Imagine That! Artisans' Designs, Duncan

In 1994 a group of artists in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island met to discuss the need for a permanent showcase for selling their artwork beyond the usual venues of craft fairs and exhibitions. Though the initial group changed, a core group of 9 opened their first tiny storefront in downtown Duncan in August of that year. They called themselves IMAGINE THAT! ARTISANS' DESIGNS. They are a Registered Co-operative.

August 2025 marked the beginning of the 32nd year in business for this successful artist-run store. All work is juried and is of high quality, with price ranges for even the smallest budget. The Members are proud of their long record supporting local Cowichan artists and other artists from Vancouver Island. Mid way between Victoria and Nanaimo, their great location is at the heart of the Cowichan Valley in historic downtown Duncan. IMAGINE THAT! is a pleasant place to turn off the TransCanada and have an artistic "refuelling" stop. Look for the red brick City Hall. We're across the square.

Imagine that! is proudly Canadian, with works made all over Vancouver Island, as well as on some of the adjacent smaller islands. The work of 60-some professional artisans and artists is featured.

Each day, you will meet one of our working artists helping to operate the shop and make it the success it is. Come in and say hello.

Store Hours

Tuesday through Friday, 11 am to 4 pm

Saturday, 10 am to 3 pm

The Power of Paper!

February 27 - March 27, 2026

Three Cowichan Valley artists use paper as their medium of choice, but each one renders paper in very different ways. We feature the work of Patricia MacGregor, Robin Millan, and Wilma Millette in our main window display this month. From lovely sailboats, to amusing papier mache creatures, to collage portraiture - you will see how powerful, beautiful, and versatile paper can be.

Menagerie in Metal

February 27 - March 27, 2026

Together with her partner Rosalyn Stanton, Renae Lehmann brings you indoor-outdoor metal art pieces. Rosalyn Stanton does all the cutting of the metal, Renae Lehmann finishes the raw pieces to create the rusted or painted designs. Their work includes an incredible variety of forms and shapes.