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August 13 - October 31, 10 am - 5 pm

This is a themed presentation of the work of "World War 3 Illustrated", a New York artist collective, from the 1980s to the present day.  The art confronts issues such as anti-war protests, squatting in New York, the tragedies of 9-11, racism, prisons and anarchism, through a variety of mediums including: posters, graphic illustrations, paintings, banners, and other media.  Wednesdays - Sundays only.

April 1 - October 15, Wednesday - Sunday, 10:30 am - 5:30 pm

Bastion Square (located between Government & Wharf and Yates & Fort Streets) is transformed into a colourful and eclectic European style "Artisan's Open Air Marketplace", featuring original local arts and crafts and busking entertainment

April 18 - September 26, Sunday and Some Holiday Mondays, 11 am - 4:30 pm

Held on the 1600 block of Government Street, between the McPherson Theatre and Chinatown.  Government Street comes alive on Sundays with vendors exhibiting an exciting array of arts & crafts, imports, food, and entertainment.  Contact Thea Harris, 250-598-2593 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , for more information.

June 4 - September 24, 10 am

Every Thursday and Friday, from June to September, the Island Chefs Collaborative run a farmers market selling wonderful fresh local produce in Bastion Square.  Proceeds of the market support local farms.

June 11 - September 18, Fridays & Saturdays, 7 - 10:30 pm

Come on down to the Inner Harbour for local handmade arts & crafts.  Musicians, street performers, and food add to the excitement as the Harbour wakes up at night.  For more information, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Charlie & Lee, 1115 Wharf St.

Kleah Graham and Josh Michnik The grand opening is on May 8th, but Kleah Graham and Josh Michnik have already opened the doors of their hip new boutique on Wharf Street. An airy, open space with windows overlooking the Harbour, Kleah admits that the beautiful view is “one of the reasons we love this space so much”. They’ve fully renovated the store, adding a photo lab and studio space in the back for Josh, who has a history in art direction & design.

Both Kleah and Josh are Canadians who’ve spent many years living in places like Sidney, London, and LA, so they’re both pleased to find a place to settle down; as Josh’s parents are local business owners, and as he’s a surfer, Victoria was the ideal place for them to open their boutique. Kleah says that it’s been great, especially meeting their new neighbours – “they come to say hi, to shop a bit, and one brought us a bottle of wine.”

They carry a remarkable selection of brands, many unique to Victoria (check www.charlieandlee.com for lists), in a mix of different price points, fabrics, and from several different countries. Their strategy is to buy pieces that aren’t particularly trendy, but are unique: “well made pieces you can wear with anything”. Their online store will launch in the next couple of weeks (and they’re looking for local models for their clothes) – but though it hasn’t officially launched, they’ve already had people sign up from as diverse locations as Dubai, California, and France.

On May 8th, they’re hoping to feature a local artist at their grand opening, and then show a different Victoria artist every few months. Though they’ve only been open a short time, they’ve already had two different artists create window displays; as Josh puts it, “we want to have fun with this.” And until the end of May, they’re offering each individual customer 25% off their first purchase – “a great excuse,” Josh said with a laugh, “to have your first purchase be a big one.”

The store began out of their mutual love of art, photography, music, and fashion, and both Kleah and Josh say they’re delighted to be opening their business in such a beautiful spot. We’re as delighted to welcome them to Downtown Victoria.