District of Sooke Celebrates 40th Anniversary of Sooke Fine Arts Show with Street Banner Collaboration

In honour of the 40th anniversary of the Sooke Fine Arts Show, the District of Sooke is pleased to collaborate with the Sooke Fine Arts Show and local artists Cathy Hammond and Megan Evans to bring original west coast-inspired artwork to District street banners this summer. 

The 2026 Sooke Fine Arts Show takes place July 25 to August 3, 2026, with Opening Night on Friday, July 24, at SEAPARC Recreation Centre. The Show is Vancouver Island’s longest-running juried fine art show and will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2026.  

The banner series features four striking images that reflect Sooke’s connection to the lands, waters and wildlife of the west coast. Cathy Hammond’s heron and bear designs evoke the quiet strength and natural beauty of Sooke’s shorelines, forests and wetlands. Megan Evans’ octopus and raven designs bring forward the movement, mystery and richness of the marine and coastal environment that defines Sooke as the gateway to the Juan de Fuca. 

“These banners are a beautiful expression of who we are as a community,” said Mayor Maja Tait. “Sooke is shaped by the ocean, forest, wildlife and the creativity of the people who call this place home. As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Sooke Fine Arts Show, we are proud to help share local art in our public spaces and welcome residents and visitors to experience the culture and natural beauty of our community.”  

The collaboration highlights the role of public art in creating a welcoming and vibrant town centre while celebrating Sooke’s identity as a creative community on the west coast. The banners will be installed throughout the District for the summer season, extending the spirit of the Sooke Fine Arts Show beyond the gallery and into the streetscape. 

“It is meaningful to see artwork inspired by this place become part of the everyday experience of moving through Sooke,” said Cathy Hammond. “The heron and bear are both powerful west coast symbols, and I hope these pieces invite people to pause, look around and feel connected to the natural world that surrounds us. I am very grateful to have had this opportunity to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the The Sooke Fine Arts Show showcasing my artwork, and feel blessed to live in such a wonderful community.”  

Megan Evans said the octopus and raven pieces were created to reflect the energy and imagination of the coast. 

“The octopus and raven both carry a sense of intelligence, movement and mystery,” said Evans. “They are deeply connected to this landscape and seascape, and I’m honoured to have these works included in a project that celebrates Sooke’s creative spirit and the 40-year legacy of the Sooke Fine Arts Show.”  

The Sooke Fine Arts Show provides an opportunity for artists from Vancouver Island and BC’s coastal islands to showcase and sell their work each summer, and is recognized as the region’s premier summer arts event.  

“The 40th anniversary is an important milestone for the Sooke Fine Arts Show and for the many artists, volunteers, patrons and community partners who have helped shape it over four decades,” said Jen Hayward, Executive Director of the Sooke Fine Arts Show. “We are delighted to work with the District of Sooke and local artists to bring art into the community in this visible and celebratory way. These banners help tell the story of Sooke as a place where art, nature and community are deeply connected.”  

Residents and visitors are encouraged to look for the banners throughout the District this summer and to attend the 40th anniversary Sooke Fine Arts Show from July 25 to August 3, 2026. 

Learn more:  

• sookefinearts.com 

This street banner collaboration is supported by the Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) Program, which reinvests revenue collected from eligible short-term accommodations into local tourism marketing and destination development initiatives.