Vernon Public Art Gallery

Family Saturdays
2026-05-30 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Vancouver)
Date & Time: March 30, 2026, 1:00 – 2:30 PMLocation: Vernon Public Art GalleryAge Group: Kids of all agesAdmission: Individuals: $3/members $5/non-members.Families (4 or more): $10/members $14/non-members.

Join us for Family Saturdays, a fun, hands-on art program for kids of all ages and their caregivers. Explore art, learn new skills, and create together in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

Each session begins with a short tour of the current gallery exhibition led by Samantha, our Learning and Community Engagement Curator. After the tour, families participate in guided, hands-on art projects inspired by the exhibition. Materials are provided — all you need is art-appropriate clothing and a willingness to get creative!

Family Saturdays is designed to foster creativity, connection, and a sense of community. Everyone is welcome to participate, whether it’s your first time making art or you’re a seasoned creator.

Parents or guardians must accompany children for the duration of the session.Register online to ensure space and materials:

register for May’s family Saturday

learn more about family saturday

Midsummer's Eve of the Arts
2026-07-15 18:30 - 23:00
Tickets Available June 1st

Join us Wednesday, July 15th, at 6:30pm – late at Coldstream Community Hall as the Vernon Public Art Gallery hosts the spectacular fundraiserMidsummer’s Eve of the Arts.

Artist Submission Form

Collectors Submission Form

Non-Art Donations

Midsummer’s Eve of the Arts is a benefit event put on by the Vernon Public Art Gallery each July, and will be taking place this year at the stunning Coldstream Community Centre. The event will feature a collection of curated artwork generously donated by local artists and all proceeds will support the VPAG’s purpose of connecting our community to the creative presence and possibilities within the visual arts through its exhibitions and activities. As Vernon’s longest-running art auction, the annual Midsummer’s Eve of the Arts fundraiser is a staple event in the Greater Vernon community, providing an opportunity for the art-loving community to come together and support a great cause. The impacts from this event are far reaching and only possible through the generosity of our local artists, businesses, volunteers and event attendees.

The event will feature a live auction filled with one-of-a-kind works of art available for bidding, and a silent auction with unique luxury packages donated from businesses far and wide including multiple travel packages to destinations! Attendees can bid during the live and silent auctions while enjoying the ambiance of Coldstream Community Hall and grounds, complete with music and captivating scenery. Attendees will be welcomed to the event with a complimentary glass of bubbly and have the chance to enjoy local BC wine, beer, and delicious hors d’oeuvres. Thank you to our partners for their support of this event.

MEA 2026 Presented by Bannister Honda

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the event, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly at marketing@vernonpublicartgallery.com. Thank you for your continued support of the Vernon Public Art Gallery and the arts in our community.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2025 MEA SPONSORS

PREVIOUS CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS

Vikki Drummond

Jay Page

Maryanne Jesperson

Sherry Kalloch

Serena Arsenault

Barbara Fresz

Michelle Loughery

Rachel Prins

Wanda Lock

Destanne Norris

Sheri Minard

Gabrielle Strong

Jolene Mackie

Ricardo Levia

Nathalie Coulombe

Angelika Jager

Sarah Lewke

James Postill

Riot on the Roof
2026-08-22 19:00 - 23:00
Save the Date: August 22, 2026 | 7–11 PM

Hosted by the Vernon Public Art Gallery, Riot on the Roof is Vernon’s signature alternative arts festival and one of the Okanagan’s most unique end-of-summer events. Taking place on the top two levels of a Downtown Vernon parkade, Riot transforms an everyday urban space into a high-energy celebration of creativity, music, and performance.

Now entering its 18th year, Riot on the Roof showcases emerging artists working across a wide range of artistic forms. Each year’s lineup is different, with past festivals featuring live music, visual art, video and film, spoken word, performance, dance, drag, installation art, wearable art, interactive experiences, and more — all unfolding throughout the evening in a dynamic, open-air setting.

Designed to be informal, accessible, and community-driven, Riot on the Roof invites audiences to wander, discover, and engage with artists up close. It’s a rare chance to experience bold, experimental work in a relaxed and welcoming environment, right in the heart of downtown.

Call for Artists: Apply Now

Riot on the Roof is an all-ages event and an affordable way to celebrate the creativity and diversity of Vernon’s growing arts and culture scene.

More details, including programming highlights and ticket information, will be shared closer to the event. In the meantime, follow us on Instagram to stay up to date.

Instagram

Tickets coming soon.

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Leaving a Lasting Legacy
2026-09-17 13:00 - 14:00
Date & Time: September 17, 2026, 1:00–2:00 PMLocation: Vernon Public Art GalleryAge Group: All agesAdmission: Free

You don’t have to be a Millionaire, or even Old, to think about your legacy now!

Have you ever thought about how you could make your estate larger by doing some smart tax planning now?

Have you ever wondered about what sort of a legacy you want to leave behind once your kids and family are taken care of?

Have you ever hoped you could set an example for those close to you to follow in your footsteps by giving to the community?

