SPRING EXHIBITIONS
Architecture of Memory: featuring the work of Valerie Pugh
Architecture of Memory is a solo exhibition of recent works by Valerie Pugh. Utilizing the interdisciplinary mediums of painting, sculpture, collage, and installation, Pugh explores themes of memory, home, imagination and dreams. Inspired by Gaston Bachelard’s book, The Poetics of Space, Pugh negotiates the distortion and formation of memory and explores how a lived experience is pieced back together during the act of recollection. Memories, which are often abstract in form, are represented as gestural swaths of vivid colour and generous layers of mark making. These abstractions are then constructed into recognizable architectural forms.
(The ACT Arts Centre, 11944 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, Jan. 11 - Apr. 19)
Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art presents Kihl ‘Yahda Christian White: Master Haida Artist
Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art presents the Vancouver premiere of the retrospective exhibition Kihl ‘Yahda Christian White: Master Haida Artist, on display February 1, 2025 – February 1, 2026. The exhibition is an expansive examination of the multidisciplinary Haida artist – whose work ranges from intricate argillite carvings and monumental sculptures to ocean going cedar canoes and gold and silver jewelry – as well as his lifelong commitment to the preservation and celebration of Haida stories, songs, and dances. The exhibition will also feature numerous carved works created in collaboration with eight of White’s key apprentices, representing the next generation of contemporary Haida artists. A series of public programs, featuring White and his apprentices, will take place during the exhibition’s year-long run - including an artist talk, a panel discussion, and art demonstrations. For admission information and complete event details, visit: billreidgallery.ca
(Bill Reid Gallery, Feb. 1 - Feb. 1, 2026)
Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art presents Spirit of the Ancestors
Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art presents the West Coast premiere of Spirit of the Ancestors, on display from February 12 - May 4, 2025. A retrospective exhibition of multi award winning Tahltan Nation artist Terrence Campbell, Spirit of the Ancestors will span his extraordinary 35-year career -- from his early beginnings to his current creations -- showcasing his singular artistry, largely inspired by his ancestors and his deep connection to the spirit world. Campbell began training in Northwest Coast art at the age of 22 under prominent carvers Demsey Bob and his sister, Dale Campbell. The exhibition will display Campbell’s distinctive and innovative style through a collection of his paintings, cedar carvings, and exquisite jewelry work -- for which he is best known. His silver jewelry combines a unique blend of traditional Northwest Coast and Southwestern design details in each of the one-of-a-kind pieces. Patrons are invited to the opening celebration at the gallery on February 12 from 6 to 8 pm, where Campbell will be in attendance. For admission information, visit: billreidgallery.ca
(Bill Reid Gallery, Feb. 12 - May. 4)
Nuxalk Strong: Dancing Down the Eyelashes of the Sun
The Museum of Anthropology (MOA) at UBC presents the world premiere of Nuxalk Strong: Dancing Down the Eyelashes of the Sun, on display at MOA from February 21, 2025–January 5, 2026. This first-of-its-kind exhibition is dedicated to showcasing the rich culture and worldview of the Nuxalk Nation, an Indigenous community that has lived and stewarded land on the central coast of BC for more than 14,000 years. Featuring treasures and artworks housed at MOA, and loans from six participating museums, private and Nuxalk family collections, Nuxalk Strong will highlight the resurging strength and sovereignty of the Nuxalk Nation as it heals from colonization. Witness how the community is reclaiming and restoring the knowledge found within their masks, regalia, weavings, and carvings for living and future generations. MOA will celebrate the opening of the exhibition on Thursday, February 20, from 6 to 9pm, with free museum admission for all. To learn more about the exhibition, visit moa.ubc.ca
(Museum of Anthropology, Feb. 21 – Jan. 5, 2026)
MOSAIC REVIVAL:Three Contemporary Expressions
MOSAIC REVIVAL: Three Contemporary expressions bring together the works of three internationally acclaimed mosaic artists from British Columbia: Daryl Wood, Lilian Broca, and Maria Abagis. Join the artists for the exhibition opening on Thursday, May 1, 6pm-8pm, and for their artist talk Saturday, May 24, 2pm - 4pm.
Shining the spotlight on this ancient medium; these artists challenge the viewer’s perception of what a mosaic is, and its relevance in the art world today. Mosaics, the art of arranging small pieces of coloured glass, stone and ceramic to create intricate images, has played an important aesthetic, cultural and historical role throughout the millennia. While lesser known in North America, there is a growing community of mosaic artists in Canada, many of whom are making a splash and a name for themselves on the international stage, including the artists in this exhibit.
CityScape Community ArtSpace is a free gallery.
