Eva Myers-McKimm blends traditional ceramic designs with a contemporary twist. Wheelthrown ceramics are a physical meditation of head, heart and hands. From the generous lip to the comfortable handle, these simple, clean vessels are made by and for hands. ARTIST WORK >>>

Karel is a long time potter and owner of Kooterra Pottery, crafting earthenware bowls and platters that celebrate the domestic rituals surrounding the preparation and service of food. ARTIST WORK >>>

Sarah Lawless Pottery: "Walking the line between functional and sculptural, with satin matte surfaces that feel like skin." ARTIST WORK >>>

Sweet Mountain Pottery is a beautiful studio, garden and gallery located 6 miles East of Nelson. Make plans to come by or watch for our roadside stand on various weekends in the Spring, Summer and Fall. ARTIST WORK >>>

Kalibri Wood owns Purcell Studios, creating fused and flame-worked glass jewelry, home decor and meditation pieces. She brings her inspiration from the natural world and her background in and values of conservation to create simple and elegant pieces that remind us of our connection to nature. ARTIST WORK >>>

I have been doing stained glass for more than forty years and I am primarily a self-taught artist with the exception of some specialty courses. I mostly enjoy creating Art Deco and Victorian pieces but often get involved in abstract or contemporary design projects as driven by the customer's interests. On occasion I like to create a piece solely from clear textured and architectural glass so as to engage Mother Nature in the colouring process. ARTIST WORK >>>

"Mz. Iris Wilde wears many hats in the community and has been moving and shaking in the Kootenay dance and local festival scene for over 20 years. She is a performance artist, dance mentor, wearable art creatrix, creative catalyst, producer, and Showgirl burlesque performer. Mz. Iris Wilde is very active in the communtiy and co-produces with The Burlesque Revolution, a performance art initiative that raises awareness and funds for local social justice causes. She also mentors a showgirl dance troupe called The Lady Luck Showgirls, facilitated through a dance class called Showgirl Sundays. Inspired by classic and strong female leads, Iris is a femme of force with an eclectic style from world dance styles, jazz, rock hat inspires into the great beyond." ARTIST INSTAGRAM >>>

Doval is the founder and director of DanceFusion, which offers classes in HipHop, Ballet, Jazz, Acro, Contemporary and more. She is a passionate choreographer, instructor, and lifelong dancer who aims to create a vibrant movement community that focuses on culture, context, and connection. Slava was the 2018 Cultural Ambassador for the City of Nelson, awarded to her in recognition of the excellence of her artistic achievements in the field of dance. Doval also offers a variety of performance and workshop options for events and organizations. Previous events include: Library Centennial, City Council and the Mayor, NDAC, ArtWalk, Kaslo Jazz, Vancouver Dragon Boat Fest, Salmon Arm Roots &Blues,  Kalein Hospice, Yasodhara Ashram, Nelson Cares Seniors Outreach, Bigby Place, and many other festivals. ARTIST WORK >>>

Glynis Waring grew up in Revelstoke, B.C. and moved to the Kootenays to continue her journey in dance and performance. A former member of Lamondance Company in Vancouver, B.C., Glynis has now founded and Kaslo Dance Studio and is an instructor with DanceFusion in Nelson. Inspired by movement and the expression that comes from each shape and creation, Glynis is grateful for the opportunity to delve deeper into storytelling through dance and to pass her knowledge to future generations of dancers. ARTIST WORK >>>

Eowyn has always loved movement and expression, starting with gymnastics at an early age. When she moved to Winnipeg to finish highschool she pivoted to dance and theatre, using the character development in her dance training. When she returned home to the Kootenays she found, the Aerial Silks, at Discover Circus a local aerial arts school. Over the six years that Eowyn has practiced Aerial Silks she has performed multiple times at Discover Circus's year end showcase and just over two years ago deput her first solo piece at "Cirque de Sensual", a burlesque aerial showcase. Building on that momentum she performed at "Carnival Animal" and "Shambhala Music Festival" the following year. Eowyn has continued to train throughout the pandemic when she is able and dreams for a time when performing is a possibility again. ARTIST WORK >>>

Acromada is a performance troupe based out of Discover Circus in Nelson, BC. This eclectic group shares stories through movement and delights audiences with partner acrobatics, aerial silks, lyra, flow arts and dance. ARTIST WORK >>>

I perform with aerial silks and partner acrobatics. It's been 7 years since I began my journey into circus arts and I have loved every minute. I've completed trainings in acro yoga, aerial silks, hatha yoga and social justice for circus arts, and I'm an instructor and board member of Discover Circus. ARTIST EMAIL >>>

Vesper Valentine was born into the showgirl world of Glamour & Glitter in 2015, part sultry, part sass, this voluptuous vixen has been teasing audiences ever since! No stranger to the stage this travelling showgirl has graced stages at numerous festivals and shows across North America including Denver, Savannah, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Victoria, Virginia, Nelson & Quesnel. This seductive show pony is also a powerhouse producer who enjoys building community by providing paid performance opportunities for artists. She is the producer of the annual Kootenay Burlesque Festival in Nelson, BC as well as the Naked Girls Reading Nelson Chapter and she is the regional Canadian producer for the Golden Variety Champion Challenge. ARTIST WORK >>>

"Mz. Iris Wilde wears many hats in the community and has been moving and shaking in the Kootenay dance and local festival scene for over 20 years. She is a performance artist, dance mentor, wearable art creatrix, creative catalyst, producer, and Showgirl burlesque performer. Mz. Iris Wilde is very active in the communtiy and co-produces with The Burlesque Revolution, a performance art initiative that raises awareness and funds for local social justice causes. She also mentors a showgirl dance troupe called The Lady Luck Showgirls, facilitated through a dance class called Showgirl Sundays. Inspired by classic and strong female leads, Iris is a femme of force with an eclectic style from world dance styles, jazz, rock hat inspires into the great beyond." ARTIST INSTAGRAM >>>

Canadian artist Ruth Parish studied painting (BFA University of Connecticut), curated video/film for alternative art venue Real Art Ways, and participated in New Music America with an installation and video acapella childrens' opera. She has shown at a number of galleries, freelanced, and art directed a couple of regional magazines. Parish studied photography with Buddy Rosenberg and digital processing at Selkirk College and began making digital composite photographs in 2006 examining the uneasy place of human beings in nature. Natural history and science continue to steer her narrative. Parish participated in juried show Digital: Imagination on Behalf of Our Planet at the New York Hall of Science. Additionally, her work is in a number of private collections as well as the public collection of the City of Seattle Office of Arts and Culture. ARTIST WORK >>>

