VANCOUVER, May 25-26, 2024 – The Annual West of Main Art Walk Celebrates 31 Years Strong With Over 70 Participating Artists
For one weekend only, artists across Vancouver’s west side will once again open their art studios and gather at satellite venues for an open studio tour and sale. From internationally recognized artists to some of the city’s emerging talent, this free all-ages event offers a unique opportunity to enjoy art and engage with artists. From Point Grey to Main Street, and from Granville Island to 41st Avenue, meet artists and learn about their work and processes.
To fully enjoy this self-guided event, visitors can map out their weekend in advance and preview this year’s artists at the event website: www.artistsinourmidst.com Both a printed map and a Google interactive map are available.
Though the West of Main Art Walk has grown since its 1993 launch as Artists in our Midst, the open studio tour & sale is still one of the city’s most intimate art events. “We’re inviting the community into our creative spaces, often our homes,” notes artist and event Chair Alice Philips who has participated since 1997. “We are sharing our artistic processes and the story behind our creations.” Artists include painters, potters, sculptors, fabric artists, photographers, and more.
The West of Main Art Walk, presented by Artists In Our Midst Society, has evolved in recent years to include a wider reach of artists from across the Lower Mainland. Visitors can expect to visit both west side art studios as well as satellite locations where artists are set up for the event. Artist Olga Campbell explains, “Early on, the event was mostly neighbours meeting neighbours but has since grown and with many new people attending each year. The event creates real connection across the city. Visitors enjoy an experience that goes far beyond a gallery visit.” As part of their educational outreach, the Society connects young people with local artists through their Lord Byng Secondary School art partnership program, helping to forge a new generation of art walk artists.
GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY
Art For All Fundraiser
Many artists have donated small 6×6 inch original artwork priced at $50 each for this year’s event. Proceeds help support Coast Mental Health’s art programs and a scholarship for a Lord Byng High School art student. These pieces can be purchased at Kits House, 2305 W. 7th Ave. during the event. During the month of May, merchants and businesses in the neighbourhoods of Kitsilano, Kerrisdale, Dunbar and South Granville will once again show support for art walk artists by exhibiting their art in storefront windows.
Visit www.artistsinourmidst.com for detailed event information including the event map. Follow @westofmainartwalk on Instagram and Facebook.
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. Initiative for the art walk, Vancouver’s very first, came from artists Pnina Granirer and Anne Adams. Since then, this unique event has inspired many other art walks around the Lower Mainland. Artists in Our Midst 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
