Join us in celebrating regional talent at our annual New Year’s Artists in Action Event. This year, we are delighted to host three exceptional artists at the Wickaninnish on the Beach Building. Visit us from Tuesday, December 30th, to Thursday, January 1st, between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to witness their creativity in action.

Craig Benson | Stone Carving

Craig was born in 1949 on Little Mountain in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. His interest in carving began as a hobby while he pursued a formal education in environmental studies. This passion for nature carried into his professional life, with a post-graduate career in wildlife management and habitat protection that immersed him in North America's wild landscapes and brought him closer to the artistic subjects he loved. After a transformative stay in Rivers Inlet on BC's remote central coast, Craig relocated with his young family to Victoria, BC, in 1987. By 1990, his combined love of art and nature led him to commit fully to a carving career. In May 1995, Craig’s longing for a life closer to the rugged coastal beauty of the region brought him to Piers Island, a small, tight-knit community in the Gulf Islands north of Victoria. There, he and his partner, Lynn, designed and built their home and studio, nestled in the island’s natural serenity. Craig is deeply inspired by the magic, mystery, and diversity of life on Earth. His work honors the creatures that share this planet with us, celebrating their beauty through every carving.

Location: Wickaninnish on the Beach | Lobby

Frank Armich | Wood Carving

Born on Vancouver Island, Frank Armich developed an early appreciation for the natural beauty of local woods. As a young apprentice in his father’s burl wood furniture and clock production business, Tidal Wave Manufacturing, Frank quickly honed the skills required to transform wood into functional and artistic creations. Today, Frank is a celebrated West Coast artist renowned for his diverse collection of handcrafted works, created from salvaged Old Growth Burl wood and other locally sourced woods like Bird’s Eye Maple, Yellow Cedar, Red Cedar, Hemlock, and Spruce. Each piece reflects his deep connection to the natural world and showcases the organic beauty of these reclaimed materials. Frank’s portfolio includes an array of remarkable creations: mirrors, mystical trees, bowls, wall hangings, driftwood art, and wind chimes. Additionally, he transforms roots and driftwood into one-of-a-kind furniture, including chairs, tables, lamps, and beds. His mirrors, in particular, stand out as spectacular works of art, crafted from reclaimed and air-dried West Coast wood dating back to the 1950s and 1970s. Frank invites you to experience the artistry and craftsmanship behind each unique piece, celebrating the timeless elegance of West Coast wood.

Location: Wickaninnish on the Beach | Lookout Library

Ilia Poichuck | Oil Painting

ILIA, a locally celebrated artist born and raised in Ontario, has been a vibrant part of Tofino's artistic community since 2014. From a young age, she developed a passion for art, supported by a family that valued creativity. After earning her fine arts degree in Quebec, ILIA embarked on a journey across Canada, seeking inspiration and ultimately finding it on the West Coast. For over a decade now, Tofino’s wild beauty has served as an endless source of inspiration, and ILIA has been actively exhibiting her exceptional work ever since.

Her artistic practice centers on capturing the essence of the West Coast experience without resorting to literal representation. Working primarily with oils, she values the rich texture and creative freedom the medium offers. In addition to her studio work (often created in her apartment), ILIA is deeply involved in the local arts community, having exhibited with the Tofino Arts Council and the Tofino Contemporary Art Gallery. She’s also collaborated with local businesses and hosts workshops for fellow artists.

Location: Wickaninnish on the Beach | Henry Nolla Gallery