Penticton is home to a vibrant arts scene, where local creators and performers bring their talents to life in galleries, studios and theatres across the city.
And now, thanks to Tia Saunders, there’s a space for everyone to get hands-on with creativity – no experience required.
Tia opened The Splat Room in spring 2024. The concept? A wildly fun, no-rules approach to painting, where guests can throw, splatter and spray paint not just on canvases, but on the walls and even each other. The idea was an instant hit.
Make a Splash
“There are some splat rooms in cities like Toronto and I think one recently opened in Vancouver but there weren’t any around locally,” says Tia.
She wanted to offer an inclusive art space for groups, families and those seeking a unique date night.
“It’s messy and expressive. It’s similar to a rage room but in a creative way,” she explains.
Guests are outfitted in full protective gear to ensure worry-free splattering.
“I’ve had three generations here in the Splat Room. It’s pretty fun for kids to spray their parents and parents to spray their kids. Date nights are fun too. It’s something different like glow in the dark birthdays. I’ve had toddlers to 90-year-olds. The 90-year-old had the most fun.”
Tia also runs Meraki Kids Club, providing art camps and classes that aim to empower kids through social emotional skills, meditation and mindset work. One of the most popular activities is blindfold painting, she says. And it all takes place at Art Up Studios, owned by local artist Derrie Selles – Tia's mom.
Positive Impacts
“On the topic of multi-generations, my daughter has been coming to my art and empowerment camps for five years and many of her friends have grown up here,” says Tia. “I’m so lucky to be a part of it and to create an amazingly positive impact on them.
“I’m really proud of what we’ve done and continue to do and contribute here. Heart-led businesses make Penticton and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of that, alongside my family.”
Since the Splat Room and glow theme has been such a hit, Tia has since added Glow Paint Nites/Parties, Glow Slime Parties and Glow Pumpkin Painting parties (seasonal). She's also excited to connect with more groups like the Foundry. Giving back and supporting her community is what small businesses are all about, she says.
“Supporting local is everything. I grew up here, raising my daughter here. It’s home.”
Email thesplatroompenticton@gmail.com or go to their Facebook or Instagram page if you want to book some fun.
Art Events
Penticton has many spaces that foster the talent and creativity of local artists. A testament to the vibrant art scene is the hugely popular Ignite the Arts Festival, held over several days every March, as well as the Art Walk, featuring 26 venues showcasing art and culture. These are just two examples, with classes and events taking place each week throughout the community.
Art Galleries
From art galleries to pottery studios, public art to performing theatres, here is a list that highlights some of the best places to immerse yourself in the world of art, offering a glimpse into diverse styles and inspiring works of local and international artists.
Penticton Art Gallery
199 Marina Way
The Penticton Art Gallery is a community hub and hosts rotating exhibitions featuring local and national artists, educational programs and kids camps as well as beloved events like the Chili Cook Off and the Soup Bowls.
Website , Facebook or Instagram
The Leir House Cultural Centre
220 Manor Park
This historical building is home to the Penticton & District Arts Council, the Penticton Academy of Music & Dramatic Arts, Penticton’s Potters Guild and multiple artists in residence. It’s open year-round with exhibitions, workshops, music lessons, creative drop-in groups and more. It is a dynamic hub of community connections and the heART of our community.
Website, Facebook or Instagram
Art Up Studios
94 Ellis Street
This shared studio and creative space on Ellis Street features a community of artists “living their dream making art,” according to owner and artist Derrie Selles. Along with the Splat Room, there is private studio space, pottery room, art gallery and gift shop. At Art Up Studios, there is always a class or workshop going on.
Facebook or Instagram
Aurora Dawn Matheson Fine Art Gallery
221 Martin Street
This gallery showcases local artists and offers on-site studio space. Visit their website to learn more about the artists, latest displays and upcoming art classes.
Website
Cormier’s Studio
495 Vancouver Avenue
This home gallery features the art of Lawrence Cormier & Kena Cumming Cormier. Lawrence sculpts steel and Kena paints bright, whimsical “out of the box” wall art. They both create fun, colourful fused glass sculptures for the home, office or garden.
Website
Donut House Studios
106-1475 Fairview Road
Located in the historic Cannery Trade Centre, the Donut House Studios is a visual arts and performance centre, a space for workshops and creativity, as well as an event venue.
Website, Facebook or Instagram
Dragon’s Den
12 Front Street
Dragon's Den is your one-stop shop for art supplies, crafts, greeting cards, First Nations giftware and more. Local artists know to come to the Dragon’s Den.
