White Rock has an artsy ambiance. Homes have a multi-dimensional architecture that puts ultra modern beside traditional cottage; gardens are crammed with bright, colourful flowers and art permeates public places.
Public Art in White Rock There's a coveted Dennis Wyland 21m/69ft Whale Wall, and a slew of flamboyant and whimsical murals by local artist Elizabeth Hollick on bus shelters, electrical boxes, and even washrooms. The murals have seen a marked reduction in graffiti.
White Rock Art Galleries Many venues such as the Coast Capital Theatre and community centre include rotating art exhibitions and a public arts program that's gathering momentum. Five Corners is emerging as a fledgling gallery row, anchored by White Rock Gallery (1247 Johnston Rd), a high-end fine art gallery for paintings, sculpture and ceramics. At the other end of the scale is 4Cats Arts Studio (1195 Johnston Rd), that's geared to teaching kids about art by trying their own hand at everything from Picasso and Monet to Andy Warhol. The Jenkins Showler Gallery (1539 Johnston Rd) represents the work of over 40 new and established Canadian artists including Toller Cranston, Robert Genn, Toni Onley and Robert Davidson, one of Canada's most respected and important First Nations contemporary artists.
White Rock Studio Tour The hillside houses and condos in White Rock are home to a surprising number of artist studios; many are open year round (by appointment) though once a year, artists such as Judy Jordison, Elizabeth Hollick and Kathy McDonald organize an open-house tour. It's a free, informal affair which includes painters, sculptors, potters, photographers, jewelers, glass and mixed media artists. For maps and information, contact the White Rock Visitor Centre.
Mikelson Mind & Matter Art Gallery Late painter Arnold Mikelson earned considerable international recognition for his work in promoting the arts. Established in 1966, the Mikelson Mind & Matter Art Gallery is set amid three acres of garden near White Rock in South Surrey, and features wood sculpture, paintings, pottery, glass blowing, soapstone carving and more. It is the driving force behind an annual Christmas show as well as a long-established summer festival when more than 100 artists display their work in the woodland garden including paintings, sculpture, batiks, silk dye screens and crafts demonstrations.
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