Vancouver Island Arts & Cultural Trail Guide

Arts.GoVI.ca

Map of Vancouver Island . . . . . . . . 3 South Island & the Gulf Islands . . . . 6 Cowichan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Pacific Rim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Central Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 North Central . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

North Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

For more information on Vancouver Island, Victoria and the Gulf Islands contact 1.888.655.3483 or visit Arts.GoVI.ca.

3 Port Hardy Port McNeill

Alert Bay

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Telegraph Cove

Sayward

Port Alice Zeballos Tahsis

Quadra I.

Campbell River Gold River Mt. Washington

Comox Union Bay

Courtenay

Qualicum Beach Parksville

Cumberland

Port Alberni Tofino Ucluelet

explore our culture & heritage

Bamfield

Gabriola I.

Lantzville

Nanaimo Ladysmith Chemainus Lake Cowichan

Port Renfrew

Salt Spring Duncan I. Mill Bay

Sooke

Sidney

VICTORIA

Discovering the heritage and culture of the Vancouver Island region is an exciting journey into the past, rich with fascinating tales that capture the imagination and full of insight into our modern society.

Museums and historic sites present captivating portrayals of the past, while contemporary arts and cultural events celebrate the vibrant creative spirit that thrives in every community in the region.

The best way to discover how all this history translates into a rich contemporary culture is to attend performing arts, theatre, festivals and events as well as visiting the artists and artisans in their studios.

explore our museums full of treasures experience our history celebrate our vibrant arts & culture

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INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED for warm hospitality, gorgeous scenery, and exceptional activities and attractions, the Vancouver Island region is acclaimed by the readers of the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Magazine and has been named Top North American Island seven years in a row.

Discovering the history of the Vancouver Island region is an exciting journey into the past and full of insight into our modern culture.

Ride a steam train through an outdoor forestry museum or explore a fully restored heritage mill where actors demonstrate the tools of their trades. Stroll through flourishing gardens first planted by early settlers or have an English-style tea party in the garden of a heritage home. Walk through a replica coal mine and imagine what it was like to be a member of the largest Asian community on the West Coast at the turn of the last century. Visit a community that was established more than a century ago by Finnish idealists with a dream of Utopia. Discover the haunting story behind a significant collection of First Nations ceremonial regalia. See the history of a town depicted in outdoor murals or watch First Nations artisans demonstrate the ancient skills of their ancestors.

Museums here bring the past to life: the ancient traditions and proud culture of the First Nations … stories of pioneer hardships and lifestyles and the people who built the region’s communities … tales of marine exploration, the heroes that charted these waters and the perils they faced … the early days of forestry, fishing, mining, agriculture, aviation, and the military. The Vancouver Island region’s museums are the keepers of a tremendous wealth of historic treasure to be preserved and shared.

Anywhere you travel in the Vancouver Island region, you’ll find pieces of our history, from the larger collections at places like the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, Royal B.C. Museum, Quw’utsun’ Cultural Centre, Nanaimo Art Gallery, McLean Mill National Historic Site in Port Alberni, Museum at Campbell River, and U’Mista Cultural Centre to historic sites and the smaller artifact collections in museums in almost every community on the Island.

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Maybe it’s the inspiring scenery or the relaxed island lifestyle, but this region is blessed with an impressive population of creative people: painters, sculptors, jewellers, potters, weavers, glass blowers, wood workers, writers, photographers, designers.

And, while the region does offer shoppers everything from bigname fashion to big-box outlets, it is the array of creations made right here that makes shopping in the Vancouver Island region an experience you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

When it comes to local products, you have so many lovely choices. Handmade soaps and body care products made from island-grown ingredients, hand-knit sweaters made from the wool of island sheep, alpacas, and llamas, and handmade furniture crafted from island wood, to an amazing selection of unique folk art: gillnet rugs, hand-painted gumboots, hand-blown glass, driftwood sculpture, hand-woven textiles, garden art, and much, much more. The potters create outstanding decorative and functional ceramic pieces, and jewellers work their intricate magic using everything from local wood and B.C. agates to gold, silver, and the finest quality Canadian diamonds. Many of the painters and sculptors that live and work in the Vancouver Island region are world-renowned, and you can see their work in exclusive galleries and, in some cases, meet the artists themselves. A number of galleries specialize in carvings, jewellery, painting, and prints by some of the very best First Nations artists in the province.

