Silk Purse Arts Centre

Silk Purse Arts Centre & West Vancouver Community Arts Council

The West Vancouver Community Arts Council, established in 1968, is a not-for-profit organization that advocates for both visual and performing artists. Our mandate is to provide opportunities for people to enjoy and participate in cultural activities, deliver visual, literary and performing arts programs, foster interest in our diverse cultural heritage, and promote the many talented individuals living and working in our community.

Since 1991, the WVCAC has occupied the Silk Purse Arts Centre, a waterfront art gallery and studio that was originally built as cottage in the 1920’s.

Exhibitions

The WVCAC presents 12 exhibitions a year in the intimate Silk Purse Gallery, as well as 6 exhibitions in the lobbies of the Kay Meek Arts Centre. Exhibitions are an exciting mix of media and styles by established and emerging artists exploring a variety of engaging subject matter and themes.

Performing Arts

The WVCAC presents dynamic and entertaining live performances including the biweekly Classical Concert Series, Jazz Waves summer festival and monthly North Shore Storytelling Cric? Crac! in the intimate Silk Purse with a beautiful waterfront backdrop surround by stunning artwork. Singing By The Sea, a drop-in community choir takes place right next the gallery in John Lawson Park during the summer.

Arts Education and Enrichment

The WVCAC offers opportunities to explore your creativity and develop skills by participating in workshops with local artists/instructors or watching an artist demo; while also delivering the thought provoking Creative Voices speaker series.

First Thursdays Art Walk

Working with local partners, the WVCAC presents the fun and enriching First Thursdays Art Walk, a self-guided tour of our local galleries & public art from May through September, inviting the community to discover & celebrate visual art & local artists.

Community Art

Every August the WVCAC invites the community to take part in a collaborative work of temporary public art. Professional artists are commissioned to design innovative & interactive art pieces that require you to help complete it.

Art Box Shop

Visitors can find a wide variety of unique work by local artist and artisans in the The Art Box, located in the Silk Purse, including cards, pottery, jewelry and more. In November The Silk Purse is transformed into the Gifted Holiday Artisan Market with a dazzling array of gifts.

Supporting Local Arts Groups

The WVCAC makes the Silk Purse available for local arts and culture groups, guilds, music studios to rent at a moderate cost.