Comox Valley Arts

Adult/Teen Intro To Crochet
2024-09-11 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Vancouver) | #4-420 Fitzgerald Ave., Courtenay, BC, Canada
Sep 11 – Oct 2
Ready to get crocheting? You will love this three-class session! This class is for Teens (14+) and Adults!
Starting with some simple stitch trials,you will gain experience and confidence in crochet, and then make this adorable cat plushy!
Learn to work in rows, circles and make a granny square!
All materials are included, with a range of colours to choose from.
You will be able to bring the project home to work on between classes, and keep your new crochet hook and yarn!

Grand Opening of Courtenay's Newest Mural
2024-09-13 17:00 - 18:30 | Immigrant Welcome Centre, 407A 5th St, Courtenay, BC, V9N 1J7, Canada
Join CV/Arts, The Immigrant Welcome Centre and the Artists to celebrate public art and community engagement!

Mark your calendars for September 13 at 5:00 PM. Comox Valley Arts and the Immigrant Welcome Centre (IWC) invite you to attend the official opening of the new mural at the LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) space. Beautifully designed and painted by local artists, Cora Silvestru and Emily Thiessen, the mural is an exemplary example of effective public art that gracefully tells the story of the newcomer experience. Join us to hear from the artists and community for which it was created.When: September 13Time: 5:00 – 6:30 PMWhere: Immigrant Welcome Centre | 407 5th Street, Courtenay

Closing - Summer Members Show at Pearl Ellis Gallery
2024-09-14 10:00 - 16:00 | Pearl Ellis Gallery, 1729 Comox Ave, Comox, BC, V9M 3M2, Canada
Closing September 14th

Celebrate Summer at the Pearl!

Immerse yourself in the vibrant essence of summer at the Pearl Ellis Gallery Summer Members’ Show, running now until September 14th. This exhibition features the remarkable talents of 58 local artists, offering a diverse range of artwork that will captivate and inspire all who attend.

The Pearl proudly showcases a wide array of styles and mediums, from seasoned professionals to emerging talents, ensuring something for every art lover. With a range of price points, you’re sure to find the perfect piece for your home, office, or as a thoughtful gift. Beautiful art cards by local artists are also available.

Artist Lynda Glover reflects on her stunning painting: “This is the second piece in a series honoring our fragile ecosystems. In Ancient Cedar Forest, I imagined painting the sounds, smells, and movement of our trees and wildlife. I draw inspiration from the deep lines of growth and regrowth within these icons.”

As a non-profit organization powered by dedicated volunteers, the Pearl Ellis Gallery is a testament to the community’s steadfast support for the arts. Located in downtown Comox at 1729 Comox Avenue, the gallery offers a welcoming, accessible space for all visitors, free of charge.

The Pearl is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. For more information, visit www.pearlellisgallery.com or call 250-339-2822 during business hours. Become a member for the remainder of 2024 at the discounted rate of just $20 and join a vibrant community of art enthusiasts.

Foggy Mountain Fall Fair
2024-09-14 10:00 - 16:00 | Dunsmuir Ave, Dunsmuir Ave Cumberland, Cumberland, BC, V0R 1S0, Canada
It’s Cumberland’s annual Fall Fair, Mountain Village style!
Join us for the the Foggy Mountain Fall Fair on Saturday September 14th in the small but mighty Village of Cumberland. Dunsmuir Ave will be closed from 1st to 4th and the streets filled with live music, arts and crafts vendors, merchant special, kids crafts, delicious food and drink, community groups and more!

