ART IN OSOYOOS

Vibrant and diverse, the art scene in Osoyoos continues to grow and evolve and includes everything from galleries and performing arts to festivals and street murals. There are several artists’ groups that are active in the area covering pottery, painting, weaving, quilting, photography, music and theatre. The Saturday Market on Main also features various artwork and handicrafts. For Indigenous art you can visit the Osoyoos Indian Band’s Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre.

Mural Walk

For a unique art experience check out Osoyoos’ burgeoning out door mural collection, found on the sides and backs of buildings all over town. Check out the Museum and Home Hardware –both on Main St. - for historic photo murals, or the Sonora Community Centre for a unique tiled mural. The Osoyoos Portuguese Commemorative Mural features over 400 tiles depicting Portuguese orchard workers picking apples in their Osoyoos orchard.

The Royal Canadian Legion Number 173 hall is must see, with three of its walls covered in stunning imagery created with spray paint by local artist Mavik.

His murals also grace the Pioneer Car Wash building on 74 Ave, just west of Hwy. 3, the back of Heaven on Earth Total Body Care & Wellness building in the alley (74a Ave.), and the back of the Home Hardware on Main St.

At the back of the building at the corner of Spartan Drive and Main St. features a unique “wings” mural that is perfect for some winged selfies. Further down that alley is the outdoor seating area of JoJo’s Café which features another stunning mural panel. And finally, behind the Bank of Montreal building on Main St. is a “postcard mural” featuring different aspects of Osoyoos.

JOJO’S CAFE

8316 Main St, Osoyoos | 250.495.6652 jojoscafe.ca

The popular coffee shop is also a casual art gallery featuring local artists’ work on the walls and also a performance space featuring local musicians on an ad hoc basis.

NK’MIP DESERT CULTURAL CENTRE

1000 Rancher Creek Rd, Osoyoos

1.888.495.8555 | nkmipdesert.com

Not only can you learn about the Okanagan people, their lands, and legends but you can also experience their art at the Centre.

Okanagan Art Gallery

8302 Main St. Osoyoos | 778.437.2238 okanaganartgallery.com

Located at the lower end of bustling Main Street this gallery is a co-operative of about 25 artists, mainly painters (acrylic, oil and watercolour), but also sculptors and photographers. Often the gallery doubles as a bit of a studio with an artist or two creating their art.

OSOYOOS & DISTRICT MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES

8702 Main St. Osoyoos | 250.495.2582 osoyoosmuseum.ca

Recently settled into its beautiful new facility on Main Street, the nearly 60-year-old museum features over 4,000 historical items detailing the everchanging mosaic that is Osoyoos and area. Guided historical walking tours are available during the summer months.

The Art Gallery Osoyoos

8713 Main St. Osoyoos | 250.495.2800 osoyoosartscouncil.com/art-gallery

A great hidden gem next to the Town Hall, the gallery offers showings of original art produced by South Okanagan artists and artisans as well as further afield, throughout the year. It also hosts a Summer and Winter Artisan Market.

WAYSIDE SELECT BOOKS & ART

8317 Main St, Osoyoos | 250.486.2929

A used book store, one wall functions as a gallery space.

WIDE ARTS NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (WANA)

Unit 5 - 8302 Main St. Osoyoos widearts.ca

With a mission in fostering the enrichment of community WANA actively supports artists in many disciplines and cultures. Wide Arts has been called the heartbeat of Osoyoos since its founding in 2021. Visit the Wide Arts base and president Wina Poliquin who runs Art Therapy and the Curator (Thurs. – Sat. 12-5 p.m.) to learn more about the vision and progress of the association.