Arts & Design

Call for Artists Interested in Enhancing Healing Environments at the Future Cowichan District Hospital

NORTH COWICHAN —To enrich healing environments indoors and outside the new Cowichan District Hospital, expected to open in 2027, Island Health is pleased to announce a call for artwork to be commissioned for display at the site. Local artists are invited to contribute their creativity and vision to foster spaces of healing, hope and comfort for patients, families, staff, medical staff and volunteers. "Art has the profound ability to heal and uplift the human spirit. As we build the new Cowichan District Hospital, we want to ensure that every aspect of its design contributes to a personalized healing experience. We are excited to see the incredible talent of local artists come to life within the hospital campus," said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. The new hospital aims to become more than a state-of-the-art medical facility; it is envisioned as a space which promotes a sense of community, wellbeing, and recovery through art. By integrating diverse and local artistic …

The Signs Have Caused Quite a Stir for Local Residents

Signs. They are everywhere. You may have noticed a few more around Salt Spring recently. Artist Patrick McCallum's public art installation, which is on display as part of the Spring Art show now on at Mahon Hall themed and titled re:location involved McCallum placing several signs around the island with short messages like “They tried their best” and “Your choices”. The signs have caused a stir for local residents with critical comments on social media like “Road workers seem pretty annoyed taking these down all week! Would really be best to not make them look like street legal signs” and “At $400 a pop! Gimme a break! Art should at least be recognized as art, not some incomprehensible joke on the community. Of course public art is vital, sticking up a few daft signs affords the community absolutely nothing. It is precisely this kind of stunt that turns so many away from “art”. However the vast majority of comments were quite positive with comments like “i love that …

Watch: 2023 Parallel Art Show finalist interviews

Once more, our cherished Finalists in the Parallel Art Show have orchestrated a symphony of boundless creativity, a masterpiece of visual storytelling. Our heartfelt gratitude extends to the discerning Jury, virtuosos of curation, who have expertly woven together a tapestry of splendor from the Gulf Island based submissions to the Salt Spring National Art Prize. This year's Parallel Art Show is currently adorning the walls of our very own ArtSpring Gallery. An opulent showcase of local talent. Each piece stands as a testament to the artistic treasures nestled within our remarkable region. Should you have yet to grace this exhibition with your presence and voice your choice, You are implored to do so swiftly, for the curtains shall fall on this spectacle come Monday. For those who seek a more profound connection with these local luminaries and finalists, I offer you the keys to their hearts and minds. Below, you shall find artist interviews, helmed by none other than…

Watch: 2023 S.S.N.A.P. finalists interviews with John Bateman

If you haven't yet graced the Salt Spring National Art Prize Exhibition with your presence, my dear friend, I implore you to do so posthaste. If you've already explored its artistic wonders, fret not, for there's a grand tale or two still to be told - videos below. John Bateman, our infamous local legend of wit and wisdom, and his trusty sidekick and camera ninja, Kaeli embarked on a quest of curiosity, interviewing eleven of the 2023 S.S.N.A.P. finalists. From the delicate artistry of ceramics to the captivating snapshots of photography, and the bold strokes of painting, these artists spill the secrets of their souls. Each interview unravels the mysteries of their creative passions, unveiling the profound "why" behind their artistic endeavors. So, my friend, dive into the kaleidoscope of the artist's mind, and let their visions weave a tapestry of understanding within your curious heart. And if inspiration strikes, cast your vote online or in person - Mahon Hall, for …

Local Community Commission candidates offer their perspectives on arts and culture in collaboration with ArtSpring, Salt Spring Arts and the Salt Spring Island Library

ArtSpring, Salt Spring Arts and the Salt Spring Island Library work independently and collaboratively to enhance our community through arts and culture. Together these organizations developed five questions for candidates standing for election for the new CRD Local Community Commission (LCC). The intention is to provide eligible voters with an opportunity to learn more about each of the candidates standing for election this month. The LCC will oversee Salt Spring Island-wide services such as parks and recreation, transportation, economic development, and liquid waste disposal. The LCC will also administer certain local services currently overseen by staff and the Electoral Area Director; these include the provision of arts and library contribution services funded by the CRD. Together, the SSI Library, Salt Spring Arts and ArtSpring would like to thank members of our community that have put their names forward as LCC candidates and that are fully engaging in strengthening …

Archipelago exhibition highlights collaboration between Salish Sea art communities

