Arts & Culture

Wildly Authentic

Known for its acceptance of people who don’t typically fit into a box, the Slocan Valley has a rich legacy of being a little different…and very creative. The sheer amount of artists, makers and musicians is remarkable and together have woven a colourful community fabric.

Painters, potters, fibre artists and photographers are a valued and celebrated part of Slocan culture. From the walls of gas stations to bus stop shacks along the highway, the passion for art is evident in the outdoor murals you see that provide unique insight into Slocan Valley life and history. The Slocan Valley Community Arts Council, Slocan Lake Arts Council, Columbia Basin Trust, Valhalla Fine Arts Society and the West Kootenay Regional Arts Council are all passionate about supporting the artists who thrive here.

There are galleries like the Hidden Garden Gallery in New Denver and Silverton Gallery in Silverton as well as hidden gems like the Japanese Memorial Gardens in New Denver. Various restaurants in the Valley are filled with local art and one of the most popular Valley events, the Slocan Art & Garden Tour, pairs local artists with spectacular gardens every June.

The music scene is thriving in every corner of the Valley with backyard jams, cafe performances, magical EDM parties and a rotating music festival scene.

When it comes to dance, don’t even try to stop us. It breaks out at nearly every event and festival in the Valley thanks to dance collectives like In the Sticks, while dance and yoga is practiced in backroad studios like Bindu Community Studio in Winlaw and wherever the beauty of nature calls.

No matter what you’re into, nature is the glue that connects us all and is an important point of connection for visitors and locals alike. Rugged, rural and wild, the Slocan Valley feels like one of the last frontiers, where people can truly feel like they’re “away from it all”. 

History is everywhere in the Valley; stories interwoven over thousands of years. And the unique and eclectic mix of people here do an amazing job of looking after one another and working together to make the most of daily life.

Check out our Valley Directory to learn more about the studios, galleries and arts organizations in the Valley.