Sooke Fine Arts Show

From July 26 to August 4, the Sooke Fine Arts Show invites art lovers—and those curious about art—to visit the SEAPARC Recreation Centre in Sooke, where the ice arena is transformed into a dazzling 16,000-square-foot gallery featuring over 370 original works of West Coast art.

The Sooke Fine Arts Show is a 39-year strong, 10-day multi-faceted arts experience, the largest juried art show on Vancouver Island. In addition to viewing multiple painting styles, guests will enjoy sculpture, fibre, jewellery, woodworking, photography, digital art, glass, and ceramics, the creations of over 260 artists from BC’s coastal islands. The show also proudly features emerging talent in the newly refurbished Youth Art Gallery, displaying works by high school artists from School District 62 Sooke.

The show is unveiled on the evening of July 25 with Purchasers’ Preview Night, a ticketed event that allows seasoned and new art collectors first access to view and purchase their favourite unique artworks while enjoying appetizers and wine.  A limited number of tickets ($55 + GST) are still available for this exclusive event and can be purchased online at sookefinearts.com.

This main show incorporates daily live music, artist demonstrations, talks, guided tours and engaging activitiesfor all ages, including a tea-and-scone afternoon for seniors and a dedicated family day filled with art experiences for children and youth. Schedules for the demos, talks and tours, as well as musicians’ performances, are listed on the Show’s website (sookefinearts.com/events).

Along with a chance to view and purchase the juried world-class fine art, a well-appointed gift shop displays smaller works for sale. Also returning this year is the ever-popular raffle, featuring a stellar lineup of prizes: a trip for two to Alaska courtesy of Air North, one-night’s stay at the famous Sooke Harbour House, a sailing adventure with Starlight Sailing, and a handmade artisan quilt donated by Erin Baye and local Sooke quilters. Tickets are only available at the show’s raffle booth, and with limited sales, the odds of winning are high.

New this year: updated closing hours. The show opens at 10am daily, but will now close at 6pm on most days. Visit sookefinearts.com/show-2025/#hours for a full schedule.

Ticket Prices (GST included):

Tickets are available at the door and online (https://sookefinearts.com/show-2025/#admission )