Hendrick's human and animal sculptural works and paintings reveal an artist's curiosity around themes of self, society, politics, and environment. She works in bronze, low and medium fire clays, incorporating multiple finishes including smoke, raku, glazes, and casein paint to produce evocative pieces intended to spark dialogue. Hendrick studied sculpture at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, with Martine Vaugel in France, and received her Masters in Fine Arts in Sculpture from the New York Academy of Art. Her work has been exhibited in the United States and Canada, including the National Academy Museum and the Phoenix Gallery (New York City) and the Chesterwood Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Hendrick is the recipient of several major awards, including Phoenix Gallery Solo Competition Award curated by Lisa Dennison, Chief Curator of the Guggenheim Museum New York. She received second prize at the Chesterwood Museum, Contemporary Sculpture exhibition in Massachusetts. ARTIST WORK >>>

Lucas Jmieff is a landscape photographer, artist, large format print specialist and publisher of the "Kootenay Escapes" outdoor adventure book, born and based in Nelson, BC, Canada. Please visit his website: www.MountainArt.ca for more information. "The landscape is a constant subject for me. I am always searching for that elusive moment when nature and intuitive expression unite to form a living picture." ARTIST WORK >>>

Lynn Trinh is a Vietnamese Canadian filmmaker, photographer, and graphic designer based in Nelson, BC with a strong passion for fostering culture, community, diversity, environmental awareness, and authentic storytelling through film and the digital arts. She has planted roots in the Kootenays for the past eight years and has continued to fuel her creative passions in Nelson. Her short documentary on Asian youth and their experiences living in Nelson, screened at the Capitol Theatre in 2018-2019, fueling conversations about cultural diversity in rural BC. She is always looking for ways to apply her media background to inspire others and create awareness surrounding sustainable practices, so humans can live harmoniously and symbiotically with wildlife. She recently worked with Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative as their Digital Videography and Storytelling Intern in 2020, where she produced five short films that educate viewers on the Upper Columbia region and its unique ecological importance. Her current and future projects in 2021 include filming a short film to support the local Save Cottonwood Lake initiative, and working with Friends of Kootenay Lake Stewardship Society, to film a short documentary on their Osprey Nest Monitoring project. ARTIST WORK >>>

Tyler, the founder of Canadian Murals, has been a muralist and painter since 2000. Specializing in large scale murals, he has completed over 100 public artworks for cities, municipalities and businesses across Canada. His client list includes BC Children's hospital, Disney, Vancouver General hospital, Cabelas and more. His recent works have focused on anamorphic optical illusions that create interactive artworks, encouraging personal engagement with the work. ARTIST WORK >>>

I am a professional artist and art therapist, painting has served throughout my life as a way to illuminate and ground my connection to wildlife and nature. Since moving to British Columbia four years ago, I have been captivated by the landscape and the lives of the creatures it holds. My work attempts to capture the personalities and the stories of my animal subjects. I want to bring the nuances and the wonders of our world to light through the expressions and the energy in my paintings. I attempt to depict the energy and sensitivity of the natural world by using big and bold brush strokes and focusing on the feeling beyond the detail. ARTIST WORK >>>

Nelson B.C. artist Yoshie Measures is best known for her extremely colourful and very detailed oil paintings. She mixes everyday scenes of some of our most loved animals with nature, captures the emotion while exaggerating the colours to create an incredibly realistic, yet surreal image. Yoshie's first mentor was her dad; he taught her the basics of oil painting. After, she went on to study pencil, watercolour, and fine paper art. Yoshie won national and international awards for her work during middle school using a medium known as Washi Art, sculpting using colourful fine art papers”. It's a process where you take colourful paper and glue it together on canvas to build images that climb out at you. Lately Yoshie has returned to what she loved to do first, oil paintings. ARTIST WORK >>>

Abby Wilson is an artist in Nelson, BC. Working in acrylic on canvas, Abby strives to capture her love of Kootenay mountain landscapes with bright colours and bold shapes. She spends as much time as possible hiking in the alpine all summer, often sketching in ink and watercolour along the trail to plan future paintings. ARTIST WORK >>>

Sandra Irvine is an active member of the Federation of Canadian Artists and has won several awards for her paintings including in 2014 the Federation of Canadian Artists's First Prize Award in the Small, Smaller, Smallest Exhibit, and a Mayor's Choice Award in 2016. She has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions including several Federation of Canadian Artists group shows in Vancouver such as the Works on Paper Exhibition in 2018, and the Small Exhibit in 2019, and 2021. Her work also appeared as the cover image for the novel Common Threads, A Family Journey. Growing up in northern BC Sandra developed a strong attachment and appreciation for wild, remote places. It is that power, mystery and simplicity she strives to convey in her work, be it landscape or wildlife. She works in watercolour and oil and is drawn to the soft edges, transparency, and colour mixing qualities both media provide for capturing emotion. Sandra's work is held by numerous collectors throughout Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. ARTIST WORK >>>

Born in a small mining town in Northern Quebec, Isabelle spent her days surrounded by vast wild lands and lakes. She studied two years at the Alberta College of Arts and did a painting major at Laval University. She participated in many collective exhibits as well as solo shows in Quebec, Montreal and Calgary. She moved to B.C. in her early twenties, as she was smitten with the beauty of the mountains. Isabelle's last painting exhibition was with a collective at the Passmore Art Gallery many years ago. She has made Nelson her home for the past 15 years working as a teacher's assistant and devoting her time to raising her daughter. All these years her love of painting has kept growing and now that she has more time and she can get back to her brushes. She works mostly with acrylic but allows herself to include all kinds of other media, such as collage, pastel, ink, crayons, and oils, anything that allows for free expression. She likes shapes, animals and the abstract beauty of nature. She gathers her inspiration purely from being outside, taking long walks in the forest and observing animals in their natural habitat. She is looking forward to create many new art pieces throughout the following years. ARTIST WORK >>>

Kim Freeman received her BFA from the University of Calgary in 1987. She worked as a gallerist in Kelowna and eventually became the owner operator of paint and decorating outlets in Vernon and Quesnel. Retirement has lead her back to painting full time. Subjects are landscape, figurative and formal abstract. She mostly works in acrylic but does paint with oils and mixed media. ARTIST WORK >>>

The natural world of water, ice, snow, rock, birds and mammals inspire my creativity, whether in print media or in paintings. My art comes from a place of intuition and feeling with the outcome of a piece often being very different from the original notion and I love it when that happens! ARTIST WORK >>>