Facebook
Gallery One Twenty-Seven
127 Elm Avenue
Enjoy the art of Peggie Collins, including originals, prints and gift items. Many images reflect her journey across Canada in 2018, including bright and colourful scenes featuring the Okanagan and B.C.
Website, Facebook or Instagram
Lloyd Gallery
18 Front Street
Located on downtown Penticton’s colourful Front Street and one of the city’s longest standing studios, Lloyd Gallery represents over 40 Canadian artists. The gallery’s philosophy is making art accessible to everyone. They also are experts in custom framing.
Website, Facebook or Instagram
4th Meridian Art & Vintage
Cannery Trade Centre, 104-1475 Fairview Road
Visit the shop to view curious delights ranging from pottery, glassware, greeting cards, framed vintage art prints to original fine art and books. Plus, many vintage curiosities and useful items to accent your interior spaces. Visit their website for hours of operation.
Website, Facebook or Instagram
Picture This!
133 Westminster Ave W
In spring 2024, Picture This Custom Framing and Gallery celebrated its 20th anniversary. There is always something inspiring to see.
Facebook
Rasha Tattoo Art and Gallery
218 Main Street
Rasha has been tattooing for almost 20 years, with his latest works on display in the gallery on site of his tattoo studio. He also specializes in custom designs on canvas, wood, painting, wall murals, glass etching and wood engraving.
Facebook or Instagram
Tumbleweed Gallery
452 Main Street
This artist-run gallery features unusual and inspiring works of art by Okanagan artists. For 35 years, this Main Street gallery has offered framing services.
Website, Facebook or Instagram
Two Lakes Pottery
432 Main Street
Two Lakes Pottery Studio is a passionate studio that works hard to help cultivate the inner artist in all of its members, students and guests. They offer workshops and classes as well as pottery for sale.
Website, Facebook or Instagram
Other Opportunities to View Art
Penticton’s Public Art Sculptures
Various downtown locations
The City’s public sculpture exhibition program was created in 2016 and is a year-long outdoor exhibit of original sculptures. Look for them along the Okanagan Lake waterfront, downtown near City Hall and in the Front Street roundabout. The sculptures are owned by the local artists and leased for one year. To find out more about the artists and their sculptures, visit the City's Public Art webpage.
En'owkin Centre
154 Enowkin Trail
En'owkin hosts many traditional and contemporary arts workshops, exhibitions on the regional level for syilx members and partners within the wider community. An Indigenous cultural, educational, ecological and creative arts organization, En'owkin plays a lead role in the development and implementation of Indigenous knowledge and systems. Visit their website for more details.
Cannery Brewing
198 Ellis Street
For several years, the Cannery has partnered with Penticton Art Gallery to display 10 mini murals created by B.C. artists, mainly from Okanagan. Later this month, the brewery will host a live auction for the murals. Tickets to attend the event are free and available now on their website.
Legacy Den
441 Main Street
Legacy Den showcases a unique collective of local artists work while also selling vintage men’s and women’s wear and collectibles. The venue plays host to poetry nights, open mic events, fashion shows, live music and more. To see what is coming up and on display, go to their Facebook page or website.
Penticton’s Art Theatres
Tempest Theatre
125 Eckhardt Avenue E
Tempest Theatre’s mission is to enlighten and inspire through theatre and art. With an intimate setting of around 70 seats, it is a welcoming space for the artistic and cultural community offering lessons and workshops as well as plays. Find out about performances or classes on their website , Facebook or Instagram page.
Cleland Community Theatre
325 Power Street
From Cirque du Soleil and celebrity musicians to high school plays, there is always something exciting going on at Cleland Theatre. Visit their website and Facebook page for updates.
Many Hats Theatre on the Cannery Stage
1475 Fairview Road, inside the Cannery Trade Centre
Many Hats Theatre Company was created by a group of experienced and passionate theatre people in 2007 with the express goal of bringing ‘top drawer’ professional-quality live theatre to the South Okanagan. Don’t miss Cinderella, a traditional British Pantomime, coming up Nov. 7-30. Visit their website for more details and to get your tickets!
Showtime! Theatre Company / Okanagan School of the Arts
This theatre company, provided by the Okanagan School of the Arts, is an "outlet and training ground for adult amateur performers. We build community through respect, inclusion and mentorship." They produce fully-staged musicals using existing songs and an original script, with more details on their Facebook page.
Did we miss one? Tell us about it so we can add it to this list! Email us at communications@penticton.ca.