I became aware of the Tofino Gallery of Contemporary Art through an online search. The Gallery’s website and Instagram prescense reflect the intelligence and sophistication of its space. Communication with gallery artists and personnel inspired a trip to Tofino to experience TGCA in-person. “Figuratively Speaking: An Homage to the Female Grace, Face and Form” (November 17-December 5, 2022) more than satisfied my long-standing desire to immerse in western Canadian art celebrating the female figure. BRAVO TGCA! I look forward to visting this contemporary art gallery again.
This intimate gallery and it’s incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable owner Leah, is a wonderful place to view exciting art and sculpture. We walked in and were immediately greeted and shown around. We fell in love with the painting that was right at the front door and came back the next day to purchase it.
As we live in Ontario the owner and her staff were so accommodating and ensured that it shipped to us in perfect condition. It was packaged beautifully and arrived today and hangs over our fireplace as we remember our wonderful trip to Tofino. We so loved this gallery that before we flew home we returned with our siblings and we purchased another piece for our parents that was woven copper and the artist is on their website. When in Tofino this is a must go to!
The Tofino Gallery of Contemporary Art is unique. My experience was extremely positive. We found Leah’s knowledge in contemporary art, access to inventory and artist connections, refreshing. Leah helped us discover new artists, advised framing, and suggested placement in our home. We have purchased three pieces and all were delivered quickly in immaculate condition. Our home is more lovely because of Leah and the Gallery. We are fortunate to live in BC with this resource.
The Tofino Gallery of Contemporary Art was such a joy to deal with. I commissioned 2 pieces – Leah was so easy to work with and the process with seamless. I was able to view the pieces before completion and make changes if needed. Once completed the pieces were packaged and shipped with ease. Leah’s wealth of knowledge allowed me to find the perfect pieces for my home.
We love the Tofino Gallery of Contemporary Art! Leah and her team are knowledgeable, warm and welcoming ! The gallery has wonderful light and presence, allowing the beauty and uniqueness of each piece of art to shine individually. Leah has put together a group of artists that use a variety of mediums , that appeal to many. We purchased a piece, by Paula Callahan, which we love, and is placed in our home where we can admire it daily.
We look forward to our next trip to TGCA to see what exciting additions she has gathered.
Definitely a place to visit on any trip to Tofino!
We had a great discovery – the Tofino Contemporary Art Gallery tucked away and even greater discoveries of the beautiful art and wonderful host in Leah. We ended up buying on of Ben Fox’s Imaginary Beach #10 before it was hung up. What a wonderful piece! Our experience was wonderful and our new acquisition was shipped on time and very well packaged. We would highly recommend this gem of a gallery when you are out on the West Coast.
A wonderful gallery! We went to the “Figuratively Speaking” group show and it was just stunning. Incredibly well curated, diverse yet complimentary. It was great to get to speak with the artists. Leah and Bruce were lovely hosts and made everyone feel welcome and connected. This gallery will be a regular stop when we visit Tofino.
Tofino Gallery of Contemporary Art is managed and curated with the utmost respect to the talented artists and sculptors who are represented in the gallery. As a represented artist, I am constantly amazed by the professionalism and perpetual effort both Leah and Monse provide this west coast gallery. The beautifully arranged gallery space is intriguing and is constantly updated with sculptures and paintings complementing one another. A wonderful visit for anyone who is a lover of contemporary art on the west coast and an honour for an artist to be a part of.
This contemporary art gallery in Tofino is a must-see! Beautifully curated with a sophisticated yet accessible range of artwork in painting, sculpture & photography, TGCA is a welcome addition to Tofino’s art scene. The gallery owner, Leah, and her colleague Montserrat, are welcoming, knowledgeable and passionate about the art and BC artists they represent.
We loved this gallery! We saw some beautiful pieces in the front room and asked to see more work of certain artists. Leah and Montserrat were so warm and helpful in pulling a bunch of pieces out from the back. We ended up buying one piece from the front room and one piece they pulled out from the back. They shipped them quickly and professionally and cost-effectively to our home in Los Angeles. Thank you again for such a wonderful art-buying experience!
A delightful and modern addition to Tofino. The collections are gorgeous and it was surprise to see so many BC artists featured. Support for my purchase was exemplary and I can’t wait until my return visit.
Exceptional exhibits of west coast Canadian fine artists and their works! Highly recommend putting Tofino in your travel plans, TGCA’s collections are as good as any gallery I’ve experienced in major cities around the world! Congratulations TGCA for showcasing Canada’s talented artists!
