Trench Fest

Prince George, are you prepared for an unparalleled summer celebration that guarantees an extraordinary and unforgettable experience? Brace yourself for TRENCH FEST, the inaugural event of its kind, where five sensational bands will take the stage, delivering the ultimate summer concert!

Get set to witness mind-blowing performances by Dead Sexy, The Barbarians, The Unearthing, the Coastal Drifters, and Cold South. But that's not all! In the intervals between acts, prepare to be enthralled by the talents of Corbin Spensley, Colin and Kizah, Martin Bodo, and Andy Heywood.

To culminate the evening, we have a phenomenal DJ and an extraordinary lighting display, unlike anything you've ever seen before! This unforgettable conclusion is brought to you by Phat Funk and Santana Sound & Lighting.

As part of this event, there will be multiple food trucks, a mobile outdoor bar, and delectable cuisine from Trench Brewing. This fantastic gathering not only promises to tantalize your senses but also supports the PG Humane Society, a dedicated organization striving for a better life for our cherished furry friends!

Secure your place in this legendary event by purchasing your tickets today, priced at just $50 in advance and $60 on the day of the event! Prepare yourself for an experience like no other, where music, lighting, and positive vibes converge! Join us at Trench Brewing and Distilling, where the most electrifying party in the city eagerly awaits you!

Saturday, June 17th starts @4:30PM at the Trench Brewing.

Hope Air Rally

This post is for all the little rebels who want to make the world a better place!
Come join the rally to support fundraiser for patients who must travel long distances in need of vital medical care. The rally will be held by Hope Air on Wednesday, June 14 at 3:30PM-5PM at Prince George Airport.

You can also donate here. Keep in mind, all donations over $20 will receive a charitable donation receipt.

Volunteer Call-out: Indigenous Peoples Day and/or Indigenous Arts Festival

Would you like to support Indigenous History Month this year? You can now sign up to volunteer for Indigenous Peoples Day and Indigenous Arts Festival by emailing to nipd@lheidli.ca.

The Indigenous Peoples Day will be held on Wednesday, June 21st 11AM-8PM with a drum circle at 9:30Am-11AM. The Indigenous Arts Festival will take place on Thursday, June 22nd - Friday, June 23rd at 12PM-8PM. Both events will include lots of cultural activities and will require some help from volunteers with the activities.

World War Women Exhibition

The Exploration Place is hosting the exhibition "World War Women," curated by the Canadian War Museum, which will be available for viewing from June 10th to September 3rd. As a special privilege for Exploration Place members, there will be an exclusive members-only opening on June 9th from 5:30pm to 8:00pm, offering a sneak peek of the exhibition.

About:

A special exhibition is shining a spotlight on the significant contributions made by Canadian women during both World Wars. These women undertook crucial and often perilous tasks, ranging from munitions manufacturing to hand-painting artificial eyes for injured servicemen. Developed by the Canadian War Museum, the Exploration Place is proud to present the exhibition titled "World War Women," which delves into their stories.

Dean F. Oliver, the Acting Vice-President and Director General of the Canadian War Museum, highlighted the immense contribution of women during the wars. He noted that while thousands of women served in the military, many more made invaluable contributions on the home front, spanning agriculture, industry, and social services. Despite gender barriers, the wars presented unprecedented opportunities for women across all areas of Canadian society. This traveling exhibition captures the voices of these women, exploring the various ways they devoted their energy to the war effort, their experiences during the war, and how they lived, served, mourned, and commemorated.

The exhibition, divided into four thematic zones, utilizes artifacts, images, audiovisuals, and archival materials to delve into the personal stories of Canadian women during the world wars. Visitors will have the chance to meet women from volunteer organizations, wartime workplaces, and branches of the military. Notable figures include Joan Arnoldi and Mary Plummer, founders of the Canadian Field Comforts Commission, Ada Sylvester, who worked at the Canadian Car and Foundry plant in present-day Thunder Bay, Ontario, and photographer Lorna Stanger from the Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service. The exhibition also encompasses narratives of grieving wives, mothers, and sisters who experienced loss during the wars.

These compelling stories collectively illustrate the transformative impact of wartime on women's lives and social roles. They highlight how women's capabilities were redefined both within society and within themselves, forging a new understanding of their potential.

Treeplanter's Ball

Come on out on the 4th weekend of June to the Treeplanter’s Ball hosted by Island Mountain Arts! Mark your calendars for the upcoming Treeplanter's Ball, scheduled to take place on June 24th at the Wells Community Hall. The doors will open at 8:00 PM, and the evening will be filled with captivating music performances by Patchwork from Prince George and Cole Patenaude and the Screech Owls from Williams Lake. Ticket prices are $15.00 in advance and $20.00 at the door, with discounted rates available for youth attendees.

