Thompson Okanagan
Arts & Cultural Guide
Galleries Artists’ Studios Museums & Heritage Sites cultural crawls theatreS Festivals & Events Artful getaways Wineries 1
stival
Thompson Okanagan
8North Thompson Avola, Barriere, Birch Island, Blackpool, Blue River, Clearwater/Wells Gray, Darfield, Little Fort, Louis Creek, Sun Peaks (p. 9) Valemount and Vavenby.
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Shuswap Chase, South Shuswap, North Shuswap, Salmon Arm (p. 12-15), Sicamous & Eagle Valley, and Falkland.
16 South Thompson Heffley Creek, Kamloops (p. 18-21), Knutsford, Lac Le Jeune, McLure, Monte Lake, Pinantan Lake, Pritchard, Tranquille and Westwold.
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Gold Country Ashcroft (p. 24), Brookmere, Cache Creek, Clinton, Copper Creek, Green Lake, Loon Lake, Lower Nicola, Lytton (p. 24), Merritt, Nicola, Quilchena, Savona, Spences Bridge (p. 24), Tunka Lake, Walachin, and 70 Mile House.
26 Nicola Valley Merritt (p. 28-29), Aspen Gove, Brookmere and the surrounding area of Douglas Lake. 2
Regions & Communities
30 North Okanagan Armstrong (p. 36), Cherryville, Coldstream (p. 37), Enderby, Grindrod, Killiney Beach, Lavington, Lumby, Mabel Lake, Spallumcheen and Vernon (p. 33-35).
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Central Okanagan Kelowna (p. 40-43), Lake Country (p. 44-45), Peachland, Westbank and West Kelowna (p. 41,43).
46 Similkameen Cawston, Chopaka, Coalmont, Hedley, Keremeos (p. 47), Olalla, Princeton and Tulameen.
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South Okanagan Gallagher Lake, Kaleden, Naramata (p. 53), Okanagan Falls (p. 50), Oliver, Osoyoos, Penticton (p.52) and Summerland (p. 50).
54 Boundary Beaverdell, Bridesville, Carson, Christina Lake (p. 55), Grand Forks (p.55), Greenwood, Kettle Valley, Midway, Rock Creek and Westbridge. 3
Osoyoos
Welcome To Thompson Okanagan The Thompson Okanagan, in BC’s interior, is rich in culture, heritage and creativity. It is renowned for its wildly varied landscape. The highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies is here, as is a waterfall twice the height of Niagara Falls and Canada’s only true desert environment. Heritage is important to the residents of the region and is found in all parts of the Thompson Okanagan. Whether it comes in the form of artifacts in the region’s many museums, or in 4
Thompson Okanagan Arts & Cultural Guide
Merritt Area
Naramata
Ernie Phillips
contemporary art galleries housed in historic buildings to First Nations pit houses; the past is brought to life. In the Thompson Okanagan past and contemporary art blends magnificently with the culture of orchards, farms, and of course the vineyards of the region. Come visit with a local artist, tour a sweat lodge, experience a local winery and see for yourself what makes this region unique! For more information, visit www.hellobc.com/tota or call 1.800.567.2275 5
The Thompson Okanagan, in the BC interior, is rich in culture and alive with creativity and art.
