Spotlight Series
Elise Boulanger
with cellist Anatol McGinnis
September 25th, 2026
Doors 6:30pm, Show 7pm
Shawnigan Lake Community Centre
Elise Boulanger with cellist Anatol McGinnis delivers a captivating, ethereal live performance. Anchored by warm cello and driven by artistic percussion, ukulele, and autoharp, her music creates an immersive and cinematic soundscape. Trained operatically, Boulanger possesses an angelic voice that reaches rare heights, drawing audiences into a profound and emotionally resonant experience. Her performances explore themes of environmental care, uplifting Indigenous communities, and collective kindness, inviting connection through audience yodeling and storm-like soundscapes in a dreamily decorated world.
Visit EliseBoulanger.com for more artist information.
Members: $13 in adv, $20 at door
Non-Members: $18 in adv, $25 at door
Sampler Workshops
The Freedom of Collaging
with Dawn Howlett
Saturday, September 26th
10am – 2pm @ Shawnigan Lake Community Centre
Collage as an art form is freeing and limitless. With simple tools and an adventurous spirit, what can be achieved is playful, meaningful and often compelling. Come explore collaging and ignite your creative spirit with this hands on course. You will go home with a completed piece, plus skills and imagery to continue creating at home.
Learn the basics of collaging in this fun and easy course, which is suitable for beginners and more experienced artists alike. You will have access to a large collection of imagery, so you can drop easily into creating. We will explore 2 collage styles and techniques, for the opportunity to expand your creative range.
Supplies: Participants are asked to bring scissors for the fine cutting and any imagery they are inspired to work with (although not compulsory as all supplies will be provided).
$18 for CSAG Members
$28 for Non Members
Exploring with Acrylics
with Carmen Stanek
Saturday, October 24th
10am – 2pm @ Shawnigan Lake Community Centre
A fun filled class exploring and experimenting in the art of acrylics. This class will include using a bit of mixed media to enhance your art, plus playing with textures, watering down acrylics, and seeing what you can do with gesso and a few other mediums to build and manipulate your art.
Supplies: Participants are asked to bring a picture or two of something or ideas that inspire you. Some supplies provided, participants are also welcome to bring/share materials!
$18 for CSAG Members
$28 for Non Members
Inspire! Youth Arts
Explore & Create
Children & Youth Ages 8-12
Let your creativity lead the way as you explore using a wide variety of art mediums, including fibre, clay, beads, paper, etc. Be inspired by projects that encourage open-ended opportunities to craft your own unique expressions in a confidence-boosting setting.
Wednesdays, September 16 – October 14
3:30 – 5:30pm – No session Sept 30
4 classes for $60 | Sign up with code: 119226
Instructor: CSAG Facilitators
Shawnigan Lake Community Centre
3:30 – 5:30pm – No session Nov 11
4 classes for $60 | Sign up with code: 119229
Instructor: CSAG Facilitators
Shawnigan Lake Community Centre
*Snacks provided*
To register, please visit reccowichan.ca or phone (250) 743-1433
The Studio
Youth Ages 13-16
Come and get inspired or try out your own ideas in this open ended studio time! You’ll find a wide variety of materials provided for you to use to make something unique. Connect with friends and chat while you create. Your ideas are welcome – we want to make this studio time work for you!
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
3:30 – 5:00pm
1 class for $20 | Sign up with code: 119225
Instructor: CSAG Facilitators
Shawnigan Lake Community Centre
To register, please visit reccowichan.ca or phone (250) 743-1433
Join Whimsy At Music In The Park
Thursday, August 27th & September 3rd at Cobble Hill Events Society’s Music in the Park. Weaving, mosaic, collage, and many more interesting activities for children, youth & their families for FREE! To volunteer at the Arts Tent, contact: hello@cowichansouthartsguild.com
Spotlight Series
Elise Boulanger
with cellist Anatol McGinnis
Elise Boulanger with cellist Anatol McGinnis delivers a captivating, ethereal live performance. Anchored by warm cello and driven by artistic percussion, ukulele, and autoharp, her music creates an immersive and cinematic soundscape. Trained operatically, Boulanger possesses an angelic voice that reaches rare heights, drawing audiences into a profound and emotionally resonant experience. Her performances explore themes of environmental care, uplifting Indigenous communities, and collective kindness, inviting connection through audience yodeling and storm-like soundscapes in a dreamily decorated world.
