Part of the Sunshine Coast’s unique culture stems from the plethora of talented artisans that reside here. In fact, there are more artists and crafters per capita than almost any other area in Canada; each benefiting from the serene and stunning environment, using it as an ideal backdrop for creating their masterpieces.

Visitors are often surprised by the variety and quality of art produced in the Coast’s many studios, galleries and workshops, as well as the artists willingness to invite them in to watch them work and view their creations.
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The Coast’s diverse community of artists create often one-of-a-kind works of art using everything from glass blowing, ceramics and painting to carpentry, fibre arts and even digital multi-media. Visit any local artist and guaranteed, you’ll find the masterpiece you didn’t even know you were looking for.

The Coast Cultural Alliance is a non-profit group of volunteers brought together in 1998 to promote the breadth of Sunshine Coast artists and to partner with them to raise awareness of local talent and culture. The Alliance includes groups, individuals and businesses from the visual, performing, literary, media arts and heritage on the Coast. They continually update an online events calendar, highlighting a variety of events that occur throughout the year.

Purple Banner Trail

Purple Banner Trail

Purple Banners wave from the sides of the road. They are part of a self-guided arts tour, organized by dedicated participating members of the Coast Cultural Alliance, a local non-profit arts organization. Visitors and residents love discovering galleries, studios and shops that offer hand-made pieces from local glass blowers, fibre artists, jewellers, painters, potters, weavers and more, and are continually impressed with the quality and craftsmanship of the treasures they find. The studios and galleries offer a glimpse of coastal heaven, perched right beside the ocean or quietly off the beaten track, nestled deep in the woods.
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To find these galleries and studios, look for the brightly coloured Banners, or pick up a copy of the Purple Banner Studio & Gallery Guide available at local Visitor Centres, BC Ferries, participating galleries, bookstores, numerous other outlets and online. Plus, in October, the Coast Cultural Alliance presents its annual Sunshine Coast Art Crawl from Lund to Langdale. Join the curious and creative. Take home a piece of the magic of the Sunshine Coast.

Submitted by Deanne Mineau, Coast Cultural Alliance

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