In bookstores, you’ll find tales of local history written by island authors with pictures by island illustrators and photographers, and, in the gift shops, a huge selection of souvenirs for the folks back home, from amusing little trinkets to exquisite giftware. Antique and collectable shops throughout the region offer all kinds of intriguing and often unusual items with a past.

Take the time to explore the uniqueness of each region of Vancouver Island, Victoria and the Gulf Island. For complete information visit Art.GoVI.ca.

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Saanich Sidney

The South Island region is a blend of rural charm and urban sophistication. Victoria’s long-established love affair with arts and culture continues unabated. The arts scene is as varied as paintings in a museum and caters to a wide array of tastes and interests.

Beyond the picturesque setting Victoria will cultivate your cultural side. Art buffs can visit exhibits at our Art Gallery and Royal BC Museum and enjoy lazy strolls to boutique galleries and antique shops.

Visitors the Gulf Islands browse galleries and art studios, rejuvenate their minds and bodies and immerse themselves in the incredible beauty of these serene islands. No wonder the Gulf Islands are home to an extraordinary number of artists and artisans.

Paul Harder Bronze Works 612 Downey Rd., North Saanich, BC V8L 5M6 250.656.7783 www.paulharder.com By appointment only Finely detailed and richly textured bronze pieces including large exotic fish, octopus, sea lions, turtles, otters and tortoises. Beautiful Country Studio. Learn about the lost wax casting process and see new works in progress. North of Victoria Airport off West Saanich Road.

Photo: Boomer Jerritt

South Island & the Gulf Islands

Salt Spring Island • Hornby Island

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Roberta Pyx Sutherland Grassy Point Painting Studio, 3460 Harwood Road, Hornby Island, BC V0R 1Z0 250.335.3276 Summer hours 11am-3pm daily; Call for evening appointments Contemporary Paintings, Drawings & Epiphany Press-works “This artist’s innovative and characteristic mixed-media collage technique uses foundfiber and gold-leaf to create rich texture and natural pattern inspired by satellite imagery.”

Please visit www.robertapyxsutherland.com

Community Arts Council of the Saanich Peninsula

Box 2221, Sidney, BC, V8L 3S8 250.656.7400 info@cacsp.com www.cacsp.com Activities at the Mary Winspear Centre: Sidney Summer Theatre Festival: Jul-Aug Artisans 2007 Show & Sale: Jul 14-Aug 12 Children’s Fine Arts Camps: Jul-Aug 2007 Sidney Fine Art Show: Oct 12-14 Other Arts Council activities: Studio Tours 2007 Gallery by the Sea

2243 Beacon Avenue, Sidney, BC, V8L 1W9 250.656.0275 www.marywinspearcentre.ca Call for upcoming shows and tickets Monday to Friday 9:30am-12pm & 1-5pm, Saturday 1-3pm

art walk

Brentwood Bay • Victoria

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Aurelia Jacobsen Studio Gallery 928 Greig Avenue, Brentwood Bay, BC V8M 1A1 250.544.1299 www.artshighway.net Open by appointment.

Lively, vibrant acrylic paintings with stories and poems, limited edition prints, giclees and cards. Plein air seascapes, landscapes, churches, still life, abstracts and Christmas scenes.

G6 Sussex Place, 1001 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC V8W 2C5 250.381.2787 www.cacgv.ca Mon to Fri, 10 am-5 pm The CACGV is a membership-based umbrella that provides culturally diverse arts programs and services including gallery space, resource centre, communications network, arts in education, advocacy, and grants and awards.