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North Thompson
Treat yourself to the inspiration of pristine wilderness, remote escapes and four-season resorts like Sun Peaks Mountain Resort. Revel in the calm of staggering landscapes, wide-ranging rivers and imposing waterfalls. Marvel at the soaring mountains in Wells Gray, the largest provincial park in the Thompson Okanagan. Or visit Mount Robson in the far northern tip of the region, home to
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Thompson Okanagan Arts & Cultural Guide
IINDULGE NDULGE YOUR YOUR SENSES SE NSES INDULGE I N D U L G E YOUR Y O U R SENSES ER NO SU ES IIN NN NATURE’S ATURE’S P PLAYGROUND LAYSG ND IIN NN NATURE’S ATURE’S P PLAYGROUND LAYGROUND Over 30 festivals and events, just outside Kamloops. Over 30 festivals and events, just outside Kamloops. Here are just a few upcoming events: July Culture Festival Here6–8 are just Wine a few &upcoming events: 7 Kevin &Costner Modern West July 6–8 Wine Culture&Festival Free Outdoor July 7 Kevin Costner Concert & Modern West July 15 Tod Mountain Heritage Ride Free Outdoor Concert August Canada’s Alpine Blossom Festival July 15 4–5 Tod Mountain Heritage Ride August 4–5 Canada’s Alpine Blossom Festival
Visit www.SunPeaksResort.com Visit www.SunPeaksResort.com
the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The North Thompson is more than just the spectacular scenery. It is also dotted with artists and artisans who congregate at events such as the North Thompson Annual Celebration of the Arts June 23rd and 24th in Clearwater. If you are visiting in the fall take in the North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo in early September and experience a tradition spanning a century! The North Thompson includes the communities of Avola, Barriere, Birch Island, Blackpool, Blue River, Clearwater/Wells Gray, Darfield, Little Fort, Louis Creek, Sun Peaks, Valemount and Vavenby.
North Thompson | Sun Peaks
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Squilax Pow Wow
Shuswap
The Shuswap is home to hundreds of creative and skilled artists and artisans, ranging from painters, potters, weavers, sculptors, quilt makers, blacksmiths, wood workers, to glass and bead artisans. And that’s just the beginning! There’s also a vibrant and burgeoning music, theatre and performance scene in the area, with regular events, such as the Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival, community theatre and more...
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Thompson Okanagan Arts & Cultural Guide
Lake Shuswap
Public art galleries, private studios and retail shops are plentiful and offer an eye-catching and appealing opportunity to see and purchase the unique products made within the Shuswap’s artisan community. Drop into SAGA Public Art Gallery for current information on the cultural highlights of the region. You could also easily spend a day at the RJ Haney Heritage Village and Museum. Communities in the Shuswap include Chase, South Shuswap, North Shuswap, Salmon Arm, Sicamous & Eagle Valley, and Falkland.
Shuswap
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SAGA Public Art Gallery Downtown Salmon Arm www.sagapublicartgallery.ca
Gems of the Shuswap August 4 to September 1, 2012 Local artists, writers, potters and fibre artists will be showing multi-media works that are precisely 7 inches by 5 inches in this celebration of the Arts Centre building’s 75th anniversary. On Thursday, August 16 from 2pm to 4pm, there is a “75” party, where anyone turning 75 during 2012 can come and enjoy tea, cookies and few surprises.
Paint the Festival 2012 Saturday and Sunday, August 18 & 19, 2012 Twelve local artists will swarm two sites during the Roots & Blues Festival, arriving en masse to paint the energetic scene in front of them. The finished works will be on display at the art gallery from August 21 to September 1, and up for silent auction. 12
Thompson Okanagan Arts & Cultural Guide
The Shuswap is home to hundreds of creative and skilled artists and artisans, ranging from painters, potters, weavers, sculptors, quilt makers, blacksmiths, wood workers, glass and bead artisans www.shuswaptourism.ca
Shuswap | Salmon Arm
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Shuswap Lake
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Thompson Okanagan Arts & Cultural Guide
R.J. Haney Heritage Village & Museum 751 Highway 97B N.E. Salmon Arm, BC 250.832.5243 www.facebook.com/Haneyheritage Village Open May 16– Sept. 22 Museum & Archive open year round Wed & Thurs 10am–4pm Explore this beautiful park set on 40-acres of Shuswap farm land. The heritage village features buildings dating back to the early 1900’s. Tour the Haney House, stroll the easy walking trails, visit Marjorie’s Tea Room serving daily lunch specials. Dinner Theatre: Wednesday, Friday, Sunday, July and August. Reservations required.