(CityScape Community ArtSpace, 335 Lonsdale Avenue, May. 2 - Jun. 6)
Vessels- Art of the Feminine
Vessels – Art of the Feminine is a textile project that explores the female form as a vessel, symbolizing both strength and societal expectations placed on women’s bodies. Through sculptural stitched vessels, similar to ancient ceramic pots and urns, the work critiques the pressures of conformity and the historical framing of women’s identities. Each piece is crafted using repurposed materials, intricate stitching, hand dyed fabric, and advanced surface design techniques that integrate traditional and contemporary motifs, symbols, and text that reflect the societal pressures experienced by women throughout various stages of life. By contrasting these historical forms with modern representations of women's experiences, the project addresses contemporary issues such as gender expression, personal and physical autonomy, and women’s empowerment. This feminist artistic exploration invites viewers to reflect on the resilience and complexity of the feminine experience, encourages cross-cultural dialogue, and reflects on the evolving role of women in society, fostering deeper connections between art, history, personal stories and experience.
(Craft Council of BC, 1386 Cartwright st, Mar. 6 - Apr. 24)
Art Rental
North Van Arts is excited to unveil the new 2025 Art Rental Collection with the Art Rental Show!
This salon-style exhibition will feature a great variety of techniques, styles, and subjects as diverse as the artists. Media include watercolour, acrylic, oil, and mixed media painting, woodcut and lithograph prints, photography, and more.
The works range in size from small to extra large – perfect fit for any space! Staging your home, decorating your office? Visit the show, find the work that moves you, and rent or buy it right off the wall! Monthly rental fees range from $10 – $60, with over 350 works of art to choose from.
(CityScape Community ArtSpace, 335 Lonsdale Avenue, Mar. 8 - Apr. 19)
The Museum of Anthropology (MOA) at UBC presents VALUE: Rebecca Belmore at the Museum of Anthropology
The Museum of Anthropology (MOA) at UBC presents a solo exhibition of internationally-lauded contemporary Indigenous artist Rebecca Belmore in VALUE: Rebecca Belmore at the Museum of Anthropology, on display from May 15–October 19, 2025. The exhibition offers an examination of four important works from the Anishinaabe artist’s four-decade career, which embody Belmore’s persistent critique of the ongoing condition of colonialism. Through these four large-scale installation works, Belmore challenges our notions of collective value defined by colonial institutions and contemporary social structures, prompting visitors to reflect and, perhaps, redefine their own understanding of value in terms of our relationship to land, water, objects, and, ultimately, to one another. The four works will be displayed in spaces throughout MOA. To learn more about the exhibition, visit moa.ubc.ca
(The Museum of Anthropology, 6393 NW Marine Dr, May. 15 - Oct. 19)
Arts Whistler's Anonymous Art Show
Experience Whistler’s most extensive collection of community art all in one place! View 350 8 x 8-inch works from legendary Sea to Sky creatives and up-and-coming talent. The Anonymous Art Show has everything from metalwork to 3D clay designs, oil on canvas, and even knitted pieces! Artist names have been kept anonymous, so spend an afternoon deciphering their creative identities.
Whether you’re seeking a creation from a highly sought-after artist or searching for the perfect piece to fill a void on your walls, the Anonymous Art Show is an exciting opportunity to buy impressive original art produced in the Sea to Sky corridor. See a piece you like? Anonymous Buying Night returns April 4!
(Maury Young Arts Centre, Arts Whistler, Mar. 21 - Apr. 26)
Beyond Botanical
The vegetation around us is often overlooked & taken for granted, consumed or disposed of. Lens based artists Axel Breutigam & JanaLee Cherneski offer us new ways of looking at plants, fruits & vegetables through dynamic image making - to appreciate their own rich existences & our interconnectedness. Axel Breutigam reimagines humble vegetables & fruits in ways that go beyond their conventional identities. Through intentional motion blur & dramatic lighting, he seeks to convey a sense of fluidity & ephemerality that reflects the fleeting nature of life itself. JanaLee Cherneski spent this past summer & fall, diving into a nearby lake everday to capture the underwater plants, documenting their lifecycles through reflections, sunlight, motion & bubbles that changed the colour & quality of the water; illuminating & disrupting the images.
(Kay Meek Arts Centre, 1700 Mathers Ave, West Vancouver, Apr. 15 - May. 18)
OTHER EVENTS
Cherry Blossoms: A Textile Translation 2025
Spring is here with the return of 'Cherry Blossoms: A Textile Translation', the 16th annual exhibition of textile art inspired by the cherry blossom. Marvel at the beautiful & intricate works of art created by 31 talented artists in a variety of mediums & techniques including quilting, embroidery, dying, felting, sculpture, appliqué, weaving & more through contemporary & traditional approaches & styles. Free drop-in artist demos every weekend. Co-produced by West Vancouver Community Arts Council & Vancouver Guild of Fibre Arts.
