Nanaimo, British Columbia

Celebrating art

Nanaimo is an art lover’s dream

by Kali Love

In 2007, Nanaimo—along with three other cities in Canada—was designated one of the Cultural Capitals of Canada for 2008 by the federal minister of Canadian heritage and status of women, Beverley J. Oda.

Fine work: This painting by artist Nicole Hennessey is an example of the artwork one can see at the Nanaimo Arts Council. —photo courtesy Nanaimo Arts Council

Art in all directions

The arts and culture scene in Nanaimo is a vibrant one, with many art galleries, live performances and concerts to take in. Visitors will enjoy seeing Gallery 223, the Nanaimo District Museum, Nanaimo Theatre Group, Art 10 Gallery, Artisan’s Studio, the Nanaimo Art Gallery and the Nanaimo Arts Council facilities. The Nanaimo Arts Council is an organization that supports and promotes the region’s creative arts—including visual, literary and performing arts, as well as film.

The Nanaimo Arts Council has a unique and impressive gallery in the Nanaimo North Town Centre mall that showcases the work of local artists. Odette Laramee, the manager of the Nanaimo Arts Council, said the gallery focuses mostly on works of painting, photography and sculpture. Laramee said the best part about her job is having the opportunity to work closely with many talented artists.

“I get to meet so many wonderful artists from so many fields,” she said.

Laramee said the gallery and the arts council are non-profit and charitable organizations, and the gallery is run by the exhibiting artists.

“The way it works is visual artists that would like to show their work bring it in (to the gallery),” said Laramee. “It is judged and the agreement is that if they live locally there are hours to be done at the front desk. They greet the visitors and talk about the artwork and do the sales—it is a gallery that is operated by artists.”

Keeping it fresh

Each month, the Nanaimo Arts Council hosts a feature show, which can be anything from an exhibiting artist to a literary or film contest.

“In March we are having a young people’s showcase and that is integrated with an elder art showcase—so there are both ends of the spectrum there,” said Laramee.

In April, during B.C.’s Arts and Culture Week, the arts council will be having its annual literary arts celebration and a short fiction contest.

“It is open to anyone,” said Laramee. “It is separated into three categories—there is young people’s, junior and adult categories and they are judged by that category. We also celebrate their work and have readings.”

Resource: www.nanaimoartscouncil.ca

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