SPRING EXHIBITIONS
MOA presents To Be Seen, To Be Heard: First Nations in Public Spaces, 1900–1965
The Museum of Anthropology (MOA) at UBC reopens its doors to the public on June 13, 2024 at 5pm, following an 18-month closure that saw the successful completion of cutting-edge seismic upgrades to its Great Hall, coupled with updated interpretations and new displays of Northwest Coast Indigenous art. As part of the reopening, MOA will present the world premiere exhibition of To Be Seen, To Be Heard: First Nations in Public Spaces, 1900–1965, on display until March 30, 2025, in the Museum’s Audain Gallery. The immersive, multi-media exhibition explores the diverse ways that First Nations people in BC represented themselves as Indigenous in urban public spaces, during the period of potlatch prohibition and other forms of erasure in Canada. Looking back through rich archival material reveals the diverse ways that First Nations worked to be seen and heard striving to have their rights recognized—rights to their lands, their laws and their future. For admission details and exhibition information, visit: moa.ubc.ca
(Museum of Anthropology, Jun. 13 - Mar. 30)
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)
there hidden, far beneath and long ago.
Moozhan Ahmadzadegan.
Opening | Thursday, February 20 | 6 PM to 8 PM.
Running February 20 to April 5, 2025.
Moozhan Ahmadzadegan is an artist based on the unceded and traditional territory of the Syilx Okanagan People, also known as Kelowna, BC. His artistic interests center on themes of queer culture, Iranian diaspora, and cultural in-betweenness. This spectrum of ideas serve as a point of access to deepen his understanding of contemporary social issues. Ahmadzadegan’s practice encompasses painting, screenprinting, textiles, and installation practices. Through these mediums, he investigates how we respond and engage with the colonial, social, and cultural structures that shape identity on personal, national, and public scales.
In there hidden, far beneath and long ago, Ahmadzadegan examines traditional Iranian art such as Persian miniatures, patterns, rugs, architecture, and poetry, and reimagines them through a queer lens. This approach symbolically carves out space for queer narratives within historically heteronormative frameworks, addressing the erasure of queer identities in various contexts. These themes resonate with the increased condemnation of queer people felt globally, including within his immediate community, in so-called Canada, and by the present government of Iran—the contemporary source of his influences.
By queering traditional Persian visuals and narratives, Ahmadzadegan reinterprets, reimagines, and reconfigures these elements to create new meanings and queer-inspired narratives. there hidden, far beneath and long ago emphasizes creative play and experimentation, allowing Ahmadzadegan to move away from overtly literal interpretations and embrace fluidity. His work serves as an entry point for exploring critical dialogues surrounding queer identity, diaspora, and cultural hybridity. Through this approach, he invites viewers to engage with these themes in nuanced and open ways.
(grunt gallery, #116–350 East 2nd Avenue, Vancouver, Feb. 20 - Apr. 5)
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)
Diaries: More Than Words
Artists Dana Justine Belcourt & Victoria Klassen reimagine the diary - a record of our thoughts & encounters as we navigate the world - moving beyond the limits of words into a visceral visual experience. Dana Justine Belcourt creates a visual archive of their daily life, capturing impressions of people, buildings, graffiti & animals they encounters on daily walks through their Downtown East Side neighbourhood. Seemingly disconnected images overlap like fragments of memories, pulling together what has made an emotional impact on them into sparsely composed surreal dream-scapes. As a woman of Cree & Métis heritage, Belcourt hopes other women of colour will see their own thoughts & feelings about love, displacement, grief & connection reflected in these works. Victoria Klassen incorporates the notes & drawings left by her late great uncle Clarie into her layered abstract mixed media paintings. Clarie avidly listened to short wave radio & would write musings & make sketches on the things he heard. Photocopies of his notes are worked into her paintings, layered with her own explorations of colour, line work, collage & mark making. Klassen aims to share this unexpected connection she found with Clarie & to give him the voice he was unable to share while alive.
(Kay Meek Arts Centre, 1700 Mathers Ave, West Vancouver, Mar. 4 - Apr. 13)
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)
In Harmony
Painters Therese Joseph, Lynn Li and Zimu Li express their personal searches for balance with tradition, culture and themselves through lyrical and striking images featuring nature symbology.
Therese Joseph creates acrylic & mixed media paintings in which she designed feathers in a striking spectrum of colours, shapes & patterns, as a metaphor for humanity - each feather is uniquely crafted & beautifully distinct, much like people, with its own role & purpose. Trained in traditional Chinese brush painting, Lynn Li's work is characterized by a harmonious use of colour, delicate brushstrokes & thoughtful compositions that offer us an unfettered view of her subjects, inviting connection & a sense of unity with nature & the human spirit.
Zimu Li's work blends the traditional techniques of Chinese painting with contemporary visual art practices, much like her own journey navigating the cultural landscapes of China & Canada, in which she explores the intersection of animal symbolism & mythological allegory. Presented by West Vancouver Community Arts Council.
(Silk Purse Arts Centre, 1570 Argyle Ave, West Vancouver, Mar. 12 - Apr. 6)
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
Crazy8s 2025 Gala Screening and Afterparty
Crazy8s Film Society is proud to present this celebration of 6 new short films—made by 6 inspiring filmmaking teams in just 8 exhilarating days—at our annual Crazy8s 2025 Gala Screening at The Centre in Vancouver. This also marks Crazy8s’ 26th year since the very first screening in 1999. Following the Gala Screening, head over to Science World for your time to shine at our "vaudeville at the movies“ inspired Afterparty—Vancouver’s largest single-evening film and television industry party!
(The Centre in Vancouver, 777 Homer Street, Vancouver, Mar. 29)
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)
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)
