West Kootenay Regional Arts Council

Wednesday Bunker Tours
2025-09-17 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-09-24 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-10-01 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-10-08 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.

Wednesday Bunker tours run seasonally from June to September. Saturday Bunker tours are offered year-round. Click on the link to register. Adult admission required – children under 19 are always free!

Summer Lovin’ FREE Thursdays
2025-09-18 16:00 - 20:00, 2025-09-25 16:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-02 16:00 - 20:00, 2025-10-09 16:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | 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.

TECHNICOLOUR POTTERY
2025-09-18 17:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | 320 Wilson St., Revelstoke
TECHNICOLOUR POTTERY
Hosted by The Creative Traveller
Looking to bring bold colour and intricate pattern into your ceramics practice?
This hands-on workshop is designed for intermediate and advanced potters with previous handbuilding experience who are ready to deepen their skills and explore new creative territory.
What You’ll Learn:
An introduction to ceramic stains
Working with 3 base colours to create your own inlaid slab
Building a one-of-a-kind patterned mug from your slab
Techniques inspired by Nerikomi — a Japanese method of layering coloured clay
This class focuses on slab work, surface design, and colour play — perfect for artists wanting to push beyond basics and experiment with dynamic new techniques.
Thursday, September 18
5:00pm – 9:00pm
$200 – All Materials Provided
Intermediate & Advanced Handbuilding
RVAC Pottery Studio, 320 Wilson Street

Saturday Bunker tours
2025-09-20 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-09-27 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-04 11:00 - 12:00 (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.

Click on the link to register. Adult admission required – children under 19 are always free! (https://form-can.keela.co/bunker-tours)

Botanical Printing on cloth w/Tracy Fillion
2025-09-20 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Vancouver) | Oxygen Art Centre, 320 Vernon St Unit-3, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4E4, Canada
Learn the fundamentals of botanical printing on fabric. In this hands-on workshop, we will explore how to identify suitable fibres for plant dyeing and how to properly prepare cloth for plant dyeing and eco printing.
We will also discuss dye plants, ethical harvesting practices, and working in harmony with seasonal and local materials.
Using locally grown flowers, each participant will have the opportunity to design and create their own botanically printed cotton bandana to take home.
free to attend
registration required
all materials provided
[max. 20 students per workshop]

REGISTER: https://oxygenartcentre.org/seed-bombs-event-1-w-tracy-fillion/

4th annual Jazz Night with Brass Roots
2025-09-20 20:00 - 22:00 (America/Edmonton) | 64 Deer Park Ave, 64 Deer Park Ave, Kimberley, BC, V1A 2J2
It’s that time of year again—Centre 64 is presenting the Kaleidoscope Festival with three days of workshops and fabulous music. One of the festival’s most popular traditions has been Jazz Night, which for the past three years has featured local jazz favourites Take Four, led by Randy Marchi.
This year, Brass Roots takes over hosting duties, bringing their own high-energy style, big-band sound, and Latin flair to the stage.
Known for their dynamic performances and sold-out shows, Brass Roots has delighted audiences with themed concerts such as Jazz in Cinema and Roots of Jazz. This year’s event will be a “gala mix”—a celebration of highlights from past shows, along with a sneak peek at their upcoming Sangria Dance Party on November 15 at the Stemwinder Bar & Grill.
Adding to the excitement, the evening will feature surprise guest performers and showcase some of the hidden talents within Brass Roots’ own lineup.
Tickets are already selling quickly, and another sold-out performance is expected. Get yours now at the Centre 64 website: centre64.com.
If you missed the last couple of shows, now’s the perfect time to catch up—don’t miss this year’s Kaleidoscope Jazz Night with Brass Roots! 🎶
📅 Date: Saturday, September 20
🕗 Time: 8:00 PM
📍 Venue: Centre 64 Theatre Room