During the daytime, Island Mountain Arts will be providing a welcoming space at the Wells Community Hall, offering tea, coffee, arts, crafts, and various activities for both planters and the community to enjoy during their downtime. These activities will be available between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Additionally, Solid Roots, the fundraiser for Wells Destination School, is seeking volunteer planters during the daytime and accepting donations through their gofundme campaign.

To find out more about the event click here.

Peace Valley Folk Fest 2023

Don't miss the opportunity to attend the Peace Valley Folk Festival this year, as it aims to enhance people's lives through diverse art forms such as music, visual art, and even food! This marks their third annual event, featuring a range of local artists from British Columbia and across Canada. You can find the artist lineup at this link. Gather your entire family and join us at the Pearkes Arts & Events Center, located at 10801 Dudley Dr., Hudson's Hope, B.C. V0C-1C0, Canada, from July 21 to July 23. Make sure not to miss this incredible experience and secure your tickets now! To find out more about the festival click here.

Face-to-Face: #NotA + Spectrum Exhibition

Come check out the exhibition “Face-to-Face“ on May 26th - June 21st at Island Mountain Arts, Wells-Barkerville, BC.

The gallery hours are:
Thursday to Sunday 11AM-6PM, or by appointment.

About:

Presented in the exhibition "Face-to-face," two distinct series of portraits capture the viewer's attention with their unique qualities. Created by Northern BC Artists Troy Lindstrom and Samantha Wigglesworth, these series delve into the nuances of initial impressions and preconceived notions.

Lindstrom's #NotA series confronts implicit biases aimed at individuals with disabilities. By examining these illustrations, viewers are prompted to reflect on their own thoughts when interacting with disabled individuals. They are encouraged to question whether their initial perceptions involve negativity, such as fear, repulsion, or pity. This series serves as Lindstrom's contribution to fostering a dialogue about the perception of people with disabilities in Canadian society.

Wigglesworth's Spectrum presents acrylic portraits that depict a small fraction of the diverse range of individuals within the 2SLGBTQI+ spectrum. The series also aims to initiate conversations about the interconnectedness of gender and sexuality. Each portrait shares an equal size and shape, yet the vibrant backgrounds and three-dimensional features emphasize the uniqueness of each artwork and person represented.

As visitors navigate the exhibition, they have the opportunity to assign assumptions and labels regarding the gender and sexuality of each depicted individual. However, the crucial question arises: can one accurately determine these aspects based solely on the representation in the portraits? How does one truly know without engaging in further understanding and dialogue?

Galleria "Fear of Missing Out"

The Two Rivers Gallery is inviting you for an artist talk and opening reception featuring Olamipo Bandele on Thursday, May 25th at 7:30pm. During this event, Bandele will share insights into her design process and delve into the profound influence of Nigerian culture on her work. It is an inclusive occasion, free of charge, and open to everyone who wishes to attend.

Some Backstory:

Olamipo Bandele has a fear of missing out, stemming from her immigration to Canada from Nigeria. She yearns for the comforts, rhythms, and familiar faces of her homeland. To address this longing, Bandele embraces her expertise in fashion, reconnecting with her culture through this art form. Two Rivers Gallery is excited to present Bandele's first solo exhibition, titled "Fear of Missing Out," where her work will be showcased. This exhibition at Galleria will be accessible to the public from May 18th to June 2nd.

Bandele's designs are visually captivating, offering a delightful spectacle. They feature voluminous ruffles and richly textured fabrics, each garment and accessory serving as a tribute to the vibrant colors and styles of Nigeria. Bandele collaborates with other creative individuals to bring her artistic vision to life.

Olamipo Bandele, originally from Nigeria, has chosen to reside in her home country to bring her distinctive designs to life. Through this decision, she not only contributes to Nigeria's economy but also reduces dependence on fast fashion while maintaining her cultural connections. Bandele firmly believes that the best way to appreciate fashion and counter its excessive consumption is to fully immerse herself in the design process, and she practices what she preaches.

In her exhibition, Bandele's designs are beautifully accompanied by her writing. She shares her longing for home and explores the power of gratitude and authenticity as coping mechanisms through poetry and prose. This written component sheds light on Bandele's perspective as she builds a new life in Prince George while staying rooted in Nigeria. It offers viewers a glimpse into her challenging yet rewarding journey. Kait Herlehy, the Acting Curator, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate Olamipo Bandele, recognizing her passion and skill that shine through in all her endeavors. The exhibition aims to share Bandele's work and perspective with the community.

Bandele relocated to pursue a master's degree at the University of Northern British Columbia. After completing her studies, she now resides in Prince George, working as a content writer and designer. Visitors interested in her designs can find some of them available for purchase at the Two Rivers Gallery Shop.

You may also visit the gallery during the following hours:

Tuesdays to Saturdays 10am - 5pm, Thursdays 10am - 9pm and Sundays 12pm - 5pm. Closed Mondays. Admission to exhibitions is always free.