A Kootenays based diverse artist, naturalist themed. Total passion creating works for people to bring awareness and inclusion to our natural world, mother gaia. From feathers, animal bones, canvas, drums, to human skin!(tattoo). With this gift of creating, energy exchanged between my brothers and sisters (clients), is really, invaluable. Vulnerability, and introspection of imperfections...and a little bit of magic of course! ARTIST WORK >>>

I am a Canadian artist and teacher, painting both rural and urban landscapes in acrylic. Painting is a visual language that allows me to express my love for my environment. I'm primarily self taught but over the years I have gleaned much from other artists through workshops and books. ARTIST WORK >>>

I enjoy creating art that investigates the borders that separate us. At times we may feel disconnected from others and our environment; that we're tiny, separate islands in a vast ocean. The perceived separateness may appear immense and concrete. Using nature as the subject, I experiment with that perception. We recognize wildlife for having a deeper awareness and connection to their environment. For them, the boundary between self and other appears less defined. Through my art I invite the viewer to question the perceived disconnection that feels so widespread in our human world. ARTIST WORK >>>

I was born and raised in Saskatchewan. Started drawing, painting and writing poetry in high school. My inspirations have always been the beauty surrounding me and events happening in my life. My family and I moved to Nelson five years ago. Being in an area that is full of all kinds of artists has inspired me to try new techniques of painting and just seeing where the paint brush takes me. ARTIST WORK >>>

Beth is an illustrator and graphic designer happily working out of beautiful Nelson, British Columbia! Flora and fauna are her favourites to illustrate and she creates print posters from her originals. ARTIST WORK >>>

Original, creative and local to Nelson hand-drawn designs printed on 8.5" x 11" in 100lb cardstock. ARTIST WORK >>>

Bryn Stevenson was born in 1983 and grew up in the Slocan Valley, spent his early adulthood in Nelson and now lives in the home he built in Winlaw BC. He attended KSA in 2002 and became inspired to paint a couple years after. He enjoys working with acrylic and oil paint, and he feels somewhat like an instrument letting the knife, brush and paint create the natural patterns and thick, rough textures of mountains. Stevenson is primarily self-taught, molding his own style with influences from different sources and art forms. He works from his own photography, drawings and direct experiences of local scenery as well as from his imagination. ARTIST WORK >>>

Nelson BC based musician & graphic designer. ARTIST WORK >>>

I am a visual artist living in Nelson, BC. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts with a major in painting and film photography, from Mount Allison University. I have studied extensively from a young age under professional artists, through Sunbury Shores Arts and Nature Centre in New Brunswick, and private lessons. I have been the recipient of two professional artist grants, art scholarships and have had my work featured on CBC News. I have exhibited in Canada and South America. Now I live in the Kootenays and I am working on completing an exciting body of work titled CANNABACEAE. This project will encompass a large series of botanical artwork featuring the Cannabis plant, and will include a commentary on the changing nature of Cannabis during these unprecedented times. This body of work is funded and supported by the Columbia Basin Trust. ARTIST WORK >>>

Hi! I'm Lev Sonego (he/him/they/them) I'm a queer, multidisciplinary artist and founder of Navel Design Co. I grew up in Thunder Bay, ON, and currently live and work on the traditional territory of the Ktunaxa, the Syilx, and the Sinixt peoples (Nelson, BC). I have recently studied Digital Arts at Selkirk College in Nelson, BC where I received the Columbia Basin Trust Bursary for my efforts. I have also studied Film Production at Confederation College in Thunder Bay, ON, and Acting for Film and Television at Humber College in Toronto, ON. I am driven to create by a passion for nature and exploring gender expression. My visual art ranges from expressive, hand-drawn illustrations to clean and professional branding for clients. I'm looking forward to working together! ARTIST WORK >>>

Creativity and expression through the arts is the foundation I stand on. Growing up in the 80's, I experienced first-hand the global shift from analog to digital. I am driven to fuse old school principles with new age perspectives. Having studied both art and music along with over a decade of experience, I thrive in digging to the core of an idea and bringing it to the surface. ARTIST WORK >>>

Romany offers Nature Art sessions and creates a variety of work for sale including paintings and hand-made paper hangings and bowls. She is a settler Artist engaged in learning and action. Murals and public art excite her, reducing barriers and bringing art to unexpected places. Romany has lived in the Nelson area most of her life and went to Kootenay School of the Arts and is grateful for her many mentors. Time in nature is precious, and fuels her creative passion. ARTIST WORK >>>

Former geologist merging science and art. ARTIST WORK >>>

Zen is a third generation fine artist. He is a master painter trained under the tradition of Chinese Classic Brush Painting. Sculpting is in his blood since both his great grandfather and grandfather are masons and sculptors. Zen's mission is to spread peace, love and creativity throughout the community and elevate our collective consciousness to the mysteries of life. ARTIST WORK >>>

Shannon Silvermoon works with many different mediums from painting with acrylic and sometimes adding texture in the canvases to creating fairy costumes made out of upcycled materials, fabrics and clothing. Festival belts, wands, crowns, furry ears are some examples. I have participated in events from coffee shop wall hangings markets, festivals, art walks and installations. Before getting to know the Nelson art circuit in the last 3 years I was active in the Kelowna art culture for 10 years. ARTIST WORK >>>

Mel Bryce writes, paints, designs, and decays, like any decent corporeal being ought to feel comfortable doing. Existing in the small towns of BC, in a state of quantum consciousness both living with the memories of the past and mourning the death of the limitless future. ARTIST WORK >>>

I do many types of art, crafts and various creations but mostly focus on acrylic painting. I have also more recently started fluid painting and creating embellishments with gold flakes and crystals. My art is colourful, mountain and nature based. I'm a long time Kootenay resident and have done art shows, galleries, a local art battle and Artwalk. Thanks for reading. ARTIST EMAIL >>>

Renee Harper is an artist, writer and college professor who lives in Nelson, B.C. Renee studied painting, mixed media art and creative writing at Kootenay School of the Arts before earning a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto and a Master of Arts in Literature from York University. Renee has shown and published her creative work in various venues and platforms over the years. Renee's paintings can be found at various galleries and businesses around Nelson, B.C. ARTIST WORK >>>

I like the experimental and exploratory nature of creating art. I never know what the outcome will be. This means I can leave my perfectionist beliefs behind. Learning to tame my inner critic has been the most important step in allowing me to become an artist. Once I realized how much my inner dialogue was preventing me from being creative I was able to change the negative thoughts I had about my creative abilities. Now, instead of believing everything I make has to be useful, practical and perfect (as I was taught as a child) I can now allow myself the freedom to create art while playing. ARTIST WORK >>>

