Welcome

to the Nanaimo Arts Council website, where we showcase visual art exhibits, short fiction, and poetry while informing you about upcoming local events. This digital space is your gateway to engage with the NAC, offering event and membership registration options, art sales, and volunteer opportunities. Thank you for visiting, and enjoy your time here!

Visual and Literary Art Programs

Art Around Town

Art Around Town is an exhibition featuring work by local artists and NAC members.

See the gallery in person at the Port Theatre, or online in the Sun Star Gallery!

Night Market

The Commercial Street Night Market returns for its 7th season, bringing downtown
Nanaimo to life every Thursday from June 18 to August 27, 2026. Check back here for
details about our ‘Family Art Experience’.

Featured Artist Exhibition

pâkicihew (she has swollen hands), an exhibit featuring work by bailey macabre and curated by Amber Morrison, is available in the Moon Jelly Gallery!

Nanaimo Artwalk

Thank you for joining us for the 27th Annual Nanaimo Artwalk! We look forward to seeing you again for the 28th Artwalk on November 21 & 22, 2026.

Sea Wolf Literary Review

The magazine features the winning entries from the short fiction and poetry competitions. Copies are available through the Vancouver Island Regional Library or read them online here.

Islands Short Fiction Review

Thank you to everyone who submitted a story to the ISFR! Read the top placing entries from 2026 and previous years today!

Ekphrastic Celebration

Ekphrasis is poetry written about a visual image. The 2026 Ekphrastic Gallery is now open! 

Art Around Town

Art Around Town is an exhibition featuring work by local artists and NAC members.

See the gallery in person at the Port Theatre, or online in the Sun Star Gallery!

Night Market

The Commercial Street Night Market returns for its 7th season, bringing downtown
Nanaimo to life every Thursday from June 18 to August 27, 2026. Check back here for
details about our ‘Family Art Experience’.

Featured Artist Exhibition

pâkicihew (she has swollen hands), an exhibit featuring work by bailey macabre and curated by Amber Morrison, is available in the Moon Jelly Gallery!

Nanaimo Artwalk

Thank you for joining us for the 27th Annual Nanaimo Artwalk! We look forward to seeing you again for the 28th Artwalk on November 21 & 22, 2026.

Sea Wolf Literary Review

The magazine features the winning entries from the short fiction and poetry competitions. Copies are available through the Vancouver Island Regional Library or read them online here.

Islands Short Fiction Review

Thank you to everyone who submitted a story to the ISFR! Read the top placing entries from 2026 and previous years today!

Ekphrastic Celebration

Ekphrasis is poetry written about a visual image. The 2026 Ekphrastic Gallery is now open!

Sea Wolf Literary Review

The magazine features the winning entries from the short fiction and poetry competitions. Copies are available through the Vancouver Island Regional Library or read them online here.

Islands Short Fiction Review

Thank you to everyone who submitted a story to the ISFR! Read the top placing entries from 2026 and previous years today!

Ekphrastic Celebration

Ekphrasis is poetry written about a visual image. The 2026 Ekphrastic Gallery is now open!

Online Galleries

Take a look at the new Art Around Town exhibition! Check out the full display and get more information in the Sun Star online gallery!

Fog on Horse Lake

Fog on Horse Lake

Laura Kelsey

$75.00
Spring Tide

Spring Tide

Zann Hemphill

$3,900.00
In the Thick of It

In the Thick of It

Jenny Adams

$375.00
Pink and Blue [SOLD]

Pink and Blue [SOLD]

NADIA SHWORAN

$540.00
Beach View at Blue Heron Park

Beach View at Blue Heron Park

Paul Fudge

$500.00
Paper Wasp

Paper Wasp

John Collison-Baker

$250.00
Bird in Paradise

Bird in Paradise

Jackie Trueman

$150.00
Cardinal

Cardinal

Dyane Brown

$124.00
In-Spires

In-Spires

Jenny Adams

$375.00
Loaded Channel

Loaded Channel

Zann Hemphill

$3,400.00

Online Galleries

Sun Star

Purple Urchin

Moon Jelly