Female artists in BC are shaping the province’s cultural identity—from landmark public art and contemporary Indigenous practice to grassroots studio movements and youth arts education. This guide spotlights established and emerging women across British Columbia, shows you where to see their work, and shares simple ways to support them year-round. Meet mixed-media leaders like Valerie Arntzen, culture builders such as Carol Henriquez and Lucille Pacey of Arts Umbrella, Coast Salish innovator Susan Point, and icons like Emily Carr—alongside artists working in Vancouver, Vancouver Island, the Okanagan, and the North.
Featured Artists
Emily Carr — Painter & Writer | Vancouver Island / BC Icon
Why she matters: A modernist pioneer whose paintings and writings helped define BC’s cultural identity.
Representative work: Forest and coastal landscapes exploring form, spirit, and place.
Where to see it now: Major museum collections and periodic exhibitions across BC.
Few names resonate as deeply in BC’s cultural identity as Emily Carr. Through her bold modernist paintings and evocative writing, Carr captured the landscapes and cultural spirit of the province. Her pioneering vision continues to influence Canadian art and inspire countless artists.
Susan Point — Coast Salish Artist (Prints & Public Art) | Metro Vancouver
Why she matters: Reinterprets Coast Salish visual language across prints and monumental public works.
Representative work: Public installations, carved panels, and limited edition prints.
Where to see it now: Public art sites across Metro Vancouver; select galleries.
Internationally acclaimed Coast Salish artist Susan Point has transformed traditional motifs into contemporary forms, bringing Indigenous stories and aesthetics into public spaces across BC and beyond. Her works, from printmaking to monumental sculptures, celebrate cultural resilience and innovation.
Tania Willard — Secwépemc Artist & Curator | Interior BC
Why she matters: Works at the intersection of Indigenous and settler cultures with land-based and community-driven practice.
Representative work: Exhibitions and curatorial projects that examine place, identity, and history.
Where to see it now: Interior galleries, artist-run centres, and project spaces.
Secwepemc artist and curator Tania Willard works at the intersection of Indigenous and settler cultures, often engaging with land-based practices and community collaboration. Through her art and curatorial projects, she challenges audiences to rethink relationships to place, identity, and history.
Valerie Arntzen — Mixed Media & Community Builder | Vancouver
Why she matters: Founder of First Saturday Open Studios, connecting the public to artists’ workspaces.
Representative work: Assemblage and mixed-media works; open-studio leadership.
Where to see it now: First Saturday Open Studios (monthly) and Vancouver galleries.
Valerie Arntzen is not only a celebrated mixed-media artist but also the founder of First Saturday Open Studios, an initiative that opens artists’ workspaces to the public each month. Her leadership has built stronger connections between creators and the community, making art more accessible while highlighting the process behind the finished work.
Patricia Banks — Painter | Vancouver Island
Why she matters: Contemporary painter known for evocative landscape and nature-driven works.
Representative work: Series exploring coastal light, texture, and movement.
Where to see it now: Island galleries and studio visits by appointment.
Taslim Samji — Interdisciplinary Artist & Curator | Metro Vancouver
Why she matters: Elevates cross-cultural perspectives and underrepresented voices through both art and curation.
Representative work: Interdisciplinary installations and community-engaged projects.
Where to see it now: Artist-run centres and curated programs in the Lower Mainland.
With a practice that bridges cultural perspectives, Taslim Samji has carved space for diverse voices in BC’s arts community. Through both her own art and curatorial efforts, she has elevated underrepresented narratives and emphasized the role of art in fostering cross-cultural understanding.
Carol Henriquez — Co-Founder, Arts Umbrella | Vancouver
Why she matters: Visionary arts educator shaping “creative citizens” and access to arts learning.
Representative work: Program development and community partnerships.
Where to see it now: Arts Umbrella campuses and youth exhibitions.
As one of the visionary co-founders of Arts Umbrella, Carol Henriquez believed in empowering children through creativity. Her passion for shaping “creative citizens” continues to influence generations, as Arts Umbrella remains a cornerstone of accessible arts education in BC.
Lucille Pacey — Former CEO, Arts Umbrella | Vancouver
Why she matters: Expanded facilities and outreach, opening doors for thousands of young artists.
Representative work: Organizational leadership, growth, and inclusive programming.
Where to see it now: Arts Umbrella exhibitions and offsite programs.
Under Lucille Pacey’s leadership, Arts Umbrella flourished. She expanded its reach with new facilities and broadened offsite programming, ensuring more young people had access to the transformative power of art. Her legacy is one of growth, inclusivity, and opportunity.
From the legacy of Emily Carr to the community-building efforts of Valerie Arntzen, these women exemplify the transformative power of art. They have created spaces for education, cross-cultural dialogue, and artistic innovation, ensuring that BC’s cultural landscape continues to thrive.
Their work reminds us that art is more than expression; it is leadership, community, and vision for the future.
Where to See Their Work (By Region)
Use these regional hubs to plan visits, find studio tours, and catch current exhibitions. Each link routes to curated Art-BC listings.
- Vancouver & Metro Vancouver: Public art walks, major museums, artist-run centres, and First Saturday Open Studios.
Explore: Art-BC Directory – Metro Vancouver - Vancouver Island (Victoria, Nanaimo & beyond): Galleries, coastal studio tours, and seasonal art markets.
Explore: Art-BC Directory – Vancouver Island - Okanagan & Interior (Kelowna, Kamloops, etc.): Collectives, artist-run spaces, and land-based projects.
Explore: Art-BC Directory – Okanagan & Interior - Northern BC (Prince George, Terrace, etc.): Community galleries, public installations, and festivals.
Explore: Art-BC Directory – Northern BC
Pro tip: Check our Events Calendar for upcoming exhibitions, talks, and open studios featuring female artists in BC.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I discover female artists in BC near me?
Start with your local region in the Art-BC Directory, then filter for studios, galleries, and events. Open studios and artist-run centres are great for meeting artists and seeing works in progress.
Where can I see work by Indigenous women artists in BC?
Look for public art in Metro Vancouver, exhibitions in Interior and Island galleries, and programs at artist-run centres. Regional listings in the Directory highlight current shows and permanent installations.
What’s the best way to support women artists—besides attending shows?
Buy directly at open studios and galleries, commission new work, and become a member of local museums. Can’t visit in person? Many artists offer prints and small works online.
How do I commission an artist for a project?
Browse artist profiles to find the right medium and style, then reach out with your scope, timeline, budget, and installation needs. Be ready to discuss contracts, deposits, and approvals.
Are there regular open studio events I can attend?
Yes—Vancouver’s First Saturday Open Studios runs monthly, and many regions host seasonal studio tours. Check the Events Calendar and regional Directory pages for dates and participating artists.
