As spring begins to emerge in the Comox Valley, March brings fresh energy to the Pearl Ellis Gallery. This month we celebrate the creativity of our members, share new satellite exhibitions in the community, and take part in events that connect art with collaboration and generosity.

Many of you have likely noticed the new Spotlight on Craft area that we have set up adjacent to the front desk at the Pearl Ellis Gallery. The space has been created to feature three or more different crafters every two months throughout the year except during Giftables (our annual two week pop-up sale of small works).

Thank you to everyone who attended the Shared Ground Workshop last Saturday! Applications for the show Shared Ground: Collaborative Art opens April 28.

Join us for a collaborative workshop, explore Flight Lines, and see what’s new at the gallery.

Pearl Ellis Gallery members receive 10% off all services - including classes at the recreation centres, private coaching, and group coaching sessions.

Happy New Year! As we step into 2026, we’re looking ahead with optimism and enthusiasm. The coming year brings new exhibitions, fresh opportunities for artists, and meaningful moments of connection within our community. We’re delighted to share what’s on the horizon and to welcome you into another inspiring year at the Pearl Ellis Gallery.

As 2025 draws to a close, we want to take a moment to thank each of you for helping make the Pearl Ellis Gallery such a vibrant and thriving community. Whether you volunteer, exhibit your work, attend receptions, visit the gallery, or cheer us on from afar, the creativity, generosity, and goodwill you share bring the gallery to life year after year.

December Newsletter

As the days grow shorter and the light turns softer, the gallery feels anything but quiet. November brings the lively bustle of Giftables and the important work of preparing for our 2026 exhibition season. With new terminology for our shows and a few exciting improvements ahead, there’s lots to share as we head toward the final stretch of the year.

Happy October from the Pearl Ellis Gallery!
Autumn is in full swing, and we’re feeling inspired by the season’s rich colours and creative energy. Here’s what’s happening at the gallery this month and beyond.

September Newsletter

The Abundance Members’ Show has come to a close with outstanding results—10 pieces sold! This vibrant exhibition truly lived up to its name, filling the gallery with creativity, colour, and imagination. Congratulations to all the artists for creating such engaging and inspiring work, and thank you to everyone who visited, shared their enthusiasm, and supported our local talent.

August Newsletter – Abundance & 2026 Opportunities

Summer is in full bloom, and so is the creativity at the Pearl Ellis Gallery! My kitchen—and my freezer—are overflowing with apples, cherries, raspberries, and blueberries. I even baked a pie yesterday—a sweet reminder of the season’s abundance! Fittingly, “Abundance” is also the theme of our current members’ show.

See what’s happening in July at the Pearl Ellis Gallery. Featured Image by Ann Kelly.

Our Summer Members’ Show, Flourish, is wrapping up on June 21! Thank you to everyone who contributed — this show has been a standout. The artists’ energy came through in so many ways, making Flourish feel both connected and full of unique voices. That spirit has resonated with visitors too, with four paintings sold so far.

See what’s happening in June at the Pearl Ellis Gallery.

As Beyond the Horizon wraps up this weekend, I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the four featured artists—Sharon Lalonde, Silvina Lanusse, Susan Purney Mark, and Maggie Ziegler—two of whom are exhibiting with us for the first time. Their mixed-media work has transformed our gallery space, offering viewers layered perspectives on landscape, memory, and the passage of time. Through the use of textiles, paint, collage, and digital design, each artist invited us to see beyond the surface of everyday moments and into realms shaped by imagination and emotion. As Edgar Degas said, “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” This exhibition truly embodied that spirit.

See what’s happening in May at the Pearl Ellis Gallery.

Our last show, Awakening, proved that our members are wide awake and making art! We hung a record-breaking 62 pieces, and it was wonderful to see everyone’s latest creations.

For the past year, our policy for  Members’ Shows has been to accept all submissions received during the five-week submission window. There is no jury. We welcome and encourage all forms of art and fine craft, whether 2D, 3D, or multi-dimensional. As long as it’s family-friendly, bring it on!

See what’s happening in April at the Pearl Ellis Gallery.

Spring is officially here, and warmer weather is just around the corner! Like many of you, I find inspiration in the breathtaking beauty of the Comox Valley and make it a priority to spend time in nature. The gallery is another wonderful source of inspiration, where you can experience the incredible work of our talented members.

Comox Valley ElderCollege is looking for artists to give an Artist Talk or teach an art course for their Fall 2025 Term!