Diane Trudel is an artist who has been living in the Kootenay region of BC Canada for twenty nine years. The beauty of that region is the well of her inspiration and her travels to exotic environments throughout the world have enhanced the colours of her visual palette. Her challenge is to capture those profound moments that connect us with pure spirit. To depict through her medium tenderness and tenacity of humans, the flora and fauna of the natural world and the shapes and shades of always shifting landscapes. Diane's preferred techniques uses layerings of acrylic washes and infusions of mixed media. Her paintings reflect the power of nature and the culture of the places she's in. ARTIST WORK >>>

I took a painting course at the Ottawa School of Art and soon after transferred to the University of Victoria and completed a Visual Arts Degree. My work has always emphasized bold colourful patterns that encompass elements of lyrical abstraction. In experimenting with the cadence of various colour/pattern combinations, the paintings are often representative of visual rhythmic chords, like music, that reflect a particular frequency or vibration. Although it is a very visual process, I think there are some parallels to the practice of mantra. I think colour can be healing in a similar way that sound can be healing. ARTIST WORK >>>

David Ahl is an ex professional athlete turned artist. After finishing his hockey career he has decided to follow his passion. He specializes in airbrush art on aluminum. ARTIST WORK >>>

Ted taught high school art at Crawford Bay school for 25 years. Since his retirement, he spends 3 or 4 months painting in Mexico, indulging in the colors, stories and energies of that land. The rest of the year he works in his studio on the East shore of Kootenay Lake, BC, Canada; soaking up and reflecting the culture and the wild forces of the animals and landscape. ARTIST WORK >>>

Robyn Gold is an acrylic abstract artist, inspired by nature & life events. ARTIST WORK >>>

I am a Tl’azt’en indigenous artist working in mostly visual art mediums. My art is deeply influenced by the indigenous artists of my past and works with the idea of creating beauty and the possibility for thought and dialogue. I am self taught but have many people to thank for being able to explore art in its fullness. ARTIST WORK >>>

I have had the fortunate opportunity to paint in watercolour for over thirty years. In the last few years I have added acrylic abstracts to my repertoire. My favourite subject matter is nature in all her colours and moods. I do both pleinair and detailed studio work. In 2000, I opened my own gallery, Arrowsmith Gallery, in Boswell. ARTIST WORK >>>

Erica Konrad is a contemporary artist with a formal University education in environmental studies, which has laid the foundation for her intense inspiration from the natural world. Konrad is mostly self taught, working in oil, acrylic, encaustic and art installations. She also owns and operates The Narrows Art Retreat, holding artist residencies, workshops and gatherings to promote and encourage artistic innovation. She maintains an active studio practice creating artwork for public and private collections. ARTIST WORK >>>

An artist living and working in the Kootenays. Terry's work combines abstraction with arresting colour combos, strong light and dark shadows. ARTIST EMAIL >>>

Zen is trained in the classic Chinese art tradition. He branched out to acquire notoriety in sculturing, digital art, photography and videography. Zen graduated from the Vancouver Film School and is currently working as an art director for TV and Film industry. His blog, zenwang.net, has 500 followers world wide. ARTIST WORK >>>

Linda works with acrylic paint and monotype print techniques, inspired by the unique northern lights, the vast sky, multitudes of lakes and rivers and the simplyamazing rock and lichen. Various canoe and kayak trips in the North - accessed by several hours of flying time in small aircraft - have provided land based and aerial perspectives to explore on canvas and paper. ARTIST WORK >>>

"I have roots in Graffiti and am now a Muralist. Originally from Brazil, I grew up appreciating baroque, rococo and abstract art that now inspire my creations with a mix of fantasy.". ARTIST WORK >>>

"Sarah Fehr is a Nelson BC based nature and wilderness artist. She sells her original acrylic paintings, prints, art cards, as well as photography prints and cards. ". ARTIST WORK >>>

" I am a graduate of the Digital Arts program offered through Selkirk College, born and raised in Nelson BC. I design and create 3D printed art and functional components, as well as websites, photo prints, and illustrations inspired by biophilic design. I hope one day to design and 3D print the healthy, affordable houses of the future." ARTIST WEBSITE >>>

" I am an autodidactic visual artist who specializes in painting dreamscapes. I also do installations sets for festivals and theatre." ARTIST WEBSITE >>>

"Nelson’s beauty is everywhere from historic landmark buildings to stunning landscapes. I have tried to capture this in my artwork. My medium is watercolour. I thrive on seeing the angles and detail and colour. I offer original artwork, prints, business cards and greeting cards as well. Nelson has provided me with the opportunity to pursue my artwork." ARTIST WEBSITE >>>

The Moving Mosaic Community Samba band plays Brazilian rhythms with a focus on entertainment and community outreach without regard for the age, ability and background of its members. Music and dance are the context within which we foster cooperation, collaboration and synchronization of the intentions of our members. Through our performances the individual contributions of our members combine to inspire audiences and ourselves to fully participate in their own community. ARTIST WORK >>>

The Hillties: recipients of multiple The Kootenay Music Awards (2018 & 2019) are a six piece band (chapman stick, ukulele, guitar, piano, drums and three part harmonies) based out of Nelson BC. Using this unique instrumentation The Hillties blend deep grooves and funk into original music to keep the dance floor bumping all night. ARTIST WORK >>>

High Voltage RocknRoll. ARTIST WORK >>>

WHITE LIGHTNING are a highly danceable 5-piece Blues, Rock and Boogie Band from Nelson, with a distinctive twin guitar/harmonica sound. They play classics from Little Walter and Chuck Berry to the Beatles plus their own originals. ARTIST WORK >>>

The Elegant Touch flute and guitar duo: A perfect choice for that special occasion. From weddings and family celebrations to corporate events, warm atmosphere and a graceful sense of style are what The Elegant Touch promise to bring to your special day with their carefully chosen repertoire of light Classical music sensitively tailored to match the occasion. "We would highly recommend the pair for beautiful live music for your wedding or other event." Serafina and Taylor, Nelson BC ARTIST WORK >>>

The captivating west Kootenay group Soundserious delivers cutting-edge environmental rock with jam band style. Joining soulful vocals and dream-like guitar with smooth rhythms and lively keys, this dynamic musical exploration delights the senses. The compelling trio of Troy Falck (guitar, vocals); Marilyn Hatfield (drums, percussion and vocals) and Sharon Lang (keys, vocals), is sure to move you. Heartfelt, hopeful and, at times, haunting, their original music and lyrics hold truth reflecting the human experience and the world at large. Prepare to journey to the depths of heart and soul. ARTIST WORK >>>

