Barkerville's Dominion Day Games and Theatre Royal Opening
2023-07-01 - 2023-07-02 | Barkerville Historic Town & Park, 14301 Hwy 26 E., Barkerville, BC, V0K2R0, Canada
THEATRE ROYAL
2:00pm Daily
An hour of music, comedy, and fun for the entire family! Box office is open 10am-2pm daily.
THEATRE ADMISSION PRICES
General: $20.00
Seniors: $17.00
Youth (3-12): $10.00
Children 3 and under: FREE
Dominion Day 2023 Schedule
All-day when the door is open:
Blacksmith Shop #20
Cariboo Sentinel #54
Chinese cultural sessions #64
Indigenous cultural sessions #44
Tours & Programs:
9:00 Drum Circle (15 min) #4B
9:15 Amazing Tales (30 min) #88b
10:00 Guided Town Tour (75 min) #4b
11:30 Chinese School Lesson (30 min) #91
11:50 Parade – Church to Brewery #12
12:00 Dominion Day Games (2 hours) #91
1:00 Mining Law in the Cariboo (30 min) #7
1:15 Victorian School Lesson (30 min) #13
2:00 Archaeology in Barkerville (2 hrs) #48 (Sat./Sun./Thurs.)
2:00 Waterwheel Show (30 min) #83
2:45 Chinatown Tour (60 min) #63
4:00 Grand Opening of the Theatre Royal (60 min) #50
5:30 End of Day Drum Circle (15 min) #45
7:00 Evening Festivities at House Hotel #39

The Toni Onley Artist's Project w/ Ed Pien and Johannes Zits
2023-07-01 - 2023-07-10
The Toni Onley Artist’s Project ⁠
Residency for professional and emerging visual artists⁠
Dates: July 1st – 9th, 2023
Location: Secwépemc and Dakelh Territory, Wells, BC
Cost: $605+gst – Accommodations, Travel and Meals not included – Scholarships and Bursaries available
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TOAP returns to Wells – Secwépemc and Dakelh Territory – this summer, with mentors Ed Pien and Johannes Zits! ⁠
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The first TOAP was held over 20 years ago with distinguished Canadian artist Norman Yates (1923-2014), and has grown to become an impactful visual artist development program for those who have taken part in it. From July 1st – 9th, participating artists work in the IMA studios under the mentorship of senior artists. It is an intensive studio experience, valuable for those looking for less structured time for set activities and more space to develop their own work. ⁠
More info on the mentors here:
www.imarts.com/about-toap
Apply here: https://airtable.com/shrWMYDhzHZukOds3
More info on scholarships and bursaries here: www.imarts.com/scholarships-bursaries
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Questions about the application process? Please send us an email at toap@imarts.com.⁠
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Johannes and Ed’s work is made possible through support from the Canada Council for the Arts. ⁠

Artist Talk with Johannes Zits
2023-07-02 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver) | Island Mountain Arts, 2323 Pooley St., Wells, BC, V0k2R0, Canada
Approaching fast is the 2023 Toni Only Artists Project here at Island Mountain Arts!
Introducing one of our mentors for this year’s TOAP, Johannes Zits.
At York University, Johannes focused on painting, drawing, and photography which included collage. Since that time, his practice has expanded to include video and performance.
To learn more about Zits and his practice of art, come check out his artist talk on Sunday, July 2nd at 7:00 pm in the IMA Gallery!

The EBBS in Concert
2023-07-02 20:00 - 22:00 | Sunset Theatre, 2357 Pooley St., Wells, BC, v0k2r0, Canada
The Ebbs are in the house! Join us for a toe tapping evening of great music that covers all the bases; Folk, rock, soul, bluegrass, and traditional fiddle music.
Tickets can be purchased online:
www.sunset-theatre.com/tickets
Adults 18 and over: $20
Sunset Theatre Members: $18
Teens/Kids: $10

Artist Talk with Ed Pien
2023-07-03 19:00 - 20:00 | Island Mountain Arts, 2323 Pooley St., Wells, BC, V0k2R0, Canada
Introducing another one of our mentors for this year’s Toni Only Artists Projects; Ed Pien.
At Western University as well as York University, Ed focused on drawing, painting, and printmaking (lithography, in particular). Over the years, he also embraced installation as a strategy to create immersive environments that physically engage the viewers.
To learn more about Ed and his practice of art, come check out his artist talk on Monday, July 3rd at 7:00 pm in the IMA Gallery.
Ed’s work is made possible through support from the Canada Council for the Arts. ⁠

Drawing with TOAP mentor Ed Pien
2023-07-04 19:00 - 21:00
At Western University as well as York University, Ed focussed on drawing, painting, and printmaking (lithography, in particular). Over the years, he also embraced installation as a strategy to create immersive environments that physically engage the viewers.
Toni Only Artists Project mentor Ed Pien has a drawing class on July 4th at 7:00 pm, open to the public. Come learn, draw, and have a fun evening filled with art!
Learn more about Ed Pien here.

Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life
2023-07-06 20:00 - 21:00, 2023-07-07 20:00 - 21:00, 2023-07-08 20:00 - 21:00 | Sunset Theatre, 2357 Pooley St., Wells, BC, v0k2r0, Canada
Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life is a heartfelt passion project that began in 2018 as a nudge after Keith Alessi’s life took a major turn. He shares his exceptional true story of leaving the corporate world behind to follow his true passion—playing the banjo!
When faced with a cancer battle, his lifelong dream becomes the key to saving his life. Told through authentic storytelling, heartfelt humour and music, this highly awarded, internationally toured show is an uplifting story of challenge, triumph, and the power of positivity.
This intimate experience is one sure to leave you feeling empowered, inspired, and ready to dust off your own long forgotten dreams.
It has been Keith’s mission to raise money for causes close to his heart including various cancer charities. He has performed the show over 250 times and has donated 100% of his artist fees and as of December 2022 has raised over $600,000.

Luminosity Gallery Exhibition
2023-07-08 11:00 - 18:00, 2023-07-09 11:00 - 18:00, 2023-07-12 11:00 - 18:00, 2023-07-13 11:00 - 18:00, 2023-07-14 11:00 - 18:00, 2023-07-15 11:00 - 18:00 | Island Mountain Arts, 2323 Pooley St., Wells, BC, V0k2R0, Canada
Join us at the IMA Public Gallery between 11 AM and 6 PM from July 8th – 15th (Closed Monday and Tuesday) to participate in this unique multimedia exhibition, and again at 5:30 PM on July 15th for the culminating showcase.
In Luminosity, the artworks of visual artist Linda Dayan Frimer and video artist Isaac Forsland are showcased together, exploring the interaction between painted pieces and projections. Together, the works unveil the artists’ vivid hues and abstract elements, highlighting the role creativity has in the relationship between humanity and nature.
During the run of the exhibition, the public is invited to participate in the creative process of ‘Direct Animation’, contributing their own drawings, impressions, and linework onto a clear strip of film as they explore the gallery.
Over the course of the exhibition, this community-made artwork will evolve, culminating in a late afternoon tea + talk that will feature a book reading of Luminous with Frimer, followed by a film screening to conclude the exhibition.
LINDA DAYAN FRIMER:
Born and raised in the forests of the Wells-Barkerville area, Frimer finds inspiration in local surroundings, particularly trees, transcending the confines of the natural world and giving rise to dynamic, lively forests. Her newest book, Luminous: An Artist’s Story as a Guide to Radical Creativity, posits that as the artists of our own stories, we actively cultivate our imagination and our experiences of colour and form. Through knowledge of past artists, who were able to see more in the darkness of their times while visualizing the future, Frimer encourages us to be inspired to bring something new, creative and unifying into existence.
ISAAC FORSLAND:
Forsland explores the creative process itself, with a strong emphasis on the time and effort invested behind the scenes of film production. While recognizing the importance of the final result, the focus in this show primarily rests on understanding the intricate journey of bringing a piece of film to life.
IMA acknowledges the support of the Canada Council for the Arts and the Province of British Columbia, as well as the Wells-Barkerville Community Forest, for keeping our gallery free to attend.
IMA acknowledges the ancestral territories of the Secwépemc and Dakelh Nations, on which Luminosity will be presented, recognizing their historical and ongoing connection to the land.

TOAP Artist Residency Open House Showcase
2023-07-08 19:00 - 21:00 | Island Mountain Arts Studios, Mildred Ave, Wells, V0K 2R0
Hello everyone! This week has been flying by fast, especially for the Toni Onley Artists’ Project participants.
They have been working hard and creating a lot of neat things!
Come to the Wells-Barkerville School second floor Saturday, July 8th at 7:00 pm, to check out what they got up to during their TOAP residency. Goodies from morselsmoveablefeast!