This inspiring introductory workshop will introduce you to the simple steps of how and why to add Planned Giving into your estate planning. By doing so you will create a lasting legacy for future generations while also saving taxes and growing your hard-earned estate.

This free one-hour workshop hosted by Vernon Public Art Gallery gives you:

An overview – what is Planned Giving and how it works?

Legal mechanics of estate planning

Tax saving opportunities – while you are living and when you pass

What you can do right away to plan for life time income

The Vernon Public Art Gallery as a potential beneficiary – why and how

Followed by an optional tour of the Vernon Public Art Gallery with the Executive Director and Curator.Note: This workshop is not designed to give you advice on your personal situation but to overview the process of planned giving, avoid typical pitfalls and help set next steps.

Click Here to Register

Other Upcoming Dates:November 16, 2026 – Tuesday 4:30 – 5:30 pm

Workshop led by

Tom Christensen K.C Nixon Wenger

Tom started his legal career in Vernon in 1996. He took a leave from practice from 2001 to 2009 to serve as MLA for Vernon-Monashee and held a number of cabinet portfolios during that time.

Tom has a general solicitor’s practice, assisting clients with business matters, wills and incapacity planning, the administration of estates, and real estate conveyancing and financing matters. He has a particular interest in assisting families with the transition of assets from one generation to the next through effective personal and business succession planning as well as resolving estate disputes outside of court.

Kyle Britton – Partner, BComm, CPA, CGA, Clark RobinsonBorn and raised in Vernon, Kyle has been a partner at Clark Robinson CPAs for over 8 years. Kyle practices primarily in individual and corporate taxation, helping clients navigate complex tax matters.

Laura-Lee Locheed – FMA (retired)

With parents settling in Vernon in 1945, Laura-Lee is truly a Vernonite! Now retired, her career in financial planning as a CFP and FMA has spanned 39 years. Her work specialized in retirement income, tax and estate planning and charitable gifting. Her community involvements have included directorships with the Chamber of Commerce, the Okanagan Landing Association, the Okanagan Symphony and the Vernon Flying Club.

Dauna Kennedy – Executive Director, Vernon Public Art Gallery

Dauna has been the Executive Director for 17 years, guiding it through a huge transition from a small town public gallery to a regionally recognized leader in public art programming. She and her team now face the exciting challenge of preparing to move into the new Greater Vernon Cultural Centre in 2028.

Leaving a Lasting Legacy
2026-11-16 16:30 - 17:30
Date & Time: November 16, 2026, 4:00–5:30 PMLocation: Vernon Public Art GalleryAge Group: All agesAdmission: Free

You don’t have to be a Millionaire, or even Old, to think about your legacy now!

Have you ever thought about how you could make your estate larger by doing some smart tax planning now?

Have you ever wondered about what sort of a legacy you want to leave behind once your kids and family are taken care of?

Have you ever hoped you could set an example for those close to you to follow in your footsteps by giving to the community?

This inspiring introductory workshop will introduce you to the simple steps of how and why to add Planned Giving into your estate planning. By doing so you will create a lasting legacy for future generations while also saving taxes and growing your hard-earned estate.

This free one-hour workshop hosted by Vernon Public Art Gallery gives you:

An overview – what is Planned Giving and how it works?

Legal mechanics of estate planning

Tax saving opportunities – while you are living and when you pass

What you can do right away to plan for life time income

The Vernon Public Art Gallery as a potential beneficiary – why and how

Followed by an optional tour of the Vernon Public Art Gallery with the Executive Director and Curator.Note: This workshop is not designed to give you advice on your personal situation but to overview the process of planned giving, avoid typical pitfalls and help set next steps.

Click Here to Register

Workshop led by

Tom Christensen K.C Nixon Wenger

Tom started his legal career in Vernon in 1996. He took a leave from practice from 2001 to 2009 to serve as MLA for Vernon-Monashee and held a number of cabinet portfolios during that time.

Tom has a general solicitor’s practice, assisting clients with business matters, wills and incapacity planning, the administration of estates, and real estate conveyancing and financing matters. He has a particular interest in assisting families with the transition of assets from one generation to the next through effective personal and business succession planning as well as resolving estate disputes outside of court.

Kyle Britton – Partner, BComm, CPA, CGA, Clark RobinsonBorn and raised in Vernon, Kyle has been a partner at Clark Robinson CPAs for over 8 years. Kyle practices primarily in individual and corporate taxation, helping clients navigate complex tax matters.

Laura-Lee Locheed – FMA (retired)

With parents settling in Vernon in 1945, Laura-Lee is truly a Vernonite! Now retired, her career in financial planning as a CFP and FMA has spanned 39 years. Her work specialized in retirement income, tax and estate planning and charitable gifting. Her community involvements have included directorships with the Chamber of Commerce, the Okanagan Landing Association, the Okanagan Symphony and the Vernon Flying Club.

Dauna Kennedy – Executive Director, Vernon Public Art Gallery

Dauna has been the Executive Director for 17 years, guiding it through a huge transition from a small town public gallery to a regionally recognized leader in public art programming. She and her team now face the exciting challenge of preparing to move into the new Greater Vernon Cultural Centre in 2028.
