There is local art to be found in the Kootenay Rockies and not just in galleries: public art sculptures enhance the streetscape, coffee shops proudly display local artwork (and serve up regionally brewed coffee), and modest studios are hidden in backstreets.
There is a thriving arts scene in nearly all towns and communities across the region. Stroll through the heritage downtown of Nelson where galleries and stores brim with local art, or hop between working studios located next door to one another in Crawford Bay. Creston is home to a number of galleries and colourful public murals.
Sometimes the art is also in the architecture. The Arts Station in Fernie is housed in an early 20th century Canadian Pacific Railway station, and Nelson’s Touchstones Nelson Museum of Art & History exists in a beautiful stone building circa the 1900s.
In addition to potters and painters, the region is home to some unique creative eneavours. In Kaslo, admire the fine-detail of the ancient Japanese art of fish rubbings (also known as Gyo-taku); or discover Doukhobor artwork and artists in Castlegar.
Artistic Communities
Consistently ranked the “Number One Small Arts Community in Canada” by the publisher of the 100 Best Small Arts Towns in America, Nelson boasts a wealth of artist studios. Browse creations by Kootenay artists at the artist run co-op, The Craft Connection, or view work by aspiring artists at the very well-respected Kootenay School of the Arts.
Creston Valley is another place for thriving artistic activity. Local artists are skilled in a wide variety of disciplines, but are noted for their unique ceramics, pottery, hand-crafted candles, fibre art and quilts. Paintings, stained glass and photographs are featured in the area's galleries. Creston’s commitment to art is made public by the colourful murals that decorate the walls of its downtown.
Art in Crawford Bay
Crawford Bay may be small in size but it’s big in artistic talent. In a population of around 350, there are several working studios within easy walking distance. Traditional techniques are signatures of local artisans: hear the clang of the blacksmith’s anvil or the rhythm of traditional wooden handlooms. Other studios include copper enamelling, pottery, glass blowing, antique broom making, and jewellery.
Don't miss the unique “Glass House”, just south of Crawford Bay. It was built entirely of embalming fluid bottles (about half a million of them) by a mortician and is a fine example of modern, liveable art. Tours available from May to October.
Popular Art Galleries
The Kootenay Gallery of Art, History and Science in Castlegar sources regional, national and international artists. Wander the halls to see beautifully presented artwork or drop in on artist talks.
The Touchstones Nelson Museum of Art & History in Nelson features an extensive collection of artwork that ranges from contemporary to pop culture and fine craftwork. The gallery is located in a turreted brick and stone building that dates back to 1902, when it served as a post office and customs house.
Housed in the former 1908 Canadian Pacific Railway station is the Arts Station in Fernie. The original lobby now displays the work of local artists, the former baggage room is now a 100-seat theatre used by local and visiting performers, and the ticket office has been transformed into a café that serves tasty and mouth-watering treats.
Work by contemporary artists is hung on the walls at the Toltec Art Gallery. The gallery is well worth a visit and easy to find too – it’s located on the side of Highway 3 near Crawford Bay.
The White Goat Gallery in Kaslo has 185sq m/2,000sq ft of studio and gallery space. See pieces by renowned wildlife sculptor Rick Taylor, whose work adorns the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo, Japan among other distinguished settings.
Other galleries and studios can be found in communities such as Golden, Nakusp, Invermere and Revelstoke.
Art Festivals & Events
Kimberley’s Arts on the Edge is a lively, weekend-long festival that celebrates the arts with outdoor music, dance and theatrical performances and a host of art workshops and artisan markets.
Both Nelson and Creston put on a summer-long “Art Walk”, where participating shops are turned into “mini-galleries”. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the downtown cores and discover the work of local artists, while stopping to pause for lunch or coffee at one of the venues.
Castlegar, Kaslo, Nakusp and Trail also feature an Art Walk; find details at any Visitor Centre.
Stumped for a great holiday gift? Stop by the Kootenay Artisans Market, held in Nelson, where dozens of booths are cheerfully decorated in holiday fashion. Find the perfect present or memento among the hand-made crafts and unique wares.