The Quail’s Nest is perfect for meetings, workshops, seminars, displays, and studio work space.
Studio Building
The Studio Building has a large meeting area with folding tables and padded chairs, a handicapped washroom, and a small kitchen and lunch counter area with fridge, oven and microwave. The concrete flooring makes it ideal for studio type workshops and displays. Plinths are available.
Half Day or Evening: $25
Full Day: $50
Liquor Served: + $25
Kitchen Use: +$10
Big Blue
The “Big Blue” Building is a large maintenance shed roughly 60′ x 90′. It is mostly used as theatrical set storage and rehearsal space, but it has lots of space available for events such as garage sales and for large “projects in progress” such as creating highschool graduation decorations. Wooden tables and chairs are available.
Cost for the space is negotiable per contract.
To rent the Quail’s Nest, contact our rental agent at 250-498-0104.
The Quail’s Nest Arts Centre is located at 34274 – 95th Street, Oliver, BC. It is one block east of Highway 97, half a block south of the Oliver Place Mall, RCMP Station and Fire Hall
The Oliver Community Arts Council has had a presence in Oliver since its incorporation as a society in 1970. However, it hasn’t always had a home to truly call its own.
For many years, the OCAC rented space at the historic CPR Station on 93rd Street (now the Oliver Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Information Centre, at left) .
In April 2001, the CPR Station was torched by an arsonist and the arts coucnil was forced to find new premises. During that summer, the Oliver Art Club was invited to use the Old Fire Hall on Main Street as an art gallery. They graciously offered to share the facility with the OCAC until the new owners of the Fire Hall took possession and began renovations. The OCAC “Studio” program, with its weekly exhibits and demonstrations, kept the Fire Hall open six days a week all summer long, in both 2001 and 2002.
Meanwhile, the Town of Oliver considered various options for restoring the CPR Station. The original concept was to raze it, build a new building that would house the Chamber of Commerce, the arts council, a wine info centre, and possibly the local economic development society. Meetings at Town Council chambers were held with all stakeholders. Unfortunately, after two or three meetings held, the committee folded.
The Oliver Heritage Society pressed the Town to change plans for CPR Station, recognizing and preserving it as a heritage structure. Money held in trust for building a new structure was now to be devoted to restoration of the historical site. Other money was also held in trust, but not enough to purchase a large piece of property for any similar development.
In September 2002, the new owners took possession of Old Fire Hall, converting it into a restaurant, wine cellar and boutique wine store (see left). The OCAC and its member groups were once again without a home. The OCAC, Weavers, and Quilters rented space in the Oliver Community Centre. The Oliver Art Club relocated to space at the Oliver Word of Life church.
In 2003, the old property for Christ the King Catholic Church came up for sale. The arts council discussed obtaining a mortgage to purchase it. A private individual proposes to buy it and rent or lease it to the OCAC. Several meetings are held with the purchaser to work through the plans. By March 2003, there was an agreement in principle to rent the Catholic Church sanctuary for the OCAC Studio program. Nevertheless, in May of that year, the agreement in principle falls through. Studio and the other OCAC programs and groups must find yet another new home. Generously, the Town of Oliver allowed the arts council to use the newly renovated CPR Station for two months at no cost.
By the fall of 2003, Oliver’s municipal manager and members of the South Okanagan Amateur Players (an OCAC member group) suggested that the dramatic society look at a disused BC Building Corp property (the Argo highway maintenance yard) as a possible alternative theatre venue for rehearsals, storage, and performance. The property is on 0.9 acres of land on 95th Street across from the Oliver Airport. Two buildings are on site: a smaller office building (see left) with two truck bays and a shower , and a larger post-and-beam maintenance shed. After many discussions between SOAP and the OCAC throughout the winter, it was agreed that the arts council was the proper body to negotiate a purchase and fundraise the maintenance costs for the property.
The arts council made a formal proposal to the Town of Oliver to turn the Argo property into an arts centre. The Town of Oliver investigated possibilities of trading properties with BCBC, the owner of the Argo property. The property was a “white elephant”, unable to be rezoned residential because of its previous industrial use. However, BCBC did not agree to the proposal. Instead, the Town of Oliver entered into an agreement in principle with the OCAC to purchase the Argo property, and transfer it to OCAC to limit Town’s liability.