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Kamloops Art Gallery
South Thompson
The South Thompson is known as ranch country, or Kamloops Country, home to the second largest city in the interior. The arid region is speckled with fragrant sage brushes and cattle on rolling fields. It offers visitors a perfect blend of adventure, leisure and artful discovery. Walk through the archaeological remains of a 2000-year-old winter village at the Secwepemc Museum and Heritage Park. Or, further in town take in the 16
Thompson Okanagan Arts & Cultural Guide
Photo: Kelly Funk
Kamloops Art Gallery
Museum’s gallery depicting the city and the region’s history or the Arts Council’s visual displays in the historic brick Courthouse Gallery. Be sure to check out Tourism Kamloops events calendar for regular events like an authentic pow wow to performances at Western Canada’s Theatre. Cirque du Soliel will be there with a stunning performance this summer. Pick up information on a self guided tour of Heritage Homes and acquaint yourself with the history of the area. The South Thompson includes the communities of Heffley Creek, Kamloops, Knutsford, Lac Le Jeune, McLure, Monte Lake, Pinantan Lake, Pritchard, Tranquille and Westwold. South Thompson
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Thompson Okanagan Arts & Cultural Guide
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Kamloops Lake 20 South Thompson
bringing art, artists and communities together Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 10 am to 5 pm & Thu 10 am to 9 pm
Photo: Kim Clark
465 Victoria Street • 250.377.2400 • www.kag.bc.ca
Kamloops Festival of the Performing Arts Check www.kfpa.ca for each event What a year! 2013 is our 80th Anniversary! Plans are underway for celebrations, fundraisers and fun! October 2012
3rd Annual Chocolate Festival A truly yummy fundraising event November 2012 Pug Grub Fundraiser, silent auction & 50/50 draws – Food, Friends, and Fun November 1, 2012 Registration opens for our 2013 Festival – all done online Feb. 24 – Mar. 27, 2013 Annual KFPA Festival, Kamloops
Preserving the language, history & culture of the Shuswap People. www.tkemlups.ca 355 Yellowhead Hwy. Kamloops, BC
South Thompson | Kamloops 21
Courthouse Gallery
Gold Country
Alpine mountains, wildflower meadows, sagebrush-scented desert and vast ranchlands are rich with stories of gold panners, cowboys and First Nations culture. The region’s diverse landscape presents endless opportunities for the outdoor cultural enthusiast to explore its rich history. Geo-caching using GPS to track hidden treasures or clues is a popular and exciting way to discover Gold Country. 22
Thompson Okanagan Arts & Cultural Guide
Cache Creek
Mission Creek Parkway
Between Ashcroft & Spences Bridge
The region abounds with remnants of First Nations heritage and early settler points of interest, best check with a visitor center for information. The community of Ashcroft is rather unique as it has nurtured its creative elements and independent businesses. Instead of fast food outlets, chain motels and multiple gas stations you will find heritage buildings, quaint restaurants, and hospitable bed and breakfasts. Well worth the side trip! The region includes the communities of 70 Mile House, Ashcroft, Brookmere, Cache Creek, Clinton, Copper Creek, Green Lake, Loon Lake, Lower Nicola, Lytton, Merritt, Nicola, Quilchena, Savona, Spences Bridge, Tunka Lake and Walhachin. Gold Country
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Hatcreek
Brookmere
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Gold Country
Welcome to Gold Country Gold Country is set in the heart of British Columbia’s stunningly diverse Interior. Museums in Ashcroft, Clinton, Lillooet, Lytton, Merritt and Savona provide visitors with the opportunity to look into the past, at ancient archaeological discoveries, fascinating historical artifacts and early photographs that help to preserve local heritage. In addition to the numerous museums, the communities of Gold Country have maintained many remarkable heritage buildings including churches, old theatres, firehouses and hotels. Highlights include Merritt’s historic Baillie House and Lillooet’s Miyazaki House. Historic roadhouses and town sites include 70 Mile House, Nicola Ranch, Hat Creek Ranch and Ashcroft Manor.
Alpine mountains, wildflower meadows, sagebrush scented desert and vast ranchlands are rich with stories of gold panners, cowboys and First Nations Culture.
