ARts
CULTURE & HERITAGE
GUIDE
comox valley
VANCOUVER ISLAND, BRITISH COLUMBIA
Arts, Culture and Heritage
B
oasting over eight museums celebrating the diverse history of the Comox Valley area, plus countless festivals throughout the year – the Comox Valley is a significant cultural hub. Check out an impressive year-round line up of music, theatre, dance and comedy at the Sid Williams Theatre, not to mention artistic celebrations at the Comox Valley Art Gallery and numerous area galleries.
JaNuArY
• Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour
FeBrUaRy
• Victoria Ballet February 16th, 2019
MaRcH
2018 EvEnTs AuGuSt • • • • •
• Live music through out the Comox Valley • Art shows at the local galleries
ApRiL
• Live music through out the Comox Valley • Art shows at the local galleries • Annual Spring Fling and Easter Things, Courtenay Museum April 13
MaY
• Denman Island Baroque Music Workshop & Festival • Central Island Studio Tour • Art & Bloom Festival
JuNe
• National Indigenous Peoples Day with K’ómoks First Nation June 21, 2pm – 7pm • BC Historical Federation AGM, Courtenay Museum and Native Sons Hall June 6 - 9
JuLy
• Annual Canada Day Open House at Courtenay Museum July 1 • Vancouver Island Music Festival • Hornby Island Farmer’s & Artisan’s Outdoor Market • Music in the Mountains • Simm’s Summer Concert Series • Downtown Courtenay Market Day July 21
• • •
Hornby Island Festival Filberg Festival - August 3 - 6 Comox Nautical Days - August 4 - 6 Victor Simonson Dragon Boat Festival August 5 Indigenous Night Market Hosted by I-Hos Gallery - August 5 - Indigenous Artisans & Bannock 3pm – 8pm - Khowutzun Singers & Dancers 5pm – 6pm - Kumugwe Dance Group 7pm – 8pm Originals ONly Art Show Marina Park August 11 & 12 Simm’s Summer Concert Series Denman Island Studio Tour
SePtEmBeR
• Artisan’s Festival • Hornby Island Farmers & Artisan’s Outdoor Market • Welcome Family and Friends to Our Bighouse – Book Reading with Nella Nelson and Karin Clark September 13, 7pm – 8pm
OcToBeR
• Ballet Victoria’s Frankenstein October 19
NoVeMbEr
• Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour • I-Hos Gallery’s Customer Appreciation Days November 23 & 24, 10am – 5pm • Moonlight and Magic in Downtown Courtenay November 23
DeCeMbEr
• Live Music through out the Comox Valley • Art shows at the local galleries • Comox Valley Christmas Parade in Downtown Courtenay December 2
Photo Credits with thanks to I-Hos Gallery, Courtenay & District Museum, Strathcona Photography 2
DISCOVERCOMOXVALLEY.COM |
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DiScOvEr In CoMoX
The Town of Comox surrounds the beautiful Comox Harbour with the stunning backdrop of the Beaufort Mountain range and offers an impressive line-up of events and arts & cultural attractions. This pedestrian friendly shopping & restaurant area boasts unique art galleries, two Museums, and the beautiful Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park, with its incredible oceanside gardens and seasonal Petting Zoo. Take time to explore the waterfront marinas, shop fresh seafood directly from the Fishers themselves or enjoy tasty treats from one of the mobile food trucks. The kiddies will love to play in the new Rotary Splash Park and Playground. Visitors can enjoy playing on outdoor pianos that have been painted by local artisans and can be found in several downtown outdoor locations, plus find buskers filling the air with their musical talents. All this enhanced by the beautifully landscaped streets, parks and walking trails.
DiScOvEr In CoUrTeNaY
Downtown Courtenay is not only known for its wide variety of unique boutique shops but is also known for its street markets and events that bring vibrancy downtown.
48th Annual Market Day:
Saturday July 21st from 9am to 6pm Downtown Courtenay comes alive with wonderful things to do. You’ll find handmade, one-of-akind products from one of the 100 plus vendors along with the great selection of the downtown shops. The streets come alive with local music, dancing and more.
Summer Night Market Every Friday Night:
Comox Valley Arts plan a fun night market that runs from 4-9 every Friday night from June 22 to Sept 7. This market is located in the centre of Downtown Courtenay and fills the street with vendors of all sorts, unique and entertaining buskers, food, farmers, dj’s and special events too.
Moonlight Magic and the Comox Valley Christmas Parade:
There is no better way to kick off into the spirit of the season than with Moonlight and Magic Friday November 23rd. The merchants, cafes, restaurants and pubs offer special features all day which can help you get a head start on your Chirstmas shopping and find something unique for everybody on your list. The streets come alive at night with campfires, music and various entertainment. The Comox Valley Christmas Parade is on December 2.
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heritage Tours & Excursions Numerous museums celebrating the heritage of the region await discovery. Explore cultural treasures of the K’ómoks people for a fascinating glimpse into First Nations culture and discover the history of early pioneering life and the paleontology of the region.
