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, Paintings

March 28 - April 25, 2025

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.

Cheryl Painter: Welcome To My World

March 28 - April 25, 2025

Born and raised in the beautiful Cowichan Valley, a career as an artist always seemed to be in the cards for Cheryl. Her schooling included time at the University of Victoria and the Victoria College of Art. She then attended Capilano College, receiving a diploma in Graphic design. After a successful career in that field, Cheryl focused on raising a family. During that endeavour, she would resume what would ultimately be her calling - painting. Amidst the Cowichan Valley's pristine beauty, she is constantly inspired by her surroundings.