Saturday Night Music at the Wells Hotel
2023-07-08 20:00 - 22:00 | The Wells Hotel, 2341 Pooley St., Wells, BC, V0k2R0, Canada
Welcome back regular songster Sage Gordon to the stage for a Saturday night of hot rock and blues tunes.
No cover charge. Tips for the artist greatly appreciated

Trivia Night: the Wells of Knowledge
2023-07-09 18:00 - 20:00, 2023-07-23 18:00 - 20:00 | The Wells Hotel, 2341 Pooley St., Wells, BC, V0k2R0, Canada
Join us for weekly trivia hosted by local writer, actor, and generally entertaining guy, Ryan Schmitt.

Corwin Fox & Naomi Shore
2023-07-10 20:00 - 22:00 | SARRAS, 2338 Bowman Cres, Wells, BC, V0K2R0, Canada
July 10 MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
The first in a series of amazing summer concerts, SARRAS IN WELLS presents two favourite musicians of Wellsians, Corwin Fox and Naomi Shore. More info to follow!

Happy Trails│Biking kids Camp W/ Jasper Wrinch and Amanda Preston
2023-07-12 - 2023-07-15
Kids Nature Camps are supported by the Wells-Barkerville Community Forest and the Province of British Columbia.
With a world-class network of trails just steps away, it’s time to take in and take on the trails like you never have before! Throughout this course, participants will not only advance their knowledge of bike riding and safety, they will get a chance to explore how the many trails surrounding Wells can be rediscovered through the lens of cycling and active travel. This program will dive into bike handling skills, basic bike maintenance, and mechanics, trail riding and mapping, and help develop a deeper relationship with the community trails with the confidence to ride them.
Ages 6-14
Meeting at Wells-Barkerville school field at 9:00 am each day.
Please bring your own bike and helmet.
REGISTER AT: https://support-imarts.com/tickets-registration/happytrails
GOALS AND OUTCOMES:
● Demonstrate the ability to ride a bicycle safely and in a variety of terrains
● Responsibly and safely interact with the trail system, trail users, and surrounding ecosystems
● Develop an understanding of the many ways in which we can interact with and use the Wells Trail system
WHO ARE THE INSTRUCTORS?
JASPER WRINCH:
Jasper Wrinch is a musician and writer living and working out of Nex̱wlélex̱m, in the Squamish, Musqueam and Tseil-Waututh territories. Having visited Wells a number of times through music and film over the last six years, Jasper has taken on the role of Island Mountain Arts’ Coordinator for Youth Recreational and Leisure Activities for the summer of 2023. In addition to the Youth Film Scoring Workshop he ran with filmmaker Sarah Genge in winter 2021 through IMA, Jasper has worked with youth in various organizations and roles all over the province, including instructing at Gavin Lake Forest Education Society, HUB Cycling’s Bike Education programs, presenting for BC Schizophrenia Society’s ReachOut Psychosis program, and privately tutoring school-aged youth in a number of subjects. Jasper is looking forward to getting to know the Wells youth and to work with artists and community members for an exciting summer at IMA.
AMANDA PRESTON:
Amanda Lynne is not a musical instrument or a sharp kitchen implement contrary to what her name would lead you to believe. She’s an artist/creator who primarily works with oil paints and
surrealism-based art concepts, but really enjoys anything that has a foundation in the arts. In Wells, she’s found the inspiration to create in ways she wouldn’t have otherwise considered, due to the environment and way of life the town provides.

