A Cross-Country Book Tour & Workshop Event

The gallery will host a special evening on the cross-country book tour of two acclaimed Canadian authors, Kevin Andrew Heslop and Joanna Cockerline.

The event begins with an immersive creative workshop led by both authors—an inspiring opportunity for writers, artists, and curious minds alike. Following the workshop, guests will enjoy a live reading and discussion, as Kevin and Joanna share from their newly published works.

The evening blends storytelling, creative exploration, and interactive art. It will open with a reading in which each author presents selections from their fiction and non-fiction (approximately 20 minutes each), followed by a Q&A and open discussion with the audience.

Participants will then be invited to take part in a hands-on writing workshop, offering insights into both fiction and non-fiction writing. Attendees are encouraged to bring a notebook or laptop, as well as up to two pages of writing to share and workshop in a supportive setting.

Complementing the literary experience, Leslie Putnam will present a collection of interactive art sculptures displayed on the book table. These tactile works, which reflect themes of transformation and healing found in the readings, invite participants to touch, hold, and engage with art throughout the evening.

Whether a writer, reader, or simply curious, attendees will find this event to be a unique opportunity to connect through words and art.

• Kevin Andrew Heslop presents The Writing on the Wind’s Wall, a tender and compelling inquiry into the experiences of those affected by Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) in his hometown of London, Ontario. The book is shaped by family connections and a decade of conversations with writers and artists worldwide.

• Joanna Cockerline introduces Still, a gripping novel set on the streets of Kelowna, BC. The story follows Kayla, who lives and works on the street, and Little Zoe, a missing sex trade worker. With raw honesty, the novel paints an intimate portrait of survival, community, and the search for home within oneself.

Admission is free, and no registration is required.