Artists & Performers - Vancouver Outsider Arts Festival

Visual Artists

Alini Garcia

Alini Garcia

An emerging abstract artist with Brazilian roots, currently based in Vancouver, Canada, Alini passionately explores urban elements and expressive colour palettes in her artwork. After moving from Brazil to Vancouver, she was inspired by the vibrant art scene and environment in the city, which motivated her to start painting. With a +10-year career in marketing, she has always sought to showcase the creative side of her mind. Her goal is to transcend cultural and language barriers through her art. Starting as a self-taught abstract artist in 2022, she has continuously improved her skills through education. In 2023, she attended the Modern Art & Ideas program offered by The Museum of Modern Art, further enriching her artistic perspective. Through the medium of mixed media, she skillfully brings together urban elements and vibrant colours, aiming to achieve a harmonious fusion of energy and movement. This fusion serves as a reflection of her artistic vision, evoking a sense of equilibrium and captivation in her compositions.

Andrea Grey

Andrea Grey lives in Kwikwetlem and works from the here and now Since being diagnosed with Bipolar 1 disorder with psychotic features in 2011 (pathography), she has iteratively re-uncovered her extraordinary experiences. Her neurodiversity identity, or consciousness orientation is transconscious, meaning non-volitionally, iteratively, she exists outside the bounds of consensus reality. As a ‘channeler’, she ‘feels’ information and constructs ‘momentary meaning’ and neologisms. Graysexual, sapiosexual, and/or suprasexual (co-creativity) characterize her sex-indifference status. She endured five years of chronic fatigue partway through earning a Cell & Molecular Biological Science degree from Simon Fraser University. The conglomeration of losing attachment to the scientific paradigm, learning about wellness through self-study, and a fair sprinkle of tribulation, the universe decided she best go crazy, reorganize her mental models, and unfold her original nature. During her reeducation she discovered she’s connected with a beautiful mystery she refers to as Gaia. Emerging as a visual artist photographer, Andrea shares synchronistic moments through her portrait-scapes of Gaia, or ‘Gaiagraphs.’ Always on hand, she utilizes her trusty smartphone to capture the apophenia—meaning: to appear, make known, provide evidence—and ask “I don’t know, what am I seeing?” Andrea perceives an omni-dimensional subjective meaning and hypothesizes this is one of the neurodiverse capacities that humanity is longing for to usher in the age of meaning in place of the present age of information and technological acceleration. Her photos, whether Gaia, nature, macro, reflections, or a forest extrapolate to her ‘ecstasography,’ or narrative of the influence of apophenia, special messages, awe, and synchronicity on one’s possibility.

Andrew Woods

Andrew Woods

My name is Andrew Woods and I’m a photographer and digital artist from Coquitlam. I have had a long experience with mental health and substance abuse issues that once prevented me from following through with my career ambitions and life goals. Over the past 3 to 4 years, however, as I’ve focused on my recovery and learned to adapt better to the stressors in life, I have had new opportunities to zero in on my goals, my passions, and focus more on my artistic ambitions. Although my post-secondary education is in business, my passion has always been the arts. When I was younger, I did a lot of creative writing – primarily as a therapeutic outlet, but also as a freelancer. By my mid-20s, I had developed a strong desire to become a full-time writer. However, I wanted to explore other artistic avenues… and in my early 30s I discovered photography and digital art. Initially, photography was a therapeutic passion. It got me out of the house, following many years of isolation, and got me engaged with the world around me. Photography later became one of my most effective therapies and enabled me to connect with various arts-oriented communities and organizations. Later, around the start of the pandemic, I decided to enroll in traditional drawing lessons. From there, I began sketching and learning to make digital paintings with various programs such as photoshop, clip studio paint, and krita. And in the past year, I have been taking online classes in 3D modelling and animation. In 2021, I exhibited at VOAF as a first-time exhibitor. Since then, I’ve done a couple of small local exhibitions, and I am very excited to be back at VOAF in 2023!

