A new exhibit at the Nanaimo Art Gallery features sweets including a chocolate bar developed by elementary school students.
After Wrappers, an exhibition by the group Big Rock Candy Mountain, will be at the gallery until July 12.
Big Rock Candy Mountain is a collaboration between Hannah Jickling, Reed H. Reed and guest artists. The art gallery describes the group as an “artist-run flavour incubator and taste-making think tank” that produces edible creations, workshops and installations with a focus on sensory experiences.
The exhibition features installations of previous projects, alongside new creative experiments and educational programs. Projects include sculptures, video, print and edible objects, according to a news release from the art gallery.
The chocolate bar, called Sour Vs Sour, was created by students at Queen Alexandra Elementary School in East Vancouver. It combines chocolate from East Van Roasters with the flavour preferences of the kids. The bars will be available to purchase at the gallery store.
The After Wrappers title comes from a collaboration with Grade 5 and 6 students in Dawson City. The students designed glass bottle shapes which were brought to life by glass blower Jesse Bromm.
“The artworks in this exhibition are the result of dynamic collaborations between artists and elementary school students. What a great way to celebrate our 2025 inquiry ‘how can we play together,’” said Nanaimo Art Gallery curator Jesse Birch.
There will be an opening reception on May 2 from 7-9 p.m. and everyone is welcome. According to the news release, there will be refreshments and samples of the chocolate bar created for the exhibition.
Local musician Elise Boulanger will perform music and Nanaimo's Arbutus Distillery will serve a signature cocktail made for the event.
Lunchtime tours will be available every Friday at noon from May 9 to July 11.