Born of artistic director, Marilyn Hatfield's passion to share the magic and joy of rhythm and dance with all, RhythmDance Drum Orchestra is a potent synthesis of powerful rhythms, striking percussion and high-energy dance. Employing an enchanting array of drums, bells, shakers, percussion and movement, this dynamic ensemble, largely comprised of women, from Nelson, BC, weaves an enthralling spectacle to delight all ages. A chorus of skins singing and bells ringing mingle with sticks clicking and legs kicking that inspire excitement and joy. ARTIST WORK >>>

Acoustic bluegrass-inspired music performed by Brian Rosen, Paul Hinrichs, Jesse Lee and Steve Gevenich. ARTIST WORK >>>

Jenny Robinson has been writing, recording and performing her original songs since 1989. She has played festivals, halls, bars, bookstores, living rooms and cafes across Canada and the US. Jenny has written songs about love, nuclear waste, Canadian snow geese and philosophers. ARTIST WORK >>>

Tenise Marie is a singer-songwriter who has emerged from the mystical forests of Argenta, BC. On a foundation of acoustic guitar and soulful vocals, she builds her songs with vision and care, singing tenderly of love's vagaries without lapsing into maudlin or cliche" (Jamie Bliss, Kootenay Mountain Culture Magazine).A storyteller and traveller at heart, her adventures climbing mountains, riding waves, and watching sunrises soak into her enticing melodies and vulnerable lyrics. Her debut single "10 Out of 10” is a coming of age story described as "gently strummed chords, jazzy folk-pop ambience and sublime musicianship" (Darryl Sterdan, The Tinnitist) ARTIST WORK >>>

A five piece group formed in the mountainous region Nelson, BC, Penny Shades are a collective of homegrown excellence. Each member leads their own individual musical projects, as well as collaborations with local artists. Comprised of lead vocalist Sarah Orton, guitarist Jesse Lee, bassist Quillan Hanley, piano/keys Daniel Slade and drummer Ness Benamran, the powerful relationship between these musicians is clear. Tightly crafted instrumentals gently guide Orton's unguarded vocals, giving her space to exercise her significant emotive power. Penny Shades released their debut self-titled (FACTOR funded) EP in March 2021. These tracks hold a distinctively visceral quality, allowing the listener to feel privy to the electricity of a first recording and cementing the capacity these musicians have to engage the listener. ARTIST WORK >>>

First After the Fire is a Nelson-based acoustic folk-rock-pop-country band that focuses on the art of storytelling and vocal harmonies. Expect to hear guitar, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, harmonica, and violin accompanying lyrics rich in imagery from the Kootenays and beyond. The band was established in 2013 and has played on stages from Rossland to Nelson to Kaslo in street markets, house concerts, restaurants and bars, and music festivals. ARTIST WORK >>>

For the past 25 years Rabs has been writing and performing music in bedrooms, basements, castles, and the main stage at your favourite festivals across Canada. You make recognize him from his weekly residence at the Hume Hotel's Library Lounge, or maybe you heard one of his songs on the CBC, or in the background of your guilty pleasure TV show. Whether on guitar, drums, or turntables, Rabs is always cooking up a new groove. ARTIST WORK >>>

I have been a musician for over 30 years, played with some of the best names in jazz and Cuban music and have successfully run 4 bands in the Toronto area. ARTIST EMAIL >>>

Lost Ledge are guitar and harmony driven folk rock music with a powerhouse rhythm section. An original rock band from Kaslo, B.C. ARTIST WORK >>>

I am a musician/writer and frontman for a band called Dirt Floor. I also make some music for podcast and sometimes film. I also edit a podcast. My family and I also have a small organic farm out here in Passmore that supplies a lot of food for local families. ARTIST WORK >>>

Jillian McKenna is an upright bass player living in Nelson, BC. Born with a strong sense of rhythm she finds herself inside jazz, folk and alternative sounds. McKenna has played stages such as the Bern Jazz Festival in Switzerland, the Jazz à Carthage in Tunisia, and the Sanderson Centre in Canada. McKenna's multifaceted reputation has been steadily building over the past half-decade, beginning with a scholarship to The New School in New York City studying jazz performance. She is currently exploring her first full length album, crossing genres and collaborating with a multitude of artists from throughout her career.  ARTIST WORK >>>

The Moon Family Band is 5 piece + group that plays a very wide variety of music from turn of the century old' tyme, big band, jazz and country standards, folk, Irish, Mexican, Hawaiian, fiddle tunes and early rock'n roll. There are even some blues and classical thrown in there. Four of us (Tina, Linda, Crystal and Eric) were very influenced by our musical parents, Jackie and Warren Moon. We would play at Christmas and whenever we got together as a family. Later, when Dad was in long term care we would go to his room and play music with him, Dad playing an electronic horn. Soon the entertainment director of the facility asked if we'd play for all the residents. The Moon Family Band grew from there. ARTIST WORK >>>

JUNO nominee Melody Diachun is a talented vocalist, songwriter, educator, and warm performer praised for her soulful confidence, exquisite intonation, phrasing, and sense of time - All About Jazz. Melody was nominated for 'Female Vocalist of the Year' at the 2009 National Jazz Awards and for 'Artist of the Year' at the Kootenay Music Awards in 2018 and 2019. Her fifth album is set for release in 2022.An increasingly significant jazz singer with her own sound, style, and approach to creating new music, Melody Diachun "is, and will always be, a force to reckon with in contemporary vocal music." - Toronto Music Report ARTIST WORK >>>

Paul Landsberg is a contemporary jazz guitarist, composer, author, and educator. In his thirty five years as a performing guitarist he has performed in the US, Canada, and Europe with a variety of jazz and contemporary artists including: Shari Ulrich, Robben Ford, Ernie Watts, Kenny Wheeler, Charlie Haden, Bob Mintzer, Dave Weckel, Lew Tabackin, Gunther Schuller, Ben E. King, and Amsterdam’s ICP Orchestra. Paul currently performs with the Paul Landsberg Quartet, Trio Voyage, and the Spokane Jazz Orchestra. Paul has recorded three CD’s under his own name as well as appeared on numerous other recordings. He holds a Masters Degree from the California Institute of the Arts, Los Angels, California. Paul currently teaches at The Selkirk College Music and Technology Program and makes his home in Nelson, BC, Canada with his wife and six children. ARTIST WORK >>>

