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

Robert Andrews: Beautiful Boxes

April 25 - May 23, 2025

Robert Andrews creates beautiful hand-crafted boxes from selected hardwoods found on Mayne Island. His boxes are finished in a variety of ways: a smooth velvety touch on the exterior, a superb use of live edge features, or a special colour enhancement.

Linda Richter: Creating in Clay

April 25 - May 23, 2025

Born and raised in a small community in southern Saskatchewan, Linda loved drawing as a child, and it was here that her creativity was kindled. Fifty years ago, Linda moved to Vancouver Island to pursue her career as a physiotherapist.

Having dabbled in many art forms and mediums over the years, Linda found her passion in hand-building and sculpting in clay, a form in which her children could also express their creativity. Her philosophy is to be free from our inner critic, to accept our creative process as an essential part of who we are, to give ourselves permission and time to nurture our creativity.

Her clay sculptures are both whimsical and mysterious, expressing humor, joy, sadness, and hope. Each unique piece takes on a life of its own.