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Tuesday 11am - 6pm Wednesday 11am - 6pm Thursday 11am - 6pm Friday 11am - 6pm Saturday 11am - 4pm

Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art

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Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art

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The Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art is a non-profit artist-run centre founded in 1989.

We leverage knowledge, expertise, empathy and resources to support creative projects that nurture our community. The Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art is a registered non-profit charitable organization dedicated to the development of our creative community. Since 1989, the Alternator has shown the work of emerging Canadian artists and helped develop the talents of local artists by providing a network of collaboration and sharing. We believe in the greater positive potential of our creative community and value our role as key contributors to the cultural life of Kelowna and beyond.

10/13/2026

✂️ CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS // THE EDIT 2026

Are you a regional artist aged 55+? We want to see your work!

Introducing The Edit 2026 // Sustained Practice, our new annual member showcase celebrating mature artists and the deep, evolving creative practices taking place across our community.

🎨 Artists are invited to submit up to 10 artworks in any medium or scale. From long-running studio practices to new directions, we want to see the ideas, processes, and perspectives that have shaped your creative journey.

✨ 10 artists will be selected to exhibit their work and receive:
🌟 A free 2027 OAAA membership
💻 An individual website spotlight feature
🛠️ As well as your choice of professional development support, including options such as:
→ Free registration in a 2027 process workshop
→ Writing support
→ An in-gallery feedback session

📅 Submission Deadline: October 18, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST
🖼️ Exhibition Dates: November 20–December 19, 2026
👤 Eligibility: regional artists aged 55+
Alternator membership is required upon acceptance.

📲 Ready to make the cut? Read the full submission guidelines and submit your work online here: https://bit.ly/4rzzq2a.

10/11/2026

Please note that the Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art will be closed Tuesday October 13th in lieu of the statutory holiday. We look forward to welcoming you back on Wednesday October 14th when we reopen.

10/10/2026

Art is tough. We’re tougher together.

Don’t navigate the creative struggle alone! The Studio Table is a free, casual drop-in series hosted Tuesday nights (Nov 3–Dec 8) at the Alternator.

Join us for honest chats on AI, fair pay, and DIY projects. Grab a tea, pull up a chair, and connect!

https://www.alternatorcentre.com/events/the-studio-table

10/09/2026

ART@KCT // CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

The 2027 Call for Submissions for Art@KCT is now open through October 21st, 2026.

Delivered through a partnership between the City of Kelowna and the Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art, Art@KCT provides professional and emerging artists residing in the Central Okanagan (Lake Country to Peachland) with a prominent exhibition platform in the lobby of the Kelowna Community Theatre. Selected by a peer jury of local artists and cultural workers, participating artists receive CARFAC fee compensation while contributing to the region's cultural landscape through curated visual arts programming.

Full submission guidelines and application details are available at artkct.com.

10/07/2026

LIVE AT THE ALTERNATOR // FEATURING WINDMILLS

Experience the heartbeat of Kelowna’s art scene: live!

Join us for “Live at The Alternator” a monthly talk show hosted by local contemporary artist Kel Taylor. Set in the beautiful Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art, this series brings you raw, uncensored interviews with the creative dynamos shaping our city. Introducing new co-host of the show: Matt Gunn!

In this edition, Kel sits down with Windmills! Crafting soundtracks for existence, Windmills creates music that makes you feel. There’s an immediacy & sense of nostalgia to Windmills’ work, Something foreign & familiar all at once.

When: October 28 | Doors: 5:30 PM | Showtime: 6:00 PM
Where: The Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art, 421 Cawston Ave, Unit 103.
The Vibe: Expect offbeat questions, unscripted brilliance, and the kind of spontaneous energy that only happens in a room full of creatives.
RSVP here: https://bit.ly/4yTrg7P.

We believe in building a creative community where everyone belongs. This event is open to all. For those in a position to give, we invite you to pay it forward. Your generosity keeps our doors open to everyone, creates access for all, and sustains the programs that enrich our collective cultural life. We gratefully accept contributions by cash or online at the link in our bio.
Unable to contribute? You are always welcome here.

