ArtCraft marks more than 40 years

Gulf Islands Tourism: Artcraft on Salt Spring Island

A venerable old community is transformed into a gallery every summer in Ganges.

From mid-June to mid-September every summer, historic Mahon Hall is the place to find a daily exhibition of work by diverse island artisans.

Now going into its 43rd year, between 100 and 150 artists from the southern Gulf Islands show their work on the hall's main floor each year, offering attractive options for gifts or one-of-a-kind mementos of your island visit. ArtCraft also hosts five special showcase exhibitions on the hall's stage throughout the season, featuring materials like precious metals, pottery or basketry, or solo shows by individual artists.

The work on display encompasses basketry, cosmetics, furniture, glass, jewellery, metal, photography, pottery, quilting, spinning, textiles, weaving, woodturning, visual arts and more.

ArtCraft is the primary funding source for the Salt Spring Arts Council, which has a mandate to promote and enhance arts in the Gulf Islands community. The organization uses commissions earned through ArtCraft sales to fund projects such as grants for art students in high school and university, and professional development grants for working artists. Sales also help maintain the hall, originally built in 1904, in which they take place.

ArtCraft is open daily between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. during summer months. Look for the beautiful yellow hall across the main road from the harbour. The WinterCraft show is the shorter Christmas-time version. More info: ssartscouncil.com