Art Gallery of Greater Victoria

Emily Carr, Blue Sky, 1936, AGGV Collection

1040 Moss Street, Victoria, BC V8V 4P1 250.384.4101 www.aggv.bc.ca Open Daily, 10 am-5 pm, Thurs to 9 pm Engaging, challenging and inspiring, Victoria’s public art museum offers you a variety of visual art experiences. Explore the world of Emily Carr, BC’s premiere artist, through her paintings, writings and archival photos. This year: Rodin: A Magnificent Obsession, Sculpture from the Iris and B. Gerald Foundation (April 6 Jul 29); beautifulbeautiful artificial field: Robert Youds (Aug 17 Oct 21); Transporters: New Salish Art (Nov 2 Jan 27); Tomb Raiders: Chinese Archaeological Treasures (Nov 23 March 2).

Victoria • Sooke

architectural

sculptural

interior

Jake James artist blacksmith www.jakejames.ca 642.6984 by appointment only

Exhibit Room III 2050 Drennan Street, Sooke, BC 250.642.7176 www.constablematheson.com Sheila Beech has been a feltmaker since the early 70s. Thirty years later she is exploring design, colour and techniques. By using different wool breeds for each product she has learned to produce many different types of felted looks and styles. Her one constant is colour. Sheilas work can be found locally at her studio shoppe ” Exhibit Room III “at Constable Matheson`s Artisan Cottage B&B. Constable Matheson’s Artisan Cottage, a self-contained cottage with jacuzzi and fireplace. Surround yourself with warmth and whimsy in one of the “world’s most unusual B&Bs”.

South Shore Gallery 2046 Otter Point Road, Sooke, BC V0S 1N0 250.642.2058 www.sooke.org/southshoregallery Mon to Fri, 10 am-6 pm Sat, 10 am-5 pm Treasures abound at the South Shore Gallery featuring original works by South Vancouver Island artists. Browse a fine collection of paintings, sculptures, pottery and glass plus an eclectic selection of art pieces, gifts, cards and art supplies.

custom forgework

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Sooke

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Ladysmith

A remarkable number of artists and artisans have chosen to make the Cowichan their home. The warmth, the colours and the light and the natural beauty that is found here is reflected in much of the visual art produced. Cowichan writers and poets, musicians, potters, dancers, actors, glass blowers, woodworkers and other artisans all flourish within this creative environment. Artists studios are often open to visitors and visiting these studios gives you a great opportunity to explore areas off the beaten track.

Photo: Boomer Jerritt

Cowichan

Cobble Hill • Duncan • Chemainus

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Cobble Hill Pottery 3375 Boyles Road, Cobble Hill, BC V0R 1L7 250.743.2001 cobblehillpottery@telus.net Daily, 10 am-5 pm Ceramic artist Harriet Hiemstra’s distinctive work and John Robertson’s beautiful functional pottery can be viewed at their showroom and working studio. Turn off the TCH (at the Petro Can just north of Mill Bay) west onto Cobble Hill Rd. Follow signs to the studio. Open most days or phone…

SYLVIA VERITY - Warmlight Studio & Gallery 10030 Beach Drive, Box 354, Chemainus, BC V0R 1K0 250.246.9675 Almost always open - please call ahead VIBRANT ORIGINAL ACRYLIC PAINTINGS ON CANVAS OR WOOD. “True art is the expression of the human soul”

Alberni

Pacific Rim The Pacific Rim can be anything you want. You can take a train ride through the Alberni Valley to the McLean Mill National Historic Site, or browse one of the many museums or art galleries throughout the region highlighting fine art and First Nations culture.

Photo: ChrisCheadle.com

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Parksville • Qualicum • Nanaimo

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Photo: ChrisCheadle.com

Central Island

If you enjoy seeing art in action, you’ll love the Central Island’s art and artisan studios – they’re everywhere. Many of these artisans display at a collaborative gallery / studio spaces open to the public, like the Oceanside Arts Council and the Station Gallery in Parksville and the Old School House Arts Centre in Qualicum Beach.

Nanaimo has an Arts District with all kinds of shops and galleries in the historic core of the city.

The Old School House Arts Centre 122 Fern Road West, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1T2 250.752.6133 www.theoldschoolhouse.org Mon, 12 pm-5 pm, Tues to Sat, 10 am-5 pm, Sundays & Holidays in the Summer, 12 pm-4 pm A quaint schoolhouse renovated as a public art gallery. Three galleries and gift shop feature the work of Vancouver Island Artists. Visitors can observe 15 studio artists at work. Music on Sunday: eclectic weekly concerts.

