Calling all local artists – have you heard of The Creative Exchange? Originally developed by artist Mackenzie Perras, The Creative Exchange was created to encourage collaboration and cross-pollination among artists, makers, and innovators. Now proudly hosted by the Rotary Centre for the Arts, this ongoing event takes place every second Tuesday from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. The Creative Exchange is a free community event that combines the spirit of an open mic with the energy of creative networking. Open to artists and creators of all kinds, it’s a space to share your work, explore new ideas, or simply enjoy and connect with others. The casual atmosphere of The Creative Exchange allows everyone, even beginner artists, to express themselves and escape their comfort zone while gaining confidence in their practice.  

After Mackenzie’s departure earlier this year for new artistic adventures in the lower mainland, we were lucky enough to find Candice Knight, artist and facilitator of community here in Kelowna. With a background in teaching and personal development, Candice creates the perfect welcoming space for meaningful creative exchange, personal growth, and inspiration.  

Candice Knight Bio: 

Candice Knight is a transition mentor, author, and community-builder who helps women in midlife reclaim clarity, confidence, and purpose by embracing their authentic selves. After a 20-year career as a teacher specializing in supporting at-risk youth, Candice followed her soul's calling to write, coach, and create spaces for deep connection and creative expression. 

Recently relocating from Ontario to Kelowna, Candice is now the host of The Creative Exchange, a dynamic gathering at the Rotary Centre for the Arts that brings together makers, storytellers, and dreamers of all kinds. Her mission is to cultivate a thriving creative community - a space where serious artists, innovators, and passionate creators come to connect, collaborate, and grow. Each Creative Exchange event is designed to spark meaningful conversation, showcase powerful work, and foster new opportunities for collaboration. 

Her debut book, Under the Armor: The Courage to Surrender, released in April 2025, explores the emotional layers we build to protect ourselves from pain and how, through surrender and self-discovery, we can shed that armor to live more connected and purposeful lives. Drawing from her own powerful journey through emotional breakdown, divorce, and renewal, Candice guides readers to embrace their inner hero's journey, offering reflection prompts and practical tools along the way. The book has already resonated with readers seeking to step into a more authentic version of themselves. 

Through The Creative Exchange, her coaching programs, and her upcoming podcast, Candice is dedicated to helping others ignite their creativity, find inspiration, and make a meaningful impact by simply being who they are. Her vision is to build a community where creativity isn’t just shared - it’s celebrated, nurtured, and used as a force for connection and positive change. 

We are thrilled to welcome Candice to our amazing team of community program leaders. Help us give her a warm welcome and stop by The Creative Exchange - every second Tuesday from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM in the RCA Atrium. The RCA is proud to provide our community with accessible programing that allows everyone to experience the joy of art. 

While The Creative Exchange is a welcoming space for emerging voices, we also deeply value the presence of seasoned artists whose journeys can inspire and guide others. If you've been practicing your craft for years, consider sharing your work, your process, or even a few words of wisdom - your story could be the spark someone else needs. We believe in the power of cross-generational creativity, where new energy meets experienced insight in unexpected and beautiful ways.

Candice invites artists of all stages - especially those who have walked the creative path for a while - to come, connect, and perhaps even mentor through presence and storytelling. Whether it’s a brief showcase or an informal chat, your contributions help shape the creative culture of our city.

No registration is required – just arrive ready to feel inspired. Bring in any form of artwork; a painting, a poem, your latest sewing creation, you name it! Attendance is free or by donation. More information can be found here. 

As a non-profit, accessible programming like The Creative Exchange is only possible from the support of our patrons, sponsors, and funders. You can help us keep arts and culture alive in the Okanagan by donating today. Big or small, your valued donations ensures that through the arts we continue to support creativity for all while promoting social discourse, dialogue, and arts literacy.