Find Unique Local Art on the BC Marketplace

Let’s face it, many of us have been staring at the same four walls for quite a few months now. A one-of-a-kind piece of art is a fantastic way to spruce up your home or—especially these days—home office. Locally-sourced art can be especially meaningful, and it comes complete with that warm, fuzzy feeling you get from supporting a local person producing great work.

Here are some B.C. artists and makers to check out on a virtual art tour, or to visit next time we’re all travelling again. Who knows what you’ll find.

Ucluelet Artist Collective, Ucluelet

The Ucluelet Artist Collective supports and promotes artists in Ucluelet on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Their website lets you browse, and buy, the amazing work of different artists in the region—many of them from First Nations communities. From the traditional carved masks of Patrick Amos, to the surfing-inspired work of Karine G. Beaumier, to the contemporary ceramics of Karla Strickland, there’s something for every taste.

Monica Gewurz, Vancouver

Monica Gewurz is a mixed media artist in West Vancouver. She draws inspiration from B.C.’s west coast, as well as her travels abroad. Her textured works of art, such as her “Serenity Series,” live somewhere in the area between painting and sculpture. According to Monica, she is inspired by “nature’s geometric repetitions, patinas, time-worn layers and the amazing colours of dawn and dusk.” Monica only signs her paintings on the back as each one can be hung in a different orientation. Get 20% off Monica’s work during December, 2020.

Jan’s Glass By The Sea, Courtenay

If you’re a regular at Comox Valley Airport, you’ve probably admired the work of Jan Lindstrom. Jan is a glass artist who creates stunning works of art and windows that can be found at the airport and in churches and homes around the region. As well as items that are sought after by art collectors, she also sells smaller pieces such as glass mosaics, boxes, and window art to anyone who appreciates the beauty and delicate craftsmanship of stained glass. Jan also offers workshops for budding glass artists.

MountainStudio, Grand Forks

As the name suggests, MountainStudio is the place to shop for anyone in your life who loves the mountains. Artist Dayna Larson works with different mediums, such as oil, mixed media, wood-burning and photography, to create “art for the soul.” Her colourful mountainscapes will brighten up any room. Dayna tries to use up-cycled, reusable materials when possible. For example, if you buy a painting on canvas, that canvas might have been an old skateboard or pair of skis in a previous life. She also donates 5% of her profits to the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Land & Water Studio, Victoria

If there’s a part of B.C., or further afield, that speaks to you, such as a view from your favourite hike, Marc deMontigny at Land & Water Studio will create a truly unique mini 3D wood model of it for you. With a passion for nature, woodwork, and creativity, Marc can work with you to choose the appropriate wood—often harvested from the actual landscape you want to recreate. He’ll then use a combination of modern and traditional fabrication and woodworking tools to create a one-off work of art that’s sure to be a conversation piece for decades to come.

Got space on a wall for something unique? Browse the work of these and other artists in the BC Marketplace.