gabriola studio tour 2022

Gabriola Arts Council

calendar of events

Gabriola arts council events.

art, music, theatre and more

Cultivate Festival

July 11-14, 2024

Gabriola Thanksgiving Studio Tour

October 12-14, 2024

Isle of the Arts Festival (IOTA)

Spring 2025

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Art events on gabriola island.

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Gabriola event calendars

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• Gabriola Museum
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• Gabriola Commons Calendar
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• Mark and Claire
• Sep 19, 2023

STUDIO TOUR PART I

It's September (suddenly mid-September!) and, for us, and about 60 other artists, September is all about preparing for the Gabriola Island Studio Tour. This is their 27th year taking over Thanksgiving Weekend, on our tiny island, with a wonderful fervour!

So here we are in our usual panic.

Mark is turning, I’m burning and we’re both baffled by the garden. This is our fourth year participating.

When we first moved to Gabriola, one of the first events we participated in (other than Scotch Club - because… Scotch Club!) was attending the Gabriola Island Studio Tour. A cold Thanksgiving Weekend with our Studio Tour Map, a car and a dog. We parked in little neighbourhoods, walked with our pup, Ella, and popped into as many Studios as we could. 42 out of perhaps 80 +? (We were very proud of ourselves and gave ourselves a day off to celebrate!).

The first Studio we went to was magical. I mean everything was magical; the artwork, the studio, the home, the garden. We were convinced that the next studio would never be able to live up to our 'first'. But it did. And so did the next. In fact, all of the studios claimed their own magic and wonder. It was exhilarating!

The following year, we applied to take part in this famous tour and to our relief, they accepted us. Now we are anticipating our fourth consecutive year as participants. It feels like a grand achievement, but we’re still babies compared to the Tour Veterans.

So what does September hold for us? We’re in the thick of turning and burning - and gardening when we have the chance. We generally reserve three weeks of September for product making and then we stamp bags, fill up on business cards and get a plan in the works. For the last couple of tours we have moved our “studio” outside to our front deck, under a 10 x 20 tent, which makes our space wheelchair accessible, but a bit chilly if it rains or blows a gale. Our challenge is to make people feel like their trip was worth the effort. Our hope is that they find the same sense of magic and wonder as they peruse our work and traipse around the garden as we did on our first year.

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Natural beauty | vibrant community.

Choose Your Gabriola Adventure

Art in October

Autumn is an exciting time for art enthusiasts on Gabriola! As cozy season approaches, many artists are inviting you to take part in workshops, events, and studio visits all season long.

This October marks the 27th Thanksgiving Studio Tour presented by the Gabriola Arts Council where more than 60 artists open their doors to the public. For some, this is your once-a-year chance to go behind the scenes. For others, this weekend is unique for its reputation as one of the largest collective celebrations of the arts in the Pacific Northwest.

What’s Growing on Gabe: Late Summer and Early Fall on the Farm

August has brought abundant harvest on Gabriola that continues into the fall! Between backyard growers, hobby farmers, and small-scale agriculture, you can find fresh, diverse, and sustainable goods on Gabriola.

Here’s a list of some of our favourites that highlights a range of locally-grown and hand-made goods, including flowers, cheese, goat milk soaps, baked goods, veggies, fruit, cider, specialty prepared foods, and even compost!

Top 10 Picks for Planning Your Stay on Gabriola

Gabriola is just 20-minutes by ferry from Nanaimo or a float plane from Vancouver! Travel to the island is a breeze and we’re here to help you land.

We’ve assembled some of our top picks to help you narrow down where to stay while visiting us.

Island Itineraries: Mind-Body-Spirit Getaway on Gabriola

Gabriola offers endless opportunities for relaxation, recreation, arts and culture, shopping, local food, lodging, transportation options and more!

These are a few of our favourite Gabriola experiences starting in the Village and circling around the island to nourish your mind, body, heart, and soul.

People get lost here only to find their way home

I live in paradise.

Yesterday morning I woke to the sound of very loud blows coming from Olebar point. I threw a coat and jeans, grabbed my binos and camera and ran to the water. Before me in the glowing morning light a humpback whale was peacefully swimming, surfacing and diving.

The growing crowd of onlookers also witnessed California sea lions barking and feasting on salmon, as nonchalant harbour porpoise swam by.  Later on, a kayaker was surrounded by pacific white sided dolphins frolicking, flipping, travelling at high speeds and I thought if we saw Orcas it would be the marine mammal viewing day of all times.

I decided to go out in my kayak.  Hang on to your paddle!!!! ~Elsa Bluethner

Turning the Off-Season On

After the busy bustle of the summer, the island takes a collective breath and returns to a slower pace.