Sawney's Legacy
2023-07-14 20:00 - 21:00 | Sunset Theatre, 2357 Pooley St., Wells, BC, v0k2r0, Canada
Sawney’s Legacy tells the story of James Anderson, the first published poet of note in British Columbia.
This play is written and performed by Brendan Bailey with Direction by Dirk Van Stralen. It was developed in part through The Sunset Theatre’s annual Exploration Series, and will be presented once a month this summer on June 30th, July 14th and August 25th.
About the Poet: James Anderson was the first published poet of note in British Columbia. His Sawney’s Letters and Cariboo Rhymes has been of tremendous historical relevance and is quoted regularly in publications regarding the Cariboo Gold Rush. Born in 1835, raised and educated in Scotland at the prestigious Dollar Academy, and one of fifteen children, he became lord for the Anderson family estate. While resident along Williams Creek during the Cariboo Gold Rush, he was involved as an owner, investor, and labourer in a number of mining pursuits, but was also heavily involved in many community and social endeavours and was notably respected and well-liked, particularly for his legal aptitude, commentative verse, and singing voice.
CONTENT WARNING: Sawney’s Legacy is a period piece and explores privileged views of the nineteenth century Caucasian society, as well as addressing adult themes around family trauma and bias.
Sawney’s Legacy runs approximately 60 minutes in length.
Playwright/Researcher/Performer: Brendan Bailey
Production Manager/Stage Manager/Lighting Design: Emily Lindstrom
Director and Poster Design: Dirk Van Stralen
Research and Historical Consultant: Richard Thomas Wright
Indigenous Consultants: Cheryl Chapman and Mike Retasket
Chinese Consultant: Dr. Ying-Ying Chen
Theology Consultants: David and Michelle Lieffertz
Cariboo Lodge #4 Consultant: Neil Vant
Noble Players Logo (design, image, and intellectual property): Caitlin Bailey
Cover and Poster Image: Emily Lindstrom
Costume Advisors and Wardrobe Support: Michelle Lieffertz and Patti Bailey
HISTORICAL NOTES: The historic dates and events are (or are as close of an educated assumption to) documented, sourced, and cited fact. In writing this play, the playwright has worked within the given historical circumstances and drawn from historic publications to breathe life to fact.
Noble Players Theatrics is a Canadian production company focused on sharing stories connected to our historic gold rushes. Noble refers to the properties of gold which we feel serve as an effective metaphor for artistic integrity and entertainment value.
Contact: nobleplayerstheatrics@gmail.com

Jake's Gift
2023-07-15 20:00 - 21:30 | Sunset Theatre, 2357 Pooley St., Wells, BC, v0k2r0, Canada
Jake’s Gift returns to the Sunset Theatre stage this summer on Saturday, July 15th and Friday, September 8th. This multi-award winning play is written and performed by Julia Mackey and Directed by Dirk Van Stralen. It was one of three plays to come out of our inaugural Exploration Series in 2006.
Synopsis:
Jake’s Gift is a surprisingly funny drama about a Canadian WW2 veteran’s reluctant return to Normandy for the 60th Anniversary of D-Day.
While revisiting the shores of Juno beach, Jake encounters Isabelle, a precocious 10-year-old from the local village. Isabelle’s inquisitive nature and charm challenge the old soldier to confront some long-ignored ghosts – most notably the war-time death of his eldest brother, Chester, a once promising young musician.
At its heart, Jake’s Gift is about the legacy of remembrance and makes personal the story behind one soldier’s grave.
Written & Performed by Julia Mackey
Directed by Dirk Van Stralen
www.jakesgift.com
The show is 1 Act and runs 65 minutes with no intermission.
Tickets are $20 for Adults, $18 for Sunset Theatre Members and $10 for Teens and Kids. The play is recommended for Ages 10 +

Rock Talks with Last Ditch Mining
2023-07-16 18:00 - 19:00 | The Wells Hotel, 2341 Pooley St., Wells, BC, V0k2R0, Canada
Join local miner and and geological enthusiastic Ian Douglas of Last Ditch Mining for a show and tell of rock samples and old stories from the region’s vast geological territory. Every second Sunday, 6pm – 7pm in the Wells Hotel Lounge. Admission by donation. Minors must be accompanied by an adult guardian.
July 16th, July 30th, August 13, August 27
Learn more about Last Ditch Mining at lastditchmining.ca

In-Person Open House Cariboo Gold Project
2023-07-19 17:00 - 20:00 | Wells Community Hall, 4269 Sanders Ave, Wells, BC, V0K2R0, Canada
Osisko Development Corp. is proposing the Cariboo Gold project, an underground mine project near Wells, BC. The EAP is holding a public comment period on the draft materials to be provided to Ministers to make the decision on whether or not to allow the project to proceed.
Learn more about the project and tell us what is important to you:
gov.bc.ca/EAOPublicComments
In-Person Open House
July 19, 2023
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Open House
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Panel discussion
Wells Community Hall, 4269 Sanders Ave, Wells, BC
Info Session (Zoom)
July 25, 2023
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm PDT
Register at: gov.bc.ca/EAOPublicComments

2023 Prince George to Wells Group Ride
2023-07-21 08:00 - 2023-07-23 18:00
Join members of the Prince George ATV Club on this “3 day adventure” from the trails on Tabor Mountain all the way to Wells, BC.

