Salt Spring Arts Council
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Salt Spring Arts Council — A vibrant creative community on Salt Spring Island. We operate out of and manage historic Mahon Hall as a community cultural centre.
Salt Spring Arts (SSA) is a charitable society serving Salt Spring Island and the Southern Gulf Islands in British Columbia, Canada since 1968. Our activities enhance connection, inclusion, participation, celebration and economic vibrancy in our community. We deliver a broad range of programs and initiatives with the aim of promoting participation in, and access, to the arts. Our work includes advocacy and collaborations to support community cultural development. For more than 50 years our initiatives have served emerging and professional artists, our broad community, young people and visitors. Our Vision:
A vibrant creative community on Salt Spring Island. Our Mission:
To build and nurture the creative capacity of our community. Our Values:
Curiosity — We spark creativity and human expression
Imagination — We believe arts and culture can expand experience and perspectives to transform individuals and communities
Connection — We create opportunities to inspire a healthy community and sense of belonging
Respect — We honour the spirit, stories, peoples, past and future of this place
History:
Established as the Gulf Islands Community Arts Council (GICAC) in 1968 and registered as a Society under the BC Society’s Act in 1970, the name Salt Spring Arts Council was adopted in 2006 when the other southern gulf islands were regrouped under the Tricomali Community Arts Council. While Salt Spring Island (SSI) has long been the home to many artists (visual, literary and performing) and artisans, the artistic community and its resources have evolved over time. So too has the understanding of the community about the importance of the arts to the social, cultural and economic health of the island.
10/22/2026
Can't make our upcoming fundraising gala? The "My Favourite Tree" silent auction lives on for one night only this Sunday evening! 🖼️
Our wonderful "forest of art" displayed on the Mahon Hall stage will be open to the public on Sunday from 4:30–7pm. Come explore the collection featuring pieces by 30+ local artists that are inspired by the theme of My Favourite Tree. All artworks will be on display, but those purchased by silent bid at the gala will be marked sold. Don't miss your chance to view this incredible exhibition of local art and bid on the artworks that are still available!
Sunday, October 25, 4:30–7 pm at Mahon Hall
*Silent bids close at 6:30 pm
Special thank you to the silent auction artists:
Amelia Bapty, Anna Gustafson, Barbra Edwards, Briony Penn, Cheryl Long, Chintan Bolliger, Dan Zak, David Wisdom, Diana Dean, Diana Thompson, Don Hodgins, Gillian Gandossi, Ian Thomas, Jane Kidd, Jane MacKenzie, Jen Holmes, Josephine Fletcher, Macey Stafford, Margarite Sanchez, Marianne Campbell, Mel Williamson, Melanie Thompson, Nora Layard, Paul Burke, Pierre Mineau, Robert Bateman, Robert Moss, Ronald Crawford, Rosalie Matchett, Seth Berkowitz, Sibéal Foyle, Stefanie Denz, Susan Benson, Wendy Taylor
The following pieces are featured in the photo above:
Macey Stafford - "The Giving Tree"
Robert Moss - "Forest Portal"
Briony Penn - "Salt Spring Old Growth Douglas Fir"
Mel Williamson - "Untitled"
Robert Bateman - "Cardinal & Wild Apple Vignette"
Josephine Fletcher - "The Yellow Populars"
Don Hodgins - "Somerset Wood"
Ian Thomas - "Exits & Entrances"
10/20/2026
🌳 LAST CHANCE TO GET YOUR TICKETS! 🌳
Don’t miss My Favourite Tree ‒ a fundraiser in partnership with the Salt Spring Island Conservancy. Purchase your tickets by THIS THURSDAY to be a part of this special event!
This unforgettable gala evening on Saturday, October 24 at Mahon Hall features delicious dining, live music, environmental presentations and a silent art auction, all in support of two local nonprofits. 💚
🎟️ This is your last chance to get tickets! Secure your spot today and be part of something meaningful.
Buy tickets & learn more: https://saltspringarts.com/galafundraiser
Featured artwork: Robert Moss - "Forest Portal"
Featured photo: Aly Sibley Photography
10/19/2026
Calling local artists & makers! Registration is OPEN for Artcraft Winter 2026 🎄
Showcase your creative work this holiday season at Artcraft Gallery + Shop's beloved annual winter exhibition and sale at historic Mahon Hall. Share your unique, handcrafted work with holiday shoppers looking for something truly special. 🎁 Artcraft welcomes returning artists and, as space allows, new participants from our local creative community.
📅 Registration deadline: October 31
Learn more and register here:
https://saltspringarts.com/artcraft/artcraft-winter/
10/18/2026
Have a creative idea that could bring our community together? We want to help you make it happen! ✨
The call for our Fall 2026 Community Project Grants is OPEN!
Deadline to apply: October 31, 2026
Explore eligibility & apply: saltspringarts.com/grants-awards/apply-project-grants
If you’re a Salt Spring Island artist, creative, or community group with an innovative arts or cultural project, this is a chance to be supported in bringing your idea to life. Grants of up to $1,000 are available to support projects that inspire creativity, spark collaboration, and enrich our community.
Visit our website to learn more and apply today.
