West Kootenay Regional Arts Council

Apres FREE! Thursday evenings
2025-02-20 16:00 - 20:00, 2025-02-13 16:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
The days are shorter but the Nelson Museum is open longer! Thursdays from 4-8pm is FREE admission to the galleries, museum and Shop, where you can explore the newest exhibitions, learn about local history, and shop over 100 local artists!

Visual Exploration Club (Ages 13+)
2025-02-20 15:30 - 16:30, 2025-02-13 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

Still Life workshop with Amelia Ford
2025-02-20 13:00 - 17:00 | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
Amelia Ford facilitates this 2-part workshop on still life painting techniques. Bring your own objects to paint or use the items on hand. Pre-registration is required and is $50+GST for non-members and $40+GST for Museum members, all painting materials are provided. Space is limited so register early! Register here.
Born and raised in Nelson, Ford graduated from LV Rogers Secondary in 2018 and completed her Bachelor of fine Arts at the University of British Columbia Okanagan in 2022. She has participated in exhibitions throughout the Southern Interior as well as in New York, where she currently lives and works, and is pursuing her Master of Fine Arts degree.Read more about Amelia’s exhibition Vessels (Feb 15-May 24, 2025) here.

re:source – making materials matter
2025-02-20 12:00 - 16:00, 2025-02-19 12:00 - 16:00, 2025-02-18 12:00 - 16:00 | VISAC Gallery, 1501 Cedar Avenue, Trail, V1R 2J5
re:source is an exhibition of creative re-imagining, the act of finding and using materials over again or for a purpose not originally intended. We often think of “resources” as the things we have, but re-sourcing in this context implies the active process of discovery and reinvention.
Exhibition Dates: January 23-March 6, 2025
Opening Reception: January 28, 2025 @ 6:00pm-8:30pm
Join us for an evening of light refreshments. Artists in attendance.
Evening Hours: March 5, 2025
Intermission hours during the Bailey’s Performance Series.
Gallery Hours: Tuesday-Thursday @ 12:00pm-4:00pm
Do you have a group looking to attend outside of gallery hours? Contact us at info@visacgallery.com to discuss group visits and field trips.

Visual Exploration Club (Ages 9-12)
2025-02-19 15:30 - 16:30, 2025-02-12 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 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

Old Man Luedecke w/ guests
2025-02-18 20:00 - 23:30 | Spiritbar, 422 Vernon St, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4E5

Visual Exploration Club (Ages 5-8)
2025-02-18 15:30 - 16:30, 2025-02-11 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 5-8, or primary students in grades K-3.
Workshop Dates:
Tuesday afternoons
January 7 – June 3, 2025 (20 sessions)
3:30pm-4:30pm
No classes during SD20 Spring Break; March 18 & 25, 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-5-8
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

Family Day at the Revelstoke Railway Museum
2025-02-17 10:00 - 18:00 | 719 Track St W, 719 Track St W, Revelstoke, BC
The Railway Museum will be open on Monday, February 17th from 10 am until 6 pm to celebrate family day!
We will have a special scavenger hunt, movies throughout the day, games set out, and more. Check for more details as we approach the day!
Check out the Railway Museum website for further details. www.revelstokerailwaymuseum.org/family-day

Penny Shades
2025-02-16 19:30 - 21:00 | The Capitol Theatre, 421 Victoria Street, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 5R2, Canada
Penny Shades is a four-piece alt-soul group from Nelson BC that makes music featuring three-part harmonies, dynamic lead vocals, and modern grooves with psychedelic flair. The band launched with their debut FACTOR-funded EP during the pandemic and have already found themselves sharing major stages, including Nelson’s International Mural Festival and the Kaslo Jazz Etc. Festival.
Their single ‘Way Back’ marked their CBC radio debut with plays across multiple programs and was featured by Exclaim! on both their Best New Canadian Music Spotify playlist and Show & Tell column. Their most recent single “Hard Lines’ has received considerable CBC airtime and was included in Billboard’s New and Upcoming Canadian Album Releases.
Led by vocalist Sarah Orton, alongside guitarist Jesse Lee, keys/synth Jeremy Sauer, and drummer Ness Benamran, the group released their Creative BC-supported second EP release in June 2024.
The Capitol Theatre

Newkeys Place presents, Blues in The Afternoon with Sam Hurrie
2025-02-16 16:00 - 19:00, 2025-02-09 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

The Bad Art Bonanza | Youth Workshop
2025-02-16 10:30 - 14:30 | 320 Wilson St., Revelstoke
Calling all creative and curious youth ages 12–17—are you ready to dive into the world of messy, hands-on, experimental art? Forget about perfection and polished masterpieces; these half-day classes are all about the experience of making art! This class is perfect for those who feel unsure of what to make, those that struggle with perfection, and those who just want to have fun.
These classes take an unconventional approach to creativity, championing exploration and curiosity. You’ll explore strange, messy, and playful activities that go beyond just paint and composition. From experimental techniques to playful destruction, this is your chance to embrace the chaos and make some bad art. Come hang out, we have snacks.
“Break it to Make it” – February 9
– OR –
“The Bad Art Bonanza” – February 16
– Sunday, 10:30am – 2:30pm
– $40 per session, all materials provided
– Students can choose to take one, or both sessions
– Ages 12 – 17
– Some snacks will be provided (Courtesy of Save On), however students will still need a packed lunch
– RVAC Jailhouse Studios, 320 Wilson st.

Open Mic
2025-02-15 19:00 - 22:00 | 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!

Learn to Make an Axe Block
2025-02-15 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.

Guided Cold War Bunker tours
2025-02-15 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!

