Pearl Ellis Gallery

Pearl Ellis Gallery The Pearl Ellis Gallery is a non-profit society dedicated to the arts in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. The Gallery is run entirely by volunteers.

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 ha

s 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.

Artist Spotlight: Michelle SpencerMichelle’s work in the Fine Arts program at North Island College School of Art and Des...
06/19/2026

Artist Spotlight: Michelle Spencer

Michelle’s work in the Fine Arts program at North Island College School of Art and Design, has given her space to develop her drawing and painting skills, 3D design work, ceramics, handbuilding, kiln and glaze, and printmaking. She enjoys collaborative creation in shared studios and workshops and her interactions with other artists inspired new and different ideas to develop.

Often the medium or substrate Michelle chooses will reflect a specific concept. For example the piece currently showing in Flourish she painted on a wood panel that she built at the college studio, and the painting reflects her growth in the program, as well as her growth as an artist. Michelle developed the painting by first creating the background with colours that would become the figure. In observing a live model, she painted the negative space instead of the details of the figure, creating a magical silhouette.

Artist Spotlight: Chandra Rae MacDonaldChandra is a Vancouver Island artist based in Comox, BC, whose work is deeply ins...
06/18/2026

Artist Spotlight: Chandra Rae MacDonald

Chandra is a Vancouver Island artist based in Comox, BC, whose work is deeply inspired by the natural beauty that surrounds her. Focusing primarily on landscapes, she draws inspiration during her travels and through everyday moments in nature. Her paintings reflect a love of the changing seasons, capturing light, shadow, and form in ways that highlight the quiet beauty of simple scenes.

Working in acrylic, Chandra builds her paintings through layered glazes to create a luminous, glowing effect. She is especially drawn to bold, vibrant colour, using it to express the energy and emotion she experiences in the landscape. Through her work, she invites viewers to pause and see the natural world as she does—full of joy, colour, and gentle moments of beauty.

Art has been a constant presence in Chandra’s life. From creating alongside her grandmother as a child to exploring design and taking workshops over the years, she has continually developed her artistic voice. After retiring from a career in nursing in 2023, she now devotes more time to her painting practice in her home studio.
Spending time between Vancouver Island and Arizona, Chandra finds inspiration in both the lush coastal environment and the stark, striking beauty of the desert. These contrasting landscapes continue to shape her work, offering fresh perspectives and endless creative possibility.

"Teddy Bear" is a piece from her collection, Scenes From the Desert. It is currently on display in the Pearl Ellis Spring Members Flourish Show

06/16/2026

It’s the last week to enjoy Flourish!

On display from May 26 to June 20. This vibrant exhibition celebrates the beauty and abundance of the season through the eyes of local artists, with works that capture the warmth, colour, and energy of summer.

Featuring 30 artists from throughout the Comox Valley, the exhibition highlights a diverse collection of painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media works. Inspired by gardens, coastlines, wildlife, and the changing light of summer, the pieces in Flourish reflect both the beauty of the natural world and the unique perspectives of the artists who call this region home.

Pearl Ellis Gallery 1729 Comox Ave open Tuesday through Saturday 10am - 4pm

Artist Spotlight: Emma DoyleEmma is a multi-disciplinary artist based in Comox Valley, BC. Her artwork is full of intric...
06/16/2026

Artist Spotlight: Emma Doyle

Emma is a multi-disciplinary artist based in Comox Valley, BC. Her artwork is full of intricate details, some with subtle textures that add a sense of depth. Often using mixed-media in her paintings such as fine-liner, watercolour and pencils, she is inspired by the natural world as well as man-kinds influence on it. Her ceramics are a combination of textured and smooth pieces, heavily inspired by nature. They are highly tactile, inviting touch and exploration of the material. She studied art and ceramics in England, U.K and she has exhibited and taught across the U.K and Canada.

Artist Spotlight: Dee FontaineDee’s creative journey has taken her through both clay and fused glass, guided by a lifelo...
06/15/2026

Artist Spotlight: Dee Fontaine

Dee’s creative journey has taken her through both clay and fused glass, guided by a lifelong desire to create objects that are beautiful and useful. Beginning with functional pottery, her work gradually evolved into expressive masks and faces that emerged through an intuitive process of shaping and discovery. Dee describes working the clay until a face revealed itself, each one carrying its own unique character and often arriving as a surprise. Today, she works primarily in fused glass, drawn to its colour, light, and endless creative possibilities.

Having lived in Newfoundland, Ireland, Vancouver, Cortes Island, and now the Comox Valley, Dee’s life reflects a rich tapestry of places, people, and experiences. Her journey is also a reminder of what makes the Comox Valley special—a place where people from many different paths choose to put down roots and create a new sense of home.

As a snowbird with a winter home in Arizona, Janet spent the last 10 years immersed in the Arizona Clay and Arts communi...
06/10/2026

As a snowbird with a winter home in Arizona, Janet spent the last 10 years immersed in the Arizona Clay and Arts community. What began as a journey of learning and exploration evolved into a true artistic passion around texture, lines and shadow. She began creating carved vessels, pieces that invite both touch and light that reveals their character and depth.
She is bringing her pieces to the Comox Valley where she looks forward to creating year round and continuing to share her unique vision through clay. We are happy to show Janet’s work in our current Member Showcase, Flourish.

Today’s Artist Spotlight is Ruth Rae with her piece Walk Write from our Member Showcase FlourishRuth works in acrylic an...
06/07/2026

Today’s Artist Spotlight is Ruth Rae with her piece Walk Write from our Member Showcase Flourish

Ruth works in acrylic and soft pastel and has shared some of the works she has done in the past year.

Comox shore walk from Mac Laing wood (soft pastel), Berry Point arbutus trees Gabriola Island (soft pastel), a grove of trees in the middle of Tree Island (soft pastel), and Qualicum Beach area, by St Andrews Lodge (acrylic)

Today’s Artist Spotlight is Chuck Burdick from our current Member Showcase Flourish.Alternate Viewpoints is a 24x12 inch...
06/04/2026

Today’s Artist Spotlight is Chuck Burdick from our current Member Showcase Flourish.

Alternate Viewpoints is a 24x12 inch framed collection of photographs currently in the gallery. This collection is an infrared photo of a tree taken in Macdonald Wood Park, which has been processed to provide six alternate viewpoints of the image.

On now😃🎉🎨 Join us today until 3pm for the Flourish Members Showcase opening reception.Pearl Ellis Gallery 1729 Comox Ave...
05/30/2026

On now😃🎉🎨 Join us today until 3pm for the Flourish Members Showcase opening reception.

Pearl Ellis Gallery 1729 Comox Ave
Gallery Hours Tuesday through Saturday 10am - 4pm

Address

1729 Comox Avenue
Comox, BC
V9M3M2

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+12503392822

Website

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