GALLERIES

From towering peaks to shimmering lakes, the Kootenays continue to attract and inspire artists. You’ll find their works on display at galleries throughout the region. 

Revelstoke

The Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre is the cultural hub of the city. Part gallery, part workshop, part studio, the multipurpose space features a selection of exhibitions and a local art gift shop. An inviting outdoor picnic spot and gardens offer an ideal outdoor space for visitors. The Centre is conveniently located next to walking trails that lead to the mighty Columbia River.

Fernie

Housed in Fernie’s heritage train station, The Arts Station is a must visit destination. Gallery exhibits, workshops and public events are all housed within the building. Make this your jumping off point to explore the historic town, including city-wide public art installations. 

Creston

Well known as the agricultural hub of the Kootenays, Creston also offers many cultural attractions. The Tilted Brick Gallery features a frequently changing exhibition of contemporary art. If you’re like to explore to works of emerging and accomplished artists, The Kunze Gallery has everything to offer from large scale acrylic paintings to 3D sculptures to pottery.

Rossland

Quoynary Canada Art Gallery is a recent addition to the scene in Rossland. Housed in the beautiful old Bank of Montreal building, the gallery is a regional marketplace for Kootenay creations. Jewelry, sculpture, and paintings are just some of the works you can expect to find at this creative destination. 

Castlegar

The Kootenay Gallery of Art displays contemporary art exhibitions for much of the year. Located next to the Doukhobor Discovery Centre (across from the airport), it also features a small but well stocked gift shop. 

Nelson & Kootenay Lake

The iconic Touchstones Nelson Museum of Art and History is a must visit destination for culture goers. Multiple gallery spaces complement a robust museum and Cold War era bunker, while the gift shop features all kinds of creations from the region and beyond. A couple of blocks over is the Craft Connection, a longstanding boutique that profiles local artisans. Kaslo, an hour’s drive from Nelson, is home to the Langham Cultural Centre. The Main Gallery and Community Gallery features theatre, visual arts, and music, while the second floor of the building is home to the Japanese Canadian Museum. Head over to the East Shore and visit Barefoot Handweaving Studio/Gallery, here you will find beautiful hand looms and the world’s largest gallery of Ted Wallace Art.

 Arrow Slocan

A drive through the Slocan Valley and along Arrow Lakes features a number of worthwhile cultural stops. Built over a century ago, the Silverton Gallery features art exhibits and open stage performances, while the Fingland Cabin and Interpretive Centre (on site) provides a window into the silver rush. Just a few minutes north in New Denver is the Hidden Garden Gallery, profiling artists in various mediums including painting, drawing, sculpting, photography and quilting. Nakusp is home to the Studio Connexion, a Fine Arts Gallery. It hosts multiple exhibitions each year along with special events including workshops.  

With a dozen galleries to choose from throughout the region, you’ll discover a wide range of creations that reflect the magic of the Kootenays. Once you have finished checking out these galleries, head over to the Kootenay Arts Events Calendar to see what’s happening in our communities.