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Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art

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Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art

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.

06/01/2026

THE ALTERNATOR // SAYING FAREWELL

The Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art would like to say a grand farewell to our Assistant Director Arianne Tubman, who will be leaving our team this month.

Arianne Tubman (, pictured on the left) is an emerging artist, originally from Calgary, A.B. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a Major in Visual Arts from the University of British Columbia Okanagan in 2021. While an avid illustrator and printmaker, Arianne’s artistic practice focuses mainly on photography. Since 2021, Arianne has worked tirelessly to ensure that the Gallery is always running smoothly.

The Alternator wants to thank Arianne for all of the hard work and heart that she has put into the Gallery over the years. Best wishes to Arianne on her journey to new horizons.

Please bare with our current team while we get used to these transitions!

05/31/2026

LARA FELSING // SHALLOW BREATHS

New in our Main Gallery is 'Shallow Breaths" by Lara Felsing ()!

In 2023, Lara Felsing was evacuated twice due to wildfires. "Shallow Breaths" is an exhibition exploring wildfires and how wildfire smoke affects humans, plants, insects, animals, and the land. It looks closely at the air we breathe when wildfires burn near and far, and its themes include climate change, eco grief, community, reciprocity, and our shared connection through breath. After recording air quality data for three years, Lara is sharing her findings in a body of work made with plant-dyed up-cycled textiles, secondhand items from her community, wildfire burn site castoffs, and harvested plant medicines.

Lara Felsing is a Cree Métis artist from Northern Alberta, Canada, and a registered member of the Métis Nation of Alberta. Her practice expresses kinship to the natural world, advocating for the necessity of living in reciprocity with the land and all living beings. Traditional plant harvesting is at the core of her practice. Lara gathers roots, leaves, berries, petals, and pine needles to create compostable paintings, weavings, clothing and blankets that honour and show gratitude for Mother Earth's gifts.

Lara has exhibited internationally and attended residencies at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity and the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, and holds an MFA from Emily Carr University. Her forest baskets were featured at the 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, and she was recently a finalist for the Rewilding Arts Prize. Lara co-curates an international group exhibition titled Wildfire. Her practice is supported by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts and Canada Council for the Arts.

05/28/2026

KEVIN JESUINO // TENDER CITY: THE SILENT SLOW DANCE PROJECT

New in our Project Gallery is "Tender City: The Silent Slow Dance Project" by Kevin Jesuino ().

"Tender City: The Silent Slow Dance Project" is a socially engaged dance project inviting men in different cities to participate in partnered silent slow dances in public urban spaces. Historically, urban design has often prioritized order, efficiency, and productivity, reflecting societal structures that have traditionally favoured hetero-patriarchal capitalist ideals. These priorities may inadvertently limit opportunities to foster tenderness, connection, and community care in city spaces. Some homosexual men navigate this imposed system through cruising, seeking physical connections in public due to having no other options in a city or world that rejects their existence. "Tender City" translates this intimate choreography into an urban, public, silent, slow dance through a public activation and a video installation.

Kevin Jesuino is a Vancouver-based Portuguese-Canadian artist who works at the intersection of performance, dance, socially engaged art, photography, video, and any other medium that helps him convey his ideas. His work has been shown in performance and visual art venues, as well as in parking lots, street corners, public parks, back alleys, and DIY spaces across Canada and abroad. Beyond his own solo practice, Jesuino collaborates with diverse communities, scientists, architects, choreographers, and scholars, inhabiting the fluid roles of performer, sculptor, and co-conspirator.

05/26/2026

LIVE AT THE ALTERNATOR // FEATURING SAMANTHA WIGGLESWORTH

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

Join us TOMORROW 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.

In this edition, Kel sits down with Samantha Wigglesworth! Sam () isn’t your average artist—they’re a creative force who thrives on pushing boundaries. Challenging the current violent and hostile tide of North American conservative rhetoric Sam provides a platform through portraiture for their gender nonconforming subjects to be seen and “heard.” In a political climate that struggles to find peace and foster inclusivity, Sam’s work is a beacon and the spotlight is on them in our 4th episode of Live at The Alternator.

When: May 27th | 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 so we know you’re joining us: https://bit.ly/4tHNjup.

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: https://bit.ly/41PThOF.
Unable to contribute? You are always welcome here.

05/24/2026

CUT, PASTE, DISCOVER // AN ANALOG COLLAGE WORKSHOP

Board Summer Workshop Takeover!
Explore the world of collage with Natasha Harvey () and Patty Leinemann () this Thursday May 28th!

This hands-on session is about loosening up and experimenting — ripping, cutting, and finding your way into a practice that is as accessible as it is endlessly creative. Natasha and Patty each bring their own distinct approach to the form, and together they’ll help you discover new materials, techniques, and ideas to take back to your own work.

