I came here the last time I was in Downtown Nanaimo briefly. I am somewhat fascinated by native art…read morein general. The lady who ran the place was super awesome and encouraging when it came to exploration.

Admission is the cost of donation - so pay what you can. For that price, it was definitely worth…read morestopping in and enjoying a very nicely curated art show. In one large open gallery there were large photographs, paintings, 3D mixed media sculptures and three videos: two digital videos and one film strip. The current show is focused on the life of loggers and fire watch tower workers. The show is surprisingly interesting - each piece of art builds the story of the industry and the people who work in it. Not a bit of political or environmental jargon here - but I guess you bring your own thoughts on that matter. The woman at the front counter was kind and welcoming. And the art shop had some really great pieces - ceramics, jewelry and the ever-present silk scarf collection. Has an art museum shop ever NOT had a silk scarf display?

From the owner: Nanaimo Art Gallery is located in the heart of downtown Nanaimo on the traditional territory of the…read moreSnuneymuxw First Nation. The Gallery enhances the cultural environment of Vancouver Island, serving a regional population base of approximately 225,000, through exhibitions, education, and outreach that encourages active public involvement with the visual arts. The Gallery presents a program of excellent exhibitions by professional contemporary artists and dynamic public programs that explore exhibition themes in the gallery and in the community. We offer innovative workshops, lectures, and hands-on activities for both children and adults at Art Lab, our dedicated space for learning, which opened in 2014. The Gallery maintains a growing collection of art and holds works by significant artists from British Columbia. We connect with over 12,500 children across three school districts each year through TD Artists in the Schools, and operate The Gallery Store which features unique, high-quality, locally made objects, and contributes to the livelihood of artists in our region.

There was a line of people in the middle of the store all drinking and blocking the way. I couldn't…read moremove across the center of the store and the people wouldn't move. The owner/manager didn't seem to care. It was weird and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. Everything was overpriced. 15$ for a bar of soap smh

I drove by so many times before I stopped in but now The Kube is my go to spot for unique gifts on…read morethe Sunshine Coast. With an always rotating cast of artists on display there always seems to be something new to catch my eye. How do they always have just that thing I need but made in such a way that is much more beautiful than I could ever imagine. Always Great vibes at The Kube.

What a lovely little local art gallery! So many beautiful treasures to be found here and enjoy…read morebrowsing through. I only had a limited amount of time in the area and wanted to find a boutique with locally made artisan pieces from and was lucky to find this one in one of the travel guides at my hotel. I picked up a few different items, a small bird made from re-purposed metal, a lovely necklace, a stylish cell phone holder, and some special sea salt. So much fun. I'll be back for sure the next time I'm in the area!

Wow, what a wonderful experience dealing with the extremely helpful staff at the Salish Sea Market…read more I had been in the store on a previous trip to the Island (what a treasure trove of unique gifts and art) and a relative fell in love with a piece but could not buy it at the time. I emailed the staff and they emailed me back with pictures and information about shipping, and made the process of buying an item without being in the store so absolutely painless and easy. I cannot thank them enough for helping me out. I really recommend having a look at their website www.salishseamarket.com/ or visiting in person when in the area. Special kudos to Vivian and Sarah

Super cute store on Sunshine Coast. This store sells everything from souvenir to chocolate to local…read moremade items. It is located in Sechelts downtown and where all the shops and restaurants are mostly located. The store is clean and well organized. The owner here is super friendly.

Such a delightful store selling mostly local products…read more The variety of items here is quite big. From the usual touristy tee-shirts to the carefully curated items of candles, chocolates, nuts, soaps and jewelry made by the locals living in the Sunshine Coast. This is definitely one of the shops I will stop by to get little gifts for friends and family. The Christopher Norman chocolate is really good. I also love the candles here. Parking is available on the street.

I am crazy confused. How does this place not get written about by every visitor to Orcas??…read more You've seen the driveway entrance to their place from the main highway. Giant, shiny, reflective, metal spinning imploding-then-exploding undulating spikey flower-like moving sculptures. That may be a clunky way of describing it, but I bet you know what I'm talking about now. Going up [their] long driveway, I felt like I was going to somebody's house for a visit. Yowza, I wish I lived here! Nestled at the end of the road, lies a small house, a small studio for the more delicate sculptures and a large "yard" interspersed with moving metal. I didn't take pictures of the studio's sculptures, and frankly, my iPhone photos really don't capture how magnificent the outside moving sculptures are. These larger pieces adorning the meadow, powered by wind and continued momentum are astounding. Some are free-standing, some attached to trees. All are fascinating to watch--I was nearly hypnotized by some of the more complicated ones. Shiny, shiny. If I had $2K - $10K to spend on these, I totally would. They are stunning. Everybody should have one in their yard. You will love it and tell all your friends about this place after seeing it for yourself! Just gorgeous.

I love Anthony's work. He does large pieces as well as wall pieces. Everytime I visit Orcas Island…read moreI make a special visit to his sculpture garden. HIs large items are in the $3K-8K range (I think) and are quite reasonable for what you are getting.

Rollin Art Centre is the home of the Community Arts Council- check out these photos and then run to…read morethis amazing small gallery. Showings change regularly, the gift shop has lovely books and smalls. Summertime must be wonderful with the adjacent gardens. We did a winter visit so the yard was slumbering. A lovely community art gallery.

From the owner: The Rollin Art Centre, home to the Community Arts Council of the Alberni Valley is located on the…read morecorner of 8th and Argyle Street in the heart of "uptown" Port Alberni. Come and enjoy our art gallery which has a changing exhibit each month. Explore our unique gift shop representing over 75 local artisans. Relax in the tranquil heritage gardens, featuring a gazebo, fountains, sculptures and a Japanese garden. Enjoy our "Teas on the Terrace" on Thursday afternoons, 1-3 pm, during July and August. The Rollin Art Centre also offers many Artisian's Markets, Adult Courses and Summer Children's programs.