Artists on Vancouver Island have a nearly unlimited palette at their disposal. Everything the island has to offer is used in various creations, such as furniture sculpted out of wave-tossed driftwood, or cedar, arbutus and willow trees carved into intricate patterns.
The Gulf Islands are home to artists of every stripe, including world famous naturalist and painter Robert Bateman. The islands have been called "one of the top 10 artist colonies in North America."
The renowned Chemainus murals are so popular they have spawned imitators in communities as far away as New Zealand and California.
Aboriginal art features prominently on Vancouver Island. The most impressive collections have been on display in galleries around the world, including the Smithsonian Institute in New York.
Artistic Communities on Vancouver Island
Many small towns and cities scattered along Vancouver Island's eastern shore are a natural draw for the artistically inclined. Watch the roads for the signature "A" sign, indicating an artist or gallery is nearby.
Seaside towns along the scenic Oceanside Route (notably Parksville and Qualicum Beach) are artistic hot spots. Galleries and studios are usually open to the public.
Nanaimo and Ladysmith are home to the Cedar-Yellow Point Artisan Association, an affiliation of artists in the surrounding area. Meandering country roads connect a vibrant, thriving arts community that offers self-guided tours to more than 20 galleries and studios.
Chemainus Murals
The world-famous Chemainus murals form the largest display of public art on Vancouver Island. Once a resource-reliant town, Chemainus has embraced the arts. The downtown core has been turned into a giant public art display featuring more than 40 building-sized murals depicting local history and traditions.
Aboriginal Art on Vancouver Island
Aboriginal art can be found in almost every city and town, with particularly impressive displays in Tofino, Alert Bay, Duncan, Comox and Victoria. See majestic totems, cedar longhouses, and galleries filled with carvings, jewellery and paintings that represent a wide variety of Aboriginal cultures.
The U'mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay brings the art and culture of the Kwakwakawa'wakw First Nation to life through its renowned "Potlatch Collection," which features impressive masks, carvings and artwork.
Duncan is known as the "City of Totems" for the 80 carvings displayed throughout town. Aboriginal artwork is featured at several shops and galleries, and the Quw'utsun' Cultural Centre brings the art and heritage of the Cowichan people to life. The neighbouring community of Cowichan is known for its Cowichan sweaters, hand-knit by members of the Quw'utsun First Nation.
Notable galleries displaying Aboriginal art include Eagle Aerie Gallery in Tofino, featuring the works of acclaimed artist Roy Henry Vickers; the I-Hos Gallery in Comox; and the Judy Hill Gallery in Duncan.
Art in the Gulf Islands
Salt Spring Island hosts a summer-long art display and exhibition featuring painters, potters, woodworkers, glass artists, herbalists, jewelers and fabric artists. Visit the famous Salt Spring Island Saturday market, or try the Salt Spring studio tour, a self-guided tour of more than 30 art studios.
Denman and Hornby islands are flourishing artistic communities. Denman is known for its pottery, and is home to one of the few Tozan Anagama kilns in the world, a unique, high-heat kiln that imbues incredible iridescent colour into its pieces.
Popular Art Galleries on Vancouver Island
The Eagle Aerie Gallery in Tofino features the art of acclaimed Aboriginal artist Roy Henry Vickers. This impressive cedar longhouse features original prints and carvings, and is a "must-see" Tofino experience. The I-Hos Gallery in Comox features contemporary and traditional northwest coast arts and crafts. The impressive collection of art at the world famous Sooke Harbour House is well worth a look.
Art Festivals & Events
The self-guided Denman Island pottery tour, running for more than 20 years, enables visitors to explore pottery studios and meet the artists.
Quadra Island's spectacular scenery and natural beauty is a natural draw for artists. Quadra is home to more than 120 artists, many of whom open their homes and studios on the first weekend in June. A gallery map and guidebook is available at the Campbell River Visitor Centre.
Comox's annual four-day Filberg Festival (July/August) is western Canada's largest juried outdoor art show, and draws top Canadian artists to a 4-ha/9-ac waterfront lodge and heritage park overlooking the Comox harbour. A great place to find a one-of-a-kind gift!
The Stinking Fish Studio Tour in Metchosin and Sooke includes more than 20 studios and galleries. View some of the finest local artwork on southern Vancouver Island. Map and guidebooks for this self-guided tour are available at the Sooke Visitor Centre.
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