From March to June of 2004, OCAC held meetings of the Arts Centre Direction Committee, made up of interested members who made plans to take over the property later that year. They also generated some of the initial ideas regarding the potential use of the property. In preparation for the property transfer, the OCAC set up 3 committees: Development (to oversee entire project: fund-raising, PR, interface with government and other agencies), Design (to create a list of technical priorities and to work with an architect to ensure the finished project met the needs of the OCAC and its member groups), and Buildings Operations (to handle all issues related to the maintenance of the physical plant).
On June 6, 2004, a special Arts Centre Committee meeting passed a motion that OCAC take over possession of Argo Property. Signatures of all the directors were obtained, and the OCAC moved into the property, albeit unofficially at this point. On July 16, the OCAC held its Grand Opening , complete with speeches, ribbon cutting, bag piper, and cake. Member groups filled the smaller Studio building with colourful booths showcasing their talents. It was a festive celebration. One week later, on July 23, the OCAC at last took legal possession of property. The first OCAC program to run at the arts centre was Summer Studio 2004.
In September 2004, the OCAC held its AGM at the Arts Centre. JoAnn Turner was elected President, Chris Schon Vice-President, Terry Irvine Secretary, and Ralph Englesby Treasurer.
In May of 2005, the OCAC applied to the BC Gaming Commission for Direct Access Program Grant that would assist them with the required renovations to the smaller Studio buiilding on the property, including installing a handicapped washroom, small kitchen, emergency lighting, and office equipment. By September of that year, the OCAC received word that the grant request had been approved, with the bulk of the work being completed the following spring and summer.
In July 2005, the OCAC makes application to the CCRA (Canada Customs and Revenue Agency) for status as a Charitable Organization. The process, including major changes to the OCAC constitution, is completed a year later when, in September 2006 , the OCAC receives its charitable status. This will enable the organization to pursue major capital fundraising and issue charitable receipts.
Over a period of several months in 2005, members of the arts council generated close to thirty creative names for their new facility. At their monthly meeting in February 2006, the Oliver Community Arts Council selected the name “Quail’s Nest Arts Centre” from among the many contributions.
The OCAC wishes to thank the Town of Oliver and the many individuals who have led and supported us on this journey to find and feather our own nest!
The Double O Quilters Guild was founded in 1988 and is a non-profit group. Members are dedicated to pursuing the elusive and challenging art of quilting and related activities. It encompasses people of all skill levels and ages, a wide range of interests, ideas, and techniques. Residents, snowbirds,and visitors are welcome to join and participate.
Guild activities mainly run from September to April on the days specified below, unless they fall on holidays. Activities are held at the Oliver Community Centre.
Meetings: 9 a.m. to 12 noon on the 2nd Monday of the month
Workshops: 9 a.m. to 2;30 p.m. on the 4th Monday of the month
Drop-In for Members: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. every Wednesday
Mini-Workshops and Special Group Activities: 11 a.m. to 2;30 p.m. most Wednesdays
Annual membership fees are $40, due at the beginning of September or whenever joining the guild.
Guild benefits include:
◊ demonstrations on current techniques or topics of interest on meeting days
◊ monthly workshop on quilt-related topics for all skill levels
◊ weekly drop-in for sharing and co-operative working on personal or guild projects
◊ large up-to-date library of quilting books, magazines, and equipment to borrow from
◊ show and tell at every monthly meeting
◊ membership directory
◊ six newsletters annually
Special Activities
◊ Oliver Arts and Crafts Sale: booth where members can sell their quilt related items
◊ Oliver Arts and Crafts Sale: kitchen concession every second year
◊ Community Quilts: SOSS Bursary quilt, New Year’s Baby quilt, trauma quilts for RCMP, Fire, and Women’s Transition House, placemats for care facilities
◊ Summer Studio: one week program featuring displays, demonstrations, workshops, and children’s activities
◊ classroom quilting projects in the local schools
Contact:
Double O Quilters GuildP.O. Box 326Oliver, BCV0H 1T0
Top Photo by Penelope Johnson
The South Okanagan Concert Society (SOCS) puts on a series of four concerts per year with a particular focus on classical and world music. They strive for a mix of well-known established performers, and edgy new talent. Performances are generally held at the Frank Venables Auditorium (South Okanagan Secondary School) in Oliver, BC.
Tickets for the upcoming 2009-2010 concert series are already available. Flex passes are a great way to maximize the music! Each set earns you four admissions so you can see each concert as a single, or go to two concerts with a friend, or have a special evening out for four. Early bird flex passes are $45 until the end of April ($55 regular price). Ticket vendor: Miss Molly’s Quilt Shoppe on Oliver’s Main Street. Single concert tickets may be purchased at the door for $20 each.
