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Tips From Travellers

East End Art

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Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Artists & Art Galleries

Vancouver Art Gallery
The natural landscape in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region encompasses everything from stunning oceanfront to towering peaks. A connection to these awesome surroundings is no doubt what inspires the hundreds of artists who live and work here.

Originally it was BC’s Aboriginal peoples whose artwork celebrated the beauty of this place. Several renowned galleries are dedicated to presenting the area’s Aboriginal art, displaying impressive totem poles, masks, carvings, paintings, jewellery and crafts.

While exploring the region, tour a local gallery, or visit a studio where you can usually meet the artist. The Purple Banner Route marks more than 65 home studios and galleries that welcome visitors along the scenic Sunshine Coast.

Many communities put their love of art on public display, with pieces of artwork adorning parks and other prominent locations. Others celebrate the arts with annual festivals.

Popular Art Galleries

On the Sunshine Coast, be sure to stop by the Gibsons Public Art Gallery as a great introduction into this very arts-minded community.

Further up the coast in Sechelt is the Sunshine Coast Arts Centre. This facility, housed in a unique log structure, boasts two exhibiting areas and up to 12 annual exhibitions by contemporary local and off-coast artists.

The Jenkins Showler Gallery in White Rock features fine contemporary Canadian art. Every piece is an original, including works by well known landscape artist Toni Onley and acclaimed Haida artist Robert Davisdon. Atrium Shows through the summer months are kicked off with opening receptions attended by the artist.

Aboriginal Art

Aboriginal art is featured in galleries and is on public display throughout the region. Visit Aboriginal cultural centres, tour community museums and galleries, and admire totem pole displays.

Among the galleries not to be missed are the respected Khot-La-Cha Art Gallery and Gift Shop, established 40 years ago on the Capilano Reserve in North Vancouver; the CRS Trading Post in Britannia Beach, featuring works by local Coast Salish artists; and the Tribal Spirit Gallery in Langley, with its large display space and vast array of artwork. Also check out Gift of the Eagle Gallery in Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast.

Public Art

The community of Hope, located at the junction of Highway 1 and Highway 3, is known as the “Chainsaw Carving Capital” and boasts over 30 carvings displayed throughout the district. Most depict the area’s plentiful wildlife, and others capture its pioneering past.

In Abbotsford, located off Highway 1 east of Vancouver, be on the lookout for the many murals painted on buildings all over the city. Most reflect the nature of the business or public building they adorn. Several pieces of bench art and a handful of statues can also be found here. Follow the self-guided Arts, Culture & Heritage tour.

Marine life artist Wyland has painted 100 “Whaling Wall” murals in cities around the world. One of the earliest Whaling Walls (the fourth), depicting a family of Grey Whales, can be seen in the city of White Rock. Nearby, admire the “fence art” along Johnston Road, and don’t miss the striking totem poles on display at east beach.

The city of Surrey, adjacent to White Rock, is home to around 30 pieces of public artwork and an additional 40 murals. Watch for it at local beaches, parks, and in random locations around the city.

Artistic Communities

The Sunshine Coast is well known as an artist haven. The tranquility and beauty of the coast inspire painters, sculptors, woodworkers and fibre artists, among others. The coast is even home to a natural perfumery. This area has one of Canada’s highest per capita ratios of artists, artisans and craftspeople.

The Purple Banner Route runs from Gibsons at the south end of the Lower Sunshine Coast all the way to Lund at the north end of the Upper Sunshine Coast, including a stop on Savary Island. Purple banners mark galleries and home studios, indicating that the space is open for public viewing. Among the more unique venues is a fibre arts studio housed in a yurt!

Picturesque Bowen Island is another extremely artistic community; it has a population of fewer than 3400 people, yet it serves as home and workspace for over 400 artists. See everything from local paintings, photographs and jewellery to locally crafted musical instruments. Bowen is only 20 minutes by ferry from West Vancouver.

Art Festivals & Events

The multi-day Wild at Art Festival in Squamish features established and emerging artists in multiple exhibitions. In addition, take in a musical performance, see a film or live theatrical performance, or participate in a workshop.

The Gibsons Landing Fibre Arts Festival on the beautiful Sunshine Coast has been going strong for over a decade. See exhibits that include everything from basketry and weaving to paper arts and woodworking. Watch a demonstration, or attend a workshop to pick up a new skill (or hone an existing one). And be sure to pick up a handmade memento.
 

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1. Vancouver Art Gallery - Vancouver

Order Free Insider's GuideProperty Logo 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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