Nanaimo Art Galleries & Artists
Nanaimo Art Gallery, Destination Nanaimo photo
Nanaimo's downtown boasts a half-dozen galleries, most representing local, Vancouver Island and B.C. artists. The urban core around Commercial Street, in fact, is officially known as the Arts District in reflecting the beehive of artistic activity found in these colorful haunts as well as at the 800-seat Port Theatre on the waterfront. The latter routinely hosts theatre, concert and dance performances.
Nanaimo Art Gallery
Begin a walking tour of art hotspots at the downtown branch of the Nanaimo Art Gallery (150 Commercial Street). Striking modern visual art is showcased in an airy heritage space that is part of the larger Nanaimo Arts Centre – administrative home to Theatre BC, the Vancouver Island Symphony and other arts organizations. The gallery coordinates the annual Festival of Banners, which produces the colorful artwork lining downtown streets and the waterfront each summer. The gallery's uptown branch is at Vancouver Island University (#330-900 Fifth Street near the Nanaimo Parkway).
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Commercial Galleries & Cooperatives
Just up the street in the former home of the Nanaimo Free Press newspaper is the remarkable Gallery 223 (named for its number on Commercial Street). The main floor features Canadian and European paintings, glasswork and sculpture, but the best reason for a visit is the seven intimate artist studios/mini-galleries on the second floor. These are rented by local talents – usually two or three per room and many of them award-winning painters – to showcase their surprisingly affordable work.
Also downtown is the Artisan's Studio (70 Bastion Street). This cooperative space features locally made woodwork, paintings, pottery, stained glass and more. Next door is Hill's Native Art (76 Bastion Street) and its huge collection of Northwest Coast First Nations artwork. Art 10 Gallery in the Port Place Shopping Centre (650 South Terminal Avenue) features rotating exhibits from the 30 painters and potters affiliated with the gallery.
The newest generation of Vancouver Island creatives – and some very reasonably priced work – is showcased at Artzi Stuff in the Old City Quarter (309B Wesley Street). Look for one-of-a-kind jewellery, fashion accessories, ceramics, paintings, cards, switchplate covers and home décor items.
Art on Gabriola
The single best time to eyeball the work of Gabriola Island's legion of artists is in early October. The Gabriola Arts Council's annual Thanksgiving Studio and Gallery Tour lets one drop-into upwards of 100 studios and galleries over the three-day Thanksgiving weekend. Driftwood furniture, patchwork quilts, functional pottery and intricate beadwork are among the treasures here.
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610 Oyster Bay Drive
Ladysmith, British Columbia
V9G 1K4
Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery is a community gallery. A volunteer run organizion with 12 or more unique shows a year to intrigue both the artist & art lover. Art includes, 2D, 3D & Photgraphy. Don't be surprised if you see many well known artists who live in & around Ladysmith or see their work on display. Next door to the gallery are artist studios - take a tour, visit with the artist, ask question & see what's going on. Inside the gallery is a fantastic gift shop with new items arriving from artists frequently. Check out our one day workshops.
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