One of my ‘must-do’s’ when visiting Tofino is to go to the TGCA. The selection of curated art captures unique perspectives and offers a diverse selection of contemporary art in an inviting, informal yet elegant space. Our recent purchase, Ben Fox’s ‘Imaginary Beach 8’, captures the essence of why I love the west coast. I can hear the wind in the trees, the ocean crashing on the beach and the peaceful solitude of the coast . Mr. Fox is an up-and-coming artist, and I am thrilled to have his painting in my art collection. I can’t wait to visit this year to see what ‘gem’ I might discover!
Every once in a Blue Moon I come across a business that is so outstanding in every aspect that I have to write about it.
My wife and I were on holidays in Tofino BC on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island when we came across an art gallery in town.
The gallery is called the Tofino Gallery of Contemporary Art and so many aspects of this business impressed us from the moment we walked in. First off, the owner Leah McDiarmid chose a somewhat hidden space at the back of a building facing a lane instead of an expensive space on “the front row” of the main street in the town of Tofino.
Leah’s choice to open her gallery away from the hustle and bustle of the main street in town showed us the confidence she has in her artists, their work, her experience and keen eye.
There’s an amazing collection of BC painters and sculptures whose friendships Leah has cultivated over many years and their work simply speaks for itself.
My wife and I chose two fun, colourful large paintings by Lucy Schappy which we have in our living room in Victoria. We feel so lucky to have been there to meet Leah and Bruce and due to the size of the paintings they were also kind enough to offer to bring them to our home and help choose the perfect space for them.
We look forward to our next visit to Tofino and Leahs Gallery next August and while we can follow the work that Leah acquires on her website , theres quite nothing like seeing all the amazing originals in her gallery.
I had specifically planned to visit this gallery on my trip to Tofino and was so very pleased that I did. Leah graciously pulled out all of the paintings by one of my favourite artists and allowed me to sit with them for a lengthy period of time to contemplate the choices. She’s been very flexible with purchase arrangements and shows a sincere interest and concern in finding good homes for her artists’ works. I am definitely keeping my eye on the ever-changing cross-section of collections at the Tofino Gallery of Contemporary Art, whether in person or online.
I had the pleasure of visiting this beautiful gallery on a recent trip to Tofino. The caliber and diversity of contemporary art are excellent, with an accessible range of pricing. The space is beautifully and thoughtfully curated. For a small gallery, it packs a big punch. Leah and Monse were a pleasure to speak with and were knowledgeable and passionate about the artists represented. I highly recommend visiting this gallery on your next trip to Tofino.
On the west coast of Canada tucked away in beautiful Tofino BC is the lovely new Tofino Gallery of Contemporary Art. It is a warm, relaxing space that features an array of Canadian artists and mediums
Owner/curator Leah McDiarmid is a pure delight, very knowledgeable, and accommodating.
One feels very welcome as soon as you step inside. She has impeccable taste, and has many beautiful pieces. It is a little hidden gem that should not to be missed when visiting Tofino.
Bought 2 pieces of art from the gallery during our vacation in Tofino last month. This is a rare gem in Tofino, where you could find a good collection and variety of contemporary arts from local artists. We love this gallery and appreciate the patient and professional services of the shopping assistant who introduced the background of artist and features behind each art. The gallery is a must to visit in Tofino!
Wonderful gallery in the truest sense. They know they are at the beginning of what will become the provenance of art that is not mass-produced and will be enjoyed for many years to come. That alone is essential when investing and purchasing a work of art, at the very beginning of its chain of custody. TGCA represents a select group of extremely talented artists. We are fortunate to have works by Ben Fox and Anne-Sophie Falconer in our home. Knowledgeable, no pressure staff, like a museum art gallery where you can take works home!
What a wonderful gallery! We went to the opening of their latest show Figuratively Speaking and found it to be a world of beautifully curated treasures to be experienced and enjoyed. It is so nice to find galleries who really understand the genre they are presenting (contemporary) and who work to provide a welcoming space for everyone…from experienced collectors to explorers. I look forward to returning!
Great place. Leah really knows what she is doing. We found a sculpture we liked and she even organized for it to be shipped to Germany. Fantastic
Fantastic gallery focusing on local artists. Knowledgable owner. Highly recommended.
Whether you are an established or emerging artist we would love to hear from you. If you believe your work would suit the gallery, please get in touch.