(Silk Purse Arts Centre, 1570 Argyle Ave, West Vancouver, Apr. 9 - May. 4)
Textile Art Demos with Artists from Cherry Blossoms: A Textile Translation
Get an up-close view of artists at work! Artists exhibiting in Cherry Blossoms: A Textile Translation will demonstrate a variety of textile art forms & techniques in the gallery. Check out the incredible work they're doing while learning about their process. These artists are happy to share tips & information. Free! Drop-in. Weekends throughout the exhibition from 1 - 3 pm. Presented by West Vancouver Community Arts Council.
(Silk Purse Arts Centre, 1570 Argyle Ave, West Vancouver, Apr. 12 - May. 4)
VIFF Live: Night Moves: Street Photography and Poetry by Rodney DeCroo
Rodney DeCroo is a singer-songwriter, playwright, poet and screenwriter. To mark the publication of his first collection of street photography, Night Moves (Anvil Press), this will be a multimedia event with slides, poetry, music, film and conversation. Night Moves is a gritty, touching and truthful portrayal of contemporary urban life. With his poet’s eye for detail, DeCroo faithfully captures the living character of East Vancouver, especially the pulse of the Commercial Drive area that he has called home for the past 30 years.
7:00 pm — Social mixer (VIFF Atrium)
7:30 pm — Introduction and slide show: Images from Night Moves
7:45 pm — Conversation with Mike Usinger on the art and ethics of street photography, followed by Q&A and intermission
8:30 pm — Poetry, Music and Short Films with Rodney and his band, The Wise Blood
(VIFF Centre, 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver, Apr. 23, 7:30 p.m)
VCT Visual Arts Open House
Vancouver Civic Theatres is proud to present a free Visual Arts Open House in the lobbies of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. The current visual arts exhibition features work by Marisa Mary Myrah and Yasmeen Strang.
This free event will include a 6:30pm artist talk and musical performance throughout the evening by Ivan Hartle.
(Queen Elizabeth Theatre, 630 Hamilton St, Apr. 30)
WORKSHOPS
Intro/Continuing Watercolour
Saturdays, February 1st–22nd
This class provides a solid foundation in watercolour techniques through accessible exercises, ideal for beginners and beneficial for all levels. It covers essential basics, boosting confidence before exploring more advanced themes.
Continuing Watercolour
Saturdays, March 1st–22nd
Building on February’s techniques, this class focuses on birch trees. The first session reviews foundational techniques, while subsequent classes guide participants in creating three paintings, each showcasing unique aspects of this inspiring subject. By the end, students will have a visual library of birch tree techniques.
Note: Completion of the Intro class is required for the Continuing class. If you took the Intro class in Fall 2024, you may register directly. Both sessions offer valuable insights for artists of all levels.
What to Expect:
• Techniques: Practice wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, glazing, lifting, and more.
• Visual Library: Build a collection of birch tree techniques.
Skills Learned:
• Master washes, advanced glazing, and texture creation.
• Apply composition and color theory effectively.
(Maplewood House, 399 Seymour River Pl, North Vancouver, Feb. 1 - 22 & Mar. 1 - 22, 10:00 a.m - 1:00 p.m)
Weekend Painting Workshop - Unique Grounds, Not Gesso!
Open up your world and explore these cool Grounds! (Normally, it is Gesso, the white stuff that seals your canvas).
Learn about NEW alternatives: Micaceous Iron Oxide, Sandable Hard Gesso, Fibre Paste, and Absorbent Ground.
So much FUN!
You will create four small paintings using mixed media materials and techniques.
Sonya is a certified GOLDEN Artist Educator
(Sonya Iwasiuk, Apr. 19 & 20)
Weekend Painting Workshop - Colour Mixing: Tints, Tones, & Shades!
Expand your colour mixing knowledge and create a painting! Learn how to create beautiful and rich tones, tints, and shades. Using your newfound skill and glazing techniques, you will be guided through the creation of a beautiful 16x20 Lawren Harris inspired landscape.
Sonya is a GOLDEN Artist Educator and a Mixed Media Master!
(Sonya Iwasiuk, May. 17 & 18)
Weekend Art Workshop Learn How to Draw!
Enhance your ability to draw. Learn how to look and successfully transfer your subject to the page.
Practice techniques like blind contour in the studio, then draw in the local community gardens.
Carve your line drawings into plaster on a wood panel, then stain & seal it. Finish by painting using GOLDEN Fluid Acrylic Glazes.
Sonya is a Certified GOLDEN Artist Eductor
(Sonya Iwasiuk Art Studio, Jun. 21 & 22)
Ongoing Mixed Media Art Classes - Join Anytime!
Join Art Classes in Vancouver Anytime!
For beginners to practicing artists. Perfect for all levels of artists!
Start your creative journey or take your paintings next level!
Learn mixed media techniques with the Mixed Media Master!
If you don't have supplies, use mine!
(Sonya Iwasiuk, Ongoing)
