Legacy – Honouring the Work of John Poirier

On until June 5, 2026

John was an inspirational photographer, skilled in film, digital, black & white and colour. His primary subjects ranged from the natural environment and human culture of northern Canada, where he lived and worked for many years, to the energy and beauty of Gabriola’s forests and sandstone shores.

John shared his photographic knowledge with generosity and humility. He took part in most of our shows and club meetings, right up until a week before his death a year ago. More often than not, we learned something valuable from the little gems of wisdom he quietly shared with us. We remember him with great fondness, and this show is our attempt to honour his memory. (Photo by Bill Pope.)

Our thanks to John’s wife MJ and daughter Anne for lending some of John’s wonderful work to this show and for keeping his website accessible. It’s definitely worth a visit.

From some of our Club members who are participating in the show:

John’s eye for subtlety and meaning were gifts which he freely and humbly shared with all of us. His insights were much appreciated.
–Laurence Lee

John saw the world with amazing perception and expressed what he saw in the art of photography. Walking the trails of Gabriola, you could bump into him, his tripod and camera slung over his shoulder, and if you were lucky there would be a brief chat. Under the sometimes gruff exterior he was curious and kind, sharing his knowledge with thought and care. We are better for his discerning eye.
–Sally Bullas

John inspired me with his vast collection of work, and I appreciated how knowledgeable and happy to help he was. I loved to hear his comments, always kind and encouraging.
–Linda Blokhuizen

John shared his knowledge with a gentle, humble approach. I learned a lot from him, both at club meetings and in our personal conversations. He was highly skilled, inspiring and encouraging the rest of us to love and practice photography in whatever way best suited us.
–Laurie MacBride

“Wildlife Called Her” – on now, until April 17

Sharron Palmer-Hunt outdoors in the sunshine, smiling and wearing sunglasses, with her camera in her hand.

This exhibit features a collection of beautiful canvas prints by the late Sharron Palmer-Hunt, Past President of Gabriola Photography Club and avid wildlife photographer.

As a leader and a cherished friend, Sharron dedicated much of her time, energy and commitment to the betterment of our Club, and her legacy will continue to inspire us all.

Sharron was a passionate advocate for wildlife conservation, using her lens to tell stories that touched our hearts and opened our eyes to the wonders of the animal kingdom and the importance of preserving biodiversity. She was also a member of Gabriola’s Eagle Monitoring committee and served on the board of GROWLS (Gabriola Rescue of Wildlife Society) for many years.

Sharron was our first Club webmaster, developing our website and tending it faithfully until health challenges intervened. You’ll find many of her beautiful wildlife images on this site.

Let us remember her with gratitude for the joy and inspiration she brought into our lives. We sincerely thank her husband, Peter Palmer-Hunt, for collaborating with us to produce this exhibit and for providing this collection of Sharron’s canvas prints.

25% of proceeds from sales from this exhibition will be donated to GROWLS, and another 25% will be donated to Gabriola Photography Club.

Silhouette of Sharron standing by her tripod with her camera mounted on it, with sunlit hills in the backgroundl
Sharron preparing to photograph nesting eagles ©️ Linda Blokhuizen

New Club Exhibition – on now, until March 5, 2026

As an ongoing project, Gabriola Photography Club curates the art display space downstairs at the Gabriola Medical Clinic on Church Street, Gabriola Island. Club members take turns having solo exhibitions or taking part in group exhibitions.

We are pleased to present a new exhibit, with a variety of prints by seven club members: Linda Blokhuizen, Sally Bullas, John Konovsky, Sher Falls, Corinne Flaws, Laurie MacBride and Vicky Scott.

The show is on now and will run until February 26, downstairs at the Gabriola Medical Centre, Mondays through Fridays during daytime hours.

2025: Our Year in Review

Membership: 

  • 35 as of December (almost the same as Dec. 2024, though some of the faces had changed). Sadly, we lost a beloved longtime member, John Poirier, who passed away in May 2025.

In-person events: 

  • 4 Club field trips and photo walks (2 of them off-island)
  • Annual Fall Show

As well, four club members gave in-person photography presentations for the community.

Exhibitions:

Members who displayed prints in our shows: 
13 (35% of club). This included:

  • 4 solo shows (Medical Centre)
  • 2 group shows (Medical Centre)
  • 1 group show (Chiropractic)
  • 1 group show (annual fall Rollo show)

Learning & inspiration at our 19 zoom meetings:

  • 5 guest presentations – one more was re-scheduled to 2026
  • 2 presentations by club members
  • 9 themed photo assignments
  • 18 members shared about 800 images from our assignments & field trips

Financial matters:

  • Balanced budget achieved again this year
  • Raised almost 10% more revenue than forecast, mostly due to donations
  • Expenses were only about 75% of forecast, mainly due to one cancelled speaker fee
  • Top revenue sources: membership fees, donations, silent auction
  • Top expenses: speakers, communications (zoom & website accounts)

The full 2025 financial statement will be available to members once it has been finalized and approved by the executive.

Website:

  • almost 1000 visitors in 2025, mostly from Canada
  • 23 new posts added (events, speakers, shows etc)
  • Top post in 2025: “Gabriola Artists” (Blair’s show) – 73 views

Top pages & downloads in 2025 (# of views):

  • Home page (800)
  • Password-protected Members page (418)
  • Contact page (123)
  • Membership / why join? (75)
  • “Size matters…or not?” – Image Size & Dimensions (62)
  • Jurgen Lobert zoom recording, “Night Photography” (50)

Best wishes from the Executive to all Club members, for a wonderful 2026, filled with opportunities for learning and growing creatively!

Linda, Sally, Corinne & Laurie

November 23: Annual Show & Sale!

Gabriola Photography Club’s annual Show & Sale will take place on Sunday, November 23. It’s a great antidote to the dark days of late fall.

Poster with two egrets walking along in shallow water against a blue background.

This fun, free event runs from 12:00 to 4:00 pm at the Rollo Centre (685 North Road, in the Village, across from the school).

In addition to the gorgeous prints, greeting cards and other photographic items you’ll find on hand, the Show offers a good opportunity to talk photography with some of the folks involved in the Gabriola Photography Club, and learn more about our group, which welcomes new members.

See you there!