I-Hos Gallery 100% owned by the K’omoks First Nation and located on the site of the original Comox Village. Traditional and Contemporary NWC artwork and masks, prints, gold and silver jewelry, wood carvings, textiles and clothing produced by Indigenous artists. Facebook.com/IHosGallery instagram.com/IHosGallery ihosgallery.com 4
DISCOVERCOMOXVALLEY.COM |
1.855.400.2882
Puntledge RV Campground and Nim Nim Interpretive Centre Puntledge RV Campground is a 5 min. walk to downtown Courtenay with a breathtaking river and mountain view as your backdrop. Family oriented, group camping, walking trails, fishing, swimming, firepits and spacious grassy sites. Full-service sites, water, hydro, WiFi, cable, sewer, hot showers, laundry facilities, flush and clean toilets. Open field for large events, (weddings, festivals, family reunions) 250-334-3773 | 4624 Condensory Rd., Courtenay BC V9J 1R6 puntledge_rv_campground@shaw.ca www.puntledgerv.com
Drop by the Vancouver Island Visitor Centre for more information about what’s on at area museums year-round. 1-855-400-2882 discovercomoxvalley.com
Share & WIN!
@VIVisitorsCentre @DiscoverComoxValley VancouverIslandVisitorCentre #EXPLORECOMOXVALLEY
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Courtenay & District Museum and Paleontology Centre
This one-of-a-kind destination in historic downtown Courtenay is a must-see for your discovery list. With a cultural and natural history mandate since 1961, the Courtenay Museum’s exhibits and programs stretch back to 80 million years ago with local finds of dinosaur- age elasmosaurs, mosasaurs and more. Year round fossil field trips are available. Moving up into more recent history, the museum explores First Nations culture, colonial settlement and modern history. Vibrant and award winning, the museum is open year-round with exhibits, programs and active archival research. courtenaymuseum.ca
The HMCS Alberni Museum And Memorial Located in downtown Courtenay, this museum honours the men who served on the Canadian Corvette HMCS Alberni between 1941 and 1945. alberniproject.org
Comox Air Force Museum Boasts an outdoor Heritage Airpark that takes you on a journey through the colourful aviation history of CFB Comox. comoxairforcemuseum.ca 6
DISCOVERCOMOXVALLEY.COM |
1.855.400.2882
Comox Museum & Archives Learn about the history, development and exploration of Comox and Vancouver Island through to modern times. comoxmuseum.ca
Cumberland Museum & Archives cumberlandmuseum.ca
Union Bay Museum Located along Heritage Row in Union Bay. Open in July and August.
Denman Island Museum Located at 1111 Northwest Road, Denman Island. Open in July and August. Call the Vancouver Island Visitor Centre for a complete museum handout. 1-855-400-2882
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Sid Williams Theatre Check out an impressive year-round line-up of music, theatre, dance, and comedy at the Sid Williams Theatre in downtown Courtenay. www.sidwilliamstheatre.com
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DISCOVERCOMOXVALLEY.COM |
1.855.400.2882
Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park Nine acres of breathtakingly landscaped waterfront green space, gardens and heritage buildings; the site of numerous arts and culture events throughout the year including the popular Filberg Festival. www.filberg.com
Comox Valley Art Gallery
The Comox Valley Art Gallery is a public art gallery featuring contemporary, experimental and applied art by regional, national and international artists. CVAG’s location within the downtown core unites the art community; artists, art lovers and tourists alike to share in the vibrant art and culture that the Comox Valley has to offer. www.comoxvalleyartgallery.com
Brian Buckrell
Award winning Comox Valley artist. Canadian artist making impressionist paintings of Canadian landscapes in oil & acrylics. Brian`s paintings are reflective of his love of the outdoors, travel, agriculture and rural communities. www.brianbuckrell.com
COMOX VALLEY your community arts council
comoxvalleyarts.com
We support, promote & celebrate our vibrant, inclusive arts community Producers of the Central Island Arts Guide & Studio Tour, CV Poet Laureate Program, Annual 30-Day Drawing Challenge, Downtown Courtenay Summernight Markets, Youth Music Showcases and more.
CONNECT CULTIVATE COMMUNICATE COLLABORATE
JOIN US!