10/13/2026
What to expect at our upcoming fundraising gala in partnership with the Salt Spring Island Conservancy! 🌳
🖼️ Discover and bid on original artwork by local artists
🍽️ Enjoy a 3-course meal by Mensch Kitchen & Catering
🎶 Experience live music by Yael Wand
🌳 Celebrate the importance of protecting our natural landscapes
💚 Support two local nonprofit organizations at once
📍 Mahon Hall, Salt Spring Island
📅 October 24 | 4:30–8:30 PM
🎟️ Tickets are $250
Purchase tickets online at www.saltspringarts.com/galafundraiser
Proceeds of the gala go to the Arts Council and Conservancy. Proceeds of the silent auction go to the Arts Council. Charitable receipt of $125 provided after the event.
Many thanks to our gala sponsors:
Voyage Liquor Merchants
Country Grocer
Mensch Kitchen & Catering
Garry Oak Estate Winery
Foxglove Farm & Garden Supply
Local artists featured in the silent auction include:
Anna Gustafson, Barbra Edwards, Briony Penn, Cheryl Long, Chintan Bolliger, Dan Zak, David Wisdom, Diana Thompson, Don Hodgins, Gillian Gandossi, Ian Thomas, Jane Kidd, Jane MacKenzie, Jen Holmes, Josephine Fletcher, Macey Stafford, Margarite Sanchez, Marianne Campbell, Mel Williamson, Melanie Thompson, Nora Layard, Paul Burke, Pierre Mineau, Robert Bateman, Robert Moss, Ronald Crawford, Rosalie Matchett, Seth Berkowitz, Stefanie Denz, Susan Benson, Wendy Taylor
10/08/2026
A taste of what awaits you at our upcoming fundraising gala, My Favourite Tree 🌳✨ Get your tickets today at saltspringarts.com/galafundraiser
On October 24, join us at Mahon Hall for an unforgettable night of local art, soulful live music, fascinating stories about our island’s Garry Oak ecosystems, fabulous food, drinks, and a special silent art auction — all in support of the Salt Spring Arts Council and the Salt Spring Island Conservancy. 🌲🎨🎶
Your $250 ticket includes the full evening experience, including a delicious 3-course meal crafted by Mensch Kitchen and Catering.
✨ Saturday, October 24
✨ 4:30–8:30 pm
✨ Mahon Hall
🎟️ Tickets: saltspringarts.com/galafundraiser
Come for the food. Stay for the art, music and connection — and the chance to support the creative and natural treasures that help to make our island so special.
* Proceeds of the gala go to the Arts Council and Conservancy. Proceeds of the silent auction go to the Arts Council. Charitable receipt of $125 provided after the event.
Many thanks to our gala sponsors:
Voyage Liquor Merchants
Country Grocer
Mensch Kitchen & Catering
Garry Oak Estate Winery
Foxglove Farm & Garden Supply
Photos by Devee Photography
10/07/2026
Looking for a creative way to spend meaningful time with your kids this fall? Drop into Mahon Hall on October 17th between 10am-12pm for a morning of crafts and quality time with your little ones!
Crafting Connections is an opportunity for caregivers and children of all ages to slow down and create together. This month we’re embracing the change of the season with the theme: LEAVES 🍁
📅 October 17th
🕙 10am–12pm
📍 Mahon Hall
Come for 20 minutes, or stay for two hours! All materials provided.
Learn more: saltspringarts.com/event/crafting-connections-leaves
Join us for this major fundraising event, a partnership between Salt Spring Arts Council and the Salt Spring Island Conservancy. “My Favourite Tree” combines beautiful, original artworks with education about a special island ecosystem, while raising financial support for two highly regarded local nonprofit organizations during an exclusive afternoon and evening event.
Tickets are $250 - seating is limited.
At Mahon Hall on October 24, tickets holders will be able to:
- Enjoy nibbles and w**e while viewing “My Favourite Tree” artworks created by local artists
- Enjoy the soulful, evocative songs of Yael Wand
- Learn fascinating facts about Garry Oak Meadows and other secrets of trees
- Dine on fabulous food crafted by Mensch catering
- Bid on “My Favourite Tree” pieces in a silent auction
SILENT ART AUCTION
Early access for ticket holders! On Friday night, the evening before the fundraiser, ticket holders will be able to preview, but not bid on, the tantalizing “forest of artwork” on the stage of Mahon from 5 pm to 8 pm. These works of art were created for this theme by a variety of the island’s revered artists.
We are so grateful to the artists offering their work, and to our sponsors: Voyage Liquor Merchants, Country Grocer, Mensch Kitchen & Catering, Foxglove, Garry Oaks Winery, and Gulf Islands Driftwood.
The proceeds of the silent art auction support Salt Spring Arts Council.
09/13/2026
Crafts for kids!! Be sure to bring the family by the Salt Spring Arts Council booth at the Fall Fair. We have "something to crow about."
07/04/2026
Join us this Sunday for an Artist Talk with Jeannette Sirois, whose exhibition At the Table: The Architecture of Control is now on view at Mahon Hall.
This large-scale portrait installation brings together monumental drawing, text, and installation to examine the legal, medical, bureaucratic, and religious systems through which q***r and trans lives have been administered, classified, and governed. The talk offers an opportunity to spend time with the work and hear directly from the artist.
🎤 Artist Talk
Sunday, July 5 | 2–3 PM
Mahon Hall Stage
At the Table: The Architecture of Control runs July 3–27 as part of the Artcraft Showcase Exhibition series.
This exhibition is generously sponsored by Gail Jaeger Architect
And thank you to our season sponsors: Saltspring Country Grocer, Driftwood News, Voyage Liquor Merchants, and Windsor Plywood Salt Spring
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114 Rainbow Road
Salt Spring Island, BC
V8K2V5
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