Opening
Salt & Fog: new paintings by Maya Tsang
Fri Nov 06
Twelve new oil panels painted from the Dallas Road breakwater. Maya paints live from 6:30 p.m. · Maya Tsang
What we do
Victoria's art scene, gathered in one place
Victoria has one of the highest numbers of working artists per capita in Canada, spread across dozens of galleries and studios. Visitors often miss the best shows simply because they didn't know where to look.
Art Galleries of Victoria is a non-profit association of local galleries. We publish one calendar of exhibitions, openings and gallery walks, profile the artists behind the work, and connect collectors, agents and competition organizers with the people they're looking for.
Where the coast meets the canvas.
Who it's for
Find your way in
Whether you're here for an afternoon or looking for your next client, start where it fits you.
Art lovers
See what's on this week and never miss an opening night.
- Monthly First Friday walk
- Artist talks and demos
Collectors
Meet artists early, follow their careers and buy direct.
- Collectors' Preview Night
- Prices on every wall label
Travellers
Plan a walkable gallery day and ship your finds home.
- Galleries by neighbourhood
- Shipping across Canada and the US
Agents & competitions
Find emerging talent ready for representation or entry.
- Representation status on profiles
- Portfolio packs on request
Coming up
Openings, studios and markets this season
Open studios
Fernwood Open Studios weekend
Sat Nov 14
Step inside working studios, watch demos and buy direct from the artist. Daniel Okafor-Reid carves live on Saturday. · Daniel Okafor-Reid
Art market
Small Works Holiday Market
Sat Dec 05
More than 300 original works by 60 local artists, all under $500 and ready to take home or ship.
Artist profiles
Meet the people behind the work
Every profile covers the artist's practice, recent results, prices and whether they're open to representation.
Handwoven textile · James Bay
Elise Marchand
Wall-scale weavings dyed with kelp, arbutus bark and Garry oak gall.
Read Elise's profile →Ceramics, wood-fired · Saanich Peninsula
Tomás Ilnicki
Wood-fired vessels whose ash glazes record every hour of a four-day firing.
Read Tomás's profile →Mixed media and cartography · Esquimalt
Ruth Sampson
Hand-drawn contour maps of the Salish Sea, layered with collage and gold leaf.
Read Ruth's profile →From visitors and collectors
What people take home
“You're not just buying a pot, you're buying a firing you can feel. I visit every kiln opening now.”
“I bought one panel and went back for a second the next day. It's the light I see from my kitchen window.”
“Hana's canvases hold a room. She is exactly the kind of artist we look for at this stage.”
Questions
Planning a gallery visit in Victoria
What are the best art galleries to visit in Victoria, BC?
Downtown Victoria, Chinatown and Old Town hold the densest cluster of galleries, with Oak Bay, Fernwood and Cook Street Village a short bus ride away. Our 24 member galleries range from contemporary spaces to print studios and ceramic workshops; the Events page lists what's showing this month.
When is the Victoria First Friday Gallery Walk?
On the first Friday of every month, from 5 to 9 p.m. Galleries across downtown and Chinatown stay open late with artists on hand. It's free, and you can start anywhere, though most people begin at Bastion Square.
Can I buy local art and have it shipped home?
Yes. Most member galleries ship across Canada and to the United States, and many artists sell directly from their studios. Ask about shipping at the gallery, or send us a message and we'll connect you.
I'm an agent or competition organizer. How do I find new artists?
Every artist profile shows representation status and whether the artist is entering competitions. Use the contact form to request portfolio packs or studio visits, or join us at Collectors' Preview Night.
Next First Friday: November 6
Fourteen galleries open late, 5 to 9 p.m. Start at Bastion Square and follow the map.