Vancouver Artists & Art Galleries
Vancouver Art Gallery
The city of Vancouver offers a wide range of experience when it comes to art. There are many reputable galleries to entice the serious art collector, as well as all manner of public art displays to appeal to the art lover in all of us. The Vancouver Art Gallery is the city’s premier destination for innovative contemporary art displays and significant pieces of historical art. See the works of local, British Columbian artists as well as major international icons. Admire British Columbia’s distinct Aboriginal artwork, either in a gallery setting or on public display. The city is also home to several artsy neighbourhoods where visitors can take in multiple displays and/or galleries in close proximity to one another. The collection of artisan shops on Granville Island is a prime example.
Popular Art Galleries The Vancouver Art Gallery is located in a gorgeous, turn-of-the-century heritage building in Vancouver’s downtown core. It offers four floors of display space, and houses Canada’s largest collection of the works of Emily Carr. A new world-class exhibition is presented every few months. Take an insightful guided tour or explore independently. To admire the intricate beauty of Aboriginal art, don’t miss the fabulous Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art , also located in downtown Vancouver. Head to the city of New Westminster and tour the unique Van Dop Gallery. Wander through the Van Dop’s contemporary home and garden to view works by over 100 artists in media ranging from watercolours to metals to fibres.
Aboriginal Art The Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art celebrates the work of contemporary Northwest Coast artists, with a focus on the work of master goldsmith, carver and sculptor Bill Reid. Highlights include Reid’s magnificent Mythic Messengers (a large bronze frieze) and many pieces of gold and silver jewellery crafted by Reid. The Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia campus is a must-see. Towering totem poles and other masterpieces are beautifully displayed in a large open space with floor to ceiling windows. There are also several pieces displayed outdoors on the museum grounds. See many works of Aboriginal art at the Vancouver International Airport, including welcome figures, totem poles, and several pieces of sculpture. Stanley Park is home to a collection of open-air totem poles touted as BC’s most visited attraction. Several other galleries in the city specialize in Aboriginal art, including galleries that focus on works by Inuit artists from Canada’s Arctic.
Artistic Neighbourhoods
One of the best places in Vancouver to revel in original artwork is Granville Island . Explore all kinds of artist studios, many of which allow visitors to watch the artist at work. View live glass blowing, printmaking or carving, listen to live music, even taste artisan sake. The renowned Emily Carr University of Art + Design lives here too. Check out one of the university’s three public galleries.South Granville Rise (on the south side of the Granville Street Bridge) boasts more than 20 galleries and antique shops spread out over just a few blocks. The street is commonly referred to as Gallery Row. Gastown , the birthplace of Vancouver, is another area with a large number of galleries. Gastown is particularly known for its assortment of Aboriginal art. Art-focused communities in the suburbs of Vancouver include Port Moody , known as the City of the Arts; New Westminster , home to the acclaimed Van Dop Gallery; and West Vancouver , bursting with specialty boutiques and galleries near the ocean.
Public Art Among the city’s exciting public art initiatives is the Vancouver Art Gallery ’s new Offsite outdoor exhibition space, located at the base of the Shangri-La Hotel. Every six months a new project will be presented highlighting local and international contemporary artists. The Vancouver International Biennale is a bi-annual event that sees open-air sculpture and New Media displays installed throughout the city for a 22-month period. Some of the world’s most respected artists are featured in this popular event. Stroll around the city and discover hidden treasures in the most seemingly unlikely places. Sometimes the buildings themselves are works of art.
Art Festivals & Events Artist studios are opened to the public during a number of festivals around Metro Vancouver. Examples are the Eastside Culture Crawl, a three-day event held in November in Vancouver’s east side, and Doors Open Richmond, a two-day event held in May in Richmond , south of Vancouver . In other festivals, local artists show their stuff in public spaces such as parks. In June, for example, New Westminster ’s Moody Park fills with artists and performers for the Arts in the Park festival. Farmers’ Markets are another great place to pick up a locally crafted piece of art.
Highlights
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750 Hornby St Vancouver, British Columbia V6Z 2H7
A world-class art encounter waits at the Vancouver Art Gallery. Located in a stunning, turn-of-the century heritage building in the heart of downtown Vancouver; the Gallery showcases 4 floors of inspirational art pleasures including Canada’s largest collection of beloved artist Emily Carr’s work, to ever-changing world-class exhibitions. Plan a perfect day at the city’s top cultural attraction. Enjoy engaging tours, a classic yet casual dining experience at the Gallery Café, a to-die-for Gallery Store & much more. The Vancouver Art Gallery is a “must-visit” & an integral part of the Vancouver experience.
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