Visual Art Exhibits at the Port Theatre

Visual art exhibits from talented local professional and student artists make your entertainment experience a visual treat. Throughout the year, browse the rotating exhibitions in the lobby, Harmac Room and the following galleries:

Galleries

J.P.R (Jerry) & Jessie McGill Gallery Main Floor South (Elevator)
Jack & Marilyn Hodgman Gallery   Main Floor South
Joan Welch Gallery   Main Floor North
Mills & Helen Clarke Gallery   Main Floor North (Display Cases)
Lorne S. Thompson Gallery  2nd Floor South (Elevator)
Jane McKerricher Gallery   2nd Floor South
Gulzar Hallman Gallery   2nd Floor North
Margaret Strongitharm Gallery   2nd Floor North
Hazel Carr Ridley Bakes Gallery   3rd Floor South
Jack & Marjorie Evans Gallery   3rd Floor North

City of Nanaimo Culture & Heritage Achievement Awards Portraits

The Margaret Strongitharm Gallery is home to the City of Nanaimo's Culture & Heritage Achievement Awards portraits. Every spring, these awards recognize new individuals, groups or corporations known for their dedication and support of the development of the cultural fabric of Nanaimo. Previous recipients include the Port Theatre's own Sandra Thomson and Bruce Halliday.

Student Art Exhibits

The Port Theatre exhibits work from Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools – School District 68 students throughout the 3rd floor galleries. Vancouver Island University students in Visual Arts and Graphic Design present their work in the Port Theatre Lobby.

Visual Art Community Partners

  • City of Nanaimo
  • Gabriola Fibre Arts Group
  • Gabriola Palette People
  • Nanaimo Arts Council
  • Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools - School District 68
  • Vancouver Island University

"Salmon Coming Home" by Phil Ashbee

In the lobby of the Port Theatre

"Salmon Coming Home" was commissioned in July 2000 to celebrate the new millennium. This project was made possible by generous contributions from The Province of British Columbia Arts and Heritage Millennium Fund and other generous donors*. The finished work hangs on the curved, 100 foot wall in our main lobby. Over 130 Salmon were first carved in wood and then cold cast in bronze and copper, taking a year to complete. Materials used include old growth red cedar, jade, abalone and horse hair. All five species of salmon (Sockeye, Chinook, Pink, Chum and Coho) are represented.