Railway Day
2025-09-21 10:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | 719 Track St W, 719 Track St W, Revelstoke, BC
Join us for Railway Day, our annual celebration dedicated to honoring Revelstoke’s rich railway heritage! This family-friendly event brings together the whole community for a day filled with fun, learning, and connection. Explore engaging activities hosted by local community groups, enjoy interactive exhibits, and celebrate the history that helped shape our town.
Bring your family and friends to experience a memorable day steeped in the legacy of the rails!
Stations:
Rolling Stock Open
Model Railway Running
Steam Cab Open
Kids Custom Postcards
Games with the Grizzlies
Face Painting with the Grizzlies
Scavenger Hunt
Sidewalk Chalk
Colouring Pages
SD 40 No 5500 Booth
Bouncy House
Community Participants:
Chamber of Commerce/Visitor Centre
Bear Aware
Operation Lifesaver
Roller Derby
CPKC Police
Adaptive Sports
Revy Stoke Squad (Tourism Revelstoke)
ORL Library
Grizzlies
Rotary Club Revelstoke
Performances:
Community Band (10:30-12)
Food Trucks:
Italiano Pasta Co
Crepe It!

Newkeys Place presents, Blues in The Afternoon with Sam Hurrie
2025-09-21 16:00 - 19:00, 2025-09-28 16:00 - 19:00, 2025-10-05 16:00 - 19:00 (America/Vancouver) | 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

Rebalance with the Black, Black Earth
2025-09-21 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Seniors Centre, 717 Vernon Street, Nelson
Nelson Storytelling Guild presents storyteller Gail Nyoka with tales of balance from Ghana.
By donation $20, sliding scale

Beading Space with West Kootenay Metis Society
2025-09-25 17:30 - 19:30, 2025-09-27 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
4th Thursday and Saturday
Beading Space
FNMI relatives are invited to join us the 4th Thursday and Saturday of the month
NMAG at 502 Vernon
Summer hours –
Thursday July 24 5:30- 7:30pm
Saturday July 26 2-4pm
Theme- Blueberry pin kits

Thursday August 28 5:30- 7:30pm
Saturday August 30 2-4pm
Theme -Orange Shirt pins
Cost is free. Supplies included. Light snack provided. Beginner kits available. Intermediate and advanced welcome to bring own project.
Beginner kits are:
a simple leather thimble.
Basic and based on the theme of the month

Heartberries ‘ode mina’ (strawberry)

POETRY IN THE GALLERY | FREE
2025-09-25 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | 320 Wilson St., Revelstoke
POETRY IN THE GALLERY | FREE
Hosted by Emma Beck
Come spend a free evening surrounded by poetry, creativity, and community! Whether you’d like to read your own work, share a favourite poem, or just sit back and enjoy, everyone is invited. Bring a warm drink, settle into the cozy gallery space, and let yourself be inspired. This is a relaxed, judgment-free event where all voices are welcome—especially beginners!
Thursday, September 25
6:30pm – 8:00pm
Septembers Theme: “Tolerance”
RVAC Main Gallery, 320 Wilson st.
All forms of poetry welcome
No bookings required!
For our younger poets: All ages are encouraged to join these poetry nights, however please note that the last 45 minuets of this session will be reserved for adult content. Starting at 7:15pm some material may not be suitable for younger audiences.

Mural Workshop | Adults
2025-09-26 - 2025-09-28 | 320 Wilson St., Revelstoke
Mural Workshop | Adults
Hosted by Antonia Otoya
Learn how to transform your artwork into larger-than-life murals in this immersive three-day workshop. Antonia Otoya will guide you through a perfect balance of hands-on learning and theory, providing you with the essential foundations of mural painting. This workshop is designed for beginners and artists who want to expand their skills and delve into the world of mural painting. Please note that this class focuses on hand painting with acrylic paint, rather than spray paint.
September 26, 27, & 28
$180 – All materials provided
Adults
RVAC Kitchen Studio & Offsite Location
For beginner and intermediate artists
Artists will be painting a collaborative mural
Pending Public Art Committee Approval
TIMELINE:
Friday Evening: Learn the theory, partner up, start finalising your design.
Saturday (Full day): Translate your design onto the building, mix colours, paint!
Sunday (Full day): Continue painting your mural

