Fabric arts, fine arts, plastic arts, and performance arts: Oliver has them all! The Oliver Community Arts Council (OCAC) has been a hub of artistic activity since 1970. Its talented member groups include: the Desert Sage Spinners and Weavers, the Double O Quilters, the local chapter of the Federation of Canadian Artists, the Friends of the Oliver Library, the Oliver Sagebrushers, the Oliver Country Market A-Fair, the Oliver Arts and Crafts Sale, the Sage Valley Voices Community Choir, the South Okanagan Amateur Players, and the South Okanagan Concert Society. New members are always welcome.

The Quail’s Nest Arts Centre, 34274 95th Street, just west of the airport, is home to the OCAC and many of its programs. The smaller Studio building is used for meetings, workshops, classes, rehearsals, and small displays. The larger building on site is slated for a major renovation to create a multi-use performance space and gallery.

The various member groups are active during the fall and winter, holding classes and rehearsals, and presenting concerts, plays, and exhibits.

Arts and Culture Week (3rd week of April) A province-wide celebration! Watch for exhibits, open houses, workshops, and concerts featuring local arts and artists held at many locations around Oliver.

Showcase of Talent (May) The best of local Kiwanis Festival talent perform for the hometown crowd. These young stars receive a share of the proceeds, which assist them with their continued studies.

Music in the Park (July & August) Local musical performers entertain at these relaxed outdoor concerts. Jazz, classical, country, pop, gospel, blues, and good ol’ rock and roll – every night is different. Concerts run every Thursday evening during July and August, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Lion’s Park next to the CPR station. Bring a lawn chair and a picnic and enjoy!

Summer Studio (July & August) Week-long displays, demonstrations, and workshops featuring local artists and  artisans at work!  Located at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre. The Studio is open Mondays 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and Tuesdays to Saturdays 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Special features include a weekly opening reception (Mondays, 6:00 to 8:00 pm). Come meet the artists! Food, beverages, music, and scmingle!  Kids Day activities each Wednesday from 10:00 am until noon.

Fall Art Show (October) Artists from all media exhibit a veritable harvest of colour and texture on the first weekend in October. The art show is held in conjunction with the Festival of the Grape at the Community Arts Centre. Come on the Saturday for the opening reception, show, sale, and competition for awards in several categories, including People’s Choice. Sunday continues the show and sale, attracting patrons of both the arts and the grape!