Visit EliseBoulanger.com for more artist information.
Non-Members: $18 in adv, $25 at door
Sampler Workshops
The Freedom of Collaging
with Dawn Howlett
Collage as an art form is freeing and limitless. With simple tools and an adventurous spirit, what can be achieved is playful, meaningful and often compelling. Come explore collaging and ignite your creative spirit with this hands on course. You will go home with a completed piece, plus skills and imagery to continue creating at home. Learn the basics of collaging in this fun and easy course, which is suitable for beginners and more experienced artists alike. You will have access to a large collection of imagery, so you can drop easily into creating. We will explore 2 collage styles and techniques, for the opportunity to expand your creative range.
SUPPLIES: Participants are asked to bring scissors for the fine cutting and any imagery they are inspired to work with (although not compulsory as all supplies will be provided).
$18 for CSAG Members
$28 for Non Members
Exploring with Acrylics
with Carmen Stanek
A fun filled class exploring and experimenting in the art of acrylics. This class will include using a bit of mixed media to enhance your art, plus playing with textures, watering down acrylics, and seeing what you can do with gesso and a few other mediums to build and manipulate your art.
Supplies: Participants are asked to bring a picture or two of something or ideas that inspire you. Some supplies provided, participants are also welcome to bring/share materials!
$18 for CSAG Members
$28 for Non Members
Inspire! Youth Arts
Explore & Create
Children & Youth Ages 8-12
Let your creativity lead the way as you explore using a wide variety of art mediums, including fibre, clay, beads, paper, etc. Be inspired by projects that encourage open-ended opportunities to craft your own unique expressions in a confidence-boosting setting.
Wednesdays | September 16 – October 14, 2026
3:30 – 5:30pm – No session Sept 30
4 classes for $60 | Sign up with code: 119226
Instructor: CSAG Facilitators
Shawnigan Lake Community Centre
Wednesdays | October 28 – November 25, 2026
3:30 – 5:30pm – No session Nov 11
4 classes for $60 | Sign up with code: 119229
Instructor: CSAG Facilitators
Shawnigan Lake Community Centre
*Snacks provided*
To register, please visit reccowichan.ca or phone (250) 743-1433
The Studio
Youth Ages 13-16
Come and get inspired or try out your own ideas in this open ended studio time! You’ll find a wide variety of materials provided for you to use to make something unique. Connect with friends and chat while you create. Your ideas are welcome – we want to make this studio time work for you!
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
3:30 – 5:00pm
1 class for $20 | Sign up with code: 119225
Instructor: CSAG Facilitators
Shawnigan Lake Community Centre
*Snacks provided*
To register, please visit reccowichan.ca or phone (250) 743-1433
Creators Circle
Formerly Makers Circle and Fearless Friday Painters.
Note: Creators Circle meetings have concluded until September.
A space for makers, painters, & ‘artists at heart’ to gather & work on their projects in the company of other creatives. Great opportunity for shared conversation & inspiration! Runs September through May. First session free to drop in and see if you would like to join us! Free to members!
Whimsy Turns One!
In celebration of World Storytelling Day and the Spring Equinox, enjoy these videos of Whimsy’s story throughout her first year.
Whimsy has received many warm birthday wishes:
“Happy Birthday Whimsy!! You have been a wonderful addition to our community, bringing artsy projects to young and older!!! Thank you for all you are doing for our community!! My apologies for sending regrets to your birthday invitation but I am playing joyfully on the shores of Loreto, Baja, Mexico.”
– Marian Davies
“Whimsy emerges from her cocoon last year, March 20th, 2024”
Pablo Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist; the problem is staying an artist when you grow up.”
