Situated on the east coast of Vancouver Island near Denman and Hornby Islands, the Comox Valley on the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, with its thriving aquaculture and agricultural enterprises is home to a vibrant artistic & culinary scene.
To live in the Comox Valley is to be a creator of sorts, either by contributing to the cultural richness of this region or helping to support it. This pastoral landscape surrounds several close-knit communities, including the village of Cumberland and cities of Courtney & Comox. In addition to supporting a number of incredible visual artists, including Esther Sample (recently profiled in our early-July Digest), the Comox Valley hosts numerous cultural and culinary experiences waiting to be discovered.
Creative energy runs high in the Comox Valley. From painters and potters to theatre and dance troupes, to some of the best live entertainment and cultural festivals around, the Comox Valley is a thriving arts & culture community. Adapting to the pandemic, visitors to the Valley can safely attend newly formatted outdoor art exhibits at local gardens, classical concerts in the park and music, theatre & dance events in a myriad of venues including renovated heritage churches, warehouses, sports arenas, resorts and restaurants. There is so much to see and do across this vast region.
40 Knots is one of the largest grape wineries in the Comox Valley and one of the largest on Vancouver Island. Located on 24 stunning acres, on a slope facing the Salish Sea, the winery crafts wines distinctly shaped by a windswept, sun-soaked microclimate. The majority of their rootstock arrived from France in 2005. They grow four noble varieties: Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Gamay Noir. They also grow two german hybrids: Schonberger & Siegerrebe, plus one French hybrid: Pinot Auxerrois. Their coveted VinoSpa body line is a favourite, with packaging designed by BC Artist Monica Gewurz.
A gem of Vancouver Island Heritage, Filberg Park is nine acres of breathtakingly landscaped waterfront green space, gardens and heritage buildings. The park features 130 varieties of trees, seasonal gardens, and hundreds of rhododendrons. At the heart of the site is the 1930’s heritage lodge, the former home of local pioneers Robert and Florence Filberg. Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park have become a popular venue for picnics, art shows and special events including the popular Filberg Festival, typically held on BC Day long weekend each August.
Comox Valley Arts is proud to support, promote and celebrate the local creative community. Through the mindset of ‘Arts and Culture first’, the organization aims to boost the quality of life to their members and local residents. Of their many activities, Comox Valley Arts facilitates, activates and advocates on behalf of local Arts and Culture at all levels. They offer professional development opportunities and support to the cultural creators and workers of the Comox Valley, work to foster a lifelong love of the Arts in local youth, and cultivate a collaborative environment between arts, business and government.
Inspired by nature, Heather creates original fine art paintings & scratchboards. She enjoys working in a realistic, detailed style, painting with acrylic for over 30 years. Recently, Heather has added scratchboard to her artistic repertoire of oil paint work. Working with scratchboard – an ink-coated clay board – involves using sharp tools to scratch black ink away to reveal the white clay beneath, creating a highly detailed black and white image. Colour is then added to the surface by brushing on coloured inks.
The Sid Williams Theatre is a fully equipped and fully staffed performing arts venue located in the heart of downtown Courtenay. Despite its 500 seats, the theatre has maintained an intimate atmosphere for events since it first opened as a cinema back in 1935. The theatre is operated by the Sid Williams Theatre Society, which presents a curated selection of events throughout the year known as the Blue Circle Series. Although their summer programming is cancelled, the aim is to reopen with Fall programming. Please stay tuned to their website for up-to-date event details and performance information.
Ian Lowe is a First Nations Metal Artist and Sculptor living in Royston, south of Courtney. With over 30 years in the welding and fabricating industry, he has combined these skills to create custom art and design. Ian’s passionate connection with the Natural Environment of the West Coast of Canada transfers into his work, made from wood, stone and steel. Each of his works are hand crafted and highly detailed, commanding a high standard of excellence. Recently, Ian gifted a symbolic hummingbird piece to Dr. Bonnie Henry in thanks for her work in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.
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