With its beautiful natural setting and idyllic atmosphere, it's no surprise Bowen Island is a mecca for artists and art galleries. In fact, the rural island just off West Vancouver has the fourth-highest number of artists per capita in Canada among communities with populations of less than 50,000.
Artisan Square is the hub of artistic activity on Bowen Island. Located on a hill above Snug Cove, the small, funky square offers a delightful selection of galleries that showcase the creativity of local artists.
The Gallery at Artisan Square (589 Artisan Lane) offers rotating exhibits featuring the likes of photography by Dan Heringa, abstract landscapes by Sharon Norman, and oil paintings by Vikki Armour Fuller. This public gallery holds an annual fundraiser called "Mini Gala" in which 50 Bowen Island artists sell 50 small paintings priced at $125 apiece. It's open Wednesday to Sunday in the summer and Friday to Sunday in the winter.
The nearby Arts Pacific Gallery is Bowen Island's only artist cooperative, selling prints, mixed media sculptures, cards, photos, paintings, and more by close to 20 Bowen-based artists. It's open Wednesday to Sunday.
Private Galleries
Don't miss Artisan Square's private art galleries. Gilt (559 Artisan Lane), operated by the husband-and-wife team of David and Holly Graff, features striking pictures, ceramics, glassware and other artwork gilded with gold, silver and copper leaf. Pick up an intricately textured pearl necklace or piece of gold jewelry from Christie Grace (#301-566 Artisan Lane), who doubles as a songstress and has recorded with David Letterman band leader Paul Shaffer. Or score some attractive yet functional pottery at Cloudflower Clayworks.
Artisan Square also has accommodations and dining options, a yoga studio, a beauty salon, clothing boutiques and so on. To get to Artisan Square, hike up the hill from the ferry terminal at Snug Cove, make the short drive, or catch the Bluewater bus, which runs in conjunction with ferry arrivals and departures.
Artists at Markets and Fairs
From July to September, check out the Bowen Summer Market, which takes place at the white tents in the Union Steamship Company Marina in Snug Cove. Shop for wares by BC artisans, including the likes of Jeremy Dane Studio Glass and Venture West Native Arts.
Buy local handmade jewelry, knitwear, and seasonally inspired knick-knacks at the Bowen Island Christmas Craft Fair in December.
More Arts on Bowen Island
More funky boutiques are scattered throughout the other shopping areas near Artisan Square, including the Marina on the Pier, Village Square, and Snug Cove.
The Bowen Island Arts Council (BIAC) promotes self-serve tours of local artists' studios. It also encourages artists around the island to welcome visitors during the weekend Open Studio tour in August. Watch for the bright yellow banners.
Authors & Musicians
Bowen Island's involvement in the arts goes beyond visual arts and crafts. Well-known authors like Michael Ondaatje and Spider Robinson own homes here, and musicians ranging from rocker Barney Bentall to the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra have performed on "The Rock." About 12% of Bowen Islanders earn an income from the arts in some form.
To learn more about artists and art galleries on Bowen Island, check out the websites of the Bowen Island Arts Council or Tourism Bowen. For more information, the Bowen Island Visitor Information Centre (432 Cardena Rd) is located near the Snug Cove ferry terminal, and is open daily in the summer and Friday to Sunday in the winter.
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