Gold Country hosts many annual festivals & events River Festival August 31–Sept 2, 2012 Lytton, BC riverfestival.ca Desert Daze Music Festival Spences Bridge, BC August 17–19, 2012 desertdaze.ca
exploregoldcountry.com or goldtrail.com Gold Country | Ashcroft
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Rotary Park
Nicola Valley
The Nicola Valley is home to Merritt, the Country Music Capital of Canada and is a region whose history is evident in the landscape and cultural expressions of its communities. Recognized for mining, railways, western lifestyle and First Nations culture, the Nicola Valley draws visitors as much for its heritage as it does for the sprawling grasslands that 26
Thompson Okanagan Arts & Cultural Guide
Mural at City Hall, Merritt
Nicola River
Baillie House
claim numerous ranches and provincial parks. Wind erosion has carved unique formations in the walls of the canyons near Merritt and the ancient shorelines of 10,000-year-old glacial lakes are still visible in the surrounding grasslands. While in the Valley, history buffs might want to visit the Nicola Valley Museum or the historic Baillie Property which was built in 1908. Drop into the Courthouse Art Gallery in Merritt for a taste of the local arts scene and information on current cultural events and hot spots in the region. The Nicola Valley includes the communities of Merritt, Aspen Gove, Brookmere and the surrounding area of Douglas Lake. Nicola Valley
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W
hatever your taste, whatever your adventure, a trip to Merritt is an adventure that brings with it a flare filled with history, country friendliness, and urban lifestyle. Explore the network of the Kettle Valley Railway System trails, visit the Courthouse Art Gallery, check out the Country Music Murals and Walk of Stars, or have a picnic on the banks of the Nicola River.
Visitor Information at Baillie House Tel: (250) 378-0349 Email: Bailliehouse@shaw.ca 28 Thompson Okanagan Arts & Cultural Guide
Begin your adventure at the historical Baillie Property circa 1908 for tea and treats and meet the Merritt Visitor Information staff to discuss the day’s adventures.
www.bailliehouse.com
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Vernon post office
North Okanagan
Situated between three lakes and bordered by the Monashee Mountains in the east, the North Okanagan, where fertile agriculture meets pristine wilderness. Tour through downtown Vernon’s numerous and vibrant murals or stop in the Community Arts Centre or the Caetani Cultural Centre where local art is made and proudly hangs in a heritage setting. Crowds travel further north to Armstrong in August to take in one of the interior`s most 30
Thompson Okanagan Arts & Cultural Guide
Tuesdays in the Trees, Vernon
popular summer events, the Interior Provincial Exhibition and Stampede, now in its 110th year. Agriculture thrives in the rich soil surrounding Armstrong as does theatre culture in the form of the Caravan Farm Theatre which has stellar performances in a farm setting during the summer months. Looking to relive some of the regions past drop into the Historic O’Keefe Ranch which often hosts local artists and artisans at work. The North Okanagan has one of Western Canada’s premier spas, the Kurspa Spa at the fabulous Sparkling Hill Resort right beside the spectacular Predator Ridge Golf Resort. Communities in the North Okanagan include Armstrong, Cherryville, Coldstream, Enderby, Grindrod, Killiney Beach, Lavington, Lumby, Mabel Lake, Spallumcheen and Vernon. North Okanagan
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Vernon Winter Carnival
Entertainers, Vernon Tourism
Polson Park, Vernon Tourism
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North Okanagan
Can you see yourself here? We can!
1-855-640-6406 www.tourismvernon.com
Nadine’s Fine Art & Frames 3101 31st Avenue., Vernon, BC 250.542.8544 www.nadinesfineart.com 9:30 am to 5:30 pm daily Saturday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Sunday by appointment Nadine has been involved with the art community for over 30 years. She teaches watercolour, oil and acrylic to children and to adults, Nadine’s Fine Art & Frames provides custom framing, and fine art supplies in downtown Vernon and is the only privately owned art gallery in Vernon.
History and Hospitality come alive at Historic O’Keefe Ranch Open from May 13th until September 30th, 2012 from 10 am to 5 pm Mansion Tours, Heritage Board Walk, Greenhow Museum, local artisans, farm animals and model railway exhibit. 13 km north of Vernon on Hwy 97N. www.okeeferanch.ca 34
North Okanagan | Vernon
Explore the Heritage Murals of Downtown Vernon Explore
Over twenty five amazing murals that depict the history, culture, scenery & folklore that made Vernon what it is today.
