West of Main Artwalk

The community is invited to fill their weekend with art May 31 & June 1st. Private art studios and pop-up artist venues will be open across Vancouver’s west side during the Open Studio Tour & Sale open daily 11-5. From internationally recognized artists to some of the city’s emerging talent, this free event is a unique opportunity to explore and engage with artists in our midst. From Point Grey to Main Street, and from Granville Island to 41st Avenue, meet the artists and learn about their work and processes.

Though the West of Main Art Walk has grown since its 1993 launch as Artists in our Midst, the open studio tour & sale is still one of the city’s most intimate art events. “We’re inviting the community to engage with our work,” notes Alice Philips, a participating artist since 1997 who now chairs the event, “but in many cases, we’re also inviting the public into our homes.” Artists include painters, potters, sculptors, fabric artists, photographers, and more. Visitors can enjoy art at their own pace without any rush or pressure. There’s time for conversation to learn about their artwork and art processes. Establishing relationships between the artists and those who appreciate their work is the most rewarding part of the art walk. The experience goes beyond a gallery visit.

The West of Main Art Walk has evolved to include both west side art studio tours as well as artist pop-up hubs featuring many artists from across the Lower Mainland. Aberthau Community Centre in West Point Grey is a newer venue with 14 artists under one roof. Artist and venue coordinator Jan Rankin notes, “Joining other artists at Aberthau offers a broader audience for my art which really appeals to me.” Artist Gary Nay, organizer of Kits House featuring 12 artists explains, “The Art Walk allows visitors to engage in a conversation with the artist, to learn about their art process and hear the story behind a piece.”

“It was so inspiring,” recalls Olga Campbell, an artist who attended as a patron in year one and soon joined the event. “Early on, it was mostly neighbours meeting neighbours. It has since grown and many new people to the city and province have added a new layer. The event creates real connection”. As part of their educational outreach, Artists in Our Midst Society connects young people with local artists through their Lord Byng Secondary School art partnership program, helping to forge a new generation of art walk artists.

GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

Many artists have donated small 6×6 inch original artwork priced at $50 each for this year’s Art for All wall with proceeds towards supplies for Coast Mental Health’s art programs. Purchase these small originals at artist locations during the event. Preview a selection of pieces at the Kitsilano Farmers Market May 21 and on the event website. During the month of May, merchants and businesses in the neighbourhoods of Kitsilano, Kerrisdale, Dunbar and South Granville will once again show support for art walk artists by exhibiting their art in storefront windows.

Visit www.artistsinourmidst.com for event information, to download an event map, and to learn about the artists. Follow @westofmainartwalk on Instagram and Facebook for art sneak peeks and more.