October 2026
NAC Updates & Upcoming Events
This October newsletter of 2026 features artist Leslie Lendvoy, upcoming visual and literary art events, and exciting ways to engage with the Nanaimo Arts Council. If you’ve got an event or announcement, submit them to the linked forms to be included in next month’s edition!
Editor's Note
Dear subscriber,
Jamie Ashton has officially stepped down from the position of President due to new work commitments. In her place, Steven Dennis has taken on the role once again.
Meanwhile, the Artwalk Committee has been actively preparing for the upcoming event scheduled for November 21/22. A 28-page full colour Event Guide is currently with the printer, the shuttle route has been finalized, and the promotional campaign is in progress. We are excited about the potential for another outstanding event.
– The Editor
Featured Artist
Leslie Lendvoy
Leslie Lendvoy is an award-winning AFCA artist based in Nanaimo. Working in oils both en plein air and in her studio, she draws on a lifelong connection to BC’s rugged coastlines, quiet coves, forests and changing skies, using colour, light, and expressive brushwork to capture their spirit.
Want to be our next featured artist?
Upcoming Events
2026/27 Ralph Gustafson Distinguished Poet Readings and Lecture Series
Renowned poet Stephen Collis is Vancouver Island University’s (VIU’s) Ralph Gustafson Distinguished Poet for 2026/27. Collis will perform two poetry readings on October 21, and a lecture on October 22.
October 21and 22, 2026
Cost: Free
Award-winning BC Documentary Showing at Avalon Cinemas
The award-winning documentary, The Fire in Our Hearts, is coming to Avalon Cinemas in Nanaimo on October 25 and 28, 2026.
October 25 and 28, 2026
Nanaimo Golf Club Craft Fair
The Nanaimo Golf Club is hosting its annual craft fair on October 25, 2026. The event features thirty tables of local crafts and home businesses, as well as a bake sale. Proceeds go to the Salvation Army.
October 25, 2026
Cost: Free Admission
Sketchy Folks Drawing, Collaging, and Journalling Sessions
Join the next Sketchy Folks session – a casual gathering of drawing, collaging, and journaling. Bring a sketchbook, notebook, or binder with paper. A prompt will be provided.
November 4, 2026
Cost: Free with purchase of beverage or foodÂ
Delhi 2 Dublin Tour
Delhi 2 Dublin’s 20th anniversary world tour brings a new age of musical and cultural fusion through Subcontinental Pop, where sounds from across cultures meet in a unified, energizing mix that unites dance floors worldwide.
November 5, 2026 at 7:00 PM
ARTful Adventures
Join us on an immersive field-journaling retreat in central Mexico, exploring the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, forest trails, and vibrant cultural sites. With daily guidance in pen, pencil, watercolor, and ARTful journaling, you’ll combine images, words, and collected materials to tell your travel story. Through demos in composition, sketching, and lettering, you’ll slow down, see deeply, and capture meaningful moments—focusing on process over perfection. Led by art instructor Carla Flegel and limited to 14 participants.
Got an event to add to the NAC calendar?
Announcements & Updates
Volunteer or join the NAC Board
We are always open to volunteers to join us in running our annual programming, and also have open positions on the board. If you are interesting in being more involved, reach out and lets chat!
Our Event Calendar is live
We have put up a new Event calendar, listing all events run by the NAC, our members, and our partner organisations. Take a look to see what art’s programming is happening in our wonderful town!
Art Around Town
Submissions are now open for Art Around Town, an exhibition by the Nanaimo Arts Council in collaboration with the Port Theatre. Registration is now open until October 17, 2026.
NIFSS Film Screenings
The Nanaimo International Film Screening Society film schedule is now live! Visit their website to view the upcoming screenings and purchase tickets.
Got an announcement to share?
Thank you to our sponsors, funders, and partners