Experience
Step into the murals and experience the adventures of the railway, the bravery of our soldiers, and the struggles of the early pioneers.
Tour
Join our tour guide, the Conductor, on an adventure into our past. Guided and self-guided walking tours are available.
www.vernonmurals.com â—? 250.542.5851 Find us in the Old Train Station - #4 3101 29th Street, Vernon BC
Make Art Happen At Your
in the heart of Polson Park classes; drop-ins; gallery; events; initiatives; education; groups
vernonarts.ca | 542-6243 Vernon Public Art Gallery 3228 31st Avenue, Vernon, BC 250.545.3173 www.vernonpublicartgallery.com Art Rental • Gallery Gift Shop A critical selection of contemporary and new media art by established, mid-career and emerging artists.
Vernon 35
Interior Provincial Exhibition – Armstrong, BC
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North Okanagan | Armstrong
Mackie House
Mackie House 7804 Kidston Rd, Coldstream, BC 250.545.1019 www.mackiehouse.ca Tours Tuesdays at 10 am June-September Experience art, antiques and history when you visit this provincially designated 1910 Heritage House on the shore of Kalamalka Lake. Mackie Lake House is available to the public for meetings, seminars, small receptions and weddings. Events held at Mackie Lake House include Tours and Teas, School tours, Concerts, Reunions, and Artist and Writer in Residence receptions. Coldstream
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Waterfront Park, Kelowna
Central Okanagan
It could be said that the Central Okanagan is indeed the art and cultural center of the Thompson Okanagan. The region’s only international airport is located in Kelowna providing easy access. Kelowna is the largest city on Okanagan Lake, cradled within a glorious range of mountains and is a sanctuary blessed with pine forests, abundant gardens, orchards, vineyards and sandy beaches. Its downtown core boasts four museums, an art gallery, a theatre 38
Thompson Okanagan Arts & Cultural Guide
Island StageK
Stuart Park, Kelowna
Centre of GravityKelowna
and a multidisciplinary visual and performing arts centre, all within walking distance! Be sure to stop in at the Kelowna Branch Library which is Kelowna’s Cultural District information hub for all you need to know to navigate the Cultural District! Just north of Kelowna, Lake Country’s thriving art scene draws visitors every September for the annual Art Walk, dubbed the “Okanagan’s largest art show.” The Central Okanagan is home to some of the oldest vineyards in the Okanagan where another form of culture, viticulture is perfected into some of the Thompson Okanagan’s finest wines. Visit a winery and taste the heritage in the vintage! The Central Okanagan includes the communities of Kelowna, Lake Country, Peachland, Westbank and West Kelowna. Central Okanagan
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Visit Kelowna’s
Cultural District
T
he Cultural District is a walkable, compact hub offering exciting options for entertainment, fine dining, exhibitions and shopping. More than one third of the city’s public art collection is found within the District, including a bright blue grizzly bear who keeps an eye on Stuart Park.
Agriculture is in our bones, and beams too. Kelowna’s fruit industry heritage lives on in the newly renovated Historic Laurel Packinghouse , one of many architectural delights in the Cultural District. Next door, the Rotary Centre for the Arts still holds traces of its past life as an agricultural supply warehouse. From exhibitions of provocative contemporary art to world record setting community art making, the Kelowna Art Gallery offers programs for all ages and is located at the heart of the Cultural District. Raising the curtain to a wide variety of live entertainment, the Kelowna Community provides an intimate setting for outstanding performers as it celebrates its 50 th anniversary in 2012. Kelowna Branch Library is the Cultural District’s info hub, from the newest e-book to a full-service reference desk. A suite of brochures to guide your own discoveries is available for pick up or downloading at kelowna.ca/culture , including: Abbott St. and Marshall St. Heritage Walking Tours; Cultural District Self-Guided Walking Tour; Heritage Driving Tour; and Public Art Map Guide.
