The Valhalla Fine Arts Society is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to nurturing artistic ability and enhancing cultural life in the Slocan Lake area of British Columbia. Established in 1999, the Society grew from the founding of the Valhalla Summer School of Music by Heather Huether and John Kadz into a broader umbrella organization that supports various arts education and live performance initiatives[2].

Mission and Vision

The Society's mission is to foster artistic excellence in people of all ages through community-based, non-competitive programs that contribute both culturally and economically to the local region. It emphasizes a supportive environment where participants can pursue creative development surrounded by the natural beauty of New Denver and Silverton, British Columbia[2][1].

Location and Environment

Situated in a picturesque setting overlooked by mountains and near Slocan Lake, the community benefits from clean air, pristine water, and numerous outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking and mountain biking. The area’s natural landscape complements the Society’s artistic endeavors by offering attendees a serene and inspiring atmosphere[1].

Programs and Activities

The Valhalla Fine Arts Society offers a diverse range of summer workshops and camps catering to preschoolers, school-aged children, college-level conservatory students, and adult amateurs. These programs include music, theatre, and dance aimed at developing skills in various performing arts disciplines[2][5].

Beyond summer programs, the Society supports arts education for local residents year-round and hosts live performance events featuring faculty, students, alumni, and guest artists. Notable performers have included Jane Siberry, Allison Girvan, and the Corazón Vocal Ensemble. Since 2022, the Society also organizes community live music dances such as the Blues Boogie series[2].

Facilities and Assets

Over the years, the Society has acquired valuable assets to enhance its programming and the community’s cultural infrastructure. Prominently, it owns the Holly Wiseman Memorial C7 Yamaha grand piano housed at Silverton Memorial Hall, along with portable staging, upright and digital pianos, music stands, and musicians’ performance chairs. These resources are made available to groups and individuals within the community for artistic use[2].

Recognition

The Valhalla Fine Arts Society is a registered charitable organization under Canadian law, operating with the business registration number 881403216RR0001. It is recognized for its contribution to sustaining and enriching the artistic landscape of the Slocan Lake region while providing unique cultural experiences in a rural setting[1][4].

This community-focused nonprofit continues to attract participants seeking a blend of high-quality arts education and engagement with a vibrant natural environment. Its comprehensive approach to nurturing talent and promoting cultural vitality exemplifies the role of arts societies in rural Canadian communities.

[1] https://valhallafinearts.org/site/ [2] https://valhallafinearts.org/site/about/ [3] https://www.instagram.com/p/DIkSisbtE3t/ [4] https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/valhalla-fine-arts-society/ [5] https://www.kootenayrockies.com/partner/valhalla-fine-arts/