Frank Venables Theatre
CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS A variety of cultural groups are active in the community of Oliver, and the area is represented by many talented artists. There is a concert society, a film club, an arts council, an amateur players group that performs musicals, comedy, drama, dinner theatre and musical reviews. Artists include potters, weavers, quilters, carvers & other artisans who display their work in local art galleries located throughout the area. Other clubs and organizations in Oliver include: The Heritage Society; A Multicultural Organization; The Desert Information and Preservation Centre; and a Portuguese Club; The Rotary Club of Oliver; Kiwanis; Oliver Parks and Recreation Society. For a complete list of Cultural and Recreational clubs and organizations please contact the South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce at www. sochamber.ca or call (250)498-6321 FRANK VENABLES THEATRE is a brand new mid size community theatre that opened its doors in 2014. The Theatre is fully equipped with state of the art sound, lighting and video capabilities and holds an audience of 400 in the comfort of high-backed seats set on a steeply-raked floor. The dimensions of the stage are generous and capable of accommodating everything from school productions to professional touring shows. The Frank Venables 38
OLIVER COMMUNITY PROFILE
Credit: Asymetriq Productions Oliver Tourism Association
Theatre adjoins Southern Okanagan Secondary School in Oliver It is a true community theatre with construction and operations jointly funded by the community and the school district. The Theatre is operated by the Oliver Community Theatre Society with a mandate to promote and facilitate maximum beneficial use by the school, community performing and concert societies, as well as other users, both from inside and outside Oliver. 6100 Gala St. (250)498-1626 www.venablestheatre.ca. OLIVER COMMUNITY ARTS COUNCIL (OCAC) has been a hub of artistic activity in Oliver since 1970. It is an umbrella group currently representing eighteen member groups, fifteen arts focused businesses and about 80 individual and family members. The
OCAC serves approximately 400-500 active artists and artisans. www.oliverartscouncil.org 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 Library, The Oliver Sagebrushers, The Oliver Arts and Crafts Sale, The Sage Valley Voices Community Choir, The South Okanagan Amateur Players, The South Okanagan Concert Society, Oliver District Heritage Society, Women of Oliver for Women, Oliver Art Gallery, Rip Off Artists, Oliver Handbell Ringers, and Oliver Community Garden Society. THE QUAIL’S NEST ARTS CENTRE is located at 5840 Airport Street is home to the OCAC and many of its programs. The various member groups are active during fall and winter, holding classes and rehearsals, and presenting concerts, plays and exhibits. During spring and summer, the Oliver Community Arts Council has several major public events throughout the year. SPRING ARTS FAIRE (early April). The style is a trade show, but its focus is on the arts. Sales, displays, demonstrations, and classes. BC Arts and Culture Week (3rd week of April) A province-wide celebration. OCAC signature event, exhibits, open houses, workshops, and concerts.