Tofino Art Galleries
Although Tofino draws a lot of surfers and adventurers, the small town also has more than its fair share of talented artists. From glass blowing to land paintings and traditional First Nations carvings, there is no shortage of delightful displays to stumble upon during your visit. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to attend of the many art events that take place throughout the year such as Art Splash!, or the Art Migration Art Show.
Eagle Aerie Gallery
This gallery features the art of the notorious First Nations artist, Roy Henry Vickers. His prints and original paintings are of bold and beautiful colours with stunning and unique designs. He is also a talented carver and boasts numerous honours outside of the art world. At his gallery in Tofino, you can be immersed into First Nations culture, and even attend a storytelling event with the artist himself. The building itself is hard to miss from where it sits, as the wooden structure is adorned with a massive, First Nations-style Eagle around the door.
House of Himwitsa
House of Himwitsa is a large wooden building in downtown Tofino that hosts multiple operations including a smoked fish store, accommodation and, of course, an art gallery. Proudly First Nations owned and operated, House of Himwitsa works to bring the gallery fair trade artwork created by the most talented native artists in the region. The name Himwitsa comes from the Nuu Chah Nulth language meaning: “Story Telling and the passing of knowledge from Elder to Youth.”
Mark Hobson Gallery
To see all of the spectacular landscapes and scenes that the West Coast has to offer in one glance, take time to visit the Mark Hobson Gallery. Self-named for the artist whose work it contains, the gallery hosts stunning prints and paintings of the coast. Sometimes, Mark Hobson even hosts a “meet the artist” event, where you can chat with him about his work and the rugged coast that serves as his endless inspiration.
For places to stay in Tofino, visit the accommodation page, or www.vancouverislandvr.com.
To find more artsy destinations on Vancouver Island, check out www.discovervancouverisland.com.
Contributed by: Laurissa Cebryk