CREATIVTSITY COUN
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5392 Island Hwy N. Courtenay Studio open Saturdays or by appointment tel: 778-992-1138 www.aprildyck.ca
Darrel Hancock Pottery
Offering a wide selection of Handmade functional Stoneware pottery. Please call if you would like to visit the gallery. 250- 752-4533 | Email: darrelha@telus.net 3505 Harris Cresent, Qualicum Beach, B.C
Esther Sample
West Coast Artist. From old relics in remote harbours, to tiny grains of sand & seaweed glowing in the morning sun, coastal living seeps into every piece of Esther’s artwork. 250-218-7371 | www.esthersample.com
Bev Bryerley
Professional west coast painter with a passion for landscape in the Comox Valley, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The west coast landscape continues to be the main creative inspiration for many of her paintings. www.bevbyerley.com
Ĺ imice Fine Art
Painter Jerry Simice 250-890-0487
email: simice.fineart@gmail.com
www.simicefineart.com 10 DISCOVERCOMOXVALLEY.COM |
1.855.400.2882
W I L D LY O P T I M I S T I C A R T W O R K
LUCY SCHAPPY art lucyschhappy@gmail.com | 250 650-1200 #201, 2456 Rosewall Cres. Courtenay
www.lucyschappy.com
Mary Osborn Reed Art LOCALLY INSPIRED
in realistic landscapes, people & animals. IN ACRYLIC WATER COLOR & CHARCOAL.
3509 S. Island Hwy, Courtenay 250-871-5300
maryosbornreed.ca
Comox Valley Community Arts Council
Working to facilitate and animate arts &culture in the community. Doing a wide variety of cultural activities, workshops, events, festivals, seasonal programs, & support of members groups. comoxvalleyarts.com
JULY 28th & 29th 2018
Delight in the Arts on Beautiful Texada Island
21 artists in13 studios & group venues free admission, studios open 10 am - 4 pm free studio tour bus available *
Listen to Coast FM 95.7 in Powell River to win ferry passes Travel to Texada Island via BC Ferries Westview Terminal in Powell River, an easy connection from Comox. Don’t forget your camera for frequent whale and dolphin sightings! * see website for tour guide & bus bookings
www.TexadaArt.com #EXPLORECOMOXVALLEY
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Unique Comox Valley Souvenirs
Visit the North Island’s
LARGEST Screen Print & Embroidery Workshop.
479 - 4th St, Downtown Courtenay | 250-334-3656 Mon - Fri 9-5, Thurs 9-5:30 | www.hitecprint.com 12 DISCOVERCOMOXVALLEY.COM |
1.855.400.2882
heritage Tours and Excursions Comox Valley Heritage Experience The Comox Valley Heritage Experience features four self-guided walking tours and two driving tours highlighting the cultural and historical landmarks of the region.
Comox Heritage Walk Guides visitors through the rise of this seaside community and its significance as a deep sea port, importance to First Nations people and value to early pioneers.
Downtown Courtenay Heritage Walks Explore the beautiful “Old Orchard” settlement and iconic buildings like the Native Sons Hall, the largest free span log building in Canada. The Courtenay Riverway Heritage Walk highlights the importance of the Courtenay River to the development of the region.
Cumberland Heritage Walks Learn about the Villages fascinating coal mining history and visit the working class neighbourhoods of Camp Road and Little Jerusalem, the fine home of Doctors Row or the stately heritage buildings on Dunsmuir Ave.
Visit DiscoverComoxValley. com/HeritageTours for online Comox Valley Heritage Experience maps and brochures.
Kye Bay BnB
Rooms have own full ensuite and mini fridge. Queen or King size beds. Full breakfast included. Quiet location. Walk to the beach. Minutes from the Comox Valley airport. Call 250- 465-1878 or visit our website www.kyebaybnb.com
The Riding Fool Hostel
Trailside accommodation downtown Cumberland. Full common kitchens & BBQ. Wireless internet access. Large common room with woodstove, slate pool table & bike shop & café on premises. Min. to Mt. Washington. 250-336-8250 | www.ridingfool.com #EXPLORECOMOXVALLEY
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Call or visit
the Visitor Centre to get the best insider
information on accommodations for every taste and budget!!!
Contact Us - Vancouver Island Visitor Centre #101-3607 Small Road, Cumberland BC (Take exit #117 from the Inland Island Hwy) Toll Free 1.855.400.2882 Local 250.400.2882 ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS FOR EVERY TASTE AND BUDGET!
Codes Country Lanes
For bowling in the Comox Valley we offer league options, open play time, party and special events rentals and more. 250-334-1051 | www.codescountrylanes.com
A Garden Cottage Retreat
Garden Cottage Retreat is only minutes from beaches, forests, parks, marinas, galleries, shopping. Meals are self-catered in a fully equipped kitchen. A complimentary welcome basket. 1308 Dociddle Rd.,Comox | 250-339- 7512 | gardencottageretreat.com 14 DISCOVERCOMOXVALLEY.COM |
1.855.400.2882
hornbyisland.com
Destination: Arts, Culture & Nature
The Hornby Festival August 1–10, 2019 hornbyfestival.com
Herring Fest March 6–9, 2019 conservancyhornbyisland.org The Film Fest March 22–24, 2019 hornbyarts.com The Gallery May–October hornbyarts.com Blues Fest May, 2019 hornby-blues.bc.ca • Over 60 Professional Artists • Open Studios, Murals & Tours • An Artist Colony on an Island with 1/3 Protected Parkland