The Rainforest Arts managing committee has decided to temporarily close the gallery on Willow Street in Chemainus due to the rise in COVID cases on the Island.
The closure is effective immediately.
“We would like to emphasize that we have not had a COVID exposure,” noted gallery manager Stephanie Allesia. “We are simply closing out of a desire to protect our volunteers and community over the next while until cases stabilize and then decrease.
“For this closure, we aim to increase promotion of our artists and their art on social media and offer curbside pickup to any customers.”
Photos of the artwork in the gallery will be taken to feature on Instagram and Facebook to keep it in the forefront. Images of art can also be sent, along with background information by email.
Allesia indicated voice messages will be monitored. Contact can be made through email at admin@rainforestarts.ca and Facebook/Instagram messenger.
Meanwhile, the gallery has some sad news to announce with the death of Rosemary Ratcliff, a beloved Rainforest Arts volunteer and artist.