Paintings, By the Numbers
2024-09-14 14:00 - 17:00 | 40 Knots Winery, Courtenay
Internationally renowned painter, Ken Kirkby donated 50 of his paintings to Project Watershed prior to his death on June 20, 2023. It was his wish that they be used for this event to raise funds for environmental restoration, research and education on Vancouver Island.
Paintings, By The Numbers 2024, will focus on celebrating Ken’s life and art on the beautiful enclosed patio at 40 KNOTS Winery. In addition to the art available in the draw, we will have commemorative prints of his most famous painting “Isumataq” and books written about his life and journeys available to peruse or purchase. Luke Blu Guthrie will provide live music and complimentary locally crafted amuse-bouche from Cheffanie will be available.
The main activity of the event is the Art Draw which combines the thrill of getting a good deal with the warm fuzzy feeling of contributing to environmental stewardship. In Ken’s words “It’s not just a deal, it’s a steal”. Ken’s art is world renowned and is valued between $1,500 to $8,000, depending on factors such as size and framing. Through this event, Art Draw Ticket holders will get to own an original Ken Kirkby for $600. Art Draw Ticket holders will also receive a complimentary taster of wine, an amuse-bouche and may bring a guest.
If you just want to come and enjoy an afternoon of art and music, Spectator Tickets are also available for $25. These tickets come with a glass of 40 Knots wine or a non-alcoholic beverage, an amuse-bouche by Cheffanie, and a Ken Kirkby commemorative print.
Thanks to our sponsors Odlum Brown, 40 KNOTS Winery and Cheffanie, all funds raised will go towards Project Watershed’s work in ecological restoration, research, and education.

Abstract: To the Power of 3 (Artist Reception)
2024-09-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Artful the Gallery, 526 Cumberland Rd, Courtenay, BC, V9N 2C7
Artists Jenny Mitchell, Yin Hoskins, and Elaine Prodor are excited to exhibit together for the first time on Abstract: To the Power of 3’- a collection of their recent work that celebrates each artist’s individuality while incorporating commonalities found through abstracted geometries, shape, line, and form.

Natural Dye; Deep Dive!
2024-09-15 10:00 - 13:00 | #4-420 Fitzgerald Ave., Courtenay, BC, Canada
Sep 15 – Oct 20
If you love natural dyes, working with fibre and exploring colour, you’ll love this six week course with Eloise Holland!
Take control of your dye work and look more closely at the processes and chemistry behind the colours. This six-week intensive course is geared for fascinated beginners. You will finish this course feeling more confidence in your ability to safely and beautifully use natural dyes at home, with resources to continue building your skills!
On day one we will touch on best practices for a safe and efficient dye process, and look at the different materials to dye including recycled fabrics, wool, cotton and silk. We will cover tannin dyes with either Sumac or Walnuts
On day two we learn about the charm of red dyes. Madder is one of the oldest reds, and is a plant that can be grown locally. Coccineal is derived from an insect that feeds on cactus. These reds will bring us a variety of tones using modifiers and post mordants
On day three we cover the various yellows that are so abundant in the plant world. From Goldenrod to Tansy and Chamomile we look at the subtle shade variations these flavonoid dyes produce.
On day four is an introduction to Indigo which is always magical and exciting. We will touch on the basics of this vat dye, exploring resist dyeing and giving you the grounding for your own experiments.
On day five we will build on our previous work by looking at overdyeing. This is a day of experimentation.
On day six we will touch on dyeing with mushrooms and lichen. We are blessed with several locally available dye mushrooms and this is your chance to learn to coax colours from them.
-All materials will be provided, but please bring gloves and a face mask (to protect against small airborne particles). Feel free to bring a notebook, and please dress for mess. If you have some small fabrics or textiles you would like to dye, please feel free to bring them (doilies, scraps, small pieces only. No yardage!)

