It is no surprise that a town internationally celebrated for its wall-spanning murals is also a hotbed for arts and artists. The main shopping stretch along Chemainus' Willow Street is home to a collection of first-rate galleries. The Chemainus Theatre's giftshop features the work of 100 artisans. And while ambitious plans to turn the town into a bona fide arts colony haven't come to fruition, art is very definitely a central fact of life here.
Downtown Galleries
Begin a walking art tour at the Chemainus Theatre's Gallery. This plush space mounts rotating shows by featured artists while also carrying a wide variety of original art, glasswork, sculptures, pottery, and paintings. The Oak Leaf Gallery is a long lean space showcasing dozens of local artists, among them painters Sylvia Verity, Fred Peters, and Paul Jorgensen. Wall hangings, art cards, prayer flags, native carvings, and the unique metalwork of artist Brad Allen are also sold here. Just down the block on Willow Street is The Pottery Store, a cooperative gallery for the oven-fired creations of regional potters Harriet Hiemstra, John Robertson, Renée Sala, and the duo of Victor and Josée Duffhues.
In Old Town Chemainus at the corner of Laurel Street and Maple Lane, Sheryl Sawchuck's Colour of Life gallery showcases her own vivid paintings and semi-precious jewellery. The artist can often be found creating new work on site.
Home Studios & the Visions Art Studio Tour
Several dozen home studios in the Cowichan Valley are open year-round either by appointment or on a schedule of regular hours. Pick up the annually updated Visions brochure at the Visitor Centre. It features a centrespread driving tour map and details on artists from Ladysmith in the north to Mill Bay in the south. Launched in the mid-80s, the Visions Summer Tour and Sale is a one-stop opportunity in early July to tour many of the valley's home studios. Several stops are in the immediate Chemainus region. Potters Lois Ireland and Peggy Grigor can be found in Saltair just north of town, while Crofton is home to studios run by painter Susan Jean Whyte, weaver/jeweller Eve Whitehead and glass artists Jo Ludwig and Peggy Brackett.
Artfarm
Perhaps the most unique studio in the area is Artfarm, a gallery space situated on a working farm in the countryside southwest of Crofton. Celebrated BC ceramic artist Margit Nellemann utilizes minimal glazing and a whimsical imagination in creating her one-of-a-kind teapots, cups, and bowls here. Wander through the lavender-scented fields, say hello to the artist's friendly dachshunds and sample the fragrant blends from her extensive menu of loose leaf teas. Drop by the Visitor Centre for more information on artists and art galleries in Chemainus.