Wells is a small town near Barkerville in the Cariboo Mountains in the interior of British Columbia, about 75 kilometres east of Quesnel.  The town was built in the mid-1930s and named after Fred Wells, who had discovered gold in the area, and decided to build a town to house his workers.  At its peak, Wells boasted a population of 4,500, but after the last of the big mines shut down in 1967, most of the people moved away.  Today about 250 people live in Wells. 

Wells is in a beautiful setting, surrounded by mountains, forests, lakes and rivers.  Many artists, photographers and nature lovers have noticed the special quality of the light here, and the wonderful, clear, clean air.  Over the years Wells has gained a reputation as an 'art community'.  It is home to Island Mountain Arts, a non-profit organization that has operated a Summer School of the Arts since 1977.  Classes are offered in performing and visual arts.  As well, a number of artists, performers and writers have come to call Wells home. 

Map by Bill Horne, courtesy of Wells Chamber.

Art Rush Gallery

Amazing Space Studio & Gallery

Beck's Pottery

www. wellsbc.com

Barkerville

Marie Nagel Art Studio is located in the former St. George's Anglican Church building on Bowman Crescent.
 

Visit Wells

A warm welcome is extended to all artists who would like to come and spend a few days or more doing some artwork in Wells.  There are many great venues to work 'on-location', and studio space can be arranged.  Very reasonable accommodation is available in Wells.