Chown River Gallery

Haida Gwaii is just bursting with talent, according to Johanne Young, who started the Chown River Gallery along with business partner and friend Charley Jolley as a means of showcasing some of that talent. In addition to the many visual artists on Haida Gwaii, Johanne notes that there are also numerous musicians and other types of artists who contribute to making Haida Gwaii the unique, special, cultural place that it is. That, along with the wondrous beauty of the islands, make it extraordinary and Johanne and Charley are both proud to be a part of shining a light on it.

Since starting the gallery in 2012, Johanne and Charley have had the opportunity to meet a variety of people, both locals and visitors. The locals have been especially gracious in backing their efforts. "People here are very supportive of each other and the different ventures operated on the islands," Johanne says. There is a mutual appreciation here that Charley and Johanne have felt many times and which is characteristic of the small island culture.

Both Johanne and Charley are artists themselves, which is one of the reasons they decided to open an art gallery. "We wanted to immerse ourselves in the talent of our fellow islanders," says Johanne, and within that daily immersion, they themselves stay inspired to create. While both of their lives tend to be dominated by creating, procuring and selling art, they also spend time in the beautiful outdoors around Haida Gwaii doing things like gardening or participating in outdoor sports and recreation.