Carly Dow writes beguiling songs and delivers them with insight and a powerful voice pulled from the place where grit meets beauty. Her music will give you the nudge you need to embrace the wild - surrounding and within. Carly's style of wildcrafted folk – propelled by guitar and clawhammer banjo – has garnered international acclaim for its vivid imagery and enchanting melodies. Her debut album, Ingrained, and sophomore album, Comet, were toured extensively throughout Canada and the UK/Europe. Both albums rose into the National Top 10 folk/roots/blues charts. Bring a compass, Carly will take you places. ARTIST WORK >>>

Bessie Wapp is a theatre artist, musician, educator, and Nelson Cultural Ambassador (2015). Based in Vancouver for her early career, Bessie worked with many of the city's most innovative performance groups and toured internationally. She returned to her home town, Nelson, BC, in 2006, where she continues to create work with Western Canadian groups, perform and direct locally, and follow her passion for community-engaged practice. Bessie leads the Blue House Choir, is an Oxygen Art Centre instructor, and plays accordion and sings in several groups. Bessie welcomes opportunities to facilitate workshops and classes, and engage in theatre and music projects. ARTIST EMAIL >>>

Anna is a Canadian & American multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and performer known for her passionate voice, intricate compositions and compelling stage-presence. Realizing how male-dominated the music industry is, Anna prioritizes honing her instrumental skills and becoming a mentor for aspiring non-male musicians. Anna is currently recording her debut album in Vancouver, BC. This record genre-bends pop, folk, indie rock and soul into an evocative new sound, all pillowed by a lush sonic landscape. Anna is also one half of the Indie Folk band Rumour Mill. Prior to her LP release, look out for some singles dropping this year including ""Let You Down"" produced by the popular Shawn Hook (out Jan 2022). ARTIST WORK >>>

"Rumour Mill is a west-coast Canadian duo headed by multi-instrumentalists, Anna Katarina and Aline Daigle, currently residing in beautiful Nelson, BC. Rumour Mill has charted in the top 100 in US College Radio, garnered a nomination for Artist of the Year at the 2019 Kootenay Music Awards, made the Top 100 in CBC Searchlight, and received a full scholarship to the 2020 International Folk Alliance Conference in New Orleans, LA. With melancholic melodies, soulful harmonies and lyrics that weave the listener through an exploration of timeless themes, these ladies will sweep you off your feet and leave you wanting more!". ARTIST WORK >>>

Dose. is a multidisciplinary DJ duo comprised of partners Max Austin & Taylor Chancellor. Having found solace in the international house & techno scene Dose. pushes for the same inclusivity & equality within their own musical sphere. They consistently strive to represent womxn, fem folk, queer, and everyone in between. It is their strong mandate to always have gender balance & equal representation in their music & curation. Music is their medium & equality is their goal. ARTIST INSTAGRAM >>>

Crystalline vocals. Lyrics like arrows. Ethereal folk harp. Diemm is a singer songwriter, dreaming aloud. She plays original Chamber Folk music, with poetry that tugs at the layers between the conscious and subconscious mind. ARTIST WORK >>>

Singer songwriter, David Oosthuizen, aka Oostie has been performing and hosting open mics in Nelson for the past few years. David plays Canadiana music with passion and joy. Coming out of lock down with a host of new material and a desire to share his love of love of performance and playing original music! ARTIST FACEBOOK >>>

"Born and raised in Hungary, Noémi Kiss studied singing in Budapest and in London, England. She’s a professional classical singer who spent her career in Europe performing with orchestras and early music ensembles before relocating to British Columbia in 2008. She has an extensive repertoire of Broadway show tunes, folk music and popular songs as well as classical music. She works closely with local musicians and has an active teaching career, having done workshops and masterclasses in Europe and BC. She also has a sound healing practice and is currently studying Biofield Tuning." ARTIST WEBSITE >>>

" After playing in various successful bands for over 30 years, Stelio Calagias (lead singer, guitar, harmonica) and his brother in law Phil Wilson-Birks (bass guitar) finally fulfilled their life long dream of creating their own 4 piece electric blues band. After only 5 years and over 200 shows the band has achieved outstanding success. They released their first CD in 2017 and were nominated for a Kootenay Music Award in 2018. Baker Street Blues is rated number 1 on the Reverbnation charts locally and regionally. The band is rounded out with Ryan Telegdy (lead guitar), & Tim Potter (drums). " ARTIST WEBSITE >>>

" Onezie Parade, aka Josh & Julie, is a Nelson based dynamic duo that specializes in upbeat covers and snappy originals in both French and English. Whether playing in the street or performing in the theAtre, their passion for music is undeniable. They are delighted to offer a variety of styles of performances, from family friendly to quirky adult content. " ARTIST EMAIL >>>

" KERN pulls the story thread through her voice along the neck of the guitar and out to the ears of those listening. " ARTIST WEBSITE >>>

" "A self-confessed working-class Patsy Cline, but a bit more ethereal. If you’re about to shelve Alissa Arnason amongst the other folk/country artists in your library, dust off that shelf and think again, for Arnason is in a league of her own. Conceived in the prairie town of Mozart SK ( ..yes that’s right), on Schubert St, (yes, right again..) it’s as if the stars had already decided music would be her path in life. " " ARTIST WEBSITE >>>

" Nelson-based DJ ALUNDI spins an eloquent mix of tech, deep and bass house. While playing songs with exciting bass lines, intricate melodies, and intriguing lyrical content, she is dedicated to bringing you high quality sound. ALUNDI's natural affinity with the crowd is apparent in every gripping set - you may even be catch yourself dancing to songs, styles and sub-genres that you've never heard of before." ARTIST WEBSITE >>>

" A live tribute to classic hits. 50’s to 80’s, country to blues, folk to rock, and everything in between. For bubblegum rock to ZZ top, this is a one-man show with a full-band sound!" ARTIST EMAIL >>>

Kootenay Forge, owned by Cory & Gina Medhurst: "We have been a hotbed of creativity since 1981. Watch the blacksmiths forge red-hot iron into graceful lamps, firetools, hooks, racks, and bathroom and kitchen accessories. Both artistic and functional, we create fixtures that can last generations yet fit in well with modern decor just as well as a log home." ARTIST WORK >>>

My passion for photography comes from my desire to show my clients that the very thing that sets them apart in this world is what makes them breathtakingly beautiful. I want to capture this essence so that my clients can see the true beauty that shines from within. My goal is to celebrate children and families, to unveil their authentic selves in my images and to help these families decorate their worlds with highly personal artwork. Artwork that matters. ARTIST WORK >>>

