Cowichan Valley Fine Arts Show celebrates 55 years

The Cowichan Valley Fine Arts Show celebrates 55 years showcasing local artists, and their fabulous fine arts creations in the community.  

“We couldn’t be prouder to be part of a community that celebrates art generation after generation,” said Cowichan Valley Arts Council Executive Director Elizabeth Croft. “We’re grateful for the legacy of the organizers and artists who made the show into the icon it is today. The show demonstrates the calibre of work that emerges from a non-juried show.”

More than 150 artists, guests as well as volunteers were in attendance for the opening of the 55th Cowichan Valley Fine Arts Show which kicked off on May 7 at the Cowichan Community Centre.   

“The opening of this annual show is one of the art community’s greatest celebratory events,” said Croft. “It’s also when elected representatives can engage with the programming they support and witness the arts contribution to the vitality of our community.”

Founded in 1971, the Cowichan Valley Arts Council, is dedicated to enriching the community through the lens of arts and culture and holds up to 30 art exhibitions per year showcasing established artists, and new talent. Their art-themed programming includes workshops for all ages, demonstrations, presentations, art markets and more.Their annual exhibition is the largest non-juried show on both Vancouver Island, and the Coastal Islands as well as the second-longest running art show in Canada. Croft noted than an event like this would not be possible without the support of community donors and sponsors.

“We’re grateful to Duncan Rotary, Hand of Man Museum, and Save-on-Foods for making it possible to share this exceptional art with our community,” said Croft.

The jury, Vancouver Island University art instructor, and artist Gregory Ball; VIU instructor, and sculptor Jason Gress; and painter and tattoo artist David Gluck convened to select and honour this year’s standout works with six awards across three categories.  

Each of the three judges made their selection for the 2025 Juror’s Choice Awards and the winners were: Lois DeEll for her photograph ‘Cypsela Tarriers’; Elizabeth LaRose for her mixed media piece ‘Meandering’; and Wilma Millett for her collage titled ‘Curiosity’.

Determined by a jury consensus this year’s Awards of Excellence were presented to Raina Bird for her oil painting titled ‘Vessel’ and to Rupert Scow for his intricately carved Raccoon Mask. Last but not least, this year’s Best in Show Award went to John Robertson for his 3D wood creation titled ‘Pelicant’. All awards were presented by CVAC president Janet Magdanz.

“Year after year, each show is more exciting than the last,” said Magdanz. “Valley artists continue to amaze our community with their passion, imagination and exceptional skill.” 

Speaking of passion, in partnership with CVAC and the City of Duncan, Mayor Michelle Staples unveiled the sculpture titled ‘The Passion’ by Eric Knoll commemorating the City of Duncan’s Perpetual Arts Award. The sculpture was relocated from City Hall to the CVAC galleries where it will have a higher profile with the more than 13,000 guests that visit the gallery each year.  

Art afficionados can check out all the fine creations on display for the 55th Cowichan Valley Fine Arts Show inside the CVAC art galleries located in the Cowichan Community Centre until May 30. Admission is free. Croft is looking forward to see who the community selects as the winner for this year’s People’s Choice Award.

“Everyone who visits the show votes for their favourite piece then we tally the votes on May 30 and announce the winner shortly afterwards,” said Croft. “I hope that this show give visitors moments of both joy and discovery, I hope that it ignites new thoughts and that everyone enjoys beauty and contemplation. Art — there’s just nothing else like it.”