Nestled into the heart of old downtown Kamloops, at 207 Victoria Street W., stands one of the most beautiful historic buildings in Kamloops. The old Federal Building is over 120 years old. In it’s day it has housed the post office, the jail, the armory, Indian Affairs, and even the morgue.
These days it is home to the Old Federal Studios – an artist collective and art gallery.
“We got started last October, in 2023,” says self described collective coordinator, curator exhibition designer, and janitor, Vaughn Warren. “The idea is to create sort of an artists’ collective.” They share workspace, amenities, a semi-commercial kitchen, artists benefit from affordable living spaces, and a low-stress environment to be able to do what they are meant to be doing – creating.
“It’s a very sort of casual and organic kind of development,” says Warren. “Just letting us sort of develop in sensible ways that doesn’t put much pressure on anyone. There’s enough pressure out there these days.”
The building went through extensive renovations to get ready for the collective and gallery. From exposing the original tin pan ceilings, to third floor renos to make space for five residents, to revamping the workspaces, and a very exciting development to come in the basement, the Old Federal Building has been given new life, yet again. And while the collective suites and workshop areas are for the use of the residents, the gallery showcase and the gift shop are open to the public. So, you can come and see for yourself the great things going on.
The Old Federal Studios is currently showing original artworks from local artist — Jasper Ellis: I had a dream last night. I was ruining your day. The works are a mix of skate, train, and hippie culture, including a massive 12 foot by 24 foot banner art that is currently gracing the side of the building, itself.
“I’m excited,” Warren says. “It’s seen by 30,000 cars, a day. So, we’re excited to get local artists to, you know, see your work being seen by over a million cars per show.”
The current show will be coming to an end soon, with one final event happening on December 7 from noon until six pm. A casual affair, says Warren, and a great opportunity to come and see what the buzz is all about in this substantial drop in Kamloops’ proverbial artistic bucket.
Warren has worked on the Old Federal Building for close to ten years, and this latest evolution for about a year, but he doesn’t do it alone.
“I have a wonderful and merry band of people here, including my assistant, Rowan Hunt,” says Warren, “who is incredibly hard working. He’s been a great part of the effort here.”
So has the owners of the building, MC Square Developments, who, says Warren, “have been very supportive and let us do whatever we can to pay the bills and put the building to good use.”
So, what’s next for this grassroots art space? “We’re looking at doing a show of locals,” says Warren. “We’re gonna invite a whole bunch of local artists to come and collaborate” The theme, he says will be about building the artistic community and strengthening the grassroots fabric of the artist community in Kamloops. A community, he says, that needs all the attention and support it can get.
Want to check out the gallery or know more about what is going on at the Old Federal Studios? Keep up with their hours and happenings on their Facebook page, and go and see for yourself the history, the art, the community — and don’t forget to stop at the gift shop.