Douglas Noblet runs Wild Air Photography. Douglas is a Nelson BC based nature and aerial photographer and started Wild Air in 2008. You'll find him exploring the outdoors throughout BC and beyond. He is also a Commercial Pilot, Search and Rescue volunteer, and works in the avalanche industry in the winter. ARTIST WORK >>>

Jake Sherman is an award-winning photojournalist, freelance writer and reporter living in Nelson, BC. He has bylines in the Globe and Mail, the Narwhal, the Tyee and Georgia Straight, among others and formerly wrote the news at the Revelstoke Review and Nelson Star. ARTIST WORK >>>

Jesse Schpakowski is an award-winning professional photographer and videographer based out of Kaslo, British Columbia. ARTIST WORK >>>

Focused on capturing the natural beauty of the area, Josée has been honing her photographic skills for well over 10 years. From print work to portraits to ethereal concepts, she showcases an unfettered view of the world. ARTIST WORK >>>

Tom is a visual artist based out of Nelson, BC. He works in several fields of photography but his passion lies with landscape work and he tries to channel this through all the imagery that he creates. The power of subjects and their composition within a frame is one of our most important forms of communication and that inspires Tom everyday. He's always happy with a camera in hand and his family by his side. ARTIST WORK >>>

Tammy has been doing Landscape and Wildlife Photography for over twenty years. She prefers to focus on finding the quiet light in her surroundings. She loves to capture wildlife in scenic locations and in light that mimics portraiture. She creates all of her images from start to finish including the printing and framing. ARTIST WORK >>>

At Whitelight Photography, we offer a wide range of photographic services locally and in surrounding areas. We produce, process, retouch and print our chosen images on site in our studio. Our mission is to provide prompt professional service with thoughtful and meticulous attention to our clients' needs. ARTIST WORK >>>

I am a Kootenay based photographer and I focus on candid family photography, female empowerment shoots and catching mother nature at her finest. ARTIST WORK >>>

"Sarah Fehr is a Nelson BC based nature and wilderness artist. She sells her original acrylic paintings, prints, art cards, as well as photography prints and cards. ". ARTIST WORK >>>

Ginger has been a part of the All female DJ group, Meow Mix, for the past 20 years. She has been a pioneer as a female DJ in Nelson and internationally. She has played music at every stage at Shambhala music festival over the past two decades. People love to move and be a part of the creativity she brings to the dance floor! Ginger has a new music project named Midori that is unique, global electronica meets the Kootenay mountains! ARTIST WORK >>>

Dubconscious has come to represent both the east & the western coast of Canada. Born and raised in the Toronto area, he attended University in Victoria before spending 2 years in Nelson BC, snowboarding in the winters & working with the talent department at Shambhala and as talent buyer with their venue, Bloom Nightclub. Since then, he's gone on to become a resident of the Living Room (Beach) Stage over the past decade, also turning in 4 years of performances at Bass Coast. ARTIST WORK >>>

Capsule Studios offer professional recording services for anything from singer songwriters, film scoring, voice overs , podcasting to full bands live off the floor. Located on Baker St , the heart of Nelson , we are close to all amenities and lodging. Production and Mixing , Album Artwork , and access to Vinyl Pressing through our affiliates. Shane Johnsen is also a session Guitarist and Member of 2 Local Bands - The Automation & Mk Naomi . Both Are currently Recording and ,( pre covid), Performing Locally. ARTIST WORK >>>

" KERN pulls the story thread through her voice along the neck of the guitar and out to the ears of those listening. " ARTIST WEBSITE >>>

" "A self-confessed working-class Patsy Cline, but a bit more ethereal. If you’re about to shelve Alissa Arnason amongst the other folk/country artists in your library, dust off that shelf and think again, for Arnason is in a league of her own. Conceived in the prairie town of Mozart SK ( ..yes that’s right), on Schubert St, (yes, right again..) it’s as if the stars had already decided music would be her path in life. " " ARTIST WEBSITE >>>

Diane Walters, is a lifelong potter and the owner of eARTh Studio. She has extensive experience working with low, medium and high fire clays and glazes, handbuilding, sculpture and wheel techniques. Diane regularly participates in workshops for advanced potters, and attends the NCECA National Council of Ceramic Educators conference, annually. Her work is in galleries in Alberta and BC. She is a member of the BC Potters Guild. ARTIST WORK >>>

A line of sculptural and decorative artwork including vases, platters and sculptural works, hand-built in clay for your home and garden. ARTIST WORK >>>

Yvonne Boyd is a multi-faceted, award winning artist who has lived in the Lardeau Valley since early adulthood. She works with wood, cement, glass, paint and whatever else strikes her fancy to bring her creations to life. Her most recent collaborative works can be seen along the River Trail in Kaslo, at Slocan Lakefront Park or as part of Sculpture Walk in Castlegar. ARTIST WORK >>>

I'm a textile artist with a focus on weaving, plant dyeing and made to order linen clothing. With high environmental standards I aim to create thoughtful functional pieces to be appreciated for years. ARTIST WORK >>>

Lindsey is a full time artist, showing her work throughout the year in various galleries and exhibits in Ontario and bc. She is one of the owners at the CRAFT CONNECTION gallery in Nelson bc, where her work is shown on a continuous basis. A tapestry artist working with wool and silk, Lindsey creates 2d wall hangings of subjects such as landscapes, people, animals, as well as some contemporary abstract pieces. To view her work, check out her website under the ARTWORK drop down, as the site also showcases her line of waxed canvas bags, and her line of eco clothing. ARTIST WORK >>>

I am an ecoprinting or botanical print artist. My designs are created using leaves and flowers that are pressed and steamed onto textiles or paper to reveal their pigments. Each original piece is unique and a reflection of the beauty in nature. ARTIST WORK >>>

Lucas Myers is a performer and writer and the artistic director of Nelson-based Pilotcopilot Theatre, which has produced a variety of shows including DECK, Hello Baby! and The Cromoli Brothers. He has performed in major theatres across Canada as well as touring internationally to Europe, New Zealand, Mexico, Central Asia, and Ymir. ARTIST WORK >>>

Bessie Wapp is a theatre artist, musician, educator, and Nelson Cultural Ambassador (2015). Based in Vancouver for her early career, Bessie worked with many of the city's most innovative performance groups and toured internationally. She returned to her home town, Nelson, BC, in 2006, where she continues to create work with Western Canadian groups, perform and direct locally, and follow her passion for community-engaged practice. Bessie leads the Blue House Choir, is an Oxygen Art Centre instructor, and plays accordion and sings in several groups. Bessie welcomes opportunities to facilitate workshops and classes, and engage in theatre and music projects. ARTIST EMAIL >>>