Ania Salmina

Ania Salmina

Ania is a mixed-media artist who incorporates unique strokes and a variety of vibrant colours to her figurative and abstract work. The most interesting part of Ania’s art career is happening right now as she is on a quest to discover her artistic identity. Ania’s journey as an artist began at the young age of 11 when she started art classes. Gouache still lifes, nature paintings, clay practice, and engraving prints were the things around her for the 6 years of this stage of education. Later, when Ania reached high school, her interest shifted to Architecture. During the next 8 years, she mastered graphic skills by drawing human anatomy, advanced geometric shapes compositions, and architecture drawings. After graduating with a Master of Architecture Ania stand by her skills in visual art for long 8 years. She was an Architect, a wife, an immigrant, and a mom. In 2020 while the world went crazy with the pandemic Ania was in the middle of sweet motherhood time. Calmly drawing every day in a living room studio between her mother’s chores she used her time to develop a unique way to capture people with huge hands and tiny heads. Ania names them “drawing jokes”.

Ben Roback

Ben Roback

A Vancouver-based artist struggling with madness and working in a style of his own devising. Ben’s style is a hyper-detailed pattern, that by virtue of flow, contour, gestalt and texture, creates a cellular grid. These cells then get filled with D.N.A.-like information broken down to the simplest geometric shapes and extended into space with parallelism all to create a larger image. Much like how innumerable events add up to create an experience. Ben has been honing this style over the years pushing its boundaries. Originally, he created outlines that he coloured in with felt pens. Reminiscent of 70’s ‘doodle art’ coloured with his grandma, this style then evolved into an underpainting in watercolour with the pattern meticulously delineated on top.

Blip Photography

Daughter of a “wanna be” opera singer and a never- was country music superstar, Barbara-Lynn was given her first camera at the age of 10 to keep her occupied while on a family trip to the Montreal Olympics. She has been taking pictures ever since to make up for her lack of ability to carry a tune. She has spent 30 plus years working behind the scenes as an Arts Administrator for organizations such as The Playhouse Theatre Company, Ballet BC, and the VIDF and is stepping onto the stage with her first exhibition of her own form of creative self expression. Following a major health scare, being diagnosed with a debilitating anxiety disorder and a post pandemic career change she is upping her brave and leaping onto the stage to showcase her accumulation of photographic works from her weekly recovery walks. Inspired by the works of photographers like Michael Tighe and Nikki Sixx who used photography as a means of expression and of recovery from addiction, her work focus on the impermanence of graffiti art and the incongruity of found objects. She is motivated to capture what she sees before it is removed, covered over or thrown away in hopes that what she captures will change the perception that street art and graffiti is not an act of vandalism but an act of art and beauty.

Brandy Mars

Brandy Mars

Since 2016 I have been running the gayest lil’ gift shop in all the land. My collection of art includes over 350 pieces aiming to bring representation to the LGBTQIA+ community. I have written and illustrated 2 children’s books. The product line has extended to home goods, clothing, as well as the classic posters, canvas prints, sassy sapphic candy, and greeting cards. My artwork was in Vogue, Vanity Fair, The Toronto Star, Snowpiercer Season 3, and an LGBTQ TV show currently being shot in Los Angeles. June 2022 was my first solo art exhibit in Vancouver, Canada. I participate in many local community events including Vancouver Pride, The East Vancouver Dyke March, East Side Pride, and various community art shows including the curated Vancouver Outsider Arts Festival, the curated Next show at the Cultch, and as a vendor at the 2022 Vancouver Mural Festival.

Cathy Watters

Cathy Watters

Cathy Watters is an emerging artist whose work has shown in Vancouver, Toronto and Nova Scotia. With roots in both the East and West coasts of Canada, this self-taught painter -- working primarily in acrylics and watercolour -- draws her inspiration from nature, life in the Maritimes and the Lower Mainland, artists like Maude Lewis and Emily Carr, online art trends and a driving curiosity. As a potter and self-taught sculptor, she took up pottery ten years ago and now sells her work at Pop-up Markets, Studio sales, online and teaches at a community centre. She enjoys using clay to transform ideas and imagination into 3D. Cathy’s work leans towards the whimsical, and her goal is to help create positive emotional energy through the creation of items that are cute, colourful and fun.

Colin Mitchell

Colin Mitchell

Colin Mitchell received his BFA from the University of Lethbridge in 1999, and has been exhibiting work since then through numerous group and solo exhibitions in Vancouver and elsewhere throughout BC. He has been a guest instructor at Elementary schools, and taught publicly on many Art topics in addition to recently graduating from SFU with a BEd and becoming a High School teacher. His work is in public and private collections around the globe. Some of his more frequently used mediums are Acrylic, Collage, Oil and Oil Pastel, and he often blends Sculpture into his work creating Multi-Media wall-mounted assemblages.