LittleFox • An Evening of Music with Alison Jenkins
2023-07-21 20:00 - 21:00, 2023-07-22 20:00 - 21:00 | Sunset Theatre, 2357 Pooley St., Wells, BC, v0k2r0, Canada
LittleFox features the original songs of singer/multi-instrumentalist Alison Jenkins. Her first EP, Desire Lines, was released in Spring 2022, and her second EP, Ghost In This House, produced and recorded by World Peach Records, will be released in May 2023. With vocals that can leap from high and ethereal to a whiskey-soaked gutpunch- often in a single song- LittleFox explores genres from folk/pop to bluegrass to blues, featuring thoughtful original songs about love, longing, belonging, women, urban history, and finding your way in strange times.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
LittleFox features the original songs of singer/multi-instrumentalist Alison Jenkins. Her first EP, Desire Lines, was released in Spring 2022, and her second EP, Ghost In This House, produced and recorded by World Peach Records, will be released in 2023. With vocals that can leap from high and ethereal to a whiskey-soaked gutpunch- often in a single song- LittleFox explores genres from folk/pop to bluegrass to blues. Guided by the textures of violin, pedal steel, accordion, ukulele, and banjo, and locked in by a rock-solid rhythm section, Jenkins’ thoughtful original songs are about love, longing, belonging, missing and murdered women, urban history, and finding your way in strange times.
Alison has played and sung with many groups, including Something about Reptiles, Flying Folk Army, Zeellia, and Lone Crow Jubilee. She is also a professional sound designer, composer, actor, and music director for live theatre, performing in shows as varied asOnce (Arts Club Theatre, Vancouver), Bad Hat Theatre’s Peter Pan (Carousel Theatre, Vancouver), and Fiddler on the Roof (Persephone Theatre, Saskatchewan).
LittleFox was born during the pandemic of 2020 when Jenkins focused first on songwriting, then began turning her songs and demo recordings into EPs and a live band. A singer and multi-instrumentalist, she plays clawhammer banjo, accordion and ukulele live, and also plays bass and percussion on recordings. LittleFox performs live in several configurations, from solo to trio to a five-piece.
The current band lineup consists of: Alison Jenkins (lead vocals, ukulele, banjo, accordion), Allan Haley (pedal steel, mandolin), Masae Day (violin, vocals), Alex Marr (drums), and David Marr (electric bass, vocals).
Contact: littlefox604@gmail.com

Painting on Assemblage with Stefanie Denz
2023-07-22 - 2023-07-24 | Island Mountain Arts Studios, Mildred Ave, Wells, V0K 2R0
Location: Wells-Barkerville School, Outdoors if fair-weather, 2nd-floor studios if foul weather.
Cost: $90.00 + GST Early Bird to July 8th, $120.00 + GST Regular
Scholarships and Discounts for IMA members are available.
Join as a team of two – save 20%! – Please put the second person’s name in the additional details box on the pop-up form!
Using found materials (wood, metal, plastic, and other bits and bobs) workshop participants will work together to make a semi 3D surface for a unique painting experience. Workshop facilitator Stefanie Denz will support each student at their level, and guide them to new artistic possibilities on their creative path!
Students will receive in-session support to develop their ideas as they bring them to a two-dimensional surface. Process and techniques are also discussed, individually and in group critiques.
Participants are encouraged to bring their desired painting materials and brushes. IMA will have a selection of paints and brushes of varying integrity on hand for communal use, as well as found materials, drills, and hardware for assembling.
Register now: https://support-imarts.com/tickets-registration/painting-on-assemblage?fbclid=IwAR3ERU5GPqcb5gL48TwuIvbxCkjMQtKr0axrHYt_dYRQazVOdIIUdQQQnSg

Alex Flett One-Man-Band and the Flett & Goldthorpe Duet
2023-07-22 20:00 - 22:00 | The Wells Hotel, 2341 Pooley St., Wells, BC, V0k2R0, Canada
No cover charge. Tips for the artist gratefully accepted.
Alex Flett is a one-man-band experience. He plays the harmonica, guitar, cajon, tambourine and hi-hat all at the same time, while singing his original poetry. Although only being one person, the way he plays can pack a punch like a full band. His music tells honest, from-the-heart stories drawn from his journey through life.
When a one-man-band meets a one-woman-powerhouse-mystic, magic is born. Alex Flett and Cara Goldthorpe are a husband and wife musical duo with roots across the globe. They combine their soft and hard playing styles to create balanced songs with many elements, a dance of yin and yang, drawing inspiration from their diverse life experiences and traditions.
https://thesundragon.com/
