Rainforest Arts turns Five Years old on July 1st! This beautiful little gem in the heart of Chemainus has become a much beloved gallery that is owned and operated by the Chemainus Valley Cultural Arts Society (CVCAS). Running on volunteerism and supported by local enthusiasts, our mission is to “Foster and Support Excellence in Visual Arts”.
The gallery boasts the work of over 60 local artists of all mediums including sculpture, photography, painting, pottery, metal art, wood working and more. Artists apply to show their work to a selection committee who maintains a high level of quality and expertise, while supporting the blooming and upcoming artists as well. Our space is small, so in order to accommodate our large number of artists, we do a complete turnaround of the wall art every two months. We also showcase a Featured Artist every two months. Rainforest Arts also works with our local Tribes to showcase First Nations Art.
Because of Covid 19 uncertainty, Rainforest Arts has elected to offer a month-long celebration, instead of our usual Canada Day party. That way we avoid attracting a crowd into our small space and instead welcome folks to drop in constantly throughout the month.
Canada Day will still be a special day with balloons and cake, and throughout the month, each purchaser can enter a free draw to win an art piece. We have selected four art pieces and will do a draw at the end of each week. Our Featured Artist this month, Julie Nygaard, will be doing a live demo on the street in front of the gallery on July 17th. Come and meet this fascinating artist and learn her process. Other activities are in the works, so please refer to CVCAS.ca and Rainforest Arts Social Media for updates.
Our Mother Society, CVCAS, is also celebrating a big anniversary this year. On July 31st, CVCAS turns 20 years old. Back in 2001, the Municipality of North Cowichan handed over the stewardship of the Waterwheel Park Bandshell to our society and our famous summer long music performances and festivals were born. Today, we offer weekly “Tuesday Music in the Park”, which, pre-covid, was boasting over 300 people per evening. Funded by audience donations, CVCAS has gained a reputation for attracting both international and local artists. In addition, we host weekend concerts and festivals all summer long with themes such as Blue Grass, Rockabilly, Blues, Accordion and Jazz.
CVCAS and Rainforest Arts are supported by Coastal Community Credit Union, BC Arts Council, Chemainus BIA and the Chemainus Legion. The people of Chemainus have been a big part of our success through their loyal support of all our artistic programming.
Please drop by to say hello throughout July. Be sure to enter our free draw when you make a purchase and take home your own special art piece.