Anna Gustafson - Photo Credit: Sophia Burke

In April and May, Salt Spring Island will host the much-anticipated international visual arts exhibition and cultural exchange Archipelago: Contemporary Art of the Salish Sea, a collaboration between the creators and communities of the Southern Gulf Islands and the San Juan Islands, two of North America’s most feted art communities. It marks the first time a cross-border exhibition of this size and calibre has been launched in the region. Framed as “twelve artists, six mediums, three exhibitions, two countries, one sea,” the descriptor orients visitors to the structure and theme of the exhibition. Curated by Canadians Richard Steel and Patrick McCallum and American Peter Lane, six Southern Gulf Island artists and six San Juan Island artists were selected for their thoughtful and boundary-pushing work in six mediums – painting, printmaking, sculpture/installation, glasswork, photography, and tapes…

2023 Salt Spring Film Festival Guide & Trailers

The Salt Spring Film Festival takes place from March 3 to 5 at Gulf Islands Secondary School, featuring 30 feature-length documentaries and nearly a dozen short films, many of them presented by the filmmakers themselves. Full Festival Passes, which included the Opening Night Gala Film, are available for advance purchase via the ArtSpring Box Office. Full Festival Passes are $50. Other options (half-day, one-day and two-day passes) will be sold at the door during the Festival weekend. Subsidized passes are available by request, thanks to financial support from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 92. Read the full film festival guide: Watch all film trailers below: OPENING NIGHT GALA sponsored by Coast Gallery and Gallery 8 STILL WORKING 9 TO 5 [Dir: Camille Hardman & Gary Lane, USA, 2022, 96 min.] Friday, March 3, at 7:00 pm at GISS (doors open at 5:30 pm for the Gala dinner). Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton headline this invigorating doc…

2022 Salt Spring Film Festival screens at ArtSpring March 1st to 6th

The Salt Spring Film Festival returns from March 1 to 6 at ArtSpring, featuring two screenings per day for six days. The festival will be screening a dozen must-see documentaries and one award-winning short film, all of which have been big hits at recent international film festivals, with visiting filmmakers and film subjects in attendance at some of the screenings. Tickets for all films are $13 each (which includes service charges). This year, festival passes will be replaced with discounts for multiple purchases (10% off 4-7 films and 20% off 8+ films). Tickets are now available online anytime or at the ArtSpring Box Office from Tuesday to Friday, either in person or by phone at 250-537-2102. ArtSpring seating is currently at 50% seating capacity for Covid safety (maximum 130 people per screening). Masks, vaccine passports & photo ID required as per provincial health regulations. Vaccine passports will be scanned at the door. …

Winners of the Salt Spring National Art Prize Announced for 2021

Organizers of the Salt Spring National Art Prize (SSNAP) are proud to announce the 2021 winners. As one of Canada’s largest visual arts competitions, SSNAP offers both emerging and established artists the opportunity to submit works directly into a national juried art show where only their art and a short artist statement are judged. This unique and inclusive process has helped promote artists worthy of artistic merit across Canada. The 2021 recipient of the Salt Spring Prize – The Joan McConnell Award is Kriss Munsya of Vancouver, British Columbia. The work titled “Dream Tonite. Highway Reflection, The Eraser, Edition 3 of 3” captivated the jury due to its beauty, complexity, depth, colour and composition. It addresses issues of how supremacy, white supremacy and patriarchy, have to be undone in all of us no matter what background we are from. Kriss Munsya is a graphic designer, photographer and award-winning film maker. Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, …

Salt Spring artist Connie Kuhns is named as a SSNAP Finalist for 2021/22 Finalist Exhibition

The Salt Spring National Art Prize (SSNAP) has named the finalists for the 2021/22 biennial competition. Included among the fifty-two artists is Salt Spring’s Connie Kuhns. Her photograph called “Canadian Farmhouse” will be part of the Finalists Exhibition opening on September 24 at historic Mahon Hall. Kuhns learned the good news via an email notification, and was overjoyed, “Honestly, I’m a bit shocked, but I’m very, very happy. Thrilled, actually. And so very grateful to be a part of this island community.” Her photograph was taken on a country road in the Lower Mainland. “The morning I took the photograph, I was out driving around on some back roads down by the Fraser River. Fog, Farmland. I went the wrong way, and there it was. It reminded me of an Andrew Wyeth painting, and at the same time, so very Canadian. So very humble.” Kuhns, who has resided on Salt Spring for nine years says, “As a photographer you always hope that what you are feeling in that moment is con…

Watch the COVID Musical Chronicles: 08 - "Comeback" by Luke Wallace

The Salt Spring Arts Council invited eight Salt Spring Island musical acts to historic Mahon Hall and asked them to perform one song to share with our community. Throughout March we’re releasing COVID Musical Chronicles, eight videos that remind us that music is a balm for hard times. These video Chronicles are also a call to get behind our local musicians – let’s make sure they know how much we love our incredible home-grown talent. Watch all the chronicles as they are released here on the Exchange at: saltspringexchange.com/covid-musical-chronicles Watch the COVID Musical Chronicles: 08 - "Comeback" by Luke Wallace https://youtu.be/sEq1GhqAfkc Follow Luke Wallace at lukewallacemusic.com Thanks to Harley Dunn at Chasm Audio for doing sound and Sydney Woodward for the camera work.

