The Alberni Valley is invited to gather to celebrate a partnership between the Chamber of Commerce and the arts community. Hosted at the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Information Centre on Thursday, March 26 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, the “Chamber Mixer & Local Artisan Gift Shop Launch” welcomes local business, artists, and community members for a welcoming and engaging event.

The evening marks the official launch of the new Local Artisan Gift Shop, a curated retail space showcasing work by local artists and makers. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the shop, discover unique, locally made products, and support the creative economy of the Alberni Valley.

In addition to celebrating the new shop, the event aims to strengthen connections between the region’s business and arts communities. Attendees can expect light refreshments, informal networking, and a chance to experience the Chamber and Visitor Centre as a vibrant hub for both visitors and residents.

“We recognize the importance of partnerships and collaboration to keep the arts alive in the Alberni Valley, that is why this gift shop is so valuable! It shows that we celebrate our local artists, and the businesses that make our community great as the first point of contact for visitors into the Alberni Valley.” Says Angela, Arts Administrator for the Arts Council. “This also gives the community a chance to see the Visitor Center’s community gallery wall!” 

Community gallery walls are the arts council’s newest initiatives, set to add art display spaces in the community as there currently is no public gallery anymore. The Visitor Center is the first wall to launch, as a place for local artists to sell and show their work. The first exhibit developed for the wall will be the ADSS High School show, set for May. 

To see the gift shop, meet community members, and see the gallery wall in action, please RSVP through the Facebook event, or by visiting albernichamber.ca.