The 2009-2010 performers are:
DUO AFFINITEFriday, October 30, 2009
Guy Few on trumpet, corno and piano, and Nadina Mackie Jackson on bassoon create an irresistible combination of muscianship and engaging showmanship. Celebrated internationally as soloists, chamber musicians and recitalists, these two incredible musicians blend their ideas and spirits in this new recital concept. Trumpet and bassoon – the starting point – following the lead of Baroque tradition, the inspiration of 20th century composers and the voices of today. But there is so much more. Programming also includes piano, corno da caccia and voice. Join these two renowned musicians for an evening of musical magic.
“Few and Jackson play with polished tone, immaculate intonation, and infectious high spirits; it’s obvious they’re having a blast.”
All Music Guide, 2007
CALVIN DYCK AND THE GOLDEN VIOLINFriday November 27, 2009
Music and theatre are intertwined in the Golden Violin. The engaging script, costumes, backdrops and music draw the audience into the story. Violinist Cal;vin Dyck and pianist Betty Suderman take the audience on a journey, tracing the history of Calvin’s “golden violin”, a beautiful instrument crafted in 1807 by the Dutch violin maker Johannes Cuypers.
“The audience was absolutely enraptured by his flawless interpretation…”
“Dyck and Suderman make a splendid ensemble as extraordinarily skilled musicians and actors.”
“He played with great skill and dexterity … sounding pure, crisp tones with a magnificent bowing technique.” – Daily News, Nanaimo
EZEADI ONUKWULU AND ONE HUMAN RACEFriday, February 5, 2010
Ezeadi’s charismatic presence, versatility and soothing voice have endeared him to audiences. Ezeadi is an innovator, motivator and instigator in the African and World Music scene.
Ezeadi’s music, based on traditional Igbo rhythms, evokes the spirit of highlife and afrobeat with a splash of funk, jazz, blues and reggae. The lyrics are prayers and appeals to universal consciousness and our conscience to make the world a better place for all.
His unique mastery of the pennywhistle, other instruments and vocal styling will take you to beautiful new places.
“This music uses gentle African rhythms and bubbling vocals to deliver peaceful idealism emphatically. It is new kind of African roots based world music cooked and ready to be served to the world from British Columbia.” – The Province
VANCOUVER CHAMBER CHOIRFriday March 5, 2010
The Vancouver Chamber Choir is Canada’s outstanding profressional vocal ensemble. The choir impresses audiences with the depth and range of their repertoire and interpretive skills.
“… When it comes to unearthly beauty and awe-inspiring power, they’re a pretty fine mortal approximation of how celestial singers should sound.” – North Shore News
“Jon Washburn’s Choir remains at the forefront of Canadian vocal ensembles. ….“Canada’s leading professional vocal ensemble.” – Toronto Star
“…the choir’s performance… began with admiration and finally left you in awe.” – Vancouver Sun
The Friends of the Oliver Library believe that libraries play an increasing social role in our communities. Their goal is to enhance the available funding to make our library a place of great pride in Oliver. They have raised money most years through a winter book sale and a summer paperback sale. You can support the work of the FOTOL by taking part in the:
Annual Used Book SaleSaturday, July 4thOliver Regional LibraryDonations of paperback books welcome. Books can be dropped off at the Library until July 3rd
These book sale funds have been supplemented by soliciting donations from community organizations and the general public. Since their inception in May 1998, the Friends of the Library have directed more than $45,000 in funding towards creating an especially welcoming place for children, teens and seniors. They play an important role in stimulating the use of the library’s resources and services by the public.
A new initiative to boost library use is the
Monthly Coffee MorningsTuesday April 2110 a.m. – 12 noon(once a month, third Tuesdays)Every time you enter the libaray you are automatically counted! Let’s set those front doors swinging!
The Friends of the Oliver Library assist the work of library staff by supporting or hosting special events usch as book readings by well-known authors and storytellers, book prizes for summer reading programs, and demonstrations of new information technologies.
The Friends of the Oliver Library presentBook Reading Wine and CheeseFriday April 24th7 – 9 p.m.Oliver Regional Librarywith selected authors nominated for the BC Governor General’s Award
Show your support of the library by becoming a member!
