West of Main Art Walk

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West of Main Art Walk, 2022

This year's event kicks off with a two-day Preview Exhibition & Sale on May 18-19 at the Roundhouse Community Centre - Yaletown. Open daily 10-9pm. There is an evening reception with artists May 19^th from 7-9pm where the public can learn about the artists and their art and plan their weekend art walk.

Many artists have donated small 6x6 inch originals priced at $50 each for the Art for All wall with proceeds towards supplies for Coast Mental Health’s art programs. The community is then invited to fill their weekend with art at the Open Studio Tour & Sale May 28-29, open daily 11-5. From internationally recognized artists to some of the city’s newest emerging talent, this free event is an opportunity to explore and engage with artists in their individual studios and throughout artist hubs in the community from Point Grey to Main Street, and from Granville Island to 41st Avenue. 

Visit www.artistsinourmidst.com for event information, to download an event map, and to learn about participating artists. Follow @westofmainartwalk on Instagram and Facebook.

Though the West of Main Art Walk has grown since its 1993 launch as Artists in our Midst, Vancouver’s longest running open studio tour & sale is still one of its most intimate.

“We’re not only inviting the community back to engage with our work,” notes Alice Philips, a participating artist since 1997 who now chairs the event, “in many cases, we’re also inviting them into our homes.” 

Over 80 artists will share their work this weekend, including painters, potters, sculptors, fabric artists, photographers, and more. Visitors will enjoy a wide range of artists and spaces with enough time to see them all at a relaxed pace.

“You have the chance to take in a lot of art while not feeling that rush and pressure to take it all in at once,” says Philips.” There’s time for conversation and contemplation, and a real opportunity to spend time with the artists whose work you’re bringing home.” 

Over the years, the Art Walk has evolved to include both studio tours and artists’ hubs. This evolution speaks to issues around studio and housing affordability on Vancouver’s west side. Bringing artists together at points across the city is economical and practical. Aberthau Community Centre in West Point Grey is the Art Walk’s newest pop-up hub with over 20 artists under one roof. At this venue, meet artists from across the Lower Mainland exhibiting their work.

This year, visitors can expect to see many familiar faces as well as more than 30 artists new to the walk. First time participant Jan Rankin notes, “I was offered an opportunity to participate at Aberthau, one of the neighbourhood hubs. Joining other artists at this beautiful venue offers a broader audience for my art which really appeals to me.” Artist Gary Nay explains, “The Art Walk allows visitors to engage in a conversation with the artist, to learn about their art process or approach, and to hear the story behind a piece.” This exchange enhances the relationship between the visitors and the artwork, giving more life and meaning and connection to the work and providing a greater experience than simply going to a gallery. 

“It was so inspiring,” recalls Olga Campbell, an artist who attended as a patron in year one and soon joined the event to welcome the community into her space, too.“

Early on, it was mostly neighbours meeting neighbours. It has grown in recent years, and many new people to the city and province have added a new layer. Everyone is so friendly and very interested in the work. 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. A selection of student works will also be on exhibit at the Roundhouse.   

About West of Main Art Walk

Artists in Our Midst is a dynamic group of artists dedicated to bringing public awareness to art created in our community and to promoting visual art in Vancouver. In 1993, artists on Vancouver’s West Side opened their studios to the public, starting a vital dialogue that continues today as the West of Main Art Walk. It has built lasting relationships between the public and artists outside the more formal museum and gallery settings with a mandate to promote art education and to provide opportunities for community members to enjoy and enrich their lives with visual art. www.artistsinourmidst.com