The art scene in Victoria
The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, in Rockland, holds a significant collection of work by Emily Carr, who was born in the city, along with Asian and contemporary art. Carr’s childhood home, Emily Carr House, can be visited in James Bay. On the Inner Harbour, the Royal BC Museum tells the story of the province and presents the art of coastal First Nations, which remains very present across the region.
In the old town, Chinatown and narrow Fan Tan Alley hide small shops and galleries. Downtown also has several galleries specializing in Northwest Coast Indigenous art and in landscape painting. Beyond the city, Vancouver Island and the nearby Gulf Islands draw many artists, who often open their studios during organized tours, notably on Salt Spring Island, an easy ferry ride away.
On Artblr, you can discover artists from Victoria and the island, see their available work and write to them directly. Ask about a painting’s dimensions or shipping, and plan a visit to see it in person. Direct contact comes with no commission.
- Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
- Emily Carr House, James Bay
- Royal BC Museum
- Fan Tan Alley and Chinatown
