It's been a long time coming, but Cove Commons is a real thing and a beautiful one at that. Located next to the Bowen Library (literally sharing walls with it) in Snug Cove, the new complex adds 2,800 square feet of architecturally designed gallery and hybrid space with vaulted ceilings and lots of windows. With the creation of this new gallery space, Bowen can now proudly show off some of the many local artists in its midst.
It took a long time and a lot of people to make this all happen, and there is still more to come in the form of an outdoor plaza (when funding is realized for this phase). Along with a beautiful, if somewhat small gallery space, Cove Commons also offers a large meeting/performance space as well as some smaller rooms for private meetings and library functions. The clean white walls and vaulted ceilings create a modern, yet woody, addition to downtown Bowen.
Since opening, Cove Commons has offered a new gallery show about every month, so far featuring mostly Bowen artists, of which there are many. This is the kind of space that Bowen has needed for a long time, thanks to a more open-minded approach to new development on the island on the part of the island council members, it has finally become a reality. It has become the new centerpiece to Snug Cove (at least until the new Vodka distillery opens).
With its location nestled between the library and the tourist info center, the new Cove Commons will get many visitors, as well as many locals (especially once they get the performance side of the space up and running on all four gears). Just a minute walk from the ferry, this new addition is only going to make visiting and living on Bowen Island a more enjoyable experience for everyone who enjoys the arts. read more