Pearl Ellis Gallery invites everyone to fill out our first annual Member Survey. Your voice is important to us as we move Pearl Ellis Gallery into the 2025 season! This survey should take less than ten minutes to complete and will be a very useful tool for us to gather statistics and to allow you to share your thoughts with us.
Open Spot Jury Selections for 2025
2024-12-19
We are excited to announce the results of our jury process, which selected the artists for the open exhibition spots in 2025. With 20 submissions for only four spots, the process was challenging, especially given the high quality of all the entries.
To guide the jury in making their decisions, we established key principles to ensure a balanced and diverse representation of our membership. We are confident that the selected exhibitions will showcase the wide range of talent within our community, offering viewers inspiring and thought-provoking experiences.
The jury evaluated entries based on three main categories: First, they assessed innovation, considering the creativity and originality of the work, including the use of new ideas or techniques. Next, they examined proficiency, focusing on technical skill and how well the materials and composition came together. Finally, they evaluated resonance, looking at the emotional impact of the work, its ability to engage viewers, and its significance within the art community.
Open Spot 1: Through Lines (Feb 4 - March 1)
This exhibition features 20-40 hand-pulled prints by the Comox Valley Printmakers Association, exploring the theme of landscape through various printmaking techniques, from linocut to eco printing. It highlights personal, social, and political connections to landscapes, blending traditional and contemporary methods to create a tactile experience that invites viewers to reflect on their own connections to the world around them.
Open Spot 2: Beyond the Horizon (Apr 29 - May 24)
"Beyond the Horizon" showcases the work of four mixed-media artists—Sharon Lalonde, Silvina Lanusse, Susan Purney Mark, and Maggie Ziegler—who transform landscapes and everyday moments into abstract creations. Using textiles, collage, painting, and digital design, their work explores themes of memory, place, and imagination, inviting viewers to discover new layers of beauty and meaning.
Open Spot 3: Chromophobia (July 22 - Aug 16)
"Chromophobia" is a vibrant celebration of queer identity, creativity, and self-expression. Featuring over 30 pieces of art in various styles, the exhibition uses bold colours and designs to challenge societal pressures to conform. It emphasizes the importance of individuality, love, and acceptance while fostering a sense of community and pride.
Presented by the Queer for Queer Artists’ Collective.
Open Spot 4: The Healing (Oct 14 - Nov 8)
"The Healing" is a group art exhibition inspired by Courtenay artist Josh Klassen’s experience with a lymphoma diagnosis. What began as a birthday painting party grew into regular creative gatherings, resulting in 12-15 large abstract paintings made from reused materials by The Art Writers Ghost Collective. The exhibition focuses on themes of connection, trust, and healing, and includes an interactive element where visitors can join a live painting session on opening night and contribute to the artwork throughout the show.
We look forward to welcoming these inspiring exhibitions in 2025 and invite everyone to experience the creativity and diversity of our local art community.