Courtney Lee

Courtney Lee

Courtney is an emerging, self-taught Canadian artist based in Vancouver, B.C. She creates acrylic paintings inspired by human connection whether that be over food, drinks, travel or a combination of all three. Courtney has had a paintbrush in hand since she can remember and being creative has always been a part of her life. In the last year of her psychology degree, she took an elective on Baroque art. Thus began her obsession with Carravagio and an appreciation for still-life paintings. One year later she moved to London, UK and spent 2018 exploring the rich art history Europe has to offer and of course, eating delicious food. After feeling isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic and almost losing a parent to cancer she hopes her art celebrates human relationships and highlights the moments we often take for granted.

Daniel Poggenpoel

Daniel Poggenpoel

Daniel Poggenpoel is a South African born and raised artist that has been living for over the last decade in Vancouver, Canada. His work is solely black and white oil on canvas, and he uses predominantly oil-based sharpies to get his effect. His body of work is influenced by many styles, the main ones being street art, graffiti, cartoons and comics.His subject matter is playful with a touch of darkness stemming from a rough but happy upbringing in Cape Town,South Africa. Although not being a professional artist he spends any available time when he is not working on pursuing his passion for art and has been continuing to do this the majority of his life.

Erin Audley

Erin Audley

Erin was created in the mid-1980s, in Vancouver, BC. A filmmaker and artist, she spent most of her life telling stories and creating new worlds whilst surrounded by small woodland creatures. After a period of upheaval and unrest, Erin has returned to the place where she is from. It is here that she currently resides with a cat and her husband.

Federico Airaudo

Federico Airaudo

Federico Airaudo is an Ecuadorian painter recently based in Vancouver, Canada. His paintings story common-place encounters that shape public life in Guayaquil, Ecuador’s bustling industrial port-city. Federico’s visual stories inherit and recharacterize the tensioned socio-political undercurrents of Guayaquil in non-literal ways. Using ultra-bright colour and humour, his paintings highlight the distinct yet overlapping cultural realities of the city in ways that are playful, perverse, and particular to this place.

Glenn Hesse

Glenn Hesse

Living in Vancouver is a blend/juxtaposition of urbanism and nature, a combination that inspires me to depict the social and material environment of the city. Creating paintings that spark conversations on all levels provides me with the impetus to continue producing works of art. Glenn is a current supporting member of the Canadian Federation of Artists and a recent graduate of Emily Carr University Continuing Studies in Painting, Fine Arts, and Illustration certificate programs.

Hazel Yuhang Zhang

Hazel Yuhang Zhang is an interdisciplinary artist based in Vancouver. Her art practice encompasses a diverse range of mediums and approaches, all rooted in her deep exploration of the intersection between the environment, community, and personal identity. One significant aspect of Hazel's earlier artistic endeavours was her focus on the relationship between architecture, landscape, and folding. She delved into the intricate ways in which architectural structures shape our experiences and perceptions of the world. By incorporating elements of folding, she explored how these structures can both physically and metaphorically transform, revealing new dimensions and perspectives. Within her artistic practice, Hazel finds immense fascination in the inherent connection between landscapes and identity. She investigates how landscapes not only reflect our identities but also actively participate in shaping them. Through her work, she seeks to unravel the complex interplay between individuals and their environments, and how these interactions shape notions of self and belonging. Hazel recently completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in the visual arts program at the University of British Columbia, further refining her artistic skills and conceptual framework. Her dedication and talent have earned her the opportunity to showcase her work in esteemed venues such as the Hatch Art Gallery and Gallery Gachet in Vancouver, BC, Canada. These exhibitions have provided her with a platform to share her artistic vision and engage in meaningful conversations with diverse audiences, fostering a deeper understanding of the themes she passionately explores in her practice.

Email:hazelzhangyh@gmail.com

Jaclyn Lord-Purcell

My work touches on the surreal, the strange and the extraordinary. It is chaotic, frivolous and energetic all at once. My art is immediately abstract, different and alternative. I create art primarily to express my feelings and make sense of the human experience; additionally, to provide clarity of the past and former versions of self. The art is designed to feel extra, overwhelming and heavy. The constant flux of the creative world is what attracts me. Fringe culture, edge dwellers and alternative lifestyles are what keep me interested. When it’s all said and done I ask, why paint what you can already see?

