Artists' Bios

A collective effort from the beginning, in terms of work and inspiration, the folk art of Chris and Barb Arnett evolved naturally from a life-long interest in art and residence on a gulf island. They moved to Saltspring Island in 1988 to join the back-to-the-land movement and to raise two boys.

When a living from farming proved difficult, Barb took advantage of the island's tourist economy to create folk art for sale in the local farmers' market where they used to sell garlic. Barb painted wooden bowls and encouraged Chris to carve figures and bookends.

Over the years through the Saturday Market, their home studio, arts and craft shows and special orders, their work has found its way into homes around the globe. To paraphrase a popular NFB film, "folk art found them".