Fall into Fall FREE Thursday evenings
2025-02-13 16:00 - 20:00 | Nelson Museum, Archives & Gallery, 502 Vernon Street, Nelson, V1L 4E7, Canada
The Nelson Museum is open late on Thursdays and admission is FREE from 4-8pm. Explore the new gallery exhibitions — A Crack in the Mirror in Gallery A and Within This Earthen Vessel in Gallery B — discover the region’s history in the 2nd Floor Museum Exhibit, and shop work from over 120 local artists in the Gift Shop.

KOOTENAY COMEDY OPEN MIC
2025-02-12 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

KOOTENAY COMEDY OPEN MIC
2025-02-12 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!

Circus Acts Insomniacs Present: “Go On, Git!”
2025-02-12 18:30 - 21:00 | The Capitol Theatre, 421 Victoria Street, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 5R2, Canada
Circus Acts Insomniacs Present: “Go On, Git!”
A Western Variety Show
Saddle up for a wild night of live music and jaw-dropping circus acts! Featuring the rip-roaring tunes of The Sarah Orton Band and a lineup of performers ready to knock your boots off. Your charming host for the evening: Johnny Poutina!
Starring:

Jodie Michelle
Shivivi
Yeehaw Yessie!
Dandy Flanders
and, of course, Circus Acts Insomniacs

Round up your posse and mosey on over for aerial arts, partner acrobatics, dance, comedy, and a wagon-load of surprises. Dust off those boots, bring your best holler, and join us for a night of good ol’ fashioned Western revelry.
Feb 12 & 13 | 6:30
Capitol Theatre, Nelson B.C
$40 + fees
Giddy up or git! You won’t want to miss this showdown!

Circus Acts Insomniacs Present: “Go On, Git!”
2025-02-12 18:30 - 21:00 | The Capitol Theatre, 421 Victoria Street, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 5R2, Canada
Circus Acts Insomniacs Present: “Go On, Git!”
A Western Variety Show
Saddle up for a wild night of live music and jaw-dropping circus acts! Featuring the rip-roaring tunes of The Sarah Orton Band and a lineup of performers ready to knock your boots off. Your charming host for the evening: Johnny Poutina!
Starring:

Jodie Michelle
Shivivi
Yeehaw Yessie!
Dandy Flanders
and, of course, Circus Acts Insomniacs

Round up your posse and mosey on over for aerial arts, partner acrobatics, dance, comedy, and a wagon-load of surprises. Dust off those boots, bring your best holler, and join us for a night of good ol’ fashioned Western revelry.
Giddy up or git! You won’t want to miss this showdown!
Feb 12 & 13 | 6:30
$40 + fees
The Capitol Theatre Nelson

Ali Hassan: Does This Taste Funny?
2025-02-11 19:30 - 22:00 | The Capitol Theatre, 421 Victoria Street, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 5R2, Canada
Ali Hassan’s career plans started off as simply as anyone’s: become a chef, get a food show on television, get a second food show on television, be the face of the network and have oven mitts with his face on them. But sometimes things get in the way of your dreams: like your parents’ disappointment, your family of four children and your successful comedy career.
This show is a hilarious exposition of Ali’s journey in and out of the culinary world in which he spent 12 years. Think Eat, Pray, Love….minus the Prayer.
Adult: $30; Senior: $27; Under 30: $15
The Capitol Theatre

20/40 February Edition: Sketch Comedy Show
2025-02-11 19:30 - 21:30 | The Royal, 330 Baker Street Nelson, BC V1L 4H5, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 4H5, Canada
20/40 is an experimental theater show with twenty plays performed in forty minutes, and the audience picks the order!
The plays you’ll see will include performance art, dance, audience participation, sketch and more! This mix of art blurs the line between chaotic and focused performances, proving to be a multi-layered emotional roller coaster that demands you to stay present.
This show is interactive, energetic and without exaggeration, a must-see.
Did this cast and crew get together to write, rehearse, and perform their TUSHYS off for one night and one night only????? Youbetcha.
February Cast:
Ashley Betschel
Kevin Desautels
Amy Rees
Michelle Hart
Emma Hill
Carla Sinclair
Directed by Michelle Hart
7:30 Seats | 8:00 Show
$20 at door | $15 in advance

Join the Friends of the Nelson Public Library
2025-02-11 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.

The Baby Tyler Show
2025-02-09 15:00 - 16:00 | The Capitol Theatre, 421 Victoria Street, Nelson, British Columbia, V1L 5R2, Canada
A mind-bending puppet show by Fraggle Rock/Sesame/Henson puppeteer. “Hansen turns anything and everything into a puppet and makes it funny. A MUST-SEE!” – FringeReviews.com
Watch as Ingrid performs a live puppet film before your very eyes, using only household objects, a camera, and her bare hands.
“Utterly magical, insanely inventive, wickedly funny. ★★★★★” – Free Press.
“Both live and magnified on screen, in cunningly angled cameras and mirrors, we see Hansen create characters from her own hands, fingers, face. NUTTY, INGENIOUS, MESMERIZING.”
-12th Night.
“GENIUS PHYSICAL COMEDY!” – Entertainment World.
“Immensely funny, creative, uproarious and surprising…Her physicality is impeccable.”
– The Star Phoenix
“Unbelievably funny.” – PLANK Magazine
“Unbelievably charismatic.” – The Charlebois Post
Danish-Canadian puppeteer Ingrid Hansen also performs on television with the Jim Henson Company’s Fraggle Rock and Sesame Workshop’s Emmy-Award-Winning series Helpsters.
Age 5+
Adult: $15; Senior: $13.50; Under 30: $10
The Capitol Theatre
