The Cowichan Public Art Gallery Society (CVPAG) is putting on an art show at the Arbutus Gallery in the Island Savings Centre from March 4 to March 23 called Estuary: Cradle of Life.
The official opening reception takes place from 5 pm to 8 pm, Thursday, March 7, 2019, and is part of an on-going effort to create a permanent public art gallery in the Cowichan Valley.
“Currently no gallery exists in the Cowichan Valley to host international and national exhibitions requiring climate control and other amenities, and to house a permanent public art collection, thus limiting what is available for our residents,” said Jock Hildebrand, society president.
“As well, lacking a public art gallery, our children and youth are unable to access exhibitions and programming of the above-mentioned calibre., he said in a news release.
“CVPAG will offer educational programming for all generations, from children to seniors.”Hildebrand said art and culture projects have shown to be strong economic drivers.
“The City of Vancouver estimates that for every dollar invested in the arts, arts organizations earn or raise an additional $ 12.75, which is re-invested in the local economy. Public art galleries also differ from private and community galleries by paying artists to exhibit.
“The society plans to continue a program of displaying art in rented space but the eventual goal, however, is a purpose-built “Schedule A” public art gallery to meet all the conditions needed for hosting top international and national exhibitions, Hildebrand said.