Imagine That! Artisans' Designs, Duncan

In 1994 a group of 12 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 marks 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

Jennifer Lawson: Watercolours

August 22 - September 26, 2025

Jennifer Lawson is a Cowichan Valley 'plein air' painter, absorbed in natural wonders. She paints in watercolour on pure rag paper. The ephemeral beauty of this medium is intensified by her refreshing impressionism and delightful imagery. For her, the thrill of painting is about the beauty of translating feelings with brushstrokes of colour.

Laurel Hibbert: Joyful Stories

August 22 - September 26, 2025

Laurel's work is remarkable for its vibrant colour and for its story telling quality. It is illustrative, whimsical, and captures moments in time. Looking at her work invites the viewer to ask what has just happened, or what is about to happen. Most of her work has a joyful quality. She paints from her imagination and from deep memory.