Art Galleries & Artists
Glass artwork (Danielle Hayes photo)
Like the rest of the Sunshine Coast, Powell River is home to a thriving arts scene.
From the strip of galleries on Marine Avenue to the private studios around the area, visitors will find a wealth of paintings, pottery, sculpture, and First Nations carvings to satiate their artistic cravings.
Artique Gallery
Artique (4722 Marine Ave.) is a cooperative gallery that showcases the work of more than 20 local artists. In this elegantly laid-out space, view and purchase abstract landscapes by Megan Dulcie Dill or hand-carved First Nations yellow cedar boxes by Bob Brackenbury. Also worth visiting is the neighbouring Studio 3 (4710 Marine Ave.), which displays the colourful creations of Lee Mackenzie, Joyce Furness, and Alexene Silver.
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Wind Spirit Gallery
At the Wind Spirit Gallery (4643 Marine Ave.) check out watercolours and prints by Haida artist April White, who incorporates traditional native animal motifs and intense lighting. Other works on display at this garden-encircled 1920s heritage home include Greg White's argillite carvings and Jack Gibson's bronze sculptures. After browsing, feast on local prawns on cornbread or smoked salmon pasta at the adjoining Jitterbug Cafe.
Malaspina Arts Centre
The Malaspina Arts Centre is Powell River's public art gallery, situated in the foyer of Malaspina University College. Check out rotating exhibits that include quilts, oil paintings, and blown glass by local artists. The permanent collection, usually displayed in July and August, features First Nations-themed watercolours by Ontario artist Michael Dobson.
More Arts on the Sunshine Coast
To discover as much of the Powell River arts scene as possible, take part in the annual self-directed Powell River Studio Tour in August. This weekend extravaganza sees upwards of 20 artists between Lund and Lang Bay opening their studio doors to the public. Another August weekend event is Arts Alive in the Park, where visual artists display their wares alongside musical performers and poets at Willingdon Park. The Hot Summer Night Market runs Thursday nights from mid-July to mid-September at Willingdon Beach (weather permitting), and is a great place to buy funky fashions, handspun art yarns, jewelry, and soaps.
Year-round, the Purple Banner Program helps visitors locate artisan studios on the Sunshine Coast. Just look for the purple banner flying outside. There are six Purple Banner stops in the Powell River area, including pottery havens like Down to Earth Clayworks (2107B Mahood Rd.) and Rare Earth Pottery (9644 Quarry Pl.).
To learn more about the Powell River and Sunshine Coast arts scene and upcoming events drop by the Visitor Centre.
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