Jasper Berehulke

Jasper Berehulke is an indigiqieer artist from the Syilx Okanagan Nation. Throughout his BFA undergraduate studies at UBC, spanning from the Okanagan campus to the vibrant art scene of Vancouver, Jasper found inspiration in the powerful themes of heritage, community, and personal identity. He has been open about his queerness for over a decade, including being out as a transgender man for 5 of those years. He works mainly in oil paints and charcoal. He has experience working in the animation industry. Recently he has been taking cultural techniques to create his own pigments for his work. The blend of colonial institutions and working with traditional materials represents his artistic journey until the present.

Justine Clark

Justine Clark

Justine Clark grew up in Kingston Jamaica where she was exposed to colour through her culture and everyday life. Naturally, she began to transfer the art seen around her onto paper and began her journey into painting. Art was the first means of communication that Justine developed, and she expressed herself with anything she could get her hands on. Justine has always been passionate about helping others which can be seen through her background in social service work, volunteer work, and charity events. Now, she uses art to help heal people by bringing their shadows into the light. As a self-taught artist, Justine explores themes of identity and self-discovery through colourful paintings that focus on the human figure and abstract ideas. Currently, Justine works out of Langley, BC where she mostly uses acrylic and oil paints to create her standout pieces.

Email:contact.justineclark@gmail.com

Kaela Ho

From a young age art has given Kaela a creative outlet to visually express the thoughts and feelings that she has struggled to do so verbally. In her art world Kaela incorporates childhood and current interests to create imaginary environments. Her goal is to make a space where people can escape their reality and be engulfed in a different world. Kaela’s inspirations include stories, plants, movies, history, and pop culture. She has always been interested in dolls and clowns, so those visual motifs show up in her art frequently. Kaela often incorporates patterns and bright colours inspired by African and Asian art. She is a first generation Canadian, born to South African Chinese parents. Kaela is currently living in Richmond, BC, and is studying Visual Arts at Emily Carr University of Art and Design with a focus on drawing and painting. The Vancouver Outsider Arts Festival will be Kaela’s first time showcasing her art.

Katalina Guerrero

Katalina Guerrero is a Mexican-Canadian Vancouver based artist with multicultural roots. Her artistic endeavours represent a life-long journey of learning and healing to her, and include informal and formal training. Her initial explorations were guided by her father, a Mexican landscape painter, and by exposure to the talented indigenous artisans of Mexico. Her formal training includes a Textile Arts Diploma from Capilano University and a BFA from Emily Carr University of Art and Design. Katalina´s artistic work explores the subjective experiences of embodied existence. Many of her paintings and textile collages include abstractions of the human body which attempt to connect, communicate and bring the viewer into contact with their own experience of embodiment. These shape-shifting transformations often explore how we are connected to the world, how the world affects us, and how this exchange shapes our identity.

Komal Saxena

Komal Saxena

Komal is an artist based in Vancouver, specializing in fusion dot mandala art while actively exploring various other styles. Her artistic journey began with a deep curiosity for patterns and symmetry. As an artist who finds joy in the realms of mandala and abstract geometric art, she strives to create visual experiences that transcend the boundaries of the ordinary. Her artistic expression is a fusion of intricate mandalas and captivating geometric forms. She believes that the artist lives on in the things that they have created. They lead into people, new objects, and places with their hands. She has always loved the idea of how things speak. The teapot can say -” Hello, please hold me this way”. To touch art at an art gallery is a way of feeling the love of the artist. And to hold a brush in the hand is a way of expressing the light and energy of creating something new, something beautiful. In the convergence of mandala and abstract geometric art, she finds a profound connection between the spiritual and the rational, the mystical and the logical. Through her creations, she hopes to ignite a spark of curiosity and inspire others to explore the intricate tapestry of existence, where patterns emerge, order arises, and the profound beauty of the universe reveals itself.

Lee James Abbott

Vancouver-based multi-disciplined artist Lee James Abbott explores the role of relationships in our lives—the ones with our friends and family are important, but often undervalued are the ones with ourselves. Through his abstract paintings and printmaking, Lee explores our complicated inner monologue.

