opening reception Archives | Coast Cultural Alliance (CCA)

Art Exhibition: GPAG – Yeonmi Kim | Sai

to Nov 22nd. Sai is a Korean word that describes a state of being existing between time, space, and relationships. It encompasses coexistence, interconnections, process, and the present as a constantly moving energy. This series documents Kim’s journey as an immigrant, reflecting the sense of disconnection experienced as a stranger in an unfamiliar place, cultural transition, and inner reflection.

Created with limited colours and simple lines, Kim’s illustrated diary distills her thoughts, emotions, and everyday experiences into a form of visual poetry. Presented for the first time in this exhibition, the diary series is reinterpreted through different materials, including paper, wood, and fabric. By translating the same images into these distinct mediums, Kim explores how their inherent material qualities and characteristics transform the images, opening up new visual possibilities and interpretations. While rooted in her own personal experiences, Sai touches on feelings and struggles that many of us share. Uncertainty, loneliness, impermanence, and the longing to belong are part of the human experience, especially in a world that is constantly changing. Through these works, viewers are invited to pause and reflect on their own sense of identity, their capacity to find their way through difficult times, and their search for belonging.

An exhibition on display in the Main Gallery Oct. 29th – Nov. 22nd. Join us for an Opening Reception on Saturday, October. 31st, 2pm – 4pm; and for a free workshop on Nov. 14th, 2pm – 3pm. Find more info and register for the workshop online. All are welcome!

Art Exhibition: GPAG – Charles Keillor | Pacific Graphite

to Nov 22nd. Created using the most elemental medium, Keillor’s black and white graphite drawings explore the relationship between human habitats and the immediate natural world; as well as the connections between modes of transportation and infrastructure, architecture, lifestyle, the economy, and the environment. These stylized depictions aim to instill elements of anticipation, mystery, contemplation, and celebration for the viewer. Pacific Graphite reflects Keillor’s fascination with interpreting our local region, from the historic and recent past to the present day. His work focuses on our local landscapes and seascapes, with architectural, urban, industrial, and recreational components.

Originally from Vancouver, Charles Keillor is a full time artist now based in Nanaimo. Working in graphite, the high contrast and monochromatic nature of Keillor’s drawings results in a palpable tension. In combination with this tension, the stylized trees and natural features of the landscape juxtaposed with urban or architectural elements creates a strong sense of place and time, grounding the viewer within the scene.

Join us for an Opening Reception on Saturday, Oct. 31st, 2pm – 4pm; and for a free Artist Talk on Sat. Nov. 7th, 2pm – 3pm. All are welcome to attend, no registration required!

GPAG Opening Reception | Yeonmi Kim, Charles Keillor, Deb Willis

Join us at the Opening Reception of our newest exhibitions by Yeonmi Kim, Charles Keillor, and Deb Willis on Saturday, October 31st, 2pm – 4pm. All are welcome!

In the Main Gallery, Yeonmi Kim’s illustrated diary is transformed into an exhibition grappling with personal identity, reflecting on the sense of disconnection experienced as a stranger in an unfamiliar place, cultural transition, and inner reflection.

In the Eve Smart Gallery, Charles Keillor’s monochromatic graphite drawings explore the relationship between human habitats and the immediate natural world; as well as the connections between modes of transportation and infrastructure, architecture, lifestyle, the economy, and the environment.

In Joe’s Lounge, Deb Willis shares her experience travelling deep inside Canada’s only grizzly bear sanctuary, the Khutzeymateen Park north of Prince Rupert. Often portrayed as aggressive man-hunting animals, Willis sheds a new light, raising awareness of how important it is to set aside lands where these animals can live without human conflict.

Art Exhibition: GPAG – NADINA TANDY | Monopoly

to Oct 25th. In fragments of memories, curiosities and dreams, Nadina Tandy’s new work “Monopoly” invites us to travel into new worlds. Worlds made of mythologies and maps, and specimens and memories, gathered joyfully together on paper and sculpture. Collage becomes storytelling – disorienting stories, humorous ones, strange collections – wunderkammer – a glimpse into wonder. An exhibition on display in Joe’s Lounge from September 18th – October 25th, 2026.

Vancouver-born Nadina Tandy (1962) has extensive experience in varied aspects of art and culture, since 1988. She earned a Fine Arts diploma from Langara College (Vancouver) and studied drawing and painting at Emily Carr University of Art + Design (Vancouver). She also completed photography certificate studies at Concordia University (Montreal). Tandy has a broad exhibition history and her works are part of private and public collections throughout North America and Europe. Her work has been featured in print and on television and radio and she has also produced artwork for several book covers. She has produced and hosted cable TV shows and various info spots for CBC Television. She lives and works on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia.

Join us for the Opening Reception on Saturday, September 26th, 2pm – 4pm. All are welcome!

GPAG: Opening Reception | Kay & McKnight, Nadina Tandy

Join us for the opening receptions of our newest exhibitions, Woodland Rhythms by Sandy Kay & Kathy McKnight and Monopoly by Nadina Tandy, from 2pm – 4pm on Saturday September 26th. All are welcome!

In the Main and Eve Smart Galleries, Woodland Rhythms features oil and cold wax paintings that create a sensory echo of the woodlands where perception blurs and transforms. Kay and McKnight’s complementary approaches unite in a celebration of the coastal woodland, blending their unique personal visions with a shared artistic language.

