Pearl Ellis Gallery

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 since 1980 has survived on revenue from commissions, donations, memberships and fund-raisers. In 1980, the name was changed to Filberg Gallery Association. In 2005 the gallery was renamed after one of its founders to its present name. From the beginning, the object of the organization has been to establish and maintain an arts centre to promote interest in and study of the arts and to provide a location that affords a showcase for local talent. Many student groups in the Comox Valley have their annual shows here and for many budding artists, this is their first experience having their work on public view. Many accomplished local artists find the gallery an excellent place to have a one man show in their home community. The Gallery is a registered nonprofit society. It operates solely on volunteer help and receives no grants. Finances are provided by donations, membership fees, fundraising and commissions from sales. In spite of this very slim budget, a hard-working innovative executive has managed to make some improvements each year. In 2007 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the society it was decided to start an annual high school bursary program. Each Spring a deserving student from each of the three valley high schools receives a bursary of $500.00. This bursary is to assist students pursuing a postsecondary program related to visual arts. In addition to the bursary the gallery puts on a three week show dedicated to the art work done by one of the local high schools. The art shows, which change every two to three weeks, cover a wide variety of style, technique and mediums. We invite you to drop in to the Gallery any afternoon. Whether you want to add a special original to your own collection, purchase a gift, or just enjoy viewing some unique work and visiting with our host/hostess, a few minutes spent here ( maybe while waiting for the bus) will give your day an extra boost.