Gabriola Thanksgiving Studio Tour

The Gabriola Arts Council (GAC) welcomes you to the 29th Annual Thanksgiving Studio Tour, October 11-13, 2025. 54 artists in 48 studios, plus Tour Central, open their doors to you and yours. Artists work all year in preparation for Studio Tour, and for many, Tour is their biggest sales event of the year. On your self-guided tour, you will find art of all kinds for your own collection: drawings, paintings, collage, sculpture, prints, ceramics, woodwork, textiles, metalwork, and more.

Begin at Tour Central, at Nova Boutique & Gallery, to see work by each participating artist and plan your route. While there, buy your raffle tickets for a chance to win one of 18 prizes contributed by Tour artists, with a combined value of over $5,000! The draw will take place on Monday October 13 at 3 pm.

Several artists on Tour this year took part in the very first Gallery Tour, and we are always excited to welcome new artists. Take note in our brochure of who is giving demonstrations because there is nothing like seeing creativity in action. You will take in and take home much amazing creativity from this year’s Tour, as well as incredible conversations with the hosting artists and with other Tour goers that will bring you back year after year.

The Studio Tour brochure is available at most businesses on Gabriola, as well as many businesses in downtown Nanaimo. During the Tour weekend, BC Ferries will hand out copies at the Nanaimo Harbour terminal (we have attached a digital copy to this email, for your convenience). The brochure contains a QR code linking to a digital map that is mobile-friendly, which will help you navigate the island and visit your must-see studios.

Tour Central is open 10 am – 5 pm Friday – Monday, with an opening reception on Thursday October 9, at 7 pm. Studios are open 10 am – 5 pm Saturday – Monday. Many studios are open year round. Contact them for their studio hours if you miss them during the Tour dates.

The Studio Tour is a self-guided, free event that does require a vehicle, scooter, or bicycle to visit the studios, located all over Gabriola Island. Come for a day or come for the whole weekend! Visit www.artsgabriola.ca/thanksgiving-studio-tour/ for more information.