Slow Stich Series
2024-09-15 14:00 - 17:00 | #4-420 Fitzgerald Ave., Courtenay, BC, Canada
Sep 15 – Sep 29
If you find yourself seeking a chance to slow down, to deepen your relationship with your garments and with your self, this 3-4 week series is an opportunity to do just that.
Join costume maker and artist Lori Kenney for a deep breath and many small stitches.
The practical side of this course is one of basic sewing skills many of us are missing, taking care of our clothes to make our wardrobe last longer.
The artistic side of this course will help you add character and understand traditional textile art practices from around the world, connecting you to the way humans have worked with fibres through history.
The meditative elements of this series will help you slow down, connect to your breathing and the rhythm of stitching.
Take inspiration from global textile traditions such as Kantha
techniques, mending and darning, and Japanese Boro, which focuses on re-purposing old textiles, re-piecing fabrics and building texture with stitch. Bring awareness to the calming repetition of hand stitch rhythms and discover the simple pleasure of making.
There will be time in this class for connection with each other, and portions of silence and breath.
The goal is to leave this series with a set of skills and abilities you can carry with you to calm your heart in times of need.
Please bring some worn and loved garments, as well as any scraps you would like to incorporate.
We will include materials to use, and have additional supplies available for purchase to bring home.

Pearl Ellis Gallery Presents: "Outside In"
2024-09-17 10:00 - 2024-10-12 16:00 | Pearl Ellis Gallery, 1729 Comox Ave, Comox, BC, V9M 3M2, Canada
The Pearl Ellis Gallery is thrilled to present “Outside In,” a captivating group show featuring the works of Maggie Ziegler, Sharon Lalonde, Shea Kotilla, Jean Cockburn, Lynn Farwell, Larissa McLean, and Elaine Smith. This exhibition runs from September 17 to October 12, 2024.
The concept behind “Outside In” explores the sources of artistic inspiration. It goes beyond the visible world, delving into the emotions and intangible feelings that drive creativity. This exhibition emphasizes the synthesis of external experiences with internal emotions to create art that is both visually striking and emotionally resonant.
The participating artists draw from their surroundings, memories, and personal experiences, blending these with their inner emotions to create pieces that not only depict but also connect on a deeper level, capturing what matters.
While technical skill is essential, the artists in “Outside In” aim to infuse their work with personal expression. This adds a unique touch that transforms their creations from mere representations into meaningful, original art.
“Outside In” challenges the notion that art must replicate reality. Instead, the artists focus on capturing the essence of their inspirations—both seen and unseen—inviting viewers to engage with their work on an emotional level.
Meet the artists and experience their work firsthand at the opening reception on Saturday, September 21, from 1-3 PM. The Pearl Ellis Gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 AM to 4 PM.

CVAG Film Series – Autumn 2024
2024-09-18 08:00 - 17:00 | Landmark Cinemas, 2655 Cliffe Ave, Courtenay, BC, Canada
The Comox Valley Art Gallery Film Series is a selection of titles from the Toronto International Film Festival Film Circuit. We normally present two Film Series each year – one in the winter/spring and one in the fall.
CVAG staff and volunteers organize the film series, and proceeds go towards our artistic programming.
TICKETS + SEASON PASSES
Tickets are $17 for CVAG Members, $18 for Non-Members.
Season passes for all 10 films are $153 for CVAG Members, $162 for Non-Members. To become a member, please call or visit the gallery.
Tickets are available for purchase online at cvag.tickit.ca.
NOTE: Tickets are only available at Landmark Cinemas if the film has not sold out; to avoid disappointment purchase tickets in advance. All seating at Landmark Cinemas is first come, first served; please do not save seats. There is no seating after 5PM. NO REFUNDS.
September 18 2024 / 5:00pm – November 20 2024 / 5:00pm

CVAG FILM SERIES – AUTUMN 2024 SCREENINGS
Films screen at 5PM on Wednesdays at Landmark Cinemas — 2655 Cliffe Ave., Courtenay.
September 18 — Perfect Days
September 25 — The Queen of My Dreams
October 2 — Evil Does Not Exist
October 9 — Café Daughter
October 16 — The Old Oak
October 23 — We Grown Now
October 30 — Sweetland
November 6 — Fancy Dance
November 13 — Sing Sing
November 20 — Thelma

Route 19A Studio Tour
2024-09-21 10:00 - 2024-09-22 16:00 | BC
It’s ART STUDIO TOUR weekend!! Sept 21,22 10-4
29 private art studios opening up their doors to the public from Qualicum Beach to Union Bay. Chat with the artists, get the back stories and inspirations. Enjoy and support your local artists.
https://www.route19a.com/studio-tour

