Giftables and 2026 Plans

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.

New Exhibition Terms for 2026

Looking ahead to the coming year, we’ve clarified the way we describe our exhibitions to make participation easier to understand. Since membership is required for all our shows, we felt it was important to update our terminology so it more accurately reflects how our exhibition categories function. Each of our three main categories will feature four shows per year, complemented by our popular two-week Giftables pop-up show. We’ve outlined the updated terms below:

• Members’ Showcases – Four seasonal, non-juried shows highlighting members’ latest creations. These continue to provide an open and welcoming opportunity for all members to share their work.

• Themed Shows – Four juried exhibitions (formerly “Concept Shows”) exploring shared ideas and predetermined themes designed to spark creativity and inspire new directions.

• Artists’ Initiatives – Four opportunities (formerly “Open Spots”) for individual members to propose their own exhibitions, challenging themselves and inspiring the rest of us with unique concepts and personal vision.

We hope these changes make it easier for everyone to understand the opportunities available at the gallery.

Giftables in Full Swing

Giftables is now in full swing, with one week still left to enjoy this festive seasonal event. The first week saw brisk sales and strong attendance, with many visitors already returning for second — and even third — looks. We’re delighted by the quality and variety of work on display, and by how much the community appreciates the calm, welcoming atmosphere for holiday shopping.

There’s just one more evening of extended hours, and it happens to coincide with a wonderful community celebration:

On November 21st, it’s the Comox Mayor’s Tree Lighting & Winter Market downtown! Enjoy the lights, live entertainment, and festive fun — then pop into the gallery for some cozy evening shopping.

With so much happening in town, it’s a perfect time to stop by!

Introducing: Creative Spotlight

We are thrilled to announce a new program beginning in the new year — Creative Spotlight — a curated display area highlighting the talent and creativity of local makers, featuring a different maker during each exhibition.
This initiative will provide members with an additional way to showcase their talents, while giving visitors a changing selection of high-quality, handcrafted items.

📅 Applications open: November 15 – December 15
👉 Learn more and apply here. https://www.pearlellisgallery.ca/show-guides/spotlight-on-craft

Gallery Update

After Giftables wraps up, the gallery will close for one week while the Town of Comox installs new flooring — a much-appreciated and exciting upgrade to our space!

Following that, our final show of the year, “Joy,” will open on a slightly shortened schedule due to the renovation, but we look forward to sharing the festive spirit and celebrating our accomplishments together as we close out the year.

Renew Your Membership for 2026

Memberships for 2026 are now available online or at the gallery. Because memberships run on a calendar-year basis, all members need to renew, no matter when they purchased their 2025 membership. Renewing ensures you can continue to take part in exhibitions, programs, and new initiatives such as our Creative Spotlight. Your membership also plays a vital role in sustaining the vibrant, volunteer-driven creative community we’ve built together.

We hope you’ll join us for another inspiring year!

Thank You

As 2025 winds down, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all our members, volunteers, artists, and visitors. Your support and enthusiasm make the Pearl Ellis Gallery a welcoming and inspiring space for art in the Comox Valley.

We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to the Town of Comox for their ongoing support and for the upcoming flooring upgrade that will enhance our gallery space for years to come. Our thanks as well to the Comox Museum and Archives, whose collaboration, shared space, and spirit of cooperation continue to enrich the experience of everyone who visits.

We look forward to celebrating our achievements — and sharing exciting plans for 2026 — in our December newsletter!