Updates from Culture & Events

City of Nanaimo // NOVEMBER 2023

Upcoming!  Artist Talks
with Curtis Grahauer & David Martinello
Meet the Artist, appreciate the art - Saturday, December 2nd

Images (L-R):  Screen capture from Temporary Public Art project Millstone, 2022, C. Grahauer; 
Temporary Public Art project Compelling Agency, 2023, D. Martinello;  Image credit, Jaime-Brett Sine

Compelling Agency

Join local artist, David Martinello, to learn more about his recently unveiled public art sculpture, "Compelling Agency" found adjacent to the Wallace Street and Fitzwilliam Street intersection. This arresting, large-scale sculpture speaks to the connective value we have to wood.
Meet the artist at his sculpture, installed at the green space adjacent the intersection of Wallace & Fitzwilliam Streets, from 1-2pm.

Millstone

Join local artist, Curtis Grahauer in conversation with Eliot White-Hill, Kwulasultun, to learn more about his recently unveiled public art project, "Millstone" - an interactive media project. Millstone consists of six films accessed using personal devices and QR codes found on signs located throughout Bowen Park (Nanaimo, BC). Project info: https://www.millstonefilm.ca/. You’ll find Curtis upstairs at Black Rabbit Kitchen from 2-3pm.

More about Temporary Public Art

2023 National Day for Truth & Reconciliation
Wellness Unites

Image: National Day for Truth & Reconcilation event, September 2023
Photo credit: Sean Fenzl

The City of Nanaimo observed the third National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, 2023, with "Wellness Unites: A Community Event for Health and Reconciliation." This free public event was intended to foster community well-being and address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action, which stress the significance of sport, health, and well-being in the reconciliation process.

The event took place at three separate locations - Oliver Woods Community Centre, the Nanaimo Ice Centre, and the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre. Activities included gymnasium sports, games, family playrooms, arts and crafts, interactive booths, skating sessions, stick 'n' puck sessions, and free swimming and weight room access. Orange shirts featuring the art of celebrated Snuneymuxw artist Noel Brown were available for purchase to support survivors and their families.

In line with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action, which emphasize reconciliation and the promotion of physical and mental well-being within Indigenous communities, "Wellness Unites" offered a diverse range of activities for individuals and families to partake in throughout the day. The event provided a free opportunity for the community to engage in the reconciliation process while honoring the resilience of survivors and their families.

Click for more detail

Celebrating Indigenous Culture in Urban Design
with Snuneymuxw artist Eliot White-Hill, Kwulasultun

Image: Utility Box Wrap, design by Eliot White Hill
Photo Credit: Premier Graphics Inc.

Newly welcomed to our Urban Design Roster Program, local artist, Eliot White-Hill, Kwulasultun completed this extraordinary design for a large-scale utility box this fall. This utility box can be seen on Robins Street.

Learn more about past and present infrastructure projects undertaken by partnerships between City departments and artists serving on our Urban Design Roster by clicking the button below!  

More about Urban Design

Meet Kate Stefiuk
Newest member of the
Art in Public Spaces Working Group

Image: Kate Stefiuk, Rotary Garden, Maffeo Sutton Park
Photo Credit: Sean Fenzl

Kate Stefiuk is a landscape architect, urban designer and artist based in Nanaimo, BC. In late summer, Kate applied and was selected to serve as a member of the Art in Public Spaces Working Group, a volunteer committee which serves as an advisory group to City and Council on matters relating to public art.

With an academic background in Fine Arts and sculpture, and over 15-years of professional landscape architecture practice, Kate brings a creative approach to contemporary design that immerses people in productive, restorative landscapes and builds attachment to the natural world. Her goal is to create conditions for life to thrive in our communities.

Kate enjoys giving back to the community through service. Collaborating with the City to bring public art into the community is a fun and exciting way to contribute to culture in the City of Nanaimo.

We are grateful for Kate's extensive knowledge and willingness to lend her voice and talents to us through her time with this board!

Winter 2024 Adult Arts Program Offerings
Give the gift of creativity

Image: stock image, wet felt supplies

Interested in taking some creative classes in the new year? Our Winter 2024 Activity Guide has these great offerings listed:

• Creative Writing 
• Arts as Meditation
• Stained Glass
• Acting Fundamentals
• Portrait Drawing
• Wet Felting
• Intro to Macrame
• Ukulele Classes

View the 2024 Winter Activity Guide

*Registration begins, Wednesday November 22nd

🎨 INSTRUCTOR OPPORTUNITY

Recreation Nanaimo is actively looking for qualified watercolour instructors.  If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact the recreation team at 250-756-5200!

Contact Us

WE’RE HAPPY TO HELP

With respect & gratitude, we acknowledge that our work is carried out on the
territory of the Snuneymuxw people

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