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. 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 2026 marks the beginning of the 33rd 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

Cowichan Artisans Tour Preview

August 21 - September 25, 2026

The Cowichan Artisans are a group of professional artisans on Vancouver Island who operate galleries or studios, and create on a full-time basis. They offer studio tours twice yearly, and a sampling of their work now fills our main window display. Their self-guided Fall Tour is October 24 and 25, 2026. Come be surprised by the depth and breadth of their talent.

Henk Scholten: Local Connections

August 21 - September 25, 2026

Henk Scholten immigrated from Holland at age nine, already a budding artist. He went on to become a carpenter and builder, and his artistic eye often showed up in buildings and spaces throughout the valley.

Now retired, Henk has turned returned to drawing and painting. His work has a playful, storybook quality that reflects the same warmth and craftsmanship he brought to his carpentry. In his most recent works, Henk playfully includes real people who are delighted to find themselves tucked into his images, a nod to the community connections he's built over half a century of working and creating in the valley.