The Pender Islands Artisan Cooperative was started in 2001 to provide local island artisans with a venue to market their work. The co-op model was chosen for its inherent values of equality, cooperation and concensus building among its member owners. In order to join, all members had to be producing their art locally and had to buy a share in the co-op. From 2001 - 2004, members showed their work at outdoor summer shows and at the farmers' market. They also participated in the locally famous Christmas Craft Fair each November. However, the goal was always to have a permanent location in which members could work and show their art.

When the old Hope Bay store complex was rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1998, new retail and office spaces became available for rent. The co-op would be able to realize its biggest dream - gallery space! Starting in March of 2005, co-op members sent out a call for interest to all local artists, inviting them to come and join the co-op to help fulfill a long held co-op vision - to create a permanent place for local artists and artisans to display their work for sale. Eleven new members joined, for a total of 18, and in only a few short months, the gallery space was leased, painted, wired, lighted, furnished and artwork poured in.

On July 15th, 2005, co-op members were very happy to open the doors of their beautiful, new, oceanfront Red Tree Gallery, at Hope Bay. Then came the visitors. What a successful first summer it was! Both locals and tourists alike were awed by the talent of local Pender artists and pleased to be able to see it all in one wonderful gallery space. The gallery continues to be a wonderful place for viewing and purchasing local art. Recently, the gallery was listed in a Pender Island article featured in Sunset Magazine, April 2006 issue. Co-op members are expecting another busy summer!