Museum Mash!
Lucas Myers & Krista Lynch, Lance Ledger, and the Nelson Writing Salon return to the Nelson Museum for everyone's favourite FREE children's program--Museum Mash! Explore the building, get crafty with puppet-making, sing and dance, and have a blast! There's lots of room to run and play, and no shushing here!
Dark Chapters opening reception
The Dark Chapters project encompasses the renowned career of Métis artist and educator David Garneau, through the dual lens of exhibition and publication. The book, Dark Chapters: Reading the Still Lives of David Garneau, invites 17 Canadian artists and academics to write a response - poetry, creative writing, critical essay - to one of Garneau’s vast collection of still life paintings. The exhibition features works from the publication as well as additional pieces chosen by Garneau. Dark Chapters offers myriad ways to investigate how the written word can implicate, illuminate, and interpret artworks.
Dark Chapters opens on Friday, March 21 at 7pm featuring an artist talk with Garneau and essay contributor Fred Wah. This event is free and open to the public.
David Garneau (Métis) is a Professor of Visual Arts at the University of Regina. He is a painter, curator, and writer who engages creative and critical expressions of Indigenous contemporary ways of knowing, being, and doing. In 2023, he received the Governor General’s Award in Visual and Media Art: Outstanding Achievement and was inducted into the Royal Society of Canada.
5 Broken Cameras film screening feat. talk by Palestinian solidarity activist
Witches Spring Market
Lost Buildings with Greg Nesteroff
While Nelson is well known for its many heritage buildings, it has also lost many to fire and demolition. Local historian and author Greg Nesteroff visits the Nelson Museum on Sunday, February 23 at 1pm to present a fascinating slideshow that will look at 40 such structures and their stories, from the opera house to the Strathcona Hotel to the Kerr Apartments.
To celebrate Heritage Week (February 17-23) this presentation is free and open to the public. Admission to the Nelson Museum is also by donation all week.
Still Life workshop with Amelia Ford
Amelia Ford facilitates this 2-part workshop on still life painting techniques. Bring your own objects to paint or use the items on hand. Pre-registration is required and is $50+GST for non-members and $40+GST for Museum members, all painting materials are provided. Space is limited so register early! Register here.
Born and raised in Nelson, Ford graduated from LV Rogers Secondary in 2018 and completed her Bachelor of fine Arts at the University of British Columbia Okanagan in 2022. She has participated in exhibitions throughout the Southern Interior as well as in New York, where she currently lives and works, and is pursuing her Master of Fine Arts degree.
Read more about Amelia's exhibition Vessels (Feb 15-May 24, 2025) here.
DEEP TROUBLE Live at The Royal
We are a hearty Canadian rock band, bringing together the best of both worlds: the seasoned experience of veteran Los Angeles songwriter Doug Deep and the youthful energy of a group of enthusiastic upstarts. Our band has been jamming together since high school, creating a unique sound that blends classic rock influences with fresh, modern vibes.
Artist Trading Cards Workshop
The Nelson Museum is launching a monthly drop-in workshop for artists of all ages and skill levels to create and trade art cards! Artist trading cards are miniature works of art specifically made to be freely traded. Created on 2.5 x 3.5-inch card stock using any medium, ATCs encourage artistic experimentation, creativity, and community building rather than consumption.
Blank cards, art making materials, and collage supplies will be available but feel free to bring your own. This FREE program is an all ages drop-in program that will be offered the last Thursday of the month. You can join one, two, or all three programs!
Community Day!
Come on in and explore the Shop at the Nelson Museum! With over 100 local artists and artisans represented, you're sure to find something for everyone on your list. Or take a break from shopping and drop into ArtLab for free holiday card and tag making, all materials supplied. See what's new in the galleries, with FREE admission all day!
Rangoli Workshop w/ Surya Sameera
Inspired by the current exhibitions Within This Earthen Vessel and A Crack in the Mirror at the Nelson Museum - join artist Surya Sameera for an evening of Rangoli making. Rangoli is an art form that originates from the Indian subcontinent, in which patterns are created on the floor or a tabletop. We will be creating take-home pieces for you to enjoy. All materials supplied for this FREE workshop but donations are welcomed! Space is limited, please use this form to secure your spot.