Susan Sarada, co-chair of ‘the Pearl’ in Comox conceived of a collaborative, multiple venue exhibition and set out to bring it to fruition. With 9 participating galleries, the Comox Vallery Gallery Hop introduces ‘Waterways’, a thematically united series of exhibitions spanning Cumberland to Comox.

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In Comox, Pearl Ellis Gallery presents ‘Ebb & Flow’, a juried exhibition of local artists celebrating the movement and ever-changing nature of water, to encourage visitors to explore the rhythm, power and beauty of water through art. The collaboration of YQQ + CVA Arts and Culture Program showcases 30 regional artists whose work embodies renewal, transformation and resurgence in ‘Regeneration’ at YQQ – the Comox Valley Airport.

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Overlooking the estuary at the site of the original K’ómoks Village, I’Hos will host ‘Water Back’ a community-created installation that responds to themes of water stewardship and reciprocity through an Indigenous lens.

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In Courtenay, ‘Immersed / Return to Water 2025’ offers visitors to Comox Valley Art Gallery sensorial storytelling using time-capture imagery, animation, video and sound design, and 3D/VR to explore the region’s enduring watery ecology. Artful : The Gallery’s invitational exhibition ‘H20’, will feature waterworks from the gallery’s roster of Comox Valley artists. April at Artful is showered with events: poetry readings, workshops and Kim June Johnson’s CD pre-release. At ARTWRX, the 7 artists who call the shared working studio and gallery home, present ‘Acqua’ and invite you to visit to visit with the artists at work and see artwork both being created and exhibited in their space.  The brand new Studio 211 is a group of 5 local artists who have come together to create art, enthusing and inspiring each other in the process. Their exhibition ‘Spring Tide’ focuses on their explorations of the region’s waterways.

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At The Gallery @ Weird Church, ‘Water is Life’ is the collaborative, artist centered opportunity for sharing in the midst of a bustling community space, bringing art to life in Cumberland’s iconic red-roofed Weird Church. The Worthy Room, the offering of community realtors Catherine Worthy and Katherine Miller to the much-needed artistic venues in the Comox Valley, exhibits an eclectic variety of local artists and presents ‘Water, Water, Everywhere’, an open group exhibition.

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Together, these exhibitions aim to explore the profound connection between humanity and the waters that sustain us. Watch for the calendar of events to plan your visits to each of the exhibitions, and their events and openings. Get your stamp card, available at all exhibition venues and Compass Gallery + Gifts at YQQ, through the month of April to enter to win artistic door prizes from the participating artists and venues.