The grown ups of Cowichan South Arts Guild help children and youth of all ages in the community harness their creativity through their Inspire Youth Arts program. Studies show that the arts promote creativity and encourage neural connections while developing self expression and building healthy self esteem and relationships. CSAG president Jennie Stevens, who is also the coordinator of their IYA program, said the guild created the IYA arts tent as a way to provide art activities and keep youngsters engaged, and entertained at community events such as Cobble Hill’s Music in the Park series.
“It has since been very successful,” said Stevens.. “We have anywhere from 60 to 80 kids that come through that art tent every Thursday night in the summer. We set up open-ended activities for both kids and their families who come out, and we provide all the materials for free through the arts guild. Whatever they create, they get to take home with them.”
“Opportunities to engage in the arts helps us to find & express the truth of who we really are.”
Our Sponsors
Cowichan South Arts Guild acknowledges that we gather together to live, learn & create on the traditional lands of the Coast Salish peoples. We give thanks, and recognize with appreciation, the cultures that have come before us.
Open Book Club
October 8
How to Survive a Bear Attack: A Memoir
by Claire Cameron
November 12
Mother Mary Comes To Me
by Arundhati Roy
December 10
Theo of Golden
by Allen Levi
January 14
Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention & How To Think Deeply Again
by Johann Hari
February 11
The Lacuna
by Barbara Kingsolver
March 11
The Cure For Drowning
by Loghan Paylor
Creators Circle
Formerly Makers Circle and Fearless Friday Painters.
Note: Creators Circle meetings have concluded until September.
A space for makers, painters, & ‘artists at heart’ to gather & work on their projects in the company of other creatives. Great opportunity for shared conversation & inspiration! Runs September through May. First session free to drop in and see if you would like to join us! Free to members!
Whimsy Turns One!
In celebration of World Storytelling Day and the Spring Equinox, enjoy these videos of Whimsy’s story throughout her first year.
Whimsy has received many warm birthday wishes:
“Happy Birthday Whimsy!! You have been a wonderful addition to our community, bringing artsy projects to young and older!!! Thank you for all you are doing for our community!! My apologies for sending regrets to your birthday invitation but I am playing joyfully on the shores of Loreto, Baja, Mexico.”
– Marian Davies
“Whimsy emerges from her cocoon last year, March 20th, 2024”
Pablo Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist; the problem is staying an artist when you grow up.”
The grown ups of Cowichan South Arts Guild help children and youth of all ages in the community harness their creativity through their Inspire Youth Arts program. Studies show that the arts promote creativity and encourage neural connections while developing self expression and building healthy self esteem and relationships. CSAG president Jennie Stevens, who is also the coordinator of their IYA program, said the guild created the IYA arts tent as a way to provide art activities and keep youngsters engaged, and entertained at community events such as Cobble Hill’s Music in the Park series.
“It has since been very successful,” said Stevens.. “We have anywhere from 60 to 80 kids that come through that art tent every Thursday night in the summer. We set up open-ended activities for both kids and their families who come out, and we provide all the materials for free through the arts guild. Whatever they create, they get to take home with them.”
Spotlight Series
Elise Boulanger
With cellist Anatol McGinnis
Friday, September 25th
Doors 6:30pm, Show 7pm
Shawnigan Lake Community Centre
Elise Boulanger with cellist Anatol McGinnis delivers a captivating, ethereal live performance. Anchored by warm cello and driven by artistic percussion, ukulele, and autoharp, her music creates an immersive and cinematic soundscape. Trained operatically, Boulanger possesses an angelic voice that reaches rare heights, drawing audiences into a profound and emotionally resonant experience. Her performances explore themes of environmental care, uplifting Indigenous communities, and collective kindness, inviting connection through audience yodeling and storm-like soundscapes in a dreamily decorated world.
Visit EliseBoulanger.com for more artist information.
Members: $13 in adv, $20 at door
Non-Members: $18 in adv, $25 at door
Sampler Workshops
The Freedom of Collaging
With Dawn Howlett
Saturday, September 26th
10am – 2pm @ Shawnigan Lake Community Centre
Collage as an art form is freeing and limitless. With simple tools and an adventurous spirit, what can be achieved is playful, meaningful and often compelling. Come explore collaging and ignite your creative spirit with this hands on course. You will go home with a completed piece, plus skills and imagery to continue creating at home. Learn the basics of collaging in this fun and easy course, which is suitable for beginners and more experienced artists alike. You will have access to a large collection of imagery, so you can drop easily into creating. We will explore 2 collage styles and techniques, for the opportunity to expand your creative range.
