Get Your Creative Juices Flowing: 10 Excellent Island Art Venues

-

If you are a lover of arts, Vancouver Island does not disappoint.

Local galleries feature everything you could want to paint your mind with beautiful images, find your next favourite piece for your collection, build your skills with expert workshops and classes and inspire your imagination.

Check out our top 10 hot spots to get your creative juices flowing.

Victoria Arts Council

vicartscouncil.ca | various locations

Victoria Arts Council supports artists at all levels of their engagement and provides opportunities for artists and audiences to connect through exhibitions, performances, readings, publications and educational programmes.

Gage Gallery

gagegallery.ca | 19 Bastion Sq

Gage Gallery is 22 local contemporary artists dedicated to exhibiting and selling their artwork in an inspiring venue located in downtown Victoria. Solo and group exhibitions rotate throughout the main gallery every three weeks.

The Arts Centre at Cedar Hill

saanich.ca | 3220 Cedar Hill Rd

If you’re looking for a creative community hub, the Arts Centre at Cedar Hill Recreation Centre in Victoria is the place. Offering accessible arts for all ages and abilities, these programs help foster connections and skill building.

Cowichan Valley Gallery

cowichanvalleyartscouncil.ca | 2687 James St

Since 1971, the Cowichan Valley Arts Council has been a space for adults and youth to learn and participate. They present and promote primarily Vancouver Island artists in more than 25 shows every year at their downtown Duncan location.

Ladysmith Gallery

ladysmitharts.ca | 32 High St

The Arts Council of Ladysmith & District brings together artists and art lovers of all mediums to provide opportunities and experiences to the community. The monthly exhibits in their Ladysmith location showcase Vancouver Island artists.

Pearl Ellis Art Gallery

pearlellisgallery.com | 1729A Comox Ave

Showcasing local artists, the Pearl Ellis Art Gallery is a non-profit gallery located in Comox. Starting as a one-room gallery in 1977, the gallery has grown and thrived over the years, thanks to its many valuable volunteers. Purchase a gift, apply to add your own piece or simply stop by to view some amazing local art.

Roy Henry Vickers Gallery

royhenryvickers.com | 350 Campbell St

This artist-owned gallery is a recognizable landmark in Tofino. Visit the stunning Northwest Coast longhouse to view Roy’s original paintings, prints, art cards and reproductions hanging among the totems and carvings. Roy himself story tells in the gallery on occasion so be sure to check the calendar of events.

Oceanside Art Galleries

oceansideartgallery.ca | 152 Second Ave W

The Oceanside Art Gallery is proud to represent artists from all over Canada. Located in scenic Qualicum Beach, this modern boutique gallery features incredible paintings and sculpture created by Canada’s finest artists.

Nanaimo Art Gallery

nanaimoartgallery.ca | 150 Commercial St

The Nanaimo Art Gallery is in the heart of downtown Nanaimo and is committed to offering valuable, accessible programing to all ages in surrounding communities. They strive to build connections and effect changes through their creative hub.

Aquamaris Art Gallery

aquamarisartgallery.com | 202–330 Duncan St

Established in 2019, the Aquamaris Art Gallery in Duncan focuses on showcasing some of the region’s most talented artists. Featuring contemporary modern art, this gallery promotes pieces that provides diverse expressions through a variety of subject matters.