Gabriola, Mudge and DeCourcy Islands recognize with gratitude that we are living, working and growing on the traditional and unceded territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation.

Visitor centre.

#6 – 480 North Road, Gabriola BC V0R 1X0 250-247-9332

 Visitor Centre Hours

Fri – Sat | 10am – 2pm closed the following holidays: Sep 30th (Truth and Reconciliation Day) Nov 11 (Remembrance Day)

Gabriola Island Visitor Guide 2021/2022

COVID Plan for the Visitor Centre

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The Arts Council’s 2021 Studio Tour on Gabriola

Sep 30, 2021 | Sounder News

The 25th Annual Thanksgiving Studio Tour

Carol Fergusson

Executive Director

Gabriola Arts Council

In our last press release we stated that vaccine passports were going to be required to visit studios on the Studio Tour because Island Health had told us this to be true. Now, this is not the case. The Provincial Health Order and further regulations that have come forward stating if there are less than 50 people in the space, no vaccine passports required for retail and galleries. Seeing as how most studios only hold a handful of people, artists will not be required to ask for vaccine passports, but masks are required. Some will still will ask for proof of vaccination for their own reasons. Others are breathing a sigh of relieve because they do not have help and this would have been a very challenging ordeal.

Tour Central (masks required), which holds a lot more people, will be counting and keeping our numbers under 50, at any one time during the day, and starting a line up outside for one out one in, we will have a tent outside for cover. This will work well for the daytime hours (10-5pm). For the evenings when we have the Fresh Notes: Gabriola Youth in Concert (6:30-9:30pm music at 7pm), the Executive Director will work the door and check vaccine passports to take the pressure off our lovely volunteers, so we can have more than 50 enjoying the gallery and the music. It is not a perfect set up, but the best solution we could muster based on the rules and how the space needs to function. So we really hope more than 50 people will come out each evening to make this a worthy effort and to give our youth (29 and under) musicians (who are great!) an awesome crowd. More details to follow….

On that note, we are seeking volunteers for Tour Central. We have quite a few already, but we still need more. The dates are October 7-11 and the time slots are 9:30-1:30pm, 1:30-5:30pm and 6:00-10:00pm. You do not have to check vaccine passports!

The jobs include being a docent (answer questions, giving directions, becoming familiar with the art, direct people), selling 50/50 and raffle tickets, working the beverage bar (coffee/tea/water) during the day and we’re still looking for one person with Serving It Right to handle the adult beverages in the evening.

Regardless of any of the above, the artists have been working hard in preparation for Tour and we know it is going to be amazing. Everyone pray for no sky tears, as many are setting up outside and Tour is always more fun when it is dry.

Any questions, comments, or concerns, do not hesitate to contact Carol Fergusson, Executive Director p: 250-247-7409 or e:[email protected] or stop by the cabin, but don’t forget your mask.

Originally published September 22, 2021

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with the Gabriola Museum

Join us for community events, talks, tours and fundraisers, upcoming museum events, past museum events, northwest passage presentation, sunday, april 28, 2024 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm, cruise at the muse, saturday, april 27, 2024 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, earth day bingo & crafts, saturday, april 20, 2024 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm, sunday, march 24, 2024 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm.

Family Day at the Museum

Monday, february 19, 2024 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm, our gift to you, sunday, december 10, 2023 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm, trivia night - fall fundraiser, saturday, november 4, 2023 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm, national day for truth & reconciliation, saturday, september 30, 2023 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm.

Telling Island Stories 2023 - Museum Historical Tour

Saturday, september 9, 2023 - sunday, september 10, 2023 10:00 am - 3:00 pm, beachquest - drumbeg provincial park, thursday, august 24, 2023 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, plant id and leaf rubbings/art, wednesday, august 23, 2023 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, walk on the wild side, wednesday, august 16, 2023 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, astrophysics talk and stargazing night, saturday, august 12, 2023 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm, beachquest - descanso bay regional park & campground, thursday, august 10, 2023 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, wednesday, august 9, 2023 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, working with artifacts to create a timeline of gabriola history, wednesday, august 2, 2023 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, foodweb game: predator/prey, wednesday, july 26, 2023 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, beading and storytelling, wednesday, july 19, 2023 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, beachquest - brickyard beach, thursday, july 13, 2023 10:00 am - 12:00 pm.

Wednesday, July 12, 2023 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Re-storying Canada Day

Saturday, july 1, 2023 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm.

National Indigenous Peoples Day

Sunday, june 18, 2023 11:00 am - 2:00 pm.

McRae bench dedication

Saturday, may 20, 2023 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm.

CCCU Barbeque Fundraiser

Friday, may 19, 2023 11:00 am - 2:00 pm.

Saturday, April 22, 2023 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

The Art and Adventures of Doug Harrison

Thursday, april 20, 2023 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm.