LeiGh Press

Leigh Press finds incredible beauty in animal friends and nature, especially birds: their flight and sense of freedom are inspirational in her work as a self-taught visual artist and photographer. Creating art makes up a significant part of Leigh’s identity as a person- it is her passion and she feels an intrinsic need to constantly keep creating. Art acts as an outlet for Leigh, helping her process and navigate through joy as well as adversities such as grief and loss. Making art gives Leigh a sense of purpose and brings her life deeper meaning and an appreciation for her surroundings that she may not otherwise have, if not for being as attuned to things through a unique and creative lens. In 2018, Leigh participated in three art shows: ‘Space Cased’, ‘CONNECT 10th Annual Art Show’ and ‘Colours of Mood’. In 2021 Leigh was in ‘Vancouver Outsider Arts Festival’ as well as ‘The 24th Annual Eastside Culture Crawl’. Leigh feels excitement and great appreciation mixed with a sense of vulnerability in sharing something so personal, her art (an extension of herself) with others during VOAF 2023.

LittleBenefit

Calen, also known as LittleBenefit, is a Chinese-Swiss-Canadian artist situated in Vancouver and is completing his Fine Arts Diploma Program at Langara College. Originally interested in film and photography, Calen wanted to explore other ways of artistic expression and found himself gravitating toward urban art forms. Nowadays, Calen works mainly in 2D through illustration, print and design. As an art student, Calen has had the chance to work in multiple media, including painting, ceramics, public art and printmaking, and with this experience is looking to further his education in the Visual Arts.

Madison Gill

Madison Gill

Madison Gill is a multimedia visual artist. She spent the first 9 years of her life in Maple Ridge before ultimately settling in Vancouver, where she concurrently lives. She’s always had a love for both drawing and painting, in addition to her affection for writing, both stories and poetry since childhood. As a young girl she taught herself to draw and paint. While struggling with some serious mental health and addiction issues throughout her adolescence and young adult years, art became not only an escape but also a way to process pain and cope with emotional turmoil. While her work has noticeably evolved over the years, it always retains the same surreal dreamlike characteristics. Madison was featured in 2 events hosted by Hot Art Wet City in 2016 and 2018, and was most recently featured in the Vancouver Outsider Arts festival in 2023.

Mahdieh Pourghannad

Mahdieh Pourghannad

Mahdieh (Matia) is an abstract figurative artist who passionately connects to the world through her art. Born and raised in Iran, a country rich in history and art, Matia's paintings reflect the depth and cultural influences that have shaped her artistic journey. Initially drawn to the mysteries of the universe, Matia pursued physics as her major in university. However, as she neared the completion of her Bachelor of Science degree, she discovered a profound inner connection to the world through art, prompting her to embrace her first love. Matia dedicated five years to studying drawing, painting, and the foundations of art at Karim Nast Art School. Additionally, she delved into the study of art history under the guidance of Ruyin Pakbaz, further expanding her artistic knowledge and perspective. As an artist, Matia primarily works with acrylics, appreciating the medium's ability to quickly transfer her expressions onto the canvas. However, her artistic repertoire extends to include a wide range of mediums, from pastels to collage and printmaking. Her bold brushstrokes, juxtaposed with the delicate and tactile nature of her figures, imbue her paintings with a unique and captivating quality. Since 2010, Matia has exhibited her suspenseful and thought-provoking artwork in various shows throughout the Middle East and Canada. Her evocative creations have garnered attention and admiration from audiences and art enthusiasts alike. Currently based in Richmond, Matia not only pursues her artistic endeavors but also shares her knowledge and passion as an art teacher. Through her teachings, she inspires and nurtures the creativity of aspiring artists, leaving a lasting impact on the local art community.

Marianne Powley

Marianne Powley

I was born in 1976, in Vancouver, BC and currently live in the neighbourhood of Kitsilano. I am a self-taught artist and a true Vancouverite having lived here my whole life, on nature’s doorstep. When walking, everywhere throughout the city, my surroundings inspire me. Creating my ART and being in nature is an outlet for my creativity and allows me to manage my anxiety, depression, and other medical diagnosis; and familiar difficulties in life we all share. My daily art practice means I am drawing in sketchbooks, or using specialty art papers, card stock. I am using multiple types of pens, markers, and pencil crayons. I am painting with acrylic paint pens on canvases. My subject matter is always evolving each time I am feeling creative. My themes include images from nature (birds, fish); abstract designs (circles, boxes, zentangle, neurographical styles/random patterns). I will put all types of themes into one piece of work where my passion for color and design shines throughout. The art of creating takes patience and time to draw each line by hand, place any mixes of color into each piece of art. My Black, White images make excellent copies, then you can decide to use assorted colour combos. All art is unique because there are layers where images are viewed in all directions depending on what the viewer sees. Creative ART is always open to interpretations.

