The distinct and remarkable landscape of the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast has served as an inspiration for many talented artists who call this region home.
Be sure to explore the charming town of Wells, a vibrant hub of arts and culture. In a town whose winter population is 240, there are six galleries located in brightly painted heritage buildings, which are all accessible by foot.
A "must-see" gallery is the Chris Harris Studio Gallery in 108 Mile Ranch. Housed in the straw-bale built gallery are stunning photographic stills of the Cariboo and Chilcotin landscape and wildlife, which are dramatically lit to bring out their full beauty.
Aboriginal art is well represented on the coast (though it can be found throughout the entire region). In Bella Coola, explore the Petroglyph Gallery for authentic Nuxalk (the local First Nations) masks and jewellery, and a large selection of art by the prominent Nuxalk artist Silyas Saunders.
Art in Wells
No visit to the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast is complete without a stop in the charmingly offbeat – and off the beaten path – arts town of Wells. Located minutes from the historic town of Barkerville, this 1930s mining town is a gold-mine of galleries, performance spaces, and an art school that are housed in brightly painted heritage buildings.
Local artists range from potters to jewellers, painters, photographers and silk screen printers and their works deck the walls of Wells' private and public galleries and shops and cafes. Drop by the Amazing Space Studio – converted from a 1930s Holy Rosary Catholic Church – to see the former altar area artfully arranged to display works by the gallery's owners.
The Island Mountain Arts school is renowned for their classes in performing, visual and literary arts. Their on-site gallery is a unique mix of works by burgeoning artists that range from paintings to carvings and handicrafts.
Popular Art Galleries
Chris Harris is a renowned photographer best known for his breathtaking shots of the Cariboo and Chilcotin landscape and wildlife. Set amongst aspen trees and near a bird-watching conservancy, his uniquely constructed Chris Harris Studio Gallery is located near 100 Mile House and is built with straw bale and is beautiful in and of itself – a perfect setting for Chris' fine art photography and coffee-table books.
The Station House Studio & Gallery in Williams Lake is located in a restored 1919 BC Rail passenger train station. Contemporary works by regional artists are splashed across the walls and featured throughout the gallery. Pop into the gift shop to browse finely crafted pottery, raku (Japanese pottery), weaving and more.
The Quesnel Art Gallery features monthly exhibits and a gift shop brimming with local paintings, jewellery, art cards, books and hand-crafted moccasins.
100 Mile House is home to many talented artists, who feature their work in home-based studios or in the town's public gallery.
Other communities such as Clinton, 108 Mile Ranch and 70 Mile Ranch also have their share of artists, whose work can be viewed in unassuming shops and quiet studios.
Aboriginal Art on BC's West Coast
An abundance of Aboriginal art can be found on the coast area of this region. Small home-based studios and larger galleries display art that represents the culture, legends and land of First Nations groups.
Stop by Petroglyph Gallery in Bella Coola for a dose of Nuxalk art. Discover the ceremonial and cultural significance attached to beautifully hand-carved masks and paddles, spoons and jewellery. Slip into authentic (and warm) moose and deer hide moccasins, made by artisans from the Chilcotin and Ulkatcho First Nations.
The prominent Nuxalk artist Silyas Saunders is self-taught and lives and works in Bella Coola. Look for his sculptures – often characterized by their vibrant hues of red and blue – or marvel at the carved totem pole fronting his gallery.
Art Festivals & Events
The ArtsWells Festival in Wells is a dynamic four day event (June) that celebrates the arts with music and live entertainment, a "one-minute" play, and artist booths and workshops. Take a self-guided Art Walk to discover Wells' galleries, as well as the visiting artists, artisans and craftspeople booths.
The Arts on the Fly festival, held each summer in the quaint community of Horsefly, is a weekend event that combines live music and dancing with art shows and artist booths.
Looking for that perfect hand-crafted gift or souvenir? Try a local farmer's market (often summers only). Find more details at a Visitor Centre.
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