The natural landscape in Vancouver, Coast & Mountains encompasses everything from stunning oceanfront to towering peaks. These awesome surroundings no doubt inspire the hundreds of artists who live and work here.
While exploring the region, tour a local gallery or visit a studio where you can usually meet the artist. The Purple Banner Route marks more than 65 home studios and galleries that welcome visitors along the scenic Sunshine Coast.
Several renowned galleries are dedicated to Aboriginal art and display impressive totem poles, masks, carvings, paintings, jewellery and crafts.
Communities such as Hope and Abbotsford put their love of art on public display, with artwork adorning parks and other prominent locations. Others celebrate the arts with annual festivals.
Popular Art Galleries
On the Sunshine Coast, be sure to stop by the Gibsons Public Art Gallery as a great introduction into this very arts-minded community.
Further up the coast in Sechelt is the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre. This facility, housed in a unique log structure, boasts two exhibiting areas and up to 12 annual exhibitions by contemporary local and off-coast artists.
The Jenkins Showler Gallery in White Rock features contemporary Canadian art. Every piece is an original, including works by landscape artist Toni Onley and acclaimed Haida artist Robert Davisdon. Atrium Shows through the summer months are kicked off with opening receptions attended by the artist.
Aboriginal Art
Visit Aboriginal cultural centres, tour community museums and galleries, and admire totem pole displays throughout the region.
Among the galleries not to be missed are the respected Khot-La-Cha Art Gallery and Gift Shop, established 40 years ago on the Capilano Reserve in North Vancouver; the CRS Trading Post in Britannia Beach, featuring works by local Coast Salish artists; and the Tribal Spirit Gallery in Langley, with its large display space and vast array of artwork. Also check out Gift of the Eagle Gallery in Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast.
Public Art
The community of Hope is known as the “Chainsaw Carving Capital” and boasts more than 30 carvings displayed throughout the district. Most depict the area’s plentiful wildlife, and others capture its pioneering past.
In Abbotsford, be on the lookout for murals painted on buildings all over the city. Most reflect the nature of the business or public building they adorn. Several pieces of bench art and a handful of statues can also be found here. Follow the self-guided Arts, Culture & Heritage tour (maps available at the Visitor Centre).
Marine life artist Wyland has painted 100 “Whaling Wall” murals in cities around the world. One of the earliest Whaling Walls (the fourth), depicting a family of grey whales, can be seen in the city of White Rock. Nearby, admire the “fence art” along Johnston Road, and don’t miss the striking totem poles on display at east beach.
The city of Surrey, adjacent to White Rock, is home to around 30 pieces of public artwork and an additional 40 murals. Watch for it at local beaches, parks, and in random locations around the city.
Artistic Communities
The Sunshine Coast is a well known artist haven and has one of Canada’s highest per capita ratios of artists, artisans and craftspeople. The tranquility and beauty of the coast inspires painters, sculptors, woodworkers and fibre artists, among others. The coast is even home to a natural perfumery.
The Purple Banner Route runs along the Sunshine Coast from Gibsons to Lund, with a stop on Savary Island. Purple banners mark galleries and home studios, and indicate that the space is open for public viewing. Among the more unique venues is a fibre arts studio housed in a yurt!
Picturesque Bowen Island is another extremely artistic community; it has a population of fewer than 3,400, yet it serves as home and workspace for more than 400 artists. See everything from local paintings to locally crafted musical instruments. Bowen is only 20 minutes by ferry from West Vancouver.
Art Festivals & Events
The Gibsons Landing Fibre Arts Festival (August) on the beautiful Sunshine Coast has been going strong for more than a decade. Exhibits include everything from basketry and weaving to paper arts and woodworking. Watch a demonstration, or attend a workshop to pick up a new skill (or hone an existing one). And be sure to pick up a handmade memento.
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