Trivia Night

Saturday, april 15, 2023 7:00 pm.

Annual General Meeting

Sunday, march 26, 2023 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm.

The Inca Trail Marathon

Thursday, march 23, 2023 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm.

Launch of Gabriola Island Pandemic Stories

Sunday, march 19, 2023 11:00 am - 1:00 pm.

new date - Gabriola Groundwater, A talk by Steve Usher

Thursday, march 9, 2023 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm.

Across Alone: One Man, One Canoe, One Country

Wednesday, january 18, 2023 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm.

Film screening and book launch for Vanninis' In the Name of Wild

Wednesday, november 23, 2022 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day)

Friday, september 30, 2022 10:00 am - 2:00 pm.

Telling Island Stories - Museum Historical Tour 2022

Saturday, september 10, 2022 - sunday, september 11, 2022 11:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Wednesday, August 24, 2022 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Celebrate Canada Day

Friday, july 1, 2022 11:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Geraldine Manson Book Launch

Monday, june 20, 2022 3:30 pm.

Monday, June 20, 2022 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

All About Eagles

Saturday, june 4, 2022 1:00 pm.

Studio Tour 2021

by Steve | Oct 16, 2021 | Love

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• Visit Stunning Gabriola Island With Us in 2022!
• Gulf Island

Known far and wide as a sanctuary of serenity, Gabriola Island is one of the more than 200 Gulf Islands located in the Strait of Georgia. Situated just five kilometres east of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, Gabriola is home to a wide array of talented local artists who have earned it the title ‘Isle of the Arts’.

Situated on the eastern corner of Gabriola, Silva Bay is the entryway to a number of other island destinations in the Georgia Strait. Silva Bay is also our main hub, and from there we offer year-round scheduled, chartered, scenic, and freight flights from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Gabriola Island as well as as a number of other destinations along the Strait of Georgia.

There are no shortages of places to explore for those who visit this wonderful island. Visitors can also visit breathtaking beaches, art galleries and picturesque gardens to enrich the mind and soul. With so many activities to do both indoors and outdoors, a visit to Gabriola offers plenty to do no matter the weather or season. Visitors looking to decompress with something more active have a plethora of opportunities as well. The following activities are just some of the many things to do on this wonderful island. 

Things to see and do on Gabriola Island:

• Would-be mariners can book a fishing charter.
• Head out for an adrenaline-filled mountain bike.
• Perfect your game at Gabriola Golf & Country Club.
• Walk gorgeous parks like Descanso Bay Regional Park, Drumbeg Provincial Park, Gabriola Sands Provincial Park, and Sandwell Provincial Park.
• Hike along stunningly beautiful beach and forest trails.
• Visit the historical Gabriola Museum.
• Check out numerous art galleries, boutiques, and gift shops for unique and beautiful items.
• Forage for fresh local delights at the Gabriola Farmer’s Market.
• Dine at a local food truck, restaurants, pubs, and cafes.
• Renew mind, body, and spirit with a Gabriola Island spa treatment.
• Take a chill self-guided farm, garden, or studio tour and soak up the island charm.
• Dive in for a swim, kayak, or sail on the sea.
• Drop by a local studio for an uplifting yoga or fitness class.
• Join in community events and get to know the locals at community BBQs, craft fairs, art shows, and numerous festivals such as the third annual Cultivate Festival which celebrates theatre, music, and art in July of this year.

Accessible by Gulf Island Seaplanes to and from YVR, when you touch down in Silva Bay after a short 20-minute flight, you’ll have all the time in the world to relax and unwind in the fresh ocean air. Our seaplane company offers safe flights with COVID-19 protocols in place for the protection of our trusted pilots, staff, and passengers. We provide quick  and convenient connections to the tranquil shorelines and nature of British Columbia’s West Coast.

Mainlanders wishing to travel to the island paradise can book online and view our current flight schedule. Should a flight be booked, we offer the choice of being added to a waitlist as well.

For further information, get in touch with our friendly staff by emailing us at [email protected] , calling 1-250-247-9992 or toll free at 1-800-665-2359 . You can also follow us on Facebook at @GulfIslandSeaplanes . We hope to see you on board soon!

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With hundreds of islands and lakes available to visit by chartered flight we also offer a scheduled seaplane service between Gabriola Island BC and Vancouver International Airport. With a 12 minute flight that provides an opportunity to enjoy the mountains and shoreline of our beautiful west coast you may even glimpse some of the many marine animals that live along the way.

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Gabriola Events

A gathering place for all events on gabriola, results: 162.

Faraway Close - Penelope Scott-McCaig

10:00 am - 4:00 pm.

