Nelson Art Galleries & Artists
Art gallery in Nelson, Picture BC photo
Nelson is a haven for artists and artisans, and a great place to explore galleries and craft stores that feature really high-quality work. The local college, Selkirk, houses the well-respected Kootenay School of the Arts, so the town is home to a wealth of young (as well as older) talent. As such, Nelson has become known as one of the best art towns in Canada.
Galleries and Shops
Walk around and Nelson downtown and discover its myriad galleries, ateliers and shops. The Hazeldean Gallery on Baker Street and the funky co-op Ourglass Studio & Gallery (which specializes in blown glass pieces, jewelry and accessories) on Ward are two examples.
Perhaps one of the best places to buy gifts or works of art is The Craft Connection, an arts and crafts cooperative that has been in business on Baker Street for more than 25 years. Staffed by the artists themselves, the gallery features the work of potters, weavers, sculptors, metal workers, textile artists, jewelers and many more. Downstairs, "Gallery 378" features the work of local painters and graphic artists.
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ArtWalk Festival
"ArtWalk" is a celebration of everything artistic in Nelson. Starting in early July and continuing for six weeks, restaurants, clothing stores, coffee shops, and a variety of other business premises become temporary galleries, displaying the diverse, creative expressions of more than 50 local artists.
Touchstones
Touchstones Nelson: Museum of Art and History is located in the elegant turretted building at the corner of Ward and Vernon streets. The museum's permanent collection illustrates the history of settlement of both Nelson and the region, while the Art Gallery showcases the talents of local artists.
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