After 40 years, Art 10 Gallery is one of the oldest member-run galleries in Canada and continues to provide an exhibition and sales space for artists of mid Vancouver Island
In May 1983 Art 10 opened its doors at its first location in Harbour Park Mall, now referred to as Port Place.
Earlier that year ten local artists got together with the idea of setting up their own gallery, the brainchild of Doris Paterson, who moved to the Mainland. By the time the gallery opened in May there were thirteen members involved. Still, the name Art 10 referring to the founding 10 artists, stuck. Of the original thirteen, only Dorothy Sevcov still participants in the gallery. Since then, close to 125 local artists have played a part in keeping the gallery a thriving part of the Nanaimo arts community.
Art 10 Gallery has been in its current venue, which is the center of Nanaimo North Town Center on Rutherford Road in Nanaimo, since February, 2010. The gallery is located at the crossroads of the mall near the lotto booth.
Over the years Art 10 has spearheaded many exciting events. Well known artists such as Jack Shadbolt, Tony Onley, Herbert Siebner, Brian Buckrell and Grant Leier came to the gallery to instruct and show their work. Art 10 presented special shows at the Mahle House, Nanaimo Art Gallery and even one in Lethbridge, Alberta.
Art 10 endeavours to contribute to the wellbeing of our Nanaimo community that we live in and did do by raising funds to Save Neck Point in 1994 and holding a silent auction to support the Nanaimo and Area Land Trust in its purchasing of park land around Mt. Benson in 2009.
Some years ago, Art10 Gallery collected $2500 with their November Feature Wall show to donate to Loaves and Fishes:
In 2022, Art 10 members held a retro art show featuring the paintings of Denise MacNeill, a longtime member who sadly died from cancer. Art 10 in collaboration with Denise’s husband Rome raised $6034.00 earmarked for the Denise MacNeill Memorial Endowment at Vancouver Island University. Today, August 22, 2023 Art 10 president Mary Ann Fleming and Art 10 member Eileen Williamson delivered. Congratulations to everyone who helped make this happen!!
Today there are 24 local painters and potters and jewellers involved in the gallery which is open seven days a week during Nanaimo North Town Center mall hours. A range of styles and subjects are represented in the paintings, and the potters provide customers with functional and fun pottery, plus sculptural pieces. Art cards, bookmarks, calendars, jewellery and other small gift items are also available.
Depending on space available in the gallery Art 10 is always interested in looking for qualified artists to submit portfolios for consideration for membership.
An artist who wishes to try for membership in Art 10 should come to the gallery for an information and application sheet. This requires the artist to bring in five original works which, if 2-D, are to be framed and which are to be left for two weeks for consideration. In addition a biography and photos of other works are encouraged. Responsibilities of members accepted for trial include three gallery sittings of four hours each per month, so prospective members should be aware of this and other obligations.
Please send us an email at art10nanaimo@gmail.com or come talk to us at the Gallery.
Art10 Gallery 