Queen: It's A Kinda Magic
2024-09-22 14:30 - 21:00 | Sid Williams Theatre, 442 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, BC, V9N 2J2, Canada
Following the huge success of its 2023 Canadian national tour, Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic is RETURNING IN 2024 by popular demand!
See the rock spectacular that everyone RAVED about, bringing their big sound, big screens, crazy lighting and outlandish costumes back for a night of non-stop rock anthems, including Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, We Are the Champions, Radio GaGa, I Want to Break Free, Somebody to Love, Don’t Stop Me Now, Another One Bites the Dust and so many more.
Featuring Dominic Warren reprising his role as ‘Freddie Mercury’ and performing vocals, piano and guitar all LIVE ON STAGE and in original key.
Don’t miss the REAL ROCK EXPERIENCE, direct from Australia!

Live Lecture: It’s a Maritime War
2024-09-24 19:00 - 20:00 | the Courtenay and District Museum, 207 4th St, Courtenay, BC, COURTENAY, BC, V9N 1G7, Canada
Tuesday, September 24th @7:00 pm (6:30 pm Doors Open)
Event type: In-person
Location: Rotary Gallery of the Courtenay and District Museum
Speaker: Catherine Gilbert
Award winning author and historian Catherine Gilbert will be giving a PowerPoint presentation on the war at sea at the Courtenay and District Museum. This lecture will discuss the WW II fort at Yorke Island, which was the focus of her first book, Yorke Island and the Uncertain War. Many images used in this pictorial presentation come from private collections of veterans and families of veterans, and so too, do the stories that go with them.
For more information about this event please visit the Courtenay and District Museum website: https://www.courtenaymuseum.ca/upcoming-lecture/
Tickets: $5 for Historical Society members; $6 for the general public. Advance tickets are recommended. Tickets can be purchased over the phone by calling 250-334-0686 ext 2.

Kym Gouchie
2024-09-26 19:30 - 21:30 | Sid Williams Theatre, 442 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, BC, V9N 2J2, Canada
Lheidli T’enneh artist, performer and cultural ambassador Kym Gouchie’s traditional hand drum, acoustic guitar, full-bodied voice and authentic storytelling make her a powerful force. Indigenous, folk, roots and subtle country tones alongside Kym’s poignant lyrics and eloquent delivery have a stirring impact on her audience, instilling hope and inspiration. She’ll be performing as a full band with a tantalizing blend of accompanists on cello, bass, keys and vocal harmonies, featuring a variety of her music including some heartwarming songs from her new album Shun Beh Nats’ujeh (We Are Healing Through Songs). Kym is known for her unique and memorable performances and this show will open your heart.
Kym is also well-known as a speaker and bridge-builder, called upon regularly to work with groups across the country on themes of reconciliation, promoting connection, unity and healing. She is a founding member of CARE – Canadian Artists for Reconciliation & Education.
“Kym Gouchie is an artist who has the ability to momentarily make us feel that time can stand still. Performing with a combination of soulful expression, focused intent, integrity, and artistic depth, Kym Gouchie embraces and holds audiences while imparting messages and truths in songs that need to be heard. Kym is a truly unique artist who seamlessly blends the contemporary with the traditional.” – Peter North, Artistic Director: Salmon Arm Roots & Blues

Spinning and Unraveling: Art from the Wachiay Residency (Exhibit Opening)
2024-09-27 17:00 - 20:00 | Comox Valley Art Gallery, 580 Duncan Avenue, Courtenay, BC
During this year’s Wachiay Residency, six community-based artists from around B.C. spent a week immersed in the screen print medium. Their work will be on display at Comox Valley Art Gallery from September 27-October 26.

The opening of this exhibit coincides with Pulse in the Plaza. Several of the artists will be in attendance.

