A family studio, two decades in the making
Hype Unique Gallery began in 2003 when David and Elaine Hartwell converted a heritage storefront in downtown Kelowna into a gathering place for local artists and art lovers. More than twenty years on, the studio has grown — but the kitchen-table warmth that defined those early days has never left.
How Meridian came to be
Hype Unique Gallery began as a family passion project in 2003, when founders David and Elaine Hartwell converted a heritage storefront on the edge of downtown Kelowna into a gathering place for local artists and art lovers alike. Over two decades, we have grown into a full-service contemporary art gallery and creative studio — but the kitchen-table warmth of those early days has never left us. Three generations of Kelowna families now bring their artwork, their stories, and their walls to us. We mount rotating exhibitions of regional painters, photographers, and mixed-media artists; we frame heirlooms and originals with the same care we would give our own; and we run hands-on workshops that turn curious beginners into confident makers. Every piece that passes through our doors is treated as if it belongs to family — because, after twenty-plus years, most of our clients feel exactly like that.
- 2003
David and Elaine Hartwell open Hype Unique Gallery in a heritage storefront in downtown Kelowna, offering framing and a small rotating exhibition wall.
- 2008
The studio expands into the adjacent unit, adding a dedicated 60 m² workshop space and launching the first structured artist workshop programme.
- 2014
The main gallery is renovated to 120 m², enabling full solo exhibitions. The first annual Okanagan Emerging Artists show is held, now a beloved local tradition.
- 2019
Second generation of the Hartwell family joins the business full-time, bringing new expertise in art consultation and conservation assessment.
- 2023
Meridian marks 20 years in Kelowna with a retrospective exhibition featuring artists who have shown with us across two decades.
What we believe about art and people
Three generations of loyal clients
Many of the families we frame for today first walked through our door with their parents. That continuity shapes how we work — we remember your taste, your home, and your story.
Everything done in-house
Our framing studio is on-site. No work is sent out to a third party, so quality stays consistent and turnaround stays predictable — 10 business days as standard.
Genuine community connections
We have worked with Okanagan artists for over 20 years. When we recommend a piece or an artist, it comes from a real relationship, not a catalogue.
Honest, pressure-free advice
We would rather you leave happy than leave quickly. Private viewings carry no purchase obligation, and our consultation fees are credited toward any purchase you make.
10-year framing guarantee
Every frame we build is covered by our 10-year workmanship guarantee. If a join fails or a mount shifts, we fix it — no questions asked.
Rooted in Kelowna
We live here, our artists live here, and our clients live here. Supporting Meridian means keeping creative dollars circulating in the Central Okanagan.
The people behind the frames
Illustrative photos, fictitious people.
- 120 m² main gallery with professional track lighting and climate control
- 60 m² dedicated workshop studio with large worktables and natural light
- On-site framing studio with full moulding and matboard sample library
- Private viewing room for collector appointments and sensitive discussions
- Accessible entrance and washroom (step-free from street level)
- Small courtyard seating area for opening receptions and events
Ready to bring something beautiful to your walls?
Walk in during gallery hours or send us a message and we will get back to you the same day.