GALLERY HISTORY
In 1977, a small group of volunteers dedicated to the arts, organized and
registered the Comox Arts Society, and opened a one room viewing gallery in
Comox. The Gallery was originally funded by a small government grant, but
since 1980 has survived on revenue from commissions, donations, memberships and
fund-raisers. In 1980, the name was changed to Filberg Gallery
Association. In 2005 the gallery was renamed after one of its founders to
its present name. From the beginning, the object of the organization has been
to establish and maintain an arts centre to promote interest in and study of the
arts and to provide a location that affords a showcase for local talent.
Many student groups in the Comox Valley have their annual shows here and for
many budding artists, this is their first experience having their work on public
view. Many accomplished local artists find the gallery an excellent place
to have a one man show in their home community.
The gallery
in Comox manages to stay open daily. This access to the public is due to a group of volunteer
hosts and hostesses who greet the public, issue receipts for membership payments
and sales and who provide information to the visitors for three hours from
1 to 4 p.m. In these busy days, when most of us have precious few minutes
to spare, these generous volunteers deserve our sincere gratitude.
The Gallery is a registered
nonprofit society. It operates solely on volunteer help and receives no grants.
Finances are provided by donations, membership fees, fundraising and commissions from sales.
In spite of this very slim budget, a hard-working innovative executive has
managed to make some improvements each year.
In 2007 to celebrate
the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the society it was decided
to start an annual high school bursary program. Each Spring a
deserving student from each of the three valley high schools receives a
bursary of $500.00. This bursary is to assist students
pursuing a postsecondary program related to visual arts. In
addition to the bursary the gallery puts on a three week show dedicated
to the art work done by one of the local high schools.
The art shows, which change every
two to three weeks, cover a wide variety of style, technique and mediums.
We invite you to drop in to the Gallery any afternoon.
Whether you want to add a special "original" to your own collection, purchase a gift, or just
enjoy viewing some unique work and visiting with our host/hostess, a few minutes
spent here ( maybe while waiting for the bus) will give your day an extra boost.
The gallery is located
at 1729 Comox Avenue in the same space as the Comox Archives & Museum.
Back to Top
Back to Home Page