18th Annual Nanaimo Professional Craft Fair 2300 Bowen Rd., Beban Park Centre, Nanaimo, BC 250.758.6545 lindaknecht@shaw.ca Nov 2 to 4, Fri. 12-8, Sat.10-5, Sun. 10-4 $3.00 admission includes repeat admission. Lunch and refreshments available. Distinctive, one of a kind gifts by BC Artisans. Hourly door prizes & grand door prize.

16 Nanaimo

Welcome to the Nanaimo

art walk

Visit www.vandop.tourismnanaimo.com to plan your trip.

The Nanaimo District Museum located on the waterfront in the heart of downtown is the first stop to discover the area’s cultural beginnings and rich heritage.

Nanaimo District Museum 100 Cameron Road, Nanaimo, BC V9R 2X1 250.753.1821 www.nanaimomuseum.bc.ca On the Waterfront in the Heart of Downtown!

Museum Summer Hours: Open Daily 10 am-5 pm May 19 to Sept 3, Museum Winter Hours: Tues to Sat 10 am-5 pm Sept to May, Bastion Summer Hours: Everyday from May 19 to Sept 3 from 10 am-4 pm New Upper Gallery, Rotating Feature Exhibits, Special Events, Programs, Cannon Firings, Bastion Events, Tours, Gift Shop and Much More! Ask about our Brand New Museum in 2008!

Next visit a couple of Nanaimo’s finest galleries.

223 Commercial Street, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5G8 250.741.1188 www.gallery223.ca Mon to Fri, 10-5:30 pm Sat 10-5pm, Sunday - Seasonal

Nanaimo Art Gallery

Vancouver Island Art Excellence: Gallery 223 carries an extraordinary selection of original paintings, pottery, glass, carvings and stone sculptures all by local artists. Whether it’s a classic coastal landscape or something funky by engaging new artists, Gallery 223 offers a fresh approach to enjoying fine art in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

250.740.6350 www.nanaimogallery.ca 2 Locations to explore: Uptown: 900 Fifth St. 10am-5pm Mon.-Fri., 12pm-4pm Sat. Downtown: 150 Commercial St. 10am-5pm Tue.-Sat Tourism Nanaimo

I ts am

17 Nanaimo azing

w h a t yo

u can do

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For a theatre or performing arts craving, your solution is Theatre One. Stop by Theatre One’s box office at #3a 13 Victoria Crescent for tickets to Nanaimo’s best theatrical productions and more.

Suite 3- 975 N Terminal Ave, Nanaimo, BC V9S 4K3 250.754.7587 www.theatreone.org 25 Years in Nanaimo!

Mainstage Productions at The Port Theatre. Just Kidding - Live Entertainment for Families!

Fringe Flicks & the Bite of Nanaimo. Go to www.theatreone.org for a complete listing of productions, events and ticket ordering.

Mmmm! The Annual Maple Sugar Festival hosted by the local Francophone association is simply not to be missed! The celebration takes place annually in February.

Annual Maple Sugar Festival du Sucre d’Érable 1925 Bowen Rd, Unit 30, Nanaimo, BC V9S 1H1 250.729.2776 www.francophonenanaimo.org Feb 20 to 23, 2008 February is Maple Sugar Festival time in Nanaimo as the local Francophone Association presents its annual 5-day festively sweet extravaganza celebrating French Canadian culture, music, foods and traditions. A unique joie-de-vivre experience for all ages!

Toll Free 1-800-663-7337

www.vandop.tourismnanaimo.com

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North Central

North Central Vancouver Island is a dynamic region with an intriguing history and vibrant arts and cultural community.

Experience the creative energy of the Comox Valley, one of Vancouver Island’s cultural destinations and a community designated by the federal government as a Cultural Capital of Canada! From painters and potters to theatre and dance troupes, to some of the best live entertainment and cultural festivals around, the Comox Valley is a thriving arts and culture community.