Kindly contact the Friends if you would like information about making a contribution, leaving a bequest or an endowed fund to the Oliver Library in your will, or donating a memorial gift in the name of a loved one. The friends of the oliver Library is a registered society and, as a charitable institution, can issue receipts for income tax purposes.
Mailing Address:Friends of the Oliver LibraryP.O. Box 758Oliver, BCVoH 1To
The Oliver Community Arts Council embraces the personality of its logo, the California quail. The bird is a common and endearing sight in Oliver. A quail’s nest can shelter as many as 18 eggs. A flock of quail is an active, noisy bunch that looks out for each other, occasionally scurrying off in their own directions, but always coming back to the flock. Just like the quail, the arts council believes there is strength in numbers!
Through your membership you can help the Oliver Community Arts Council achieve its constitutional goals of increasing the public’s understanding and appreciation of the arts through a broad range of artisitic activities, performances, and educational opportunities.
Membership entitles you to:
* a forum for co-operation and networking within the arts community,
* a platform for promoting and advocating for the arts in the wider community,
* a subscription to the Creative Minds newsletter,
* invitations to special events, and
* a variety of free advertising and promotional opportunities
Membership also entitles you to 10% discounts at the following Oliver and area businesses:
* Handworks Gallery
* Paw Prints Studio and Gallery
* Loralee’s Treasure Cellar
* Food Safe Courses (offered by member Jan Kreut)
For member groups, there is also opportunity for financial support from the OCAC.
And of course, members catch hold of that creative spirit that makes us all feel great about the arts!
Members in good standing are eligible to vote at the Annual General Meeting (Monday, October 26, 2009). Memberships for the following year are promoted by the Membership Committee during the membership drive beginning June 1. For application forms at any other time, contact us at olivercac@gmail.com or phone the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre at 250-485-0088.
The Oliver Sagebrushers, a fine art club, meet regularly for painting and drawing classes and workshops in many media (charcoal, pen and ink, watercolours, and oils). They also organize exhibits and contribute their talents towards many community projects. Outside of designated classes and workshops, the club meets weekly for idea and technique sharing, socializing, and simply painting together. Both beginners and advanced artists are welcome, as are drop in visitors and snowbirds. Classes are taught at all levels, and seasoned painters teach and encourage newcomers. Formerly known as the Oliver Art Club, this organization is one of Oliver’s oldest arts groups.
Oliver Sagebrushers Every Tuesday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noonSeptember to JuneStudio Building, Quail’s Nest Arts Centre34274 – 95th StreetOliver, BCInfo: 250-498-0104Quail’s Nest: 250-485-0088
Club activities run from September to June. In October, members participate in the Oliver Community Arts Council’s Fall Art Show , run in conjunction with Oliver’s Festival of the Grape. Sagebrushers host a booth in November at the Arts and Crafts Sale. During Arts and Culture Week (third week of April) and the Meadowlark Festival (mid-May), the club holds exhibits and open house. Weekly classes conclude with a plein air painting picnic in June. Sally (above) and Hazel (left) enjoy the warm sunshine and lovely views in Val’s peaceful garden retreat at last year’s picnic. One week of every summer , the Sagebrushers display and demonstrate their artwork at the Oliver Community Arts Council’s Summer Studio at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre.
Register now for an upcoming workshop with Calgary-based oil painter, Robert E. Wood. Robert is inspired by the South Okanagan, and visits here yearly to paint. He is known for capturing the Okanagan’s distinctive light and heat on canvas. Here, Robert poses with his painting “Ponderosa Shadows” and Sagebrushers president Sally Franks.
The Oliver Sagebrushers present“Painting in Oils”withRobert E. WoodMay 4, 5, and 6, 2009Studio Building, Quail’s Nest Arts CentreTo register, call Sally at 250-498-0104
Also inspired by themes of the Canadian west, are two Sagebrushers, Cameron Ogilvie and Michael Jorden:
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned painter, there’s lots to learn and enjoy with the Oliver Sagebrushers!250-498-0104Annual Membership Fee: $50Semi Annual Membership Fee: $25 (payable in September and January)
Photos by Penelope Johnson
“Tromp as writ”, “Overshot”, “Throw the shuttle” “Tabby”, “Pickup” — these unusual expressions are just a few phrases to be heard in the Desert Sage Spinners and Weavers Guild. Weaving is an age-old art of forming lengths of yarn into cloth. In early human society, weaving satisfied the need for clothing and shelter. Garments and dwellings were constructed from woven animal hair or plant materials. Today, the possibilities are endless with an array of threads, yarns, fabrics, dyes, animal hair, plants, and synthetics – and centuries of creative techniques to draw from.
