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 2024 marked the beginning of the 31st 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

Bev Robertson: Share The Magic

September 27 - October 25, 2024

Bev is an oil and acrylic artist, painting professionally since 2012. For her, painting is a way to capture the beauty of nature. While she paints many subjects, she has found that painting flowers is her true love.

She finds inspiration in colours and textures, such as the ruffles of a peony, the veining in a rose petal, or how the petals of a dahlia cup each other and increase in size as they spiral out from the center. For her, there is magic in capturing the light that glows on a flower or shines on the glass jar that holds them.

Laurel Hibbert: Stories of Joy

September 27 - October 25, 2024

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.