10/05/2026

HANA HAMAGUCHI // REVERIE

LAST CHANCE TO VIEW!

Currently in the Alternator Members Gallery is "Reverie" by Hana Hamaguchi ().

"Reverie" is an exhibition featuring acrylic paintings by Hana Hamaguchi. Her
paintings reference the bold eye bending tricks of op art, mixed with the light
airy color scheme of dreams.

Read more on our website: https://bit.ly/3UPwsdF
Come see it before it's gone!

10/03/2026

BRING ART TO LIFE // STOP FRAME ANIMATION WORKSHOP

🎬✨ Continue our Board Workshop Takeover with board member and animator Jacen Dennis () as you bring your imagination to life through stop-frame animation! There's still time to register!

Over two hands-on sessions, you'll:
🐛 Dream up a "WORM STORY" starring a charming worm or another limbless creature!
🧵 Build your puppet, backdrop, and plan your sound effects
🎥 Learn the fundamentals of stop-frame animation
✨ Animate and edit your own short film, frame by frame!

📅 Thursday, October 8 & Thursday, October 22
⏰ 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art
💲 $60 Members | $100 Non-Members. Not a member yet? It pays to join: https://bit.ly/4tZZlj3.
⚠️ This is a TWO-PART workshop! Register once and attend both sessions.

🎨 All basic materials are provided, including a phone tripod and lighting setup—just bring your creativity!
Whether you're a curious beginner, a budding animator, or a practicing artist looking to add motion to your creative practice, this workshop is for you.

💙 Every registration supports the Alternator's 2026 fundraising goals, helping us keep this creative space thriving for our community.

📲 Register now and watch your artwork come to life—one frame at a time: https://bit.ly/45wmy2s.

10/01/2026

NAVIGATING TAXES FOR ARTISTS // WITH KATHY CHIN

💸🎨 Taxes don't have to be intimidating!
As part of our 2026 Artist Development Series, join tax professional and former Alternator Board Treasurer Kathy Chin for an accessible, artist-focused workshop designed to help you feel more confident navigating your taxes.

During this second session, Kathy will break down the basics of managing your tax obligations as an artist—including:
🧾 Organizing your financial records
💰 Reporting business income & expenses
📋 Understanding the business schedule on your tax return
🇨🇦 Determining whether you need to register for GST
🎨 Understanding how to report donations of artwork or services

No prior tax or financial knowledge required, and all workshop materials are provided!

📅 Saturday, October 3
⏰ 2–4 PM
💻 Online via Zoom
💲 FREE
🔗 Register: https://bit.ly/4ysTwNH
💬 This session is an informal Q&A where you can bring your questions and get general guidance on common artist tax scenarios. Questions submitted in advance will receive priority!

🌱 Pay It Forward: This workshop is free to attend, but if you have the capacity, we invite you to contribute to our Pay It Forward program. Your generosity helps keep Alternator programs accessible to everyone.

Whether you're just starting your creative career or you've been making art for years, this workshop is here to help make taxes feel a little less overwhelming, and a lot more manageable.

09/29/2026

STAT CLOSURE // SEPTEMBER 30 2026

Please note that the Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art will be closed Wednesday, September 30th in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

We encourage you to take meaningful actions on that day, such as:

Learn about the origins of Orange Shirt Day, and wear one in solidarity.
Take time to review the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action.
Educate yourself on the nations who’s traditional land you live on.
Support Indigenous owned businesses and organizations.
Donate to The Indian Residential School Survivor Society.

We look forward to welcoming you back on Thursday, October 1st when we reopen.

Address

103-421 Cawston Avenue
Kelowna, BC
V1Y6Z1

Opening Hours

Tuesday	11am - 6pm
Wednesday	11am - 6pm
Thursday	11am - 6pm
Friday	11am - 6pm
Saturday	11am - 4pm

Telephone

+12508682298

Website

https://bit.ly/alternatorcentre

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