Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
27 Apr 2025
Reply rate
80.0 %
Usually responds within 7 days
Feedback
13
Email verified
Badges (3)
Details
Description
Our Art Center is an intentionally unintentional community situated on a rural 29 Acre property in the Cowichan valley on Vancouver Island. Which is close to rivers for swimming, the ocean and ferry to Salt Spring Island. The Art Center has an interesting history. Its 29 acre location was subdivided off 150 acres that was known as Lakeveiw Farm. L. F. Solly settled and cleared the farm in 1907 when he relocated from Victoria.
Our community is made up of musicians, artists, authors and people involved in things from nursing to agriculture.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Experiencing the beauty of the Cowichan Valley whether it be swimming or tubing down the river, exploring many of the historical sites, or to hiking some of the beautiful hiking areas in the valley. The valley has a strong and vibrant First Nations community, maybe consider attending a Pow Wow ?
Help
Our main projects are all based on the community aspect, not relating to business or industry. Workawayers will only be assisting in the community aspect our place.
1 - Building 2 Greenhouses and the expansion and improvements of the garden areas, used for residents for food production.
2 - Rebuilding of the stage and kitchen area for residents to use and key to social events. The kitchen is setup to be used by residents for food processing, for the making of Jams and other preserves.
3 - Reclamation of the gardens surrounding the old Solly Mansion overlooking Solly Lake
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
There are three separate sleeping pods with a common kitchen and bath area, picnic gazebo and out door fire with mountain and lake views. See photos.
Food is provided to the workawayers pending on their food preferences and choices, which they then prepare and cook in the communal kitchen and barbecue area.
What else ...
There are many heritage sites in the Cowichan valley, and we are located 50 kms north of Victoria city and it's rich history.
We are located several hours by vehicle to Tofino BC
We are a short distance to the ferry to Saltspring Island.
There are bus services for Tofino and Victoria and we can provide bicycles for adventures of a closer nature.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
Yes we have plenty of space on our 29 acres for such a thing.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Feedback (8)
I’m from the uk where the class… read more
Our accommodation was very comfortable with separate kitchen/bathroom block and a large outdoor covered dining… read more
I enjoyed meeting Eric and Shawn, who are both extremely nice as well.
And the place where the workers sleep and eat is cute and well thought… read more
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.9)
Cultural exchange:
(4.9)
Communication:
(4.9)
I’m from the uk where the class… read more
Our accommodation was very comfortable with separate kitchen/bathroom block and a large outdoor covered dining… read more
I enjoyed meeting Eric and Shawn, who are both extremely nice as well.
And the place where the workers sleep and eat is cute and well thought… read more
Peaceful mornings and nights.
I enjoy spending time in the garden everyday. Thanks to the workawayers before, they built a magical garden and I harvested tons of different veggies!
I enjoyed walking in the property everyday. Trees, birds, fogs, fruits, flowers...
Russell is like real family, considerate and always sharing.… read more
Russell, Kevin, Shawn and Eric are all characters on their own you'll be able to learn from and share knowledge and experiences with as well as having discussions and chats about life and everything in general. They are true, heartfelt and honestly… read more
Cozy accommodation and beautiful garden where you can hang out and make bonfires, there are also plenty of places to visit and explore around in your free time. Super friendly community, thank you Russell for having me.