Watch the COVID Musical Chronicles: 07 - "Water" by Trisha Spire

The Salt Spring Arts Council invited eight Salt Spring Island musical acts to historic Mahon Hall and asked them to perform one song to share with our community. Throughout March we’re releasing COVID Musical Chronicles, eight videos that remind us that music is a balm for hard times. These video Chronicles are also a call to get behind our local musicians – let’s make sure they know how much we love our incredible home-grown talent. Watch all the chronicles as they are released here on the Exchange at: saltspringexchange.com/covid-musical-chronicles Watch the COVID Musical Chronicles: 07 - "Water" by Trisha Spire https://youtu.be/23sLK1BVuLw Follow Trisha Spire at trishaspiremusic.com Thanks to Harley Dunn at Chasm Audio for doing sound and Sydney Woodward for the camera work.

Watch the COVID Musical Chronicles: 06 - "Speed of Light” by the The Buck Dodgers Stringband

The Salt Spring Arts Council invited eight Salt Spring Island musical acts to historic Mahon Hall and asked them to perform one song to share with our community. Throughout March we’re releasing COVID Musical Chronicles, eight videos that remind us that music is a balm for hard times. These video Chronicles are also a call to get behind our local musicians – let’s make sure they know how much we love our incredible home-grown talent. Watch all the chronicles as they are released here on the Exchange at: saltspringexchange.com/covid-musical-chronicles Watch COVID Musical Chronicles 06: "Speed of Light” by Matt coupled with the old time traditional called “Sleepy Eyed Joe.” Members are Greg Duckett – fiddle, Catherine Black – banjo, Matthew Lacarte – guitar, Alan Kerr – bass. https://youtu.be/rLn4h5I3hRA Follow the The Buck Dodgers Stringband at buckdodgers.ca Thanks to Harley Dunn at Chasm Audio for doing sound and Sydney Woodward for the camera work.

Watch the COVID Musical Chronicles: 05 - “Journey” by Suzanne Gay

The Salt Spring Arts Council invited eight Salt Spring Island musical acts to historic Mahon Hall and asked them to perform one song to share with our community. Throughout March we’re releasing COVID Musical Chronicles, eight videos that remind us that music is a balm for hard times. These video Chronicles are also a call to get behind our local musicians – let’s make sure they know how much we love our incredible home-grown talent. Watch all the chronicles as they are released here on the Exchange at: saltspringexchange.com/covid-musical-chronicles Watch the COVID Musical Chronicles: 05 - “Journey” by Suzanne Gay https://youtu.be/I8g6dpOEOl4 Follow Suzanne Gay at facebook.com/suzmuzik Thanks to Harley Dunn at Chasm Audio for doing sound and Sydney Woodward for the camera work.

Watch the COVID Musical Chronicles: 04 - “Slow Motion” Written by Justin Kelley and Phöenix Lazare

The Salt Spring Arts Council invited eight Salt Spring Island musical acts to historic Mahon Hall and asked them to perform one song to share with our community. Throughout March we’re releasing COVID Musical Chronicles, eight videos that remind us that music is a balm for hard times. These video Chronicles are also a call to get behind our local musicians – let’s make sure they know how much we love our incredible home-grown talent. Watch all the chronicles as they are released here on the Exchange at: saltspringexchange.com/covid-musical-chronicles Watch the COVID Musical Chronicles: 04 - “Slow Motion” Written by Justin Kelley and Phöenix Lazare https://youtu.be/y1fq4eG46lk Follow Fawkes & Hownd at fawkesandhownd.com Thanks to Harley Dunn at Chasm Audio for doing sound and Sydney Woodward for the camera work.

Watch the COVID Musical Chronicles: 03 - “Where Do We Go?” by Renée Layla

The Salt Spring Arts Council invited eight Salt Spring Island musical acts to historic Mahon Hall and asked them to perform one song to share with our community. Throughout March we’re releasing COVID Musical Chronicles, eight videos that remind us that music is a balm for hard times. These video Chronicles are also a call to get behind our local musicians – let’s make sure they know how much we love our incredible home-grown talent. Watch all the chronicles as they are released here on the Exchange at: saltspringexchange.com/covid-musical-chronicles Watch the COVID Musical Chronicles: 03 - “Where Do We Go?” by Renée Layla https://youtu.be/EPkfzF-_JTk Connect with Renée Layla at reneelaylamusic.com/music Thanks to Harley Dunn at Chasm Audio for doing sound and Sydney Woodward for the camera work.