Smug Mug Pottery Show: !0 potters, 10 cups

11:00 am - 5:00 pm.

It is what it is, a show JUST with pottery mugs. How great is that!?

Gabriola Theatre Centre: Sixpoints - Electro Poetica Music

8:30 pm - 11:00 pm.

Sixpoints is a duo consisting of myself and jimy dawn. jimy is a great frontman and vocalist! The GMO is a special treat which will challenge and ignite your creative hearts. And Ron will be selecting wonderful dance beats from a variety of world ...

Celebrate Asian Awareness Potluck

11:00 am - 12:00 am.

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Open to all. AA meets Sunday at 7pm, Wednesday at 7pm, and Friday at noon at the Gabriola Fellowship Church. Call 250-753-7513 for details.

Adult Day Program - Stepping Up and Stepping Out offered by PHC

11:30 am - 2:30 pm.

This adult day program balances the cognitive, physical, emotional and spiritual needs of individuals, while participants benefit from having fun in a social setting. SUSO improves health and builds participants' confidence in their ability to perform ...

Accoutic Open Mic

7:00 pm - 11:59 pm.

Grocery Program (food bank) organized by PHC

10:00 am - 2:00 pm.

Grocery Program (FoodBank) The Grocery Program distributes foods to individuals and families in need. This could mean you or a loved one is finding it financially challenging to afford food. Participants must register for the Grocery Program by ...

Soup Social at the Commons hosted by PHC

11:00 am - 1:00 pm.

Soup Socials provide free or by-donation nutritional meals. This is an event within the community to share a meal which fosters social connection and strengthens relationships among our community in a casual setting. Why not come out to this event and ...

Community Connect Folk Dancing

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm.

Easy and FUN! October through May, UPSTAIRS at the COMMONS Main House INfo - [email protected] BEGINNERS WELCOME - $4 - DROP-IN!

Mending Group at the Library

2:00 pm - 3:30 pm.

It's a Mending Group Wednesday tomorrow at the library! 2:00 - 3:30 Drop by with your project, big or small for support and conversation with Heather Cameron and friends Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday in our ...

Chess Club Drop In at the Rollo Centre

7:00 pm - 10:00 pm.

hess at the Rollo Activity Leader: Kaamran Hafeez. ([email protected]) 247 8269 ​ Everyone is welcome to drop in for a game of chess on Wednesdays from 7 – 10 pm. We have a regular turnout of roughly 8 – 10 players (and growing). All ages and levels ...

11:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Grocery Program (FoodBank) The Grocery Program distributes foods to individuals and families in need. This could mean you or a loved one is finding it financially challenging to afford food. Participants must register for the Grocery ...

Contract Bridge

1:30 pm - 3:30 pm.

We meet every Thursday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. There are anywhere from two to five tables (eight to twenty individuals) who play. Lately there have been four tables. A trophy for the highest score overall is given out. Cash prizes are given out for ...

Gabriola Drum and Rhythm Jam - Thursdays

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm.

Gabriola Achoholics Anonymous

12:00 am - 2:00 pm.

Christ Church Gabriola Coffee Social and Soup Lunch

10:30 am - 12:30 pm.

As I Roved Out

Come join us for a magical evening at the Gabriola Theatre Centre where you will be immersed in the enchanting world of Celtic folk music and storytelling, and let the melodies and tales transport you to another time and place.

Lulu Presents Shruti Ramani and Raagaverse

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm.

The Unfaithful Servants

7:00 pm - 11:00 pm.

The Unfaithful Servants have gained a reputation in Western Canada as a must-see act.

The Great Gabriola Flea Market

10:00 am - 3:00 pm.

An outdoor market of 2nd hand goodness! So many vendors! So many treasures and tools to find. Happy Thrifting!

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday in our beautiful gallery/meeting room space! Enjoy the art, conversation, and pick up some mending skills!

Gabriola Ecumenical Society 20th Anniversary Gala Concert with Trio Sayso

We are excited and delighted to announce our gala 20th anniversary concert event, the evening of Thursday, May 23, at the Phoenix Auditorium! Trio Sayso, featuring Gabriola’s own Leah Hokanson (voice, piano, ukulele), Tina Jones (voice, banjo, trumpet) an

Seniors' Monthly Lunch

The monthly luncheon happens on the last Thursday of each month from 10:30 - 12:30 at the Rollo Centre. Enjoy a delicious lunch and connect with friends in the community. This event also features local entertainment, guest speakers and seasonally ...

End to End walk

Galtt’s birthday bash.

Gulf Islands Summer Comedy Series

8:00 pm - 10:00 pm.

The 2024 Gulf islands Summer Comedy Series, powered by South Island Internet Bringing the best Live Stand up Comedy from around the world to the Southern Gulf Islands.

Event Planners

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