the ou gallery

like “oooh, nice.”

Described by artists as “thoughtfully designed and deeply supportive,” The Ou is an intimate artist residency + writing retreat curated to support creatives in their artistic journey on Vancouver Island, British Columbia; a stunning place surrounded by gorgeous coastlines and temperate rainforests.

Devote space and time to your creativity by coming here to decompress, recharge, and gather inspiration alongside like-minded artists and writers.

Learn More + Apply
Studio space with large windows allowing natural light, wooden flooring, and a partially exposed wooden ceiling with lighting fixtures.
Studio space with large windows allowing natural light, wooden flooring, and a partially exposed wooden ceiling with lighting fixtures.
A person with a colorful knit cap and a patterned sweater is hanging embroidered artwork or textile pieces on a white wall.
A woman with blue and green hair and tattoos, smiling, sitting at a table with a small black and tan dog. The table has art supplies and a red paint stain. Two abstract paintings are on the white wall behind them.

an artist-run space since 2017

scroll to see more images from the archive

Woman wearing a gray beanie and black shirt playing the cello in a cozy room with woven wall hangings and yarn nearby.
A woman standing in an art gallery with her arms crossed, wearing a purple beanie, white long-sleeve shirt, white pants, and black boots, surrounded by eclectic wall art and objects.
What do artists say about The Ou?
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Art is Hard Candy
Barclay Martin Barclay Martin

Art is Hard Candy

a tongue in cheek look at being an artist, the artistic process & 'fine' art
 

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Tim Dyer: Open Line Exhibit
Barclay Martin Barclay Martin

Tim Dyer: Open Line Exhibit

"If I put all my sketches together, they'd pile up higher than me..." Tim is a prolific artist and the deft skill and character that comes through in his sketches blew us away.

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