The Sunshine Coast is home to one of the highest per-capita populations of artists in Canada. Visiting the galleries and studios in Gibsons and neighbouring communities is a pleasure for art connoisseurs and casual art fans alike.
Galleries in Gibsons
Many of the galleries in Gibsons are situated around Gibsons Landing, the historic waterfront overlooking the town's marina and working harbour. An excellent starting point is the Gibsons Public Art Gallery (#201-287 Gower Point Rd.). It offers six or more juried exhibitions a year, focusing on local artists' work in disciplines like oil painting, digital photography, and pottery. Check out KlayWerk Studio (1472 Davidson Rd.) and Grout Pottery Clayforms (582 Reed Rd.) for innovative pottery, Sa Boothroyd Gallery (Government Wharf, Gibsons Landing) for paintings and etchings, and Westwind Fine Art Gallery (#14-292 Gower Pt. Road) for oil and acrylic nature paintings.
The Gift of the Eagle Gallery (441 Marine Dr.) showcases Northwest Coast First Nations art, from colourful masks and wood carvings to jewelry and glassware. While most of these wares are locally produced, shoppers will also find work by internationally renowned artists like Roy Henry Vickers.
Arts Scene in Sechelt
Sechelt, just 23km/14mi north of Gibsons, is home to the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre (5714 Medusa St.). It features exhibitions by Sunshine Coast artists such as ceramics-maker Katie Janyk, photographer John Davis, and mixed media artist Les Niepo. Literary readings, live music, and art courses also grace the centre. For a taste of First Nations artwork, check out the museum gift shop at the House of Héwhíwus, or House of Chiefs (5555 Sunshine Coast Hwy.). It's dedicated to celebrating the culture of the Sechelt Nation, and visitors can buy handmade moccasins, jewelry, blankets, and more here.
View and purchase ceramic tableware made with lead-free materials at Blue Dot Art Studio (5081 Sunshine Coast Hwy.), Impressionist-style oils from Karen A. Motley (5863 Skookumchuck Rd.), or distinctive jewelry at Sunstones Beads & Gems (5699 Cowrie St.).
More Arts on the Lower Sunshine Coast
Further up Highway 101, the communities around Pender Harbour have thriving arts scenes as well. Motoko serves up intriguing, abstract contemporary art at her studio and gallery (4590 Sinclair Bay Rd., Garden Bay), while metal sculptures and acrylic paintings by locals go nicely with the coffee at Copper Sky Gallery & Cafe (12903 Madeira Park Rd., Madeira Park). The Sunshine Coast also celebrates its artists with festivals and events, such as the Hackett Park Craft Fair (August) and the Gibsons Landing Fibre Arts Festival (August). The Sechelt Farmers Market also features pottery, photography, and leather goods.
For more information on artists and art galleries on the Sunshine Coast, pick up a copy of the current Purple Banner Studio & Gallery Guide, which features Sunshine Coast locations flying the "purple banner" to signal where visitors can check out artists at work. In some cases an advance appointment by phone is required.