Luke Ramsey from the Sunshine Coast and Rachelle Antoine from K’omoks First Nation were the first artists in the studio. They were followed by Amanda Hugon and Facundo Gastiazoro who are part of Raven Tacuara mural collective in northern B.C. The final artist pair, Shawna Kiesman and Danika Saunders, are longtime friends who met at Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art.

Pulse on the Plaza
2024-09-27 17:00 - 21:00 | Duncan & 6th, Duncan Avenue, Courtenay, BC, V9N 2M7, Canada
SUMMER PULSE ON THE PLAZAHAPPENING ON FRIDAYS THIS SUMMER – JULY 26, AUG 23 AND SEPT 27
Get ready for an exciting summer of creativity and community at “Summer Pulse on the Plaza”. This vibrant arts-based event will take place on the fourth Friday of July, August, and September on the Plaza in front of the Comox Valley Art Gallery (CVAG) building, located in the heart of Downtown Courtenay.
Join us for a celebration of local talent and community spirit including music, dancing, food and community.

Event Dates:
Friday, July 26, 2024
Friday, August 23, 2024
Friday, September 27, 2024
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Summer Pulse on the Plaza is proudly brought to you in partnership with

Comox Valley Art Gallery
Comox Valley Community Arts Council
Elevate the Arts
Downtown Courtenay Business Improvement Association.

Additional partners include Lush Valley, Queer Culture, Pride Comox Valley, and CVOX (Comox Valley Community Radio)!
Together, we aim to foster a vibrant and inclusive community through the arts.

Event Highlights

Live Music: Enjoy performances by local bands and solo artists, showcasing a variety of musical genres.
CVAG Art Exhibition Featuring work by Diane Landry – open late!
Dancing: Family friendly dancing led by local instructors and facilitators
Make Art Stations: Participate in hands-on arts activities suitable for all ages.

Summer Pulse on the Plaza is a family-friendly event designed to inspire and engage participants of all ages. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a performer, or simply looking to enjoy a fun night out with your neighbors, this event has something for everyone.
Admission is free!
Bring your friends and family, and let’s make this summer memorable together. We look forward to seeing you there! Let’s create a vibrant community pulse at the Plaza this summer!

Spinning and Unravelling: Art from the Wachiay Residency
2024-09-27 17:00 - 2024-10-26 17:00 | Comox Valley Art Gallery, 580 Duncan Avenue, Courtenay, BC

Fleetwood Magic, the Authentic Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
2024-09-27 19:30 - 21:30 | Sid Williams Theatre, 442 Cliffe Avenue, Courtenay, BC, V9N 2J2, Canada
Fleetwood Magic Tribute Band transports audiences in sound and time on a musical journey performing Fleetwood Mac’s greatest hits from the 60’s to the 80’s. They perform in vintage costumes using period correct instrument sounds, exacting vocals and onstage character to personify this most famous line-up of Fleetwood Mac.
Fleetwood Mac is one of the world’s most popular and iconic groups and has earned their place in the rock and roll hall of fame as one of the biggest selling classic rock bands on the planet!
Fleetwood Magic vividly reminds audiences of all ages, what made “The Mac” legendary. Experiencing timeless classics like “Rhiannon,” “Dreams,” “You Make Loving Fun,” “Say You Love Me,” “The Chain,” “Go Your Own Way,” listeners have come to realize the rumours are true – Fleetwood Magic does indeed, deliver the magic!
Fleetwood Magic is comprised of the finest musicians…Twirling in chiffon and velvet, personifying Stevie Nicks is Diane Warren, the signature guitar licks and full throttle vocals of Lindsay Buckingham are performed by Mike Luniw, the silky lead and harmony vocals of the late-great Christine McVie is Songbird Zoey Leven, the iconic groove and mad-man drummer personality is that of Curtis Michael Leippi, the steady and underrated bass anchor of John McVie is Dave Kalancha, and ambient keyboard sounds are created by Steve Bush.
Fleetwood Magic continually plays sold out shows to thousands of Fleetwood Mac fans! This show is a must see!
For more information about Fleetwood Magic, please visit: fleetwoodmagic.ca

