Get to Know SDAG

The South Delta Artists Guild has spent fifty years doing one thing consistently: making space for visual artists to create, show their work, and thrive as part of a community. From our permanent home at Gallery 1710 in Tsawwassen, we run an active year-round calendar of monthly exhibitions, workshops, drop-in studio sessions, life drawing, plein air outings, and special juried shows. Membership is open to visual artists of every discipline and experience level, with members travelling in from across the Lower Mainland; including Vancouver; to be part of what happens here. Art lovers are equally welcome to visit the gallery any weekend and browse original work from our diverse membership. Explore the Guild’s story in more detail.

Fifty Years, Still Going

The Guild was incorporated in 1975 by a group of local artists who saw a need for a dedicated arts organization in the area; somewhere visual artists could exhibit regularly, connect with one another, and serve the broader public. That vision has carried forward intact. We spent our early years operating out of several venues in Tsawwassen, including the Phoenix Club (a converted firehall later demolished in 2003), before securing our long-term home. A 1999 partnership with the City of Delta gave us the Kiwanis Longhouse; a 1973 building constructed with Coast Salish Longhouse-inspired design in tribute to the Tsawwassen First Nations. Our members raised the funds to renovate the space and renamed it Gallery 1710, and it’s been our base of operations for over 25 years now.

The Beliefs Behind the Guild

Mutual respect: No artistic hierarchy, no ranking members by experience or reputation. Every artist in the Guild is treated as a valued contributor to what we do collectively.

Transparent integrity: Everything from exhibition policies to committee structures is out in the open. Member-led nonprofits only work when people trust how they’re run, and we take that seriously.

Genuine inclusivity: Any visual artist is welcome; painters, sculptors, printmakers, textile artists, mixed-media practitioners, new artists exploring their voice, seasoned creators with decades of work behind them.

Shared growth: Our programming isn’t an add-on; it’s the point. Workshops, demos, peer feedback, and exhibitions exist so members have real avenues to keep developing their practice year over year.

Membership Highlights

• Regular Gallery Exhibitions: Monthly rotating shows at Gallery 1710 open to all members, showcasing a wide mix of 2D and 3D work
• Exhibiting Beyond the Gallery: Through the Art in the Community program, member artwork rotates through off-site venues like Delta Hospital and the Tsawwassen Library
• Open Studio and Life Drawing: Access to our dedicated workspace for weekly life drawing sessions and casual drop-in studio time with other members
• Hands-On Workshops: Instructor-led workshops throughout the year, focused on technique development across watercolour, oils, mixed media, sculpture, and more
• Artist Demos: Regular in-person demonstrations from member and guest artists showing how they work and what’s in their toolkit
• Special Juried Exhibitions: Annual curated shows and themed exhibits that offer recognition and creative stretching opportunities
• Weekly Plein Air Meetups: Regular outdoor painting sessions in scenic local areas throughout the seasons
• Meaningful Community: Friendships, mentorship, and collaborative relationships with other artists who understand the creative life

Vancouver Artists, We Welcome You

Vancouver has a meaningful creative footprint, with working artists and art lovers spread across neighbourhoods like Silver Valley, Albion, Haney, downtown Vancouver, and Whonnock. The drive to Tsawwassen isn’t a short one, we know; but the Vancouver-based artists who have made it part of their creative routine tell us that what they find at the Guild can’t easily be found elsewhere in the region. A permanent gallery space, half a century of nonprofit history, monthly exhibition opportunities, a full workshop calendar, and a membership that invests in each other. Vancouver art enthusiasts are equally welcome to make a day trip to Gallery 1710; browsing a Guild exhibition, grabbing a coffee, and exploring Tsawwassen’s waterfront makes for a worthwhile outing. Preview the current exhibition here.

Stopping By Gallery 1710

Gallery 1710 is located just off Highway 17A at 1710 56th Street in Tsawwassen; five minutes from the ferry terminal, with free parking. The gallery is free to the public and open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12 to 4 p.m., with extended hours during special events and receptions. What you’ll see inside changes every month: typically up to 100 original pieces from member artists spanning every medium and style imaginable; contemporary abstract works beside traditional landscapes, sculpture alongside textile pieces, mixed media and watercolour in equal measure. The shop carries art cards, prints, and annual Guild calendars. Guild docents are on hand during every open session to answer questions and assist visitors.

Become a Member

Visual artists from Vancouver and anywhere else in the region are invited to apply for Guild membership. Our structure depends on participation; every member contributes through docent shifts, committee work, and support for Guild operations. That shared responsibility is what keeps the organization genuine rather than transactional, and what produces the long-lasting creative friendships that define Guild life. In return, you get regular exhibition access, studio resources, educational programming, and a real home in an established artistic community. Read membership information and apply here.

Get in Contact

Got a question about Guild membership, current exhibitions, or planning your first visit? Give the gallery a call, drop by during open hours, or reach out through the website.

Phone: (604) 943-3313

Gallery Address: 1710 56th Street, Tsawwassen, BC V4L 2B1

Gallery Hours: Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, 12 – 4 p.m.

Website: southdeltaartistsguild.com

Incorporated in 1975 • Home of Gallery 1710 • Welcoming Vancouver Artists & Art Lovers