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!

2025 is off to a dynamic start with “Lenses and Layers,” our photography and digital art show, drawing in enthusiastic visitors and strong sales. Thank you to everyone who has supported this vibrant exhibition!

Our current show, “Through Lines,” showcases diverse printmaking techniques from the Comox Valley Printmakers Association. If you’re curious about this art form, the exhibit includes informational panels and tools on display. Plus, on the next three Saturday afternoons, we’ll host live demonstrations where you can see the printmaking process in action.

The Pearl Ellis Gallery has always been a place of inspiration and connection. As we look to the future, we remain deeply committed to those values. Over the years, the gallery has grown into a vital creative hub, and with that growth comes the opportunity to refresh how we present ourselves to the world.

At the Pearl Ellis Gallery, we believe in the importance of growth while staying true to the values that have guided us for decades. Our rebrand is not about changing who we are but about better reflecting the gallery’s role as a creative hub and a vital part of the community.

December 2024 Newsletter

As 2024 comes to a close, we reflect on an exciting and productive year at the Pearl Ellis Gallery. With shows changing every four weeks, there’s never a dull moment! Our continuing success is made possible by the tireless efforts of our dedicated board and volunteers. They truly are the backbone of our gallery. That said, we are always looking for new faces to join our team and bring fresh energy to our operations.

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.

November 2024 Newsletter

Phew! What a busy month it has been, and there’s still so much more to do before it wraps up! We’re halfway through our first-ever Giftables pop-up show, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the turnout and response. Sales are through the roof, and visitors are spreading the word that this is an affordable and classy event.

October 2024 Newsletter

We’re already halfway through October, and as I write this on Thanksgiving Monday, I can’t help but reflect on how much we have to be grateful for at the Pearl Ellis Gallery. At the top of the list are our amazing volunteers. Many of you have given your time and energy to help make our gallery a vibrant and welcoming place, whether by hosting or working behind the scenes on important tasks like website support and putting up posters.