"Shayna Jones is an award winning professional performance artist specializing in the Traditional Oral Storytelling of African and Afro-Diasporic Folklore. As a professionally trained Actor, Vocalist, and Fine Mover, Shayna has performed for theatre companies, schools, and festivals across Canada. As a Folklorist, Shayna combines her passion for live, theatrical performance with the study of Traditional African and Afro-Diasporic Folklore and Contemporary Black Experience. ARTIST WEBSITE >>>

"We are three multidisciplinary artists that perform now in the art of Drag. We celebrate gender euphoria and our performances and productions are always the most dynamic and fun you'll have in the Koots! ARTIST INSTAGRAM >>>

" Elise Timm-Bottos is a multidisciplinary artist, puppeteer and slam poet. After studying Professional Theatre at Dawson College, she went on to study puppetry at Humber College in Toronto (2013). Since then she has traveled extensively, performing puppetry shows and doing workshops in many places such as Quebec, Sicily, New York and Iceland. She has worked as part of Clay and Paper Theatre on their summer show in Toronto, Ontario, focusing on sustainability and outdoor performance. Since the pandemic, she has created smaller puppet shows for various online platforms, winning Top 10 in Bristol’s 48h Puppet Film Fest 2020 with her short, Too Much Time." ARTIST PORTFOLIO >>>

Carlo Alcos has been working in digital media since 2008 and in video since 2016. He is a full-time freelancer specializing in documentary-style content and short films. Locally, his clients include Touchstones Museum, Nelson CARES, Watershed Productions, Tamarack Media, and Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism. Carlo's passion is storytelling and collaborating closely with his subjects to tell the story they want to tell. He is available for videography work (camera and editing), location sound recording, and post-production sound mixing and design. He is also a certified drone pilot. ARTIST WORK >>>

Jonathan Robinson is a full time freelance film-maker, drone pilot, and sole-propitiator of FMRL Productions. He lives in Nelson, BC, where he focuses on the arts, culture and community development. Jonathan received the 2016 Kootenay Music Awards’ "Best Music Video Award." His documentary work earned him awards during the annual Craft Brews of the Columbia Basin's in 2017 and 2018. In 2018 The Civic Theatre of Nelson, made him their first ever “Artist in Residence” and provided him with a set to film his music video “I DREAM,” which featured music from Juno Nominated music producer Adham Shaikh, and performances by 4 of the areas most prominent dance instructors. Jonathan has worked with dozens of local artists, the Nelson District Arts Council, Selkirk college and the Regional District of Central Kootenay, to produce content for a blossoming rural community. ARTIST WORK >>>

Siloen Daley has created a body of short expressionistic animated films which have screened internationally, and has a studio where something is always in the works. She has worked in arts administration, and curated and presented moving pictures for over 10 years and enjoys being a part of the vibrant cultural community. ARTIST EMAIL >>>

Bohdan Doval is a filmmaker living in Nelson, BC, Canada. Having an interest in film at a young age he decided to pursue it as a career in his early twenties. He tree planted all over British Columbia to raise the funds to purchase his first camera and computer. Since then he's worked on many different types of productions from feature length documentaries, actions sports, tourism DMO’s and many other types of businesses with several hundred completed projects to date. ARTIST WEBSITE >>>

Bibby Fine Furniture creates unique hand crafted solid wooden furniture. Behind every piece of our furniture lies considered design, selection of the best quality materials and skilled craftsmanship. We use local sustainable hardwoods to create custom pieces, or shop our existing stock. ARTIST WORK >>>

I create functional and artistic pieces out of salvaged wood on a lathe , that would otherwise be destined for the fire pit! ARTIST WORK >>>

J. Eisenhauer Woodworks is a BC Certified Licensed Builder with a focus on fine home building. He has experience making all kinds of furniture and woodworking projects as well: wild edge bed frames, coopered front cabinets, skin on frame kayaks, rolling wine-racks, solid wood doors - almost anything you can think of. ARTIST WORK >>>

Thierry Brionne is a designer and manufacturer of custom furniture and unique architectural woodwork such as entry doors, timber stairs and sculptures, using locally sourced and reclaimed material finished with natural coatings. ARTIST WORK >>>

Author of four novels originally published by McArthur & Company: Treading Water, Wind Tails, Sounding Line, and Flying with Amelia. Anne's experience as a published author, as well a number of independent publishing projects, has given her a comprehensive understanding of writing and publishing. Over the past decade Anne has increasingly found herself engaged in mentorship and substantive editing, finding pleasure in helping writers achieve their goals. In 2019 she founded Ceriph Press (ceriphpress.ca), a small publisher of regional books, through which she published the latest edition of a beloved book of Nelson photographs. ARTIST WORK >>>

Bessie Wapp is a theatre artist, musician, educator, and Nelson Cultural Ambassador (2015). Based in Vancouver for her early career, Bessie worked with many of the city's most innovative performance groups and toured internationally. She returned to her home town, Nelson, BC, in 2006, where she continues to create work with Western Canadian groups, perform and direct locally, and follow her passion for community-engaged practice. Bessie leads the Blue House Choir, is an Oxygen Art Centre instructor, and plays accordion and sings in several groups. Bessie welcomes opportunities to facilitate workshops and classes, and engage in theatre and music projects. ARTIST EMAIL >>>

Jen Metta Smith is an artist and workshop facilitator based in Nelson, BC. She enjoys writing parody songs based loosely on her life, painting mandalas, and facilitating others in creating original paintings of their own. ARTIST WORK >>>

Crystalline vocals. Lyrics like arrows. Ethereal folk harp. Diemm is a singer songwriter, dreaming aloud. She plays original Chamber Folk music, with poetry that tugs at the layers between the conscious and subconscious mind. ARTIST WORK >>>

"Shayna Jones is an award winning professional performance artist specializing in the Traditional Oral Storytelling of African and Afro-Diasporic Folklore. As a professionally trained Actor, Vocalist, and Fine Mover, Shayna has performed for theatre companies, schools, and festivals across Canada. As a Folklorist, Shayna combines her passion for live, theatrical performance with the study of Traditional African and Afro-Diasporic Folklore and Contemporary Black Experience. ARTIST WEBSITE >>>

Shawna "The Hulagan" discovered the flow arts 8 years ago and it changed her life. She whirls her way around hoops, flings around poi like nobody's business and dabbles with juggling and many more props! ARTIST WORK >>>

"We are three multidisciplinary artists that perform now in the art of Drag. We celebrate gender euphoria and our performances and productions are always the most dynamic and fun you'll have in the Koots! ARTIST INSTAGRAM >>>