Supplies: Participants are asked to bring scissors for the fine cutting and any imagery they are inspired to work with (although not compulsory as all supplies will be provided).
$18 for CSAG Members
$28 for Non Members
Exploring With Acrylics
With Carmen Stanek
Saturday, October 24th
10am – 2pm @ Shawnigan Lake Community Centre
A fun filled class exploring and experimenting in the art of acrylics. This class will include using a bit of mixed media to enhance your art, plus playing with textures, watering down acrylics, and seeing what you can do with gesso and a few other mediums to build and manipulate your art.
Supplies: Participants are asked to bring a picture or two of something or ideas that inspire you. Some supplies provided, participants are also welcome to bring/share materials!
$18 for CSAG Members
$28 for Non Members
Inspire! Youth Arts
Explore & Create
Children & Youth Ages 8-12
Let your creativity lead the way as you explore using a wide variety of art mediums, including fibre, clay, beads, paper, etc. Be inspired by projects that encourage open-ended opportunities to craft your own unique expressions in a confidence-boosting setting.
Wednesdays | September 16 – October 14, 2026
3:30 – 5:30pm – No session Sept 30
4 classes for $60 | Sign up with code: 119226
Instructor: CSAG Facilitators
Shawnigan Lake Community Centre
Wednesdays | October 28 – November 25, 2026
3:30 – 5:30pm – No session Nov 11
4 classes for $60 | Sign up with code: 119229
Instructor: CSAG Facilitators
Shawnigan Lake Community Centre
*Snacks provided*
To register, please visit reccowichan.ca or phone (250) 743-1433
The Studio
Youth Ages 13-16
Come and get inspired or try out your own ideas in this open ended studio time! You’ll find a wide variety of materials provided for you to use to make something unique. Connect with friends and chat while you create. Your ideas are welcome – we want to make this studio time work for you!
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
3:30 – 5:00pm
1 class for $20 | Sign up with code: 119225
Instructor: CSAG Facilitators
Shawnigan Lake Community Centre
*Snacks provided*
To register, please visit reccowichan.ca or phone (250) 743-1433
New Book Club Selections
Whimsy Turns One!
In celebration of World Storytelling Day and the Spring Equinox, enjoy these videos of Whimsy’s story throughout her first year.
Whimsy has received many warm birthday wishes:
“Happy Birthday Whimsy!! You have been a wonderful addition to our community, bringing artsy projects to young and older!!! Thank you for all you are doing for our community!! My apologies for sending regrets to your birthday invitation but I am playing joyfully on the shores of Loreto, Baja, Mexico.”
– Marian Davies
“Whimsy emerges from her cocoon on March 20th, 2024”
Pablo Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist; the problem is staying an artist when you grow up.”
The grown ups of Cowichan South Arts Guild help children and youth of all ages in the community harness their creativity through their Inspire Youth Arts program. Studies show that the arts promote creativity and encourage neural connections while developing self expression and building healthy self esteem and relationships. CSAG president Jennie Stevens, who is also the coordinator of their IYA program, said the guild created the IYA arts tent as a way to provide art activities and keep youngsters engaged, and entertained at community events such as Cobble Hill’s Music in the Park series.
“It has since been very successful,” said Stevens.. “We have anywhere from 60 to 80 kids that come through that art tent every Thursday night in the summer. We set up open-ended activities for both kids and their families who come out, and we provide all the materials for free through the arts guild. Whatever they create, they get to take home with them.”
“Opportunities to engage in the arts helps us to find & express the truth of who we really are.”
Our Sponsors
Cowichan South Arts Guild acknowledges that we gather together to live, learn & create on the traditional lands of the Coast Salish peoples. We give thanks, and recognize with appreciation, the cultures that have come before us.
