Time flies when you’re having fun and showcasing the work of some of the Island’s finest artists, carvers, sculptors and other talented folks.
Ten years ago, the Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society (CVCAS) came up with one of its finest ideas. The concept of opening a gallery in downtown Chemainus had been simmering for a few years and in 2016 the opportunity arose.
Coastal Community Credit Union, located at 9781 Willow Street, next to Waterwheel Park, generously offered space at the front of its building. The partnership between the CVCAS has resulted in the creation of a beautiful gallery that draws thousands of visitors year-round.
“Coastal Community Credit Union has been a wonderful partner, and we wouldn’t have been able to do it without their support,” says Daphne Carlyle, one of the volunteer coordinators at the gallery.
Over the years, Rainforest Arts has featured countless local artists and this month the gallery continued that tradition with demonstrations by artists like Barry Strasbourg-Thompson, Cim Macdonald, Elissa Anthony and Kathryn Huse. On July 25, Lesely Comassar will demonstrate her fibre art techniques and potter Janet Magdanz will wrap up the month with a demonstration on Saturday, July 26.
The demonstrations take place between noon and 2 p.m.
For more information about Rainforest Arts, visit CVCAS.ca/events, or phone 250-246-4861.
The gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.