Island Girl Art Studio

06/14/2026

06/14/2026

Few artists have shaped how we imagine the Pacific Northwest as profoundly as Emily Carr (1871–1945).

Drawing on her experiences travelling throughout British Columbia, Carr transformed direct encounters with nature into works that are deeply personal, spiritual and imaginative, offering a vision of the landscape that continues to resonate today.

Explore the depth and breadth of Carr’s practice at the Gallery now in “That Green Ideal: Emily Carr and the Idea of Nature.”

Plan your visit at https://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/exhibitions/that-green-ideal/.
Image: Emily Carr, “Wood Interior,” 1932–35, oil on canvas, Collection of the Vancouver Art Gallery, Emily Carr Trust, VAG 42.3.5

06/14/2026

This is an amazing show! I have two paintings in this show, it’s on until September, go check it out! Support local!🇨🇦

📆 Art Rental + Sales presents the Summer Small Works Show & Sale, celebrating artists local to Victoria and the Vancouver Island area.

Join us for the Opening Reception on Thursday, June 18, from 5-8pm, with artists in attendance. Browse a huge selection of artworks at accessible price points and raise a glass to local artists in celebration of this annual Show & Sale.

📍 Save the date - don’t miss it!
⭐ Admission to Art Rental + Sales is always free!

Summer Small Works Show + Sale runs from June 18 to September 6, 2026

📷 Image Credit: Dallas Segno, ACARD 0030 0126 (detail), paper mosaic on board, 15.2 x 25.4 cm, framed.

06/14/2026

Guest artist Eliza Hofman in the studio today teaching the Introduction to Paper Making! We had a full house, got messy and had a blast with the all-hands-on-deck approach. Who knew you could create so many colors, textures and designs? Thanks for inspiring us all Liza, and for the little sample book, course handout, and the collection of distinctive papers made by each creative who attended! Watch for future workshops in this medium on the studio website.

06/10/2026

NEW Workshop:
Creating Original Watercolor Paintings ( using your own photos)
Sat. July 11 ( 10:30 -3:30 pm) $ 175
Are you a watercolor painter who wants to use your photos to create original paintings but don’t know where to begin? This full day workshop will teach you about good compositions, lighting & contrast, focal point(s), developing a rich color palette, advanced techniques , grids and more. Students bring 3 of their own photos and we develop a rough draft and start the final painting project together! See more information on the website and register online at IslandGirlArtStudio.com

*Art shown is original watercolor art by Penny Maday Ciochetti ( copyright)based on photos taken in Italy and on Vancouver Island.

05/06/2026

I’ve gone and done it! Today I launched my own YouTube channel! After years of nagging from students and friends, it finally happened. I’m new as a creator to the platform, so please be patient as I build my content. If you’re wanting inspiration, creative guidance, want to follow me as I paint Plein Aire on Vancouver Island in the summer and tour Italy in the winter, if you want to feel like you’re sitting next to me in the studio or want to learn more about drawing, watercolor, mixed media, acrylics or Art Journals, art history and more, check out Penny Ciochetti: One Creative Life on YouTube. Please like and subscribe and help my new venture grow. See you there!

05/06/2026

NEW Saturday Workshop. June 13 Introduction to Paper Making with guest artist Liza Hofman. Learn the wonderful ways to use your own handmade paper, explore materials and processes, get hands on experience! This is so much fun! Go to IslandGirlArtStudio.com to learn more and/or to register. Spots fill fast.

05/04/2026

04/23/2026

NEW classes now listed on the website at IslandGirlArtStudio.com. Small classes & Workshops, supplies included, register online to avoid disappointment.

Check out our One Day workshops on weekends, corporate team building events, private Paint Nights and so much more, including our Art, Culture & Culinary Tours to Florence.

04/07/2026

The last of the 8 week classes for May to June are now listed on the website . Saturday workshops and special events are listed( and coming) for July and August at IslandGirlArtStudio.com . Classes are kept small, all art materials are included and all levels ( Beginner to Experienced) are welcome, but don’t wait, spots fill fast!