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The Gallery:
Our mandate is: The Comox Valley Art Gallery is public art gallery featuring contemporary, experimental and applied art by regional, national and international artists presenting contemporary art issues and practices.
Our vision is to be the focal centre of visual arts exhibition within our community.
Our mission is:
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To foster the awareness, exploration and development of contemporary visual arts through exhibitions, education activities and projects.
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To be an educating facility presenting contemporary art issues and practices in the form of artists talks, panel discussions, workshops and symposiums.
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To facilitate an experience for visitors to have a new or increased understanding of the visual arts that is accessible and inspiring yet also challenging, thought provoking, and energizing.
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To benefit the entire community by contributing to the cultural, social and economic vitality of the Comox Valley through our activities.
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The Gift Shop:
The CVAG Gift Shop offers one of the best selections of high quality handmade crafts and artwork on Vancouver Island and is the single most important fundraiser for The Gallery. We are well known as the destination for locally made personal and significant occasion gifts. Featuring the best of Comox Valley produced arts and crafts, we offer a wide selection of high quality art and crafts to suit all tastes and budgets including pottery, glass, jewellery, metal work, wood work, fabric arts, paintings, prints, art cards and more. The Gift Shop features work from close to one hundred different artists, some of which have been selling work in the shop for a great number of years and new artists are added regularly. Excellent relationships with participating artisans contribute to the success of this largely consignment retail venue. Repeat customers result from great customer service, and regular local customers bring family and friends in to visit, both the Gallery and Shop.
For more information, click here to visit the Gift Shop page
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History:
Comox Valley Art Gallery (CVAG) was established by a group of artists as the Central Island Arts Alliance (CIAA), under the umbrella of the Comox Valley Community Arts Council. CIAA achieved British Columbia society status and federal charitable organization status on July 12, 1974. From its inception, it has been recognized by the Cultural Services Branch of the Province of BC with grant funding to support operations
In 1997, the Board of Directors moved to change the name to Comox Valley Art Gallery to properly reflect the core business - visual art exhibition programming.
May 2005 saw the realization of a long-term plan by the Board of Directors for the Comox Valley Art Gallery relocation to a new venue in a municipally owned building - the former Courtenay Fire Hall. The Gallery occupies the main floor and lower level of the new Comox Valley Centre for the Arts. The Gallery includes 768 sq. ft. of retail space, 1828 sq. ft. of exhibition space, 629 sq. ft. for education workshop and gallery technical preparation, 286 sq. ft for storage and the permanent collection, 725 sq. ft. for administration and 176 sq. ft. for the gallery technician.
With its higher profile location and unique design, the renovated facility is temperature and humidity controlled, has accessibility features in the entry, public washrooms and elevator. CVAG attracts attention to downtown Courtenay and the Comox Valley. This has been a boon to the Gallery and the Gallery Gift Shop, attracting a broader audience with interest in visual art.
The Board of Directors has transitioned from “building mode” to continued “financial stability and creative growth mode”. Financial stability includes achieving stable core funding through local and provincial government support, a fundraising plan that includes donor and sponsor development and annual fundraising events.
Recovery with growth follows recession, and despite hurdles faced through funding cuts in 2009/10, we believe CVAG's place within the Comox Valley is a fundamental part of the visual arts and craft community in the region. Artists have been drawn to the area for decades and their contributions are integral to the economic growth of tourism. CVAG's location within the downtown core unites the art community; artists, art lovers and tourists alike to share in the vibrant art and culture that the Comox Valley has to offer.
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CVAG Staff:
Administrator: Sharon Karsten
Curator: Anh Le
Gallery Technician: Emily F.
Gallery Shop Manager: Rhonda Burden
Gallery Shop Assistants: Marnie F. and Danny W.
CVAG Board:
President: Roger Albert
Treasurer:Don Munroe
Secretary:Sue Minchin
Director:Robert Argall
Director:Lesley Henderson
Director:Carolyn Kirk-Albert
Director:Jane Larsen
Director:Daniel Mato
Director:Liz Valeau
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Volunteers
CVAG welcomes volunteers and students seeking work experience. Volunteering with us is an opportunity to learn about our arts community, and we welcome your contribution. Volunteers can apply their skills in many areas of both the Gallery and Gift Shop. A range of responsibilities are available from being a receptionist, to assisting with exhibition installation to hosting at special events. Volunteering is a great way to learn new skills and meet great people!
Volunteers are required to:
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Have a Criminal Record Check if working with children and youth;
This service is free of charge at Volunteer Comox Valley, 532-5th Street, 250-334-8063 or visit www.valleylinks.net and use the Volunteer Comox Valley portal.
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For more information, please contact us by phone 250-338-6211 or email: volunteer@comoxvalleyartgallery.com
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Vision For The Future:
Currently under development.
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Facility Rental:
The
Comox
Valley
Art
Gallery
makes its facility available for rental in order to promote community awareness of the gallery and to generate revenue in support of the gallery’s programming and operations. The gallery is available to individuals and organizations for a variety of events. There are two rental spaces, the Public Gallery and the Lower Level Studio.
The Public Gallery is located on the main floor and has maximum capacity for 100 people. It is well suited to host educational programs, community service oriented events and special events. Availability of the Public Gallery for rental is subject to the exhibition schedule and the placement and nature of the art exhibits. The approval of the Executive Director is required for the rental of the Public Gallery.
The Lower Level Studio is ideal for art workshops and demonstrations, business meetings and other special events for a maximum of 40 people. The Studio can suit several set-up styles: Theatre with sitting capacity for 40; Boardroom and Classroom with chairs and tables; Art workshops, maximum 14 students at tables/easels.
Please email programs@comoxvalleyartgallery.com or phone 250-338-6211 to inquire about a booking.
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We gratefully acknowledge support from the Government of Canada, the Province of BC, British Columbia Arts Council, BC Gaming, Comox Valley Regional District Areas A, B & C, City of Courtenay, Town of Comox, Membership, Private Donation and Volunteers
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