Taking art to a new level

From music to theatre to visual arts—creativity thrives here

Josh Ritter performs live at the Hume Hotel in Nelson, an establishment known for its regular entertainment. — Trevor Crawley photo

The Kootenays foster world-class artistic talent. From the smallest village to the largest city, there are creative souls in every nook and cranny.

Sculptures tell a story

For a shining example of city beautification, check out the Castlegar Sculpturewalk. Dotted throughout the community there are original sculptures of all shapes and sizes. The pieces are loaned to the city for a year and may be purchased or leased. At the end of each Sculpturewalk season a vote is held for the People’s Choice Award, and the winner gets a cash reward and their work is purchased by the city for permanent display.

Take the culture tour

For a self-guided taste of the local arts scene, consider the Columbia Basin Culture Tour. On August 13 and 14, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., artists will be welcoming visitors to see their workplaces—including studios not normally open to the public. Hear from curators, artisans and historians; watch live demonstrations and performances of all kinds.
A colour printed directory outlining the tour is available at participating venues or can be downloaded from the CB Culture Tour website.

Heritage and passion

Tucked away in the pleasant community of Kaslo, The Langham cultural centre is a must-see, both for fans of the arts and for those who like to learn about local history. The restored heritage building is home to two galleries, the Japanese Canadian Museum, and an 80-seat theatre. Regular performances, exhibits and workshops are featured here.