VIVA Canada!

Name: VIVA Canada!
Start: 2026-07-05
End: 2026-08-30
Location: Parksville

VIVA Canada! is a summer art exhibition at the McMillan Arts Centre in Parksville, British Columbia, running from July 5 to August 30, 2026. The showcase features a series of pastel paintings by artist Joan Larson, capturing trans-Canadian train journeys with a distinct focus on the interplay of light and reflections.

Date: Jul 5 - Aug 30, 2026
Location: Parksville

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Event summary

Highlights

Series of pastel paintings by Joan Larson inspired by Canadian rail travel
Immersive gallery installation featuring a 'train' layout and antique travel posters
Interactive improvisational performances by Qualicum Playback Theatre on Tuesday evenings

The 'VIVA Canada!' exhibition at the McMillan Arts Centre (the MAC) presents a visual narrative of cross-country rail travel through a collection of pastel works by artist Joan Larson. Inspired by a personal journey Larson took with her mother, the paintings explore themes of reflection, memory, and the Canadian landscape. The gallery environment is designed to evoke the rail experience, with artworks arranged in a 'train' formation along the walls, accompanied by a ticket booth and antique travel posters.

Complementing the visual art, the Qualicum Playback Theatre hosts interactive performances every Tuesday from July 14 to August 18. During these sessions, performers create improvisational sketches based on stories shared by the audience, focusing on empathy and shared perspectives. These live theatrical events are held at 7:30 p.m. and require tickets available through the MAC box office.

Practical details

Before attending

Check the sources below for current opening times, admission prices and registration requirements. A date range does not mean the event runs continuously or that admission is free.