Watch the COVID Musical Chronicles: 02 - “Lo Que Yo Prefiero” by El Jose

The Salt Spring Arts Council invited eight Salt Spring Island musical acts to historic Mahon Hall and asked them to perform one song to share with our community. Throughout March we’re releasing COVID Musical Chronicles, eight videos that remind us that music is a balm for hard times. These video Chronicles are also a call to get behind our local musicians – let’s make sure they know how much we love our incredible home-grown talent. Watch all the chronicles as they are released here on the Exchange at: saltspringexchange.com/covid-musical-chronicles Watch COVID Musical Chronicles 02: “Lo Que Yo Prefiero” by El Jose https://youtu.be/NMqFPrD8t-8 Follow El Jose on Facebook and/or Instagram. Thanks to Harley Dunn at Chasm Audio for doing sound and Sydney Woodward for the camera work.

Watch the COVID Musical Chronicles: 01 - “Aqua Spinner” by IRTH

The Salt Spring Arts Council invited eight Salt Spring Island musical acts to historic Mahon Hall and asked them to perform one song to share with our community. Throughout March we’re releasing COVID Musical Chronicles, eight videos that remind us that music is a balm for hard times. These video Chronicles are also a call to get behind our local musicians – let’s make sure they know how much we love our incredible home-grown talent. Watch all the chronicles as they are released here on the Exchange at: saltspringexchange.com/covid-musical-chronicles Watch COVID Musical Chronicles 01: “Aqua Spinner” by IRTH, Marley IRedale and Jesse Thom https://youtu.be/wtb1-upxe9I Follow their work at irth.ca Thanks to Harley Dunn at Chasm Audio for doing sound and Sydney Woodward for the camera work.

Accessible Art: Meet Rhiannon, Dawn, and Debbie

In 2020, with support from the Disability Alliance British Columbia's Accessibility Project, the Salt Spring Arts Council is delivering a year-long Accessible Art Therapy project to provide access to art therapy for members of our community with disabilities. Lead by Artist Stefanie Denz and supported by Talia Peckel, we are proud to work with local organizations G.I.F.T.S., Friends and Choices, and Meadowbrook. Beyond providing individual and group tailored creative explorations, the project also aims to bring visibility to local islanders with disabilities. Project participants' work is on display as part of 'creative expressions' until August 3, in the Mahon Hall Annex Gallery. Meet Rhiannon: Rhiannon is 26 years old and moved from New Brunswick to Salt Spring, where she finished high school. Her birthday is on January 7th. Her hobbies include designing clothes and sewing dresses for bears. Her favorite colours are purple, black and blue. Rhiannon lends time to hel…

Accessible Art: Meet Mahjor and Dominic

In 2020, with support from the Disability Alliance British Columbia's Accessibility Project, the Salt Spring Arts Council is delivering a year-long Accessible Art Therapy project to provide access to art therapy for members of our community with disabilities. Lead by Artist Stefanie Denz and supported by Talia Peckel, we are proud to work with local organizations G.I.F.T.S., Friends and Choices, and Meadowbrook. Beyond providing individual and group tailored creative explorations, the project also aims to bring visibility to local islanders with disabilities. Project participants' work is on display as part of 'creative expressions' until August 3, in the Mahon Hall Annex Gallery. Meet Mahjor: Mahjor is 54 years old and moved to Salt Spring in 1994. His family is from India, and that is where he was born, as well as where his name comes from. He goes to Victoria to visit his mom every two weeks, and they go to the Hindu Temple together. They often go to weddings at …

Accessible Art: Meet Joanne and Jason

In 2020, with support from the Disability Alliance British Columbia's Accessibility Project, the Salt Spring Arts Council is delivering a year-long Accessible Art Therapy project to provide access to art therapy for members of our community with disabilities. Lead by Artist Stefanie Denz and supported by Talia Peckel, we are proud to work with local organizations G.I.F.T.S., Friends and Choices, and Meadowbrook. Beyond providing individual and group tailored creative explorations, the project also aims to bring visibility to local islanders with disabilities. Project participants' work is on display as part of 'creative expressions' until August 3, in the Mahon Hall Annex Gallery. Meet Joanne. Joanne is 66 years young and has lived on Salt Spring for approximately 40 years. Joanne is an intelligent non-verbal communicator with plenty to express. She enjoys journaling, colouring, organizing her personal space, and taking care of her home. Jo especially loves babies an…