Salt Spring Island has been written about in major media such as the LA Times, the New York Times and Harpers. The region has a well deserved reputation as an area of exceptional beauty. And within that area, Salt Spring has been named one of the top artistic communities in North America. Indeed the best of both worlds.
You can view and buy work of world-class artists of every type. You can attend performances and exhibitions, and enjoy the vibrant local culture. You can browse local galleries or visit the artists' own studios.
You can find a charming little gift for a few dollars, or internationally acclaimed art for many thousands. You'll see both unique and charming cottage crafts and work by artists who are also displayed in top galleries of the most cosmopolitan cities. Salt Spring Island is probably Canada’s most famous artistic community, home to Robert Bateman, Carol Evans, Jerry Ringrose and many others. (The piece to the right is by Gary Cherneff. You can see more of his work here.)
You may enjoy the self-guided Gallery Walk around the town of Ganges that will take you to many excellent local galleries. And the also self-guided Studio Tour will take you around to the home studios of 31 artists.
On Salt Spring, you'll find work by artists in contemporary and traditional styles of painting, jewelry, basketry, fabric arts, weaving, paper-making, sculpture, photography, pottery, glass work, carving, metal work and ceramics.
Photo courtesy of the Judy Mitchell Gallery
#1105 Grace Point Sq. Ganges, 537-8822
Be sure to follow the self-guided Gallery Walk around the town of Ganges.
And take the complementary Studio Tour — a not-to-be-missed visit to 31 resident properties of artists who showcase their work in their own home studios.
Artcraft
Artcraft in Ganges is open all summer and displays crafts for several hundred Artisans on the Island.
The Saturday Market
The Saturday Market is a fun and rewarding way to spend some (or a lot!) of your Saturday. Held in the Park in Ganges, the Market is famous for displaying local art, crafts and garden products.
It takes place every Saturday from April to October, 8:00 am to 4pm. All vendors have "made it, backed it, or grown it." You’ll find local food, both fresh and prepared. Local gourmet organic cheeses and breads are a special treat.
ArtSpring
ArtSpring is a very special Salt Spring performing arts venue.
The Island Arts Centre Society was formed in 1989 by the visual and performing artists and artisans of Salt Spring Island (population 10,000), in conjunction with the Gulf Islands Community Arts Council and Salt Spring Island Parks and Recreation Commission. It was given the mandate to raise funds and to design, build and operate a new centre for the arts.
ArtSpring grew out of the dreams and efforts of the island community. The completion cost of ArtSpring was $1,900,000 for which over 50% of the funds were raised through the local community. Robert Bateman officially opened ArtSpring in April 1999.
For Your Wedding
Frequently, soon-to-be-married couples choose Salt Spring for their special day. You may want to contact another kind of Salt Spring artist at "Flowers by Arrangement". From their info... "Weddings and special events are our passion. We use fresh cut flowers, traditional favorites, the finest exotics and seasonal botanicals. Expect elegance and attention to detail. Visit our studio/gallery with our outstanding collection of containers, and home and garden accessories." You can contact them at (250) 537-9252.
|
|
|
A Special Quality
People literally fly thousands of miles and stay just overnight to pick up a desired piece by a local artist. The artistic community of a few decades ago has attracted more artists, which attracted more artists..... You get the idea. There's a concentration and level of art and culture here far beyond what the size of the community would indicate.
If you are interested in art, we are sure that this will be a special part of your stay on Salt Spring Island.
photo by Juergen Raeuber