Free public studio tour and sale reminds us artists live next door

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The West of Main Art Walk is turning 30 this year.

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Over 60 participating artists will be taking part in Vancouver’s longest running open studio tour and sale on May 27-28 (11 a.m. – 5 p.m.).

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From Point Grey to Main Street, and from Granville Island to 41st Avenue, acclaimed and emerging artists will be on hand to talk about their work and offer up pieces, including painting, pottery, photography, and fabric, for sale at this free event.

The West of Main Art Walk is the work of the organization Artists in Our Midst. Co-founded in 1993 by Pnina Granirer and Anne Adams, the organization is made up of artists dedicated to bringing public awareness to art created in the community.

“In 1993, when the event began, the only places where people could see art were the Vancouver Art Gallery and some private galleries,” said Granirer via email.

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“These were places where people would walk in and look at the art without ever meeting the artist. There was a cold, intimidating distance for the visitors; nobody to talk to and understand what the artist had in mind and what was the story behind the paintings.

“Opening our studios to the public, enabled people to create a direct contact with the artists. We called the event Artists in our Midst, in order to emphasize the fact that one’s neighbour might be an artist that one could visit in a friendly encounter, ask questions about the process of creation and the ideas behind the art,” added Granirer.

The event has grown in size every year and has inspired similar projects in other communities.

“It was so inspiring,” said Olga Campbell, an artist who attended as a patron in year one and soon joined the event.

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“Early on, it was mostly neighbours meeting neighbours. It has since grown and many new people to the city and province have added a new layer. The event creates real connection.”

As mentioned earlier, this walk is a great chance to speak directly with an artist about their process and get the backstory to a piece that may have caught your eye.

“Taking home a painting after talking to the artist about the process and the details of creation, means a lot more than buying it without meeting the artist,” said Granirer adding: “I had some interesting experiences with visitors, who asked many questions and gave me their own input and interpretation. This would have never happened in a gallery.

“Not only do people buy art, but sometimes they return for more the following year. “

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