Museums, heritage and historic sites such as the Historic HaigBrown House, Campbell River Maritime Centre, The Museum at Campbell River provide fascinating insight into the area’s history and culture. Or plan your visit around one of the many great events such as Filberg Festival which provides a world-class venue for Canadian artists and artisans to display their talents or the Annual Quadra Island Studio Tour where over 40 artists open their studios to visitors every June.

Photo: www.discovercomoxvalley.com

North Central

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Sointula

The forests and wind swept shorelines provide a spectacular setting for learning more about Vancouver Island’s First Nations cultures and traditions. There are many unique galleries and studios to explore in addition to museums and the U’mista Cultural Centre showcasing the famed Potlatch Collection of ceremonial regalia.

Artopia 2007 Summer Arts Festival Box 344, Sointula, BC V0N 3E0 250.973.6672 www.formare.ca/artopia Jul 27 to 29, 2007 Sointula Arts Society presents Artopia 2007 Summer Arts Festival ~ July 27, 28, 29 2007 on Malcolm Island.

Gallery, celebrated artist’s exhibition, arts and crafts booths, studio tours, demonstrations, workshops, food and entertainment.

The Boathouse Gallery Sointula, BC 200m to the right of the ferry dock 250.973.6699 www.artifexus.com Open daily during the summer or by appointment.

Rebekah Parlee, professional artist and commercial fisherman celebrates the rich history of Sointula, BC in her restored 1920’s ‘Boathouse Gallery’. The gallery/studio showcases her fine quality work and reflects her westcoast lifestyle.

Limited editions, originals, cards, stained glass, pottery and sculpture.

Photo: ChrisCheadle.com

North Island

Port McNeil • Simoom Sound • Port Hardy

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Gordon Henschel Johnstone Strait Pageant

801 Nimpkish Heights Road, Port McNeill, BC V0N 2R0 250.956.3539 or 1.888.663.2787 www.henschel.ca May 1 to Oct 15, Daily, 9 am-5 pm 2000 sq. ft. of display space in artist Gordon Henschel’s outstanding gallery. 5 km south of Port McNeill, across from the Esso station. Enjoy Gordon’s wilderness interpretations of the Pacific Northwest through his paint brush. “Off the beaten path” and a warm welcome everytime. Children welcome!

Just Art #18 1705 Campbell Way, Port McNeill, BC V0N 2R0 250.956.4908 or 1.866.956.4908 www.justart.ca An impressive collection of First Nations original art. Paintings, prints, Mata Ortiz pottery, carvings, Inuit soapstone collection, jewellery, wood, sculptures and photography.

U’mista Cultural Centre & Museum 1 Front Street, Box 253, Alert Bay, BC V0N 1A0 250.974.5403 or 1.800.690.8222 www.umista.ca Since 1974, the U’mista Cultural Society has worked to fulfill the mandate to ensure the survival of all aspects of cultural heritage of the Kwakwaka‘wakw First Nations. U’mista Cultural Centre houses a world-renowned Collection of masks used in the Potlatch ceremony.

Traditional Kwakwaka‘wakw dance performances are presented by First Nations youth throughout July and August. The Gift Shop offers outstanding traditional arts and crafts created by local carvers. Alert Bay, lies cradled in the arms of Cormorant Island, easily accessible by a scenic ferry ride from Port McNeill. Come visit us and share our rich culture and history. Call us for details on special exhibits and programs.

Yvonne Maximchuk - SeaRose Art Retreat Echo Bay, Simoom Sound, BC V0P 1S0 250.974.8134 www.zoombuy.net/searose.html Find inspiration at SeaRose Art Retreat. Yvonne Maximchuk paints coastal scenery, wildlife, garden and wildflower images in watercolour and acrylic. She offers wildlife adventure tours in addition to painting and ceramic instruction.

West Coast Community Craft Shop Gallery and Gifts 7135 Market Street, P.O. Box 2680, Port Hardy, BC V0N 2P0 250.949.2650 www.communitycraftshop.com Open year-round.

The Community Craft Shop opened in 2003 as a showcase for the many expressive artisans of the Canadian West Coast. Works of art include carvings, sculptures, paintings, pottery, photography, turned bowls, handmade soaps, honey, quilts, baby blankets and sweaters, beach glass chimes, jewellery.