This is Us

Gage Gallery Celebrates 10 Years with “This Is Us”—a landmark exhibition honouring past and present artists the Gage Gallery Arts Collective are proud to announce their 10th anniversary show.

Featuring original works from the gallery’s 22 current members and special tributes to past artists this milestone event showcases the vibrant legacy of one of Victoria’s most influential artist-run galleries. The show’s opening reception will take place on Saturday February 22 from 3-7 pm with a cake cutting and remarks at 4 pm. 

For ten years Gage Gallery has been a cornerstone of Greater Victoria’s cultural scene drawing art lovers first to Oak Bay and now downtown by fostering a dynamic space where creativity thrives. Founded in 2014 on Oak Bay Avenue by 17 members including Alain Vincent Alesha Fowlie Arlene Nesbitt Bonnie Helm-Northover Deirdre Kelly Dennis Shields Diana Durrand Donald Ius Edmir Fernandes Frances Beckow Francis Sullivan Johanne Hemond Natalie Shumka Paddy Bruce Rodney Malham Shelby Assenheimer and Yvonne Freigang the gallery originated as an affordable welcoming space for local artists to showcase their work and collaborate. Early events such as a grand opening gala and art auction established a supportive community atmosphere. In 2021 the collective moved to its current location in Bastion Square a vibrant downtown hub that offers double the gallery space and proximity to other cultural landmarks. 

“This Is Us” highlights the strength talent and evolution of Gage Gallery over the years. The three-week show will feature some of the best works of the current 22 members in the main gallery while the members’ gallery in the second room will showcase artworks available for immediate purchase. An in-gallery slide show will display pictures of past members and their artwork recognizing their lasting contributions to the collective. Visitors will experience a diverse range of artwork including works on paper paintings sculptures 3-D mixed media drawings fabric art prints encaustic works and photographic prints. 

The gallery warmly invites all those who have been involved with Gage Gallery over the years to visit the opening reception on February 22 or drop by during the exhibition to share memories and reflections in the guest book. “Gage Gallery is more than just a gallery—it’s a community” says Margo Cooper the longest-standing continuous member of the collective. “This exhibition is both a tribute and an invitation. It’s a chance for us to celebrate where we’ve been where we are and where we’re going.” “We are so grateful for the continuing support of our patrons and fans” adds Tanya Bub long-time member. “Their encouragement and engagement make creating art so worthwhile. It’s truly a joy to share our work with them and feel their appreciation in return.” 

The gallery’s move to Bastion Square marked a transformative moment in its history. “Artists will have more wall space to exhibit their work both in the main gallery as well as in the members’ gallery” said member Elizabeth Carefoot at the time of the move. Located in a lovely multi-use plaza that attracts locals and tourists alike the new space has solidified Gage Gallery as a key destination within Victoria’s downtown art scene. Gage Gallery has continually demonstrated resilience and adaptability even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020 at the height of the shutdowns the gallery kept art accessible by hosting small rotating member exhibitions in its Oak Bay Avenue storefront window providing passersby with fresh displays weekly. As soon as it was safe to do so Gage Gallery celebrated with a community exhibition that honored resilience and the role creativity plays in overcoming life’s most challenging moments. 

The Gage members are deeply grateful for the visitors who have supported the gallery by attending shows opening events and purchasing local artwork. Gage Gallery is proud to be a vibrant and successful locus of creativity in the heart of Victoria’s downtown core attracting locals tourists students and fellow artists who make it a regular part of their art tours and cultural explorations. “Victoria is home to so many talented and creative people” says member Stefan Lehmann. “We are honored to be part of such a vibrant community that values and supports the arts. It’s this shared love of creativity that keeps the gallery thriving and inspires us to keep innovating.” 

The public is invited to join in the celebration at the opening reception on February 22 where guests can meet the artists enjoy refreshments and take in a decade’s worth of creative excellence. Admission is free and all are welcome. 

Host or Publisher Gage Gallery Arts Collective