Salt Spring Art Gallery: A Small Island with Big Art

There’s something special about Salt Spring Island. Its natural beauty and peaceful way of life have inspired artists for generations. Over the years, painters, potters, musicians, and poets have flocked to its shores, transforming the traditional farming community into a creative sanctuary.

Today, this is home to a vibrant artistic community and there are an abundance of Salt Spring Art Galleries to prove it. Here’s the run down of where to find your new favourite art gallery on Salt Spring Island.

Salt Spring Art Galleries

Artcraft

Where: Mahon Hall, 114 Rainbow Rd.

Artcraft features the best artists and craftspeople the Southern Gulf Islands has to offer. Presented by Salt Spring Arts, the seasonal gallery serves as both an exhibition space and retail shop and is the perfect stop for visitors hoping to view a wide range of local art. Artcraft offers something for everyone—from fine art and pottery to woodwork and print media—and is open during the summer and, again, in the winter season.

The Glass Foundry 

Where: 401 Upper Ganges Rd.

The Glass Foundry is a working studio and art gallery owned by artist Mark Lauckner. Everyone is welcome to observe Mark at work while he fashions functional and decorative pieces from recycled glass. If he’s not in his studio, you can continue to peruse his charming showroom, which is filled with classic island souvenirs. The Glass Foundry is open daily and offers workshops on a regular basis.

Gallery 8

Where: Grace Point Square, 115 Fulford-Ganges Rd.

Gallery 8 is a fine art gallery featuring a range of artistic styles and mediums—from traditional oil paintings to contemporary photography. The gallery boasts stunning local art and a beautiful view of the downtown harbour. It is open daily.

Gillian Gandossi

Where: 690 Long Harbour Rd.

Gillian is a young landscape painter and emerging talent from Salt Spring Island. Her private gallery features vibrant prints and sweeping oil paintings showcasing the beauty of the Southern Gulf Islands. Gillian welcomes visitors into her studio every Sunday from April through October.

Janus Sculpture Studio Gallery

Where: 121 Seaview Ave.

Janus Sculpture creates art inspired by myth and nature. His work includes dainty hand-held ceramics and epic bronze installations. These sculptures are on display at his private studio, open Wednesday through Saturday.

Jill Louise Campbell Art Gallery

Where: 110 Purvis Ln. (Unit 3)

Jill Louise Campbell is a celebrated Salt Spring Island artist. Her whimsical paintings feature iconic Salt Spring Island landscapes and vibrant foreign locales. You can view her signature style at the Jill Louise Campbell Art Gallery, located on the Ganges Harbour boardwalk. The gallery is open Thursday through Saturday.

Jeff and Margaret Fine Art and Poetry

Where: 131 McPhillips Ave.

Abstract expressionist painter Jeff Lederman has teamed up with poet Margaret Sullivan to present a unique fusion of visual and literary art. Their gallery is situated in the heart of town and will open to the public in the spring of 2025.

Quail Run Pottery and Fused Glass

Where: 299 Maliview Dr.

Quail Run Pottery and Fused Glass is a Salt Spring art gallery run by husband-and-wife team Carol Miller and John Cake. Carol specializes in decorative glass art, while John produces a variety of hand-thrown pottery. Their home studio is open to the public every Thursday through Monday from March to October.

Salt Spring Gallery of Fine Art

Where: 135 McPhillips Ave.

Salt Spring Gallery is a collective run by artists dedicated to showcasing premier, contemporary artwork. It also functions as a creative hub where artists and art enthusiasts can connect through workshops, exhibitions, and receptions. The gallery operates year-round, welcoming visitors from Tuesday to Saturday. An artist is always on-site to share insights and stories behind each exhibit.

Steffich Fine Art Gallery

Where: 149 Fulford Ganges Rd. #101

Steffich Fine Art Gallery exhibits some of the finest artists Salt Spring Island has to offer, as well as those from further afield. The collections include wildlife paintings by celebrated naturalist Robert Bateman, concert posters by legendary illustrator Bob Masse, and soapstone sculptures by Inuk artist Abraham Anghik Ruben. The gallery proudly represents top-tier artists and is open from Tuesday to Saturday year-round.

Ulrieke Benner Art Studio & Gallery

Where: 127 Rainbow Rd.

Ulrieke Benner is an artist and textile maker who creates colourful, vibrant pieces from natural fibres. You can view her wearable art and unique decor at her downtown Ganges studio and gallery.

Waterfront Gallery 

Where: 107 Purvis Ln.

The Waterfront Gallery is a quaint artisan-run collective located in the heart of downtown Ganges. It showcases over 100 established and emerging local artisans, including jewellery makers, woodworkers, glassblowers, and weavers. This art gallery on Salt Spring Island

 is open year-round from Monday to Saturday.

Welcome to Salt Spring, Welcome to Art Island

Salt Spring Island is a haven for artists of all kinds. You can discover their work across the island — from private studios to one of the many Salt Spring art galleries. Along the way, you might witness one of the artists in action or stumble upon a lively artistic gathering, or you may become inspired to create some art yourself. After all, creativity is woven into the very fabric of the Salt Spring way of life.