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kelowna.ca/culture
Hambleton Galleries 1290 Ellis Street, Kelowna, BC 250.860.2498 www.hambletongalleries.com
Robert Genn, Above Cobalt Lake, the Bugaboos
Hambleton Galleries was established in 1963 making it the first gallery in the Okanagan. We show a full complement of artists, from emerging to some of the top names in Canada. We also offer brokerage in the procurement and selling of investment art.
Native Art & gifts Turtle Island Gallery 115-1295 Cannery Lane, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 9V8; 250.717.8235 www.turtleislandgallery.com; Monday–Friday 10:00 am to 5:30 pm year round, in summer we are also open Sundays 11:00 am to 4:00 pm Specialize in First Nations art from magnificent masks to original paintings, and limited edition prints to exquisite gold and silver jewelry, carved by some of Canada’s foremost aboriginal artists. You will also find a great selection of crafts, giftware, and Pendleton blankets.
Atelier Pom 1018 Bentien Rd, Kelowna, BC Please call for an appointment 250.491.4942 www.atelierpom.com Lynden’s work represents an exploration of her cultural background and is informed by myth and her local environment. She works in various print media and likes to sculpt in bronzeand stone. She invites you to visit her and to see her studio and gallery for yourselves.
New Moon Gallery & Natural Transitions Art Studio B1 2525 Dobbin Rd, West Kelowna BC (corner of Hwy 97 N and Elliott Rd) 250.768.6618 Visit Linda Lovisa’s gallery and studio in West Kelowna for a variety of local art work. Linda can be found demonstrating during one of her classes or working on her latest painting. She is captivated by the natural beauty of her surroundings. This painting “Roots Abound” was inspired and touched during her hike on the West Coast Trail.
Kelowna | West Kelowna 41
Alex Fong ... I have been painting for over 30 years. It feels as if my artistic journey is just beginning, and I’m enjoying it more than ever!! You are all invited to visit me here in the beautiful Okanagan, and see what I have been up to ... a little Contemporary, a bit Oriental and a lot of Fun... perhaps a splash of red or white, as well... 1553 Sunridge Court Kelowna BC T: 250.878.7054 www.alexfong.com
Michael Breakey
2326 Country Club Drive, Kelowna BC, 250.765.7222 Cell 250.717.7793 info@michaelbreakey.com www.michaelbreakey.com After years of travelling the world, and extensive wanderings across Canada, Michael has created a series of photographic landscape works of art for your home or office visual enjoyment. He provides consultation services to really focus on your style of imaging, as well as framing that will suit your personal environment. Michael’s work is guaranteed to please. 42
Central Okanagan | Kelowna
Taste BC Heritage Wine boutique open seven days a week May 1 – October 30, 10am – 6pm • November 1 – April 30, 11am – 5pm MT. BOUCHERIE FAMILY ESTATE WINERY 829 DOUGLAS ROAD, WEST KELOWNA, BC, V1Z 1N9 · 250-769-8803 · TOLL FREE 1-877-684-2748
www.mtboucheriewinery.com Talk to us on Twitter @mtboucheriewine Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/mtboucheriewine
The Best Selection Of BC Wines, Cheeses and Local Artisan Foods! Open Monday - Saturday 2080-C Springfield Rd. Orchard Plaza, Kelowna, BC 250.868.3990 1.888.500.3990
www.discoverwines.com
Kelowna
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97
33 Dilworth Rd.
Springfield Rd.
Five Miles of FABULOUS GRAPE FUN
House of Rose Winery 2270 Garner Road Camelot Winery 3489 East Kelowna Rd. Vibrant Vine Winery 3240 Pooley Road SpierHead Winery 3950 Spiers Road The View Winery #1 - 2287 Ward Road Sperling Vineyards 1405 Pioneer Road
Belgo Rd.
Benvoulin Rd. East Kelowna Rd. KLO Rd.
Spiers Rd.
Teasdale Rd.
Reid Rd. Pooley Rd.
Garner Rd.
Hart Rd. Okanagan Lake
Pioneer Rd.
Kelowna | West Kelowna
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Central Okanagan | Lake Country
The Lake Country Art Gallery offers exhibitions & programming year round.
