Artwalk 2025, presented by Nanaimo Arts Council, happens Nov. 22 and 23. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

Art attack

Growing Nanaimo Artwalk returns for 27th year

Nov 21, 2025 | 4:01 PM

NANAIMO — It will be an art buffs’ paradise in downtown Nanaimo with a popular event featuring local artists showing off their work.

Artwalk, presented by Nanaimo Arts Council, happens Saturday, Nov 22 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and Sunday (12 p.m. to 4 p.m.) throughout the city’s downtown and Old City Quarter neighbourhoods, which includes opportunities to engage directly with artists.

Jenaya Shaw, Artwalk program coordinator, said over 50 artists in a range of disciplines will be showcased at 17 registered venues.

“If you go to a gallery, you read bios and names and you might take a photo, but it’s not the same as seeing that person face-to-face and as social creatures, that interaction is so important,” Shaw told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Nanaimo area artists, including talent on Gabriola Island, will have their work available for viewing and sale.

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Shaw said plenty of locally influenced art in mediums such as acrylic, oil form, ceramics, pottery, crochet and fabrics will be on display.

Even woodworking art will be up for viewing.

Artwalk is an important low-barrier exposure and networking opportunity for Nanaimo area artists, Shaw said.

“It promotes the local economy in this lull during the season and encourages creativity in a time of AI and a bit of confusion about authenticity and what it means to create genuine art.”

Admission to each venue is free.

Complimentary event guides can be picked up at Nanaimo Museum, Nanaimo Art Gallery, Tourism Nanaimo Visitor Centre, and the Harbourfront Library branch.

Shaw added a free shuttle service is available for Artwalk participants with mobility challenges.

Shaw said Artwalk has increased in size in recent years, with rising numbers of artists and more members of the public participating.

“It’s a great new experience every year, we don’t always have the same artists come back, so there’s always a variety — different faces, different work.”

2025 Nanaimo Artwalk venue map (Nanaimo Arts Council)

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