Island Mountain Arts

Historically, Island Mountain Arts has sought to provide opportunities for the exhibition of professional artists in northern BC, for the benefit of both artists and northern communities. Relative to major urban centres, there have been minimal venues for exhibitions in the north, resulting in limited access to cultural activities for residents of small, isolated, or northern communities. Prior to 1988, Island Mountain Arts occasionally produced professional exhibitions by partnering with venues in Wells such as the Wells-Barkerville School, the Community Hall and the Wells Hotel, to exhibit artwork. With the restoration of the Hill Meat Market building in 1988 and creation of a public gallery, IMA was at last able to provide a secure professional venue for exhibits in Wells. The first Gallery exhibit featured rare late 19th and early 20th century prints from the Barkerville collection, setting the stage for the gallery’s commitment to the culture of the region and its involvement with regional partners. Since then, renowned artists from around the globe, as well as within Canada and BC, have exhibited in Wells, creating a bridge for northern BC residents to experience world-class art. Since the opening of the Hill Meat Market as Island Mountain Arts Gallery, the gallery has collected no exhibit admissions fees, providing unlimited access to every visitor. In fact, the Island Mountain Arts Gallery has been able to break down the traditional barriers that keep people from experiencing art. It is not unusual to see a logging truck, or a dump truck parked in front of the gallery, while its owner/driver attends an opening or an event.