Celebrating the Arts
Gallery Hours: in Our Community Wed 10am - 8pm Thurs & Fri 10am - 4pm Free Admission Sat & Sun 11am - 3pm 10356A Bottom Wood Lake Rd in Lake Country 250-766-1299 lakecountryartgallery@telus.net
lakecountryartgallery.ca
Creekside Theatre 1/4 Need ad
Lake Country
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Grist Mill, Keremeos
Similkameen
The intriguing history of Similkameen Country is archived in its museums and heritage sites. In the town of Hedley explore the Snaza’ist Discovery Centre to get a glimpse of the aboriginal way of life in the region. Also in Hedley you will find the Mascot Gold Mine perched on a cliff face. Here you can experience what life was like for the original hard rock miners as you tour both the surface historic buildings and parts of the underground. 46
Thompson Okanagan Arts & Cultural Guide
Grist Mill & Gardens at Keremeos 2691 Upper Bench Road, Keremeos, BC 250.499.2888 www.oldmillgardens.ca Open daily 9am – 4pm Victoria Day to Thanksgiving A BC Heritage Site. Explore 1877 water powered Grist Mill and store. Meditate in the Victorian Gardens beside the creek or wander through the heritage apple orchards. Enjoy the view from the Tearoom or browse our unique gift shop. Visit for the day or stay longer at our RV campground. Nestled in the natural beauty of the Similkameen Valley.
In Similkameen Valley itself the valley’s high elevation is an ideal setting for vineyards that make the valley their home. Due to the high mountains on both sides of the valley, and the storage and reflective qualities of their rocks, the day`s heat is held in the valley long after sunset resulting in some exceptional wines. The valley also hosts numerous organic farms and orchards whose produce is displayed for sale at many roadside stands. The Similkameen Valley includes the communities of Cawston, Chopaka, Coalmont, Hedley, Keremeos, Olalla, Princeton and Tulameen. Similkameen | Keremeos
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Photo: Dannielle Hayes
South Okanagan
The South Okanagan features lakes, vineyards and orchards that backdrop vibrant artistic communities. With the driest climate in the country, this region encompasses the only true desert in Canada and nevertheless succeeds in presenting some of Canada’s best wines year after year. Home to the Naramata Bench, a uniquely inspiring group of boutique wineries which are found sprinkled along a meandering country road. The vintners here are known as much for their awardwinning wines as they are for their warm welcome. 48
Thompson Okanagan Arts & Cultural Guide
Photo: Melissa Barnes Photo: Randy Kirkoski
Lloyd Gallery
Photo: Melissa Barnes
Photo: Kevin Dunn
Laughing Stock Vineyards
Bogner’s of Penticton
Performances year round
To begin to see the diversity of the local artists and artisans start with the Penticton Art Gallery. Public galleries are always a great place to visit to get a feel for the local art scene. Commercial galleries such as Tumbleweed offer a variety of artist’s work. Then you could visit two talented artists at the Cormier’s Studio who also run a fabulous bed and breakfast. There are numerous art studio tours in the South Okanagan offering intimate experiences with the many creative talents of this region. You may return home with an art object with a memorable association. Heritage is very much part of the region, the highlight for train buffs would be the Kettle Valley Steam Railway in Summerland transporting passengers back to 1910 when they would have traveled from “Kootenay to Coast.” The South Okanagan area includes the communities of Gallagher Lake, Kaleden, Naramata, Okanagan Falls, Oliver, Osoyoos, Penticton and Summerland. South Okanagan
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South Okanagan
We’re Open Daily 10 am - 5 pm Spectacular Patio with an incredible view. Enjoy a glass or bottle of wine with our fine selection of deli delights. Taste. Relax. Enjoy.
Dirty Laundry Vineyard 250.494.8815 7311 Fiske Street Summerland, BC Follow Bottleneck Drive! www.dirtylaundry.ca
Ride May to October
Kettle Valley Steam Railway Summerland, BC 1-877-494-8424 www.kettlevalleyrail.org
Meyer Family Vineyards 4287 McLean Creek Rd., Okanagan Falls, BC 250.497.8556 sales@robinsonplace.ca www.MFVwines.com Wine Shop & Tasting Room Open Daily 10am–5pm May to Oct.