Email:maepowley@gmail.com

Marko Hirny

Marko Hirny

I paint when I feel nostalgia or a recollection of the past from an object . Abandoned old farm equipment, a steamboat, I feel these are very beautiful. An old locomotive with old wagons, antique store, or some rusting buildings still standing in the city, these are the things I’m drawn to capture. I’m a self taught so whenever I draw, it is always a learning process.

Mason Meghji

Mason is BIPOC artist who resides on the Unceded Coast Salish Territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. Mason has been painting since they could hold a paintbrush. Identifying as a proud nonbinary transgender man, I have been in love with watercolour and acrylic painting for a long time. I have had a tough couple of years personally, and I have always found that when it comes to struggling to find the words to identify how I feel (even as a poet), painting serves as a way for me to express that. The colours, the vibrancy, the movement, the texture, the blending - I love how none of it requires words, just pure expression and extension. As a sick and disabled person, finding spaces to create and share my art has often been a struggle because of the lack of inclusivity. I deal with fibromyalgia, ME, Pelvic Pain Syndrome, POTS, and a TBI to name a few and as a chronically ill person I was so excited to hear about this festival to bring forward expressive arts for sick and disabled people like myself, as well. The road has not been easy and my hope is that the future is brighter for all spoonies. I am a passionate social worker and as well as being a visual artist, I am also a poet and I am passionate about providing ways for children and youth to access arts in schools. I love what I do and my dream is to become a therapist providing support to communities I am a part of. Supporting transgender communities is something that is deeply important to me as earlier on in my life, resources for transgender people, especially as a brown person were so scarce, at least fifteen years ago and I dream of a better world for transgender and non-binary children and youth. I am thirty-two years old, I live with my dog, I have a partner I love and I dream of a world that is safer, more loving and accessible for racialized, sick and disabled and LGBTQ2S+ Peoples. My favourite flavour of ice cream is lemon meringue-pie (with pie crust pieces). I hope my work inspires and moves you in some way, and encourages you to create and express yourself, too. Pick up that brush and paint up a storm!

Max Mueller-Langer

Max Mueller-Langer is an East Vancouver creator, known for his proficiency in various artistic mediums. Initially, his passion lay in the world of freelance filmmaking and editing, which he pursued after graduating from Emily Carr University in 2017. However, when the pandemic swept across the globe, bringing life to a standstill and causing a scarcity of work, Max found himself at a crossroads. Confronted with the dual challenges of profound boredom during the isolation period of social distancing and an existential crisis surrounding his film career, Max decided to venture into uncharted territory. He picked up a paintbrush, determined to create something to pass the time. Little did he know that this small act would set in motion a remarkable transformation. What began as a solitary painting soon multiplied into a series, and the series quickly grew to encompass an entire portfolio. Through this process, his artistic journey took an unexpected turn, revealing his true purpose and passion. He realized that visual art had been his calling all along, patiently waiting to be discovered. Currently, Max operates from the comfort of his home studio in East Vancouver, where he immerses himself in his craft. Working primarily with acrylic-based mediums, he skillfully explores a range of themes within his artwork. His creations delve into existentialism, stoicism, real-life experiences, and the intricacies of the human condition. Inspired by the artistic styles of visionaries like Salvador Dali and Jean-Michel Basquiat, Max combines his influences with his own creative perspective to produce captivating and thought-provoking pieces. Through his artistic endeavours, he invites viewers to embark on a visual journey, provoking introspection and contemplation of some of life's deepest questions.

Nickole Lewis

Nickole Lewis

Nickie Lewis is an artist residing on the unceded lands of the Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam first nations people, also known as Burnaby B.C. She specializes in eco-friendly art created entirely out of natural organic materials such as cedar sticks, moss, jute twine, and yard waste. She endeavors to spread joy through her magical, whimsical sculptures. Her most recent public art projects include; a solo exhibition at the PoMo Arts Center in Port Moody, a 12 sculpture project for the city of New Westminster, a 5