Spotlight on Craft Submissions Open
Spotlight on Craft is a new feature series that celebrates the creativity and skill of local makers. Each exhibition will focus on one maker at a time, or a small collaborative group of 2–3 makers, offering visitors a closer look at their process, materials, and artistic journey.
From fibre and clay to wood, glass, metal, and mixed media, Spotlight on Craft honours the diversity of handmade work and the makers who bring it to life.
We welcome proposals from both emerging and established makers — whether individually or as a small collaborative group — who wish to share their craft and inspire our community through their artistry.
Joy Applications Open
Show dates: Tue, December 2nd to Sat, December 20th, 2025
Notice of acceptance: Within 7 days of the closing date
IMPORTANT NOTE: You can submit one piece up to 24x36 inches, or up to two smaller works (each 12x16 inches or less). If your work is a diptych or triptych (two or three connected pieces that form one artwork), please enter them together as a single submission. Larger works may be accepted if space allows.
Membership in Pearl Ellis has grown rapidly, yet the exhibition space remains constant. In the case of receiving a large number of submissions or many large works, priority will be given to members who have not submitted in the previous non-juried show.
Open Spot Submissions Open
Each year, the Pearl Ellis Gallery offers four juried exhibition spots for solo, joint, or group shows. These four-week exhibitions are awarded through a competitive jury process each fall, with selections announced in November. The 2026 exhibition dates are:
February 3 – 28
April 28 – May 23
July 21 – August 15
October 13 – November 7
Key Dates
October 1–November 1, 2025 – Submission window open
November 8–10, 2025 – Jury review
November 15, 2025 – Results announced
We welcome submissions from both emerging and established artists working in all media. Whether you’re applying for your first solo show, planning a joint project, or proposing a group exhibition, we want to see your creative ideas. Successful proposals showcase a cohesive body of work or a unique perspective — ideas that spark interest and conversation. Themes of identity, community, personal experience, or other meaningful concepts are especially encouraged.
These spots are highly sought after, and we receive many applications each year. The more effort you put into your concept and proposal, the stronger your chances of being selected.
Submission Tips
Clearly describe your work and its theme or concept.
A cohesive theme is recommended for solo, joint, or group shows.
Include clear photos of your work or similar pieces you plan to create (sketches welcome).
Joint shows: each artist submits individually, indicating their preferred co-exhibitor.
Group shows: one member submits on behalf of the group with examples of work from as many members as possible.
Giftables Application Open
Pearl Ellis Gallery is excited to announce the return of Giftables: A Holiday Pop-Up, running from November 11 to 22.
Back by popular demand, this festive event transforms our gallery into a holiday marketplace, offering high-quality, handcrafted items at affordable prices. It was a big hit last year, with many shoppers checking off much of their Christmas gift list.
Buyers can purchase and take items home immediately—perfect for early holiday shopping. Artists and craftspeople are not required to be on site; our gallery hosts will handle all sales.
We invite you to be part of this special two-week event.
Event Details:
Show Dates: Tue, November 11th to Sat, November 22nd, 2025, 10 am to 4 pm
Location: Pearl Ellis Gallery, 1729 Comox Ave
Setup Date: Sun, November 9th, 10am - 12pm for wall spaces, 12pm - 2pm for table and plinth spaces
Take-down Date: Sat, Nov 22nd, 4pm
Submissions open: Wed, July 9th, 2025
Submissions deadline: Mon, September 1st, 2025 (extended to September 30)
Acceptance notification: Within 2 weeks of the closing date