March 16 at 7pm will reveal the winners, with juror comments, author readings, and refreshments in a friendly community celebration of creativity under duress!

Write Off the Bat! Awards Night
2025-03-16 19:00 - 21:00 | Taghum Hall, 5915 Taghum Hall Rd, Nelson, V1L 6Y4
In late February, a draft of writers (a scribble? An epic?) came together for a marathon writing weekend. Two accomplished jurors read all 24 submissions with an eye to the quality of the writing, originality, and how they addressed the assigned theme. Who won? Come find out! Hear some winning words, and have a great evening celebrating creativity. It’s free!

SBK Social
2025-03-16 19:30 - 21:00 | Slava Doval’s Dance Fusion, 601 Vernon St, Nelson, BC, V1L 4E9, Canada
SBK = Salsa Bachata Kizomba Save the Date for Our Next SBK Social!
Join us on Sunday, March 16th for an unforgettable evening of Salsa, Bachata, and Kizomba!
This is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow dancers, make new friends, and practice all the moves you’ve been working on in class. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, everyone is welcome!
When: Sunday, March 16th Where: Dance Fusion Studio, 601 Vernon Street.$8 @ the door
Don’t miss out on the fun! Bring your friends or come solo—there’s always a dance partner waiting for you. Let’s keep the rhythm alive!
Check our website under Social Dances for more details or message us for any questions.
See you on the dance floor!

An Evening with Bruce Cockburn
2025-03-16 20:00 - 22:00 | Charles Bailey Theatre, 1501 Cedar Ave, Trail, British Columbia, V1R 4C7, Canada
Sale Dates and Times:
Public Onsale : Fri, 20 Sep 2024 at 10:00 AM
Live Nation Presale : Thu, 19 Sep 2024 at 10:00 AM
