Have you ever wondered what a day at Art Downtown in Vancouver is like? Let us show you.
A day at Art Downtown starts at 11 a.m. By this time, artists have set up their displays and works of art in all styles and colours decorate the plaza. Curious art lovers cycle through the exhibit all day. Meanwhile, artists bustle back and forth between creating new works, connecting with the public and one another.
While Art Downtown is only in its second year, the 2021 season looks a little different. We’re working out of two new venues this summer: the Jack Poole Plaza and Convention Centre Seawall, and šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square (Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza).
Jack Poole Plaza has been a popular venue among our exhibitors so far. They are able to interact with one another with ease there. Not to mention it offers a break from the summer heat, boasting shade and a cool ocean breeze.
Another perk of this location is the nearby Van Gogh Exhibit, which draws many art lovers to the area.
Art Downtown at Jack Poole Plaza & Convention Centre
šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square is also a fantastic place to engage with our local arts and culture lovers. Art Downtown offers a creative change of pace for downtown workers and visitors alike.
Artists at this location love the interaction between their work and the built environment. The brick walls and trees at the plaza create a unique aesthetic that elevates artists’ displays.
Art Downtown at šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square beside the Vancouver Art Gallery
One thing we’re especially excited about with Art Downtown this year is the amount of returning artists we are working with. We love our local arts community and are so pleased to watch that community grow through the connections our artists are making with one another and with the wider Vancouver public. One of our exhibitors, Kevin “Freakshow” O’Quinn, recently noted, "If you're an artist and you're unsure of yourself, [Art Downtown is] a great way to put yourself out there and get honest feedback from people.”
Spending the day talking with our exhibitors, watching works in progress become new masterpieces, and connecting with our creative sides makes 5 p.m. roll around way too soon. Some days our artists have had so much fun they didn’t want to pack up for the night!
Luckily we know there are many more days of Art Downtown to come. We hope to see you there.
Art Downtown
June 16th - September 30th
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Seawallšxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square
Vancouver Art Gallery North Plaza
Tuesdays 11 AM - 5 PM
Jack Poole Plaza and Convention Centre
Wednesdays & Fridays 11 AM - 5 PM
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By Jana Rolland