“crafting single vineyard wines of excellence”
Join us at Meyer Family Vineyards for a tasting in our contemporary tasting lounge led by our sommelier, learn abut our philosophies in the vineyard and winery in a fun and casual atmosphere.
Summerland | Okanagan Falls
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A cultural tourism feast! Indulge yourself in our luxurious B&B and enjoy a yummy breakfast in the art gallery overlooking Okanagan Lake. Lawrence sculpts and Kena creates mixed media wallart! Open most days 11-5.
Lawrence & Kena Cormier 495 Vancouver Ave.,Penticton BC V2A 1A4 250-493-3273 www.cormierstudio.com lkcormier@shaw.ca
Penticton Art Gallery 199 Marina Way, Penticton BC Tues–Fri 10 am–5 pm, Sat & Sun noon–5 pm, Closed Mondays 250.493.2928; www.pentictonartgallery.com The Penticton Art Gallery displays contemporary and historic art. Exhibits range from traditional art practices to experimental applications such as digitally produced imagery. A place of interest, inquiry and enjoyment, the gallery aspires to challenge, educate and entertain while recognizing excellence in the visual arts.
THE LITTLE GA LLE RY
T H AT SHOWS
GREAT
ART
v i e w more art at HILLSIDE WINERY bistro & t a s t i n g r o o m 1 3 5 0 Naramata Rd penticton
452 MAIN STREET . PENTICTON . BC . V2A 5C5 . 250-492-7701 www.tumbleweedgallery.ca
Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 5 p m
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South Okanagan | Penticton | Naramata Bench
TT
I
Oct 6 & 7 11 am - 5 pm
www.naramataartstudios.com
www.studiotour.wordpress.com
www.tinyurl.com/lakestudio
ART ON THE NARAMATA BE NCH
SUMMERLAND & TROUT CREEK
LAKE-TO-LAKE ARTIST STUDIOS
Robinson Place Bed & Beach 60 Robinson Point Road, Naramata 250.496.4265 www.robinsonplace.ca info@robinsonplace.ca Enquire now about our Deluxe Rooms for your next vacation or stay in Naramata, BC. With spectacular views of Okanagan Lake and direct beach or waterfront deck access from your suite. Guest suites have been newly renovated showcasing our unique artwork and unrivaled lakefront location.
Naramata Bench
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Christina Living Arts Centre
Boundary
Boundary Country remains true to its heritage with some of the best-preserved period architecture in BC. Communities reflect their origins in mining, railway building and agriculture. The region’s history as a Doukhobor settlement is preserved through the architecture and cultural groups such as 54
Thompson Okanagan Arts & Cultural Guide
Christina Living Arts Centre Highway 3, Christina Lake, BC 250.447.6161 www.kettleriverarts.com info@kettleriverarts.com Home of ARTS on 3 Gallery. Blown glass, woodwork, fibre, regional artists, fabulous 3D floor mural Top: Dave Milton, natural edge cedar burl bowl Left: Ted Jolda, copper fish vessel, handblown glass & copper inlay Right: Laura Donefer, midnight garden glass amulet, hand blown glass and torchwork beads
the Doukhobor Milling Heritage Society, the Boundary Museum and Fructova School and the Hardy Mountain Doukhobor Museum. Must-see destinations like Gallery 2 in Grand Forks blend an appreciation for art and heritage. The Christina Living Arts Centre is a state-ofthe-art green building that melds sustainable environmental approaches while supporting the creative needs of the community. Featuring working artists’ studios, a gallery and an interpretive centre, this new building is not to be missed. Boundary Country includes the communities of Beaverdell, Bridesville, Carson, Christina Lake, Grand Forks, Greenwood, Kettle Valley, Midway, Rock Creek and Westbridge. Christina Lake | Grand Forks
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art-bc.com T: 604.521.7887 or 1.888.981.9886 E: publisher@art-bc.com Back: clockwise from top left Island Stage, Kelowna Alex Fong Thompson Okanagan Tourism
Front: clockwise from top left Kena Cumming Cormier Linda Lovisa Hambleton Galleries Alex Fong