Culture
Artists & Artisans
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| The Comox Valley Potters Guild has 70 active members | |
An important part of the award designation of Cultural Capital of Canada for 2007 was the installation of the Valley’s first Artist in Residence and subsequent creation of the first piece of public art. Harvey Fix, an accomplished ceramic artist, spent a two month residency working at the Comox Valley Art Gallery, in Courtenay. He hosted ceramics workshops and invited the public to watch him create the picturesque ceramic mural, in the gallery. The community is proud of the large mural depicting the scenic beauty of the Comox Valley, on permanent display outside the Comox Valley Art Gallery. The Artist in Residency mural serves as a testament to our successful Cultural Capitals year and our on-going commitment to arts and culture in the Comox Valley.
Many artists' studios and galleries are open 12 months a year. Special Art Tours can be enjoyed on specific weekends during the year. The Denman Island Pottery Tour in May, and the Comox Valley Community Arts Council Studio Tour in June, are events where artists and artisans open their studios to the public to discuss the creative process, give demonstrations and exhibit their work.
The natural beauty of the area has inspired artists for thousands of years. World class First Nations artists, renowned painters, writers and jewelers call the Comox Valley home. Look for original native motifs designed by First Nations artists (K’omoks – Kwakwaka’wakw) in original custom furniture and art.
There are more than 1,000 painters, sculptors, ceramic and fiber, wood, graphic and media artists and crafts persons working and living here. Artists in the Comox Valley more than double the national average.
Potters, wool gatherers, silver artists, jewelers and even paper designers abound, in the Comox Valley. Find artists at work or pieces on display at local galleries, events during the year or the Crafter’s Market in Courtenay.
Explore the creative side of the Comox Valley here: Artisans, Artists and Galleries
The Comox Valley is an ArtBC Cultural Crawl 2009 participant - click on the logo below to discover the many ways to become involved in Comox Valley Culture.
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