Desert Sage members practice a number of skills including felting, spinning, dyeing, weaving, and knitting to create works of art. Anyone who likes to work with fibres is welcome to join! The Guild’s sixty members span the South Okanagan and the adjoining Thompson valley.
The Guild holds regular drop-in sessions every Thursday, September to June, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Oliver Community Centre. The monthly business meeting is on the second Thursday of each month beginning at 10 a.m. (same location). There are frequent workshops, demonstrations, exhibits, and sales.
We’re growing! Currently our membership sits at between 65 and 70 artisans. Between four and six new fabric art lovers join the guild per year. You might be one of them!
Our guild is a mixture of ages, backgrounds, lifestyles, skill levels, and artistic preferences. Our common thread is our keen interest in an unusual and somewhat obscure pursuit of yarn and fibre craft. Our crafts are an expression of human ingenuity, a sense of continuity with our past, and linkage with other cultures and generations. The pursuit of excellence in our projects forces us to slow down, pay attention to detail, and allow our creativity to flourish.
Photos by Penelope Johnson
Coming up for the Desert Sage Guild:
The Association of NorthWest Weavers’ Guilds Conference
“Weaving Waves of Colour”
May 29-31
Gonzaga University
Spokane Washington
Visit us at
Summer Studio
July 6 – 11
Opening Reception: Monday 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Displays and Demonstrations: Tuesday – Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Kids Day Activities: Wednesday 10:00 – 12 noon
Studio Building, Quail’s Nest Arts Centre
SOAP has just come off a successful run of The Sound of Music by Rodgers and Hammerstein in November – December 2008. They broke box office sales records, and had some of the largest audiences in 20 years. Take a look at some photos from the show!
Sister Margaretta, Sister Sophia and the Mother Abbess wonder “How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?”
Maria listens to the wisdom of the Mother Abbess.
Maria teaches the von Trapp children “Doe-A Deer” (Do Re Mi). Initially, they are reluctant pupils – that is, until Maria’s charm and gaiety inspires them to sing! Photo by Silvia Badger
Brigitta and Gretl von Trapp in their sailor suits.
So, what’s next for this busy troupe?
The South Okanagan Amateur Players hold auditions for the comedy Sand Mountain by Romulus Linney, a set of two Appalachian folk tales. Auditions will be on Wednesday April 22 at the Sonora Centre in Osoyoos and Thursday April 23 in “Big Blue” at the Quail’s Nest Arts Centre in Oliver. Auditions run 7 – 9 p.m. both evenings. Newcomers welcome. No audition piece required. Parts are available for men and women 20 – 60+ years and for one or two children aged 8 – 12 years. Backstage volunteers also required. The production runs during the third week of July at the Tinhorn Creek Winery Amphitheatre. Directors: Penelope Johnson and Diane Gludovatz. For audition information or advance copies of the script: 250-498-0183.
Photos by Penelope Johnson (except where noted above)
The Quail’s Nest Arts Centre, 5840 Airport Street, Oliver BC is located just west of the airport and is the 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 (Big Blue) is slated for a major renovation to create a multi-use performance space and gallery.
Oliver BC is south of regional centre – Penticton BC
The Quail’s Nest Arts Centre is located on Airport Street half a block south of the RCMP headquarters and the Oliver Fire Hall.
The Quail’s Nest Arts Centre, 5840 Airport Street, Oliver BC is located just west of the airport and is the 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 (Big Blue) is slated for a major renovation to create a multi-use performance space and gallery.
Oliver BC is south of regional centre – Penticton BC
The Quail’s Nest Arts Centre is located on Airport Street half a block south of the RCMP headquarters and the Oliver Fire Hall.
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!
Summer Hours:
Every Monday, 6:00 to 8:00 pm – Summer Studio Opening ReceptionsTuesdays through Saturdays, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm – Summer StudioWinter Hours:
Every Tuesday, 9:00 am to 12:00 noon – The Oliver Sagebrushers welcome you! Third Wednesdays, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. – OCAC Board of Directors meeting (contact to book on the agenda)Fourth Mondays, 9:30 to 11:30 am – Arts Jam! the monthly gathering of the OCAC membership