Closing - Exhibit: Models & Miniatures
2024-09-28 10:00 - 16:00 | the Courtenay and District Museum, 207 4th St, Courtenay, BC, COURTENAY, BC, V9N 1G7, Canada
Explore this exhibit as if you were a giant, and enjoy the new perspective that miniatures give us to see the world. This Courtenay and District Museum curated exhibit showcases items of various scales and sizes almost entirely from the museum’s collection. These artifacts represent well over 100 years of artists with a deep understanding of dimension, texture, and detail.
Check out the hands-on table, take part in an I-Spy matching game, and see what the museum’s collection has to offer for all things big and small.

Cumberland Fungus Fest
2024-10-03 08:00 - 2024-10-05 17:00 | BC
Calling all lovers of fungus and forest ecology! Join us for our 5th Annual Cumberland Fungus Fest featuring guided walks, films, talks, workshops, science pub, kids activities, art projects, forest feast and much more! October 3-5 2024 in and around the sweet Village of Cumberland.
LIMITED PASSES AVAILABLE! General Passes are $40. YOUTH PASSES (18 and under) are $20. These get you access to the plenary presentations, films, panels, science pub, workshops, Fungus Bazaar, craft market and more.
PLEASE NOTE: Guided walks and workshops with materials costs require additional registration fees. Additional registrations open Monday September 16th at 9 am
We explore fungus through an ‘interdisciplinary lens’. This includes forest ecology, foraging ethics, traditional uses, functional mushrooms, climate change, death and decomposition, psychedelics, art, music, mythology and storytelling.

Artful : The Poets With Steven J. Thompson
2024-10-07 19:00 - 21:00 | Artful the Gallery, 526 Cumberland Rd, Courtenay, BC, V9N 2C7
Artful : The Poets features poet Steven J. Thompson as the opener in our monthly poetry series. Carys Owen will host the evening and guide the open mic following Thompson’s reading. Sign up for the open mic at the door, 5 mins per spot. $10 or pwyc.

Exhibit: Dinosaurs of BC at the Courtenay and District Museum
2024-10-08 10:00 - 2025-02-01 16:00 | the Courtenay and District Museum, 207 4th St, Courtenay, BC, COURTENAY, BC, V9N 1G7, Canada
Dinosaurs of BC, a travelling exhibit produced by the Royal BC Museum, is now on display at the Courtenay and District Museum.
Dig into prehistoric British Columbia and get up close and personal with “Buster”, the Iron Lizard of the Sustut River, and the other dinosaurs that once roamed the province’s highest peaks, densest forests and most remote river basins. Through research done by the Royal BC Museum’s palaeontology team, we’re learning just how many ancient creatures once called these lands home.
Follow the footsteps of tyrannosaurs and ankylosaurs, see beautifully preserved marine fossils and meet the BC-born and bred Buster, our reigning resident ferrisaurus.
Dinosaurs of BC initially debuted at the Royal BC Museum in 2023 and was met with an overwhelmingly positive public response.
“The Courtenay and District Museum team is thrilled to welcome the Dinosaurs of BC exhibit from the Royal BC Museum, and to invite the public to discover ”Buster” and other dinosaurs that reflect the diversity of British Columbia’s ancient life. This, along with the Courtenay and District Museum’s palaeontological holdings, including the 80-million-year-old elasmosaur, now British Columbia’s official fossil emblem, will give visitors a rare and exciting experience in exploring BC’s vast fossil record” says Deborah Griffiths, Executive Director at the Courtenay Museum.

Bag Making With Lorraine
2024-10-08 18:00 - 20:00 | #4-420 Fitzgerald Ave., Courtenay, BC, Canada
Oct 8 – Oct 22
Join Lorraine for this great bag-making class!
You will use the Traverse Bag by Noodlehead Patterns, with a small modification to make it even more beginner-friendly.
Choose from two sizes!
This class is a great way to keep practicing those straight lines, sewing zippers, and making accurate measurements and cuts. You’ll learn how to use bag patterns, rotary cutters, and hardware.
For your convenience, we have included all the hardware, straps, zippers (with a few colours to choose from) and interfacing, so all you need to buy is your fabric. Use a lovely canvas or even a linen!
The only prerequisite: Basic knowledge of the sewing machine (Foundations, Get to Know your sewing machine class or Fundamentals are a great start.). If you are still beginner, Lorraine can help set up your machine, but there isn’t time to explain how to thread the machine, in order to keep the class focused on bag making!

Intro To Quilting- A Simple Sampler
2024-10-09 10:00 - 12:00 | #4-420 Fitzgerald Ave., Courtenay, BC, Canada
Oct 9 – Nov 13
Feeling intimidated about quilting? It can feel scary, but a calm and compassionate teacher with a plan will help you work through the step to succeed! Enter Lorraine! Please read the complete description before registration!
This multi-week class is a great primer, encompassing the basic skills you need for almost any future quilt.
Prerequisite: Students should have some experience on a sewing machine (within the last year or so), some comfort with straight line sewing.
You’ll learn about fabrics, colours, print and how many different ways you can make something look great!
You’ll gain confidence with measuring and cutting with the rotary cutter and learn chain-piecing and pressing.
You’ll learn the tips and tricks to make 4-squares look great, how to make log cabins and the essential- half square triangles!
The pattern we’ve created for this class is somewhat modular- if you want to play with the design, you may. However, if you know yourself to be indecisive or perfectionist, we invite you to make it as designed to take that pressure off you, and to spend your energy learning, not thinking!
Next, you’ll construct your whole quilt top, quilt and bind it.
Some people (like Nicole) love piecing quilts but don’t enjoy the actual quilting part- so you’ll have the option to have it long-arm quilted by Lorraine (for a fee), and then you’ll bind it!
The thing about quilts- they are infinite. One design can be made so personally and so uniquely time and again!
Batting and thread is included in the cost of the class, but fabric is not. We know many people have their own fabric they want to use, and using the collected stash is a great way to get started!
You can use as few as two fabrics for a very graphic look, or 50 for a scrappy look.

Comox Valley Community Fibre Crafts
2024-10-10 18:00 - 19:30 | BC
Drop-In on 2nd Thursdays (Mar 14, Apr 11, May 9, Jun 13, Jul 11, Aug 8, Sep 12, Oct 10, Nov 14 ) from 6 – 7:30pm at the Courtenay Library Multipurpose Room.

Bring your fibre crafts (knitting, crochet, spinning, etc.) and spend time with community members at the CV Community Fibre Crafts evenings at the Courtenay Library. Drop in, no registration needed.

Do you want to learn how to spin sheep’s wool into yarn? We’ll have spindles and fleece you can try working with! Some supplies and mentorship available.

Supplies sponsored by the Comox Valley Community Foundation and the Neighbourhood Small Grants Program

Art Writers Ghost Collective One Day Pop-up Art Exhibition
2024-10-12 13:00 - 17:00 | Artful the Gallery, 526 Cumberland Rd, Courtenay, BC, V9N 2C7
Just two weeks following a lymphoma diagnosis in October of last year, Courtenay artist Josh Klassen wanted a low-key, but creative way to connect with friends and family for his birthday. The first group painting party kicked off a project that would last through the next several months of treatment. A loose collective was formed, and a body of work emerged. The Art Writers Ghost Collective gathered most Sundays between November 2023 and March 2024 for brunch and a collaborative painting.
The core group of artists includes Anna Rambow, Josh Klassen, Olivia Klassen, Marcelle Wheeler, and Dave Miklos, but the attending participants are fluid with a range of people contributing towards each painting.
Often using up-cycled canvases, the pieces are usually large enough to cover the dinner table. The artists rotate around the canvas and spin the painting throughout the afternoon. The process begins with a colourful abstraction which is then detailed with a final inking. An intention of letting go, non-attachment, trust in each other and no wrong answers sets the tone for the journey through each session.
The first showcasing of work by the Art Writers Ghost Collective takes place for one day only at Artful: The Gallery in Courtenay. All are welcome to join us on October 12 from 1pm until 5 pm. There will be an interactive painting for those interested in participating, set to the experimental music soundscape of David Miklos and Jesse Gentes duo ZEK. The open house exhibit marks the one year anniversary of Josh’s cancer journey, and a celebration of his remission. All are welcome.

Old Townsites Tour- Cumberland Museum & Archives
2024-10-12 14:00 - 16:00 | BC
1951 Comox Lake Rd #1888, Cumberland, BC V0R 1S0

Explore the rich history of Cumberland’s Japanese and Chinese Communities

Join us for a unique and immersive tour that delves into the intertwined histories of Cumberland’s Chinese and Japanese communities. This special tour, guided by local historian Dawn Copeman, combines the poignant stories of two once-thriving neighbourhoods.

Cumberland’s Chinatown: Begin your journey at Jumbo’s cabin, the last standing structure from Cumberland’s historic Chinatown. Walk through the main streets of Hai Gai and Low Gai, where, from 1888 to 1968, a vibrant community flourished with shops, churches, factories, clubhouses, bakeries, theatres, and family-run farms. Dawn will recount the lives of the ordinary and extraordinary people who made Chinatown a self-contained and thriving community nestled in the wetlands.

Japanese Community of No. 1 Town: Next, you will visit the site where thirty-one cherry trees stand as a tribute to the last families who lived in No. 1 Town. Here, you will see the remnants of old cement pillars, all that remains of a bustling Japanese Canadian community that came to work in the Dunsmuir coal mines. Despite facing unsafe working conditions and poor pay, these families found ways to thrive until their forcible removal in 1942, an event that forever altered the fabric of Cumberland. Dawn will share her extensive work with the families and descendants of this community, bringing their stories to life.

This comprehensive tour will take place on Sunday, August 18th, at 1 p.m. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with Cumberland’s rich cultural heritage through Dawn Copeman’s engaging stories and historical insights.

Reserve your spot today and step back in time to explore the enduring legacies of Cumberland’s Japanese and Chinese communities.

A Comox Valley Tribute To David Bowie
2024-10-12 19:00 - 23:00 | Comox Valley Curling Centre, 4835 Headquarters Road, Courtenay, BC, V9J1P2, Canada
10+ local musical acts each playing 12 minute sets of their interpretations of David Bowie songs.
Hosted by Patti Savard.
Including: Space Junk Removal Service, Captain Thunderpants, Macaque Attack, Wylie Marr, Captain Hofish, TV Dreams, sufferfools, Sonder, Avro and more.
October 12, 2024
Doors at 7pm music at 8pm
Comox Valley Curling Centre
4835 Headquarters Road, Courtenay
$25 at cvgbs.tickit.ca or Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1015884867987
All ages until 10pm – 19+ after 10pm
$10 for people under 19, but all minors must leave the venue at 10pm, even if the show is not over.
Raffle tickets will be sold for an amazing selection of David Bowie memorabilia (Backpack, lunchbox, songbook, playing cards, career retrospective CD box set, colouring book, playing cars, etc). Bowie raffle sponsored by Bartle and Gibson Plumbing and Electric.
All proceeds go to the Gukwa̱s sa Wagalus Rainbow House
A transitional housing project for 2SLGBTQQIA+ youth in our community. A partnership between Dawn to Dawn and the Pride Society of the Comox Valley, supported by Hereditary leadership and the K’omoks First Nation.

Comox Valley Songwriters Circle
2024-10-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Artful the Gallery, 526 Cumberland Rd, Courtenay, BC, V9N 2C7
The circles are a place for both new and experienced songwriters to come share new songs they are working on, or to dust off some old ones that may need some practice. We take turns going around the circle sharing one song at a time, and each artist can decide if they want others to jam or singalong to their tune. Suggested donation $10.