Unusual Angles" 2026 Open Adjudicated Art Exhibit
2025-09-26 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Edmonton) | 167 Deer Park Avenue, Kimberley, BC, V1A 2J5, 167 Deer Park Avenue, Kimberley, V1A 2J5
Coming up in February 2026: Open Adjudicated Art Exhibit celebrating visual art and The Kootenays | “Unusual Angles” | February 5 – March 1, 2026
With this year’s theme “Unusual Angles” we are looking to celebrate The Kootenays from unique perspectives.
Anyone can enter up to 3 artworks in any medium. Deadline for entry and artworks: Sunday, January 25, 2026.
What’s in it for YOU?
1. The awesome experience of being part of this celebration of visual art & The Kootenays with other artists and art collectors.
2. A guaranteed spot for your artwork(s) in the online gallery for a month.
3. A guaranteed spot for your artwork(s) in the web shop for a month.
4. Exposure on our website, in our newsletter, on social media, in local news outlets, at the opening reception, and in the art gallery for a month.
5. A chance at winning the $100 (minimum) Inspiration Award (selected by draw from all artworks that didn’t make the shortlist).
6. A chance at having your artwork(s) selected to be showcased at Art Gallery Kimberley in a high traffic location in Kimberley’s Platzl for a month.
7. A chance at having your artwork(s) short-listed for the Kootenay Art Prize.
8. A chance at winning the $500 (minimum) Kootenay Art Prize (selected by draw from shortlist).
9. Added value to your CV.
10. An invitation to celebrate with fellow artists, family, and friends at the opening reception.
Number of artworks selected to be showcased in the art gallery: 20-25 depending on dimensions | Minimum number of entries: 20 | Number of artworks to be shortlisted: 10 | Kootenay Art Prize min. $500, Inspiration Award min. $100.

Zine Making 101
2025-09-26 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Edmonton) | Castlegar Library, 1005 3 St, Castlegar, BC
Join us for a hands-on workshop diving into the world of zines!
Whether you’re new to zine making or have some experience, this session offers a perfect space to learn, create, and connect with other enthusiasts.
You’ll get a chance to brainstorm zine topics with a fun free-writing exercise, and then you’ll have dedicated time and materials to create your very own zine.

"Natural Geometry" Reception, Artist Talk & Interactive Demo by Michael Hepher
2025-09-26 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Edmonton) | 167 Deer Park Avenue, Kimberley, BC, V1A 2J5, 167 Deer Park Avenue, Kimberley, V1A 2J5
Kimberley, BC — September 4–28, 2025 — Art Gallery Kimberley is proud to present “Natural Geometry,” a solo exhibition of hand-printed artworks by Fernie-based interdisciplinary artist Michael Hepher. Known for his vibrant sense of colour, thoughtful interpretation of the everyday, and abilities across mediums, Michael’s series pushes the boundaries of abstraction while using the historic art of letterpress printmaking.
Please join us in celebrating this bold and intimate exploration of how we see, feel, and interpret the natural world at the closing reception on Friday, September 26, 2025 between 6 and 8 pm with an artist talk and interactive demonstration at 7 pm.

Tea & Textiles
2025-10-01 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.

Open Mic Night at The Angry Hen
2025-10-01 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | Angry Hen Brewing, 343 Front St, Kaslo, V0G1M0
Open mic night at The Angry Hen in Kaslo.
The first Wednesday of every month. All live music is presented in conjunction with Propel Studios, a full-production recording studio with accommodation directly across the street from The Angry Hen.

KOOTENAY COMEDY OPEN MIC
2025-10-08 20:30 - 23:00 (America/Vancouver) | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
With your host Cry Bebe Mikey! $5 at the door! 19+

Open Mic Comedy with some of the Kootenays finest and some others!
message @kootenaycomedy on instagram to sign up!

Paint Night - Spooky Trees - Family Friendly Event by Gilbert Studios
2025-10-09 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Vancouver) | Gilbert Studios, 3364 Southridge Drive, Castlegar, BC, V1N 4G1, Canada
📅 Thursday, Oct 9
⏰ 6:00–9:00 PM
🏠 3364 Southridge Drive
💸 $40 or bring a friend and pay 2 for $75 (must be paid together)
Please message me via my business page to confirm availability before sending payment. Don’t forget to follow the page so you don’t miss out on upcoming classes!
https://www.facebook.com/StudioPaintNight/
Studio is located in Castlegar, British Columbia
Join us for a fun, creative night out—perfect for friends and family! No experience needed. All supplies (brushes, paints, canvas), plus a snack and warm drink, are included.
👨‍👩‍👧 Family friendly: Recommended for kids 12+ but any age is welcome provided they are able to follow instructions and stay seated for the full class (ratio of 1 adult per child).
☕ Warm drinks (coffee, tea, hot chocolate) and a light snack provided. Let me know if you have any allergies (studio is nut free and I have gluten free options)