All materials are provided, though you’re welcome to bring your own papers or source materials

Date: May 28, 2026
Time: 6 PM – 9 PM
Location: Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art
Cost: $25 for Members | $60 for Non-Members

REGISTER HERE: https://bit.ly/4eWOFOh.
Not a member yet? It pays to join! Find out more: https://bit.ly/4eW3UHh.

05/22/2026

THE ARCHITECTURE OF THE PAUSE // SOMATIC SESSION WITH KEVIN JESUINO

Please join us this Sunday, May 24th for the next edition of the Visiting Artist Mentorship Series! To find out more information and to register, click here: https://bit.ly/494YTIV.

Vancouver-based Portuguese-Canadian artist Kevin Jesuino () invites us to dismantle the pervasive "hustle culture" of the arts industry. Together, we will work to reclaim rest, boredom, and self-care as vital somatic practices rather than luxury commodities. Participants will leave with a somatic toolkit to navigate the creative void, transforming self-care from a consumerist checkbox into a radical, embodied ritual of resistance and renewal.

Note to Participants: Please bring comfortable layers of clothing that allow you to move freely. We also recommend bringing socks if you are not comfortable being barefoot.

05/20/2026

MAY OPENING RECEPTION // LARA FELSING & KEVIN JESUINO

Celebrating new exhibitions with Lara Felsing & Kevin Jesunio! Join us this Friday May 22n from 6-8PM for an exciting opening reception.

In our Main Gallery is "Shallow Breaths" by Lara Felsing. In 2023, Lara Felsing was evacuated twice due to wildfires. Shallow Breaths is an exhibition exploring wildfires and how wildfire smoke affects humans, plants, insects, animals, and the land. It looks closely at the air we breathe when wildfires burn near and far, and its themes include climate change, eco grief, community, reciprocity, and our shared connection through breath. After recording air quality data for three years, Lara is sharing her findings in a body of work made with plant-dyed up-cycled textiles, secondhand items from her community, wildfire burn site castoffs, and harvested plant medicines.

In our Project Gallery is "Tender City: The Silent Slow Dance Project" by Kevin Jesuino. Tender City is a socially engaged dance project inviting men in different cities to participate in partnered silent slow dances in public urban spaces. Historically, urban design has often prioritized order, efficiency, and productivity, reflecting societal structures that have traditionally favoured hetero-patriarchal capitalist ideals. These priorities may inadvertently limit opportunities to foster tenderness, connection, and community care in city spaces. Some homosexual men navigate this imposed system through cruising, seeking physical connections in public due to having no other options in a city or world that rejects their existence. Tender City translates this intimate choreography into an urban, public, silent, slow dance through a public activation and a video installation.

Come connect with your community, enjoy some light refreshments, and be the first to see these exciting exhibitions! Please RVSP to let us know you’re coming: https://bit.ly/48LRAWq.

05/19/2026

LIVE AT THE ALTERNATOR // FEATURING SAMANTHA WIGGLESWORTH

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.

In this edition, Kel sits down with Samantha Wigglesworth! Sam () isn’t your average artist—they’re a creative force who thrives on pushing boundaries. Challenging the current violent and hostile tide of North American conservative rhetoric Sam provides a platform through portraiture for their gender nonconforming subjects to be seen and “heard.” In a political climate that struggles to find peace and foster inclusivity, Sam’s work is a beacon and the spotlight is on them in our 4th episode of Live at The Alternator.

When: May 27 | 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 so we know you’re joining us: https://bit.ly/4tHNjup.

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: https://bit.ly/41PThOF.
Unable to contribute? You are always welcome here.

05/16/2026

THE ARCHITECTURE OF THE PAUSE // SOMATIC SESSION WITH KEVIN JESUINO

The Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art is proud to introduce the 2026 Visiting Artist Mentorship Series, a new pilot program made possible through the generous support of the Central Okanagan Foundation. Over the coming year, we will facilitate four of these specialized sessions, each designed to foster meaningful connections, knowledge sharing, and networking between the Okanagan arts community and our national peers.

Please join us on May 24th for this edition of the Visiting Artist Mentorship Series! To find out more information and to register, click here: https://bit.ly/494YTIV.

Vancouver-based Portuguese-Canadian artist Kevin Jesuino () invites us to dismantle the pervasive "hustle culture" of the arts industry. Together, we will work to reclaim rest, boredom, and self-care as vital somatic practices rather than luxury commodities. Participants will leave with a somatic toolkit to navigate the creative void, transforming self-care from a consumerist checkbox into a radical, embodied ritual of resistance and renewal.

Note to Participants: Please bring comfortable layers of clothing that allow you to move freely. We also recommend bringing socks if you are not comfortable being barefoot.

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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