In Joe’s Lounge, Nadina Tandy’s Monopoly invites us to travel into new worlds. Worlds made of mythologies and maps, and specimens and memories, gathered joyfully together on paper and sculpture. Collage becomes storytelling – disorienting stories, humorous ones, strange collections – wunderkammer – a glimpse into wonder.

Art Exhibition: GPAG – SANDY KAY & KATHY MCKNIGHT | Woodland Rhythms

September 24th to Oct 18th. Inviting the viewer to slow down and breathe deeply, feel the movement of light, and hear the lyricism and rhythmic flow of the paintings on display, Woodland Rhythms creates a sensory echo of the woodlands where perception blurs and transforms. Sharing a profound connection to the coastal forests, Sandy Kay and Kathy McKnight are abstract impressionist painters working primarily in oil and cold wax. Their complementary approaches unite in a celebration of the coastal woodland, blending their unique personal visions with a shared artistic language. Extending beyond the canvas this exhibition offers a variety of immersive events, from an opening reception featuring live music that will echo the paintings’ inherent musicality to workshops, artist talks, a concert series, and a sound bath. Find more information about these events online at www.gpag.ca.

The Kube: Opening Reception – Alex Beadle

Check out his new collection ‘Ocean Breathes Salty’ along with figurative pieces from his prior collection ‘Hyperpresent’. Alex Beadle is an artist and educator from the Isle of Man currently living in Vancouver.

GPAG: FIGUEIRA, CHATAIN, HEMSTALK | Opening Receptions

Join us for the Opening Reception of our three newest exhibitions by Filipe Figueira, Solène Chatain, and Mindy Hemstalk on Saturday August 29th, 2pm – 4pm. All are welcome!

In the Main Gallery, Filipe Figueira’s exhibition In Positive Space features abstract landscapes celebrating the wild beauty, joy, and passion of the Pacific coast. In the Eve Smart Gallery, Solène Chatain’s exhibition Abandoned Hands features ceramic sculptures speaking to the complex relationships between human ingenuity, industry, technology, and the natural world. In Joe’s Lounge, Mindy Hemstalk’s mixed media sculptures honour the wild intelligence of the land, reassembling broken objects into new forms.

All three exhibitions are on display August 27th – September 20th. Join Filipe Figueira for an Artist Demo on Aug. 27th, 2pm – 4pm, and join Solène Chatain for an Artist Demo on Sept. 20th, 2pm – 3pm.

The Kube: Opening Reception – Nina Kroeker

‘Community Forest’ This collection began with many walks through my local community forest. I started being drawn to study the individual trees of the forest more closely. As I started painting them, I began to notice that each tree needed a slightly different handling; from expressive and thick brushstrokes. I use bright colours to portray the way that I feel in nature; vibrant and alive.

GPAG: OPENING RECEPTION | Janine Dunn, Lisa Blackwell, gsindlinger

Join us for the Opening Reception of our newest exhibitions on Saturday, July 25th, 2pm – 4pm. All are welcome!

In the Main and Eve Smart Galleries, Janine Dunn’s exhibition let us mark the seasons in love features paintings illustrating the symbolic dimensions of celebration, abundance, and scarcity. Lisa Blackwell’s exhibition Earthly Emergence features ceramic sculptures informed and inspired by the practice of observing the living world and the forces of nature. In Joe’s Lounge, gsindlinger’s mixed media pieces are an offering of confrontation, emotion, and dialogue on the seemingly inherent conflicting aspects, both internal and external, of the human persona.

GPAG OPENING RECEPTION | Present Tense 2026

Join us for the Opening Reception of our Members’ Exhibition Present Tense! All are welcome to join us on Saturday June 27th, 2pm – 4pm, to celebrate the contributing artists.

Present Tense began with GPAG’s inception in 2003 and it’s still growing. Twenty-three years later we continue to invite all member artists, makers, and creatives to exhibit their work as a fundraiser for local artists and for GPAG. You will find works in all different mediums and styles, including paintings, drawings, prints, pottery, photography, textiles, sculpture, wood working, and much more. There is truly something for everyone!

GPAG: OPENING RECEPTION | Jeannette Sirois, Kamala Todd et al., Coralie Swaney

Join us for the Opening Reception on Saturday, May 30th, 2pm – 4pm for the Opening Reception of our newest exhibitions. All are welcome!

In the Main Gallery, Jeannette Sirois’ At the Table | The Architecture of Control highlights the lived experiences, identities, and truths of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. In the Eve Smart Gallery, kin-between: monsters/beasts/relations opens space for the in-between, sharing expansive cosmologies that blur binaries, uphold radical kinship, and question the idea of what a monster truly is. Curated by Kamala Todd, kin-between: monsters/beasts/relations features the work of Senaqwila Wyss (Squamish Nation), Siobhan Joseph (Squamish Nation), Bracken Hanuse Corlett (Wuikinuxv and Klahoose Nations), Savanna Todd (Métis-Cree), and Candace Campo (Sechelt Nation). In Joe’s Lounge, Thinking Out Loud by Coralie Swaney melds portraiture with still life painting and explores the notion of the observer being able to look inside the mind of the subject.

Opening Reception: this place

Plus Virtual Artist Talk Aug 13, 2-3pm on FB.

3 textile artists from 3 different corners of the world explore what “this place” means to them. They explore the unique characteristics of where they live and work and their connection to these distinctive settings. @hedges.madeleine from Australia @edwinamackinnon from the UK, and Catherine Nicolls @ravensthread from Gibsons, Canada, each look at what connects them to their individual places, how they perceive and experience their environment and the emotional attachments of belonging to “this place”.

Tag: opening reception