In 1977, a small group of volunteers dedicated to the arts, organized and registered the Comox Arts Society and opened a one-room viewing gallery in Comox. The Gallery was originally funded by a small government grant but, from 1980 to 2006, survived on revenue from commissions, donations, memberships, fundraisers and in-kind support from the town of Comox. From 2007 to present day, the Gallery has received a Grant-in-aide from the CVRD. In 1980, the name was changed to The Filberg Gallery Association and in 2005, the Gallery was renamed after one of its founders, Pearl Ellis, as it is known today. Pearl Ellis was not an artist herself, but felt it was important for the people of the Comox Valley to have a place to see and display their art. The main objective of the organization has always been to establish and maintain an arts centre to encourage interest in, and study of, the arts and to provide a location where local talent can be exhibited. Many student groups in the Comox Valley hold their annual shows at the Gallery and, for many budding artists, this is their first opportunity to have their work on public view. More seasoned local artists choose the Gallery because it is an excellent place to have a solo or small group show in their home community. They do everything including greeting the public, processing art sales, hanging and promoting shows and all the other behind-the-scenes administrative work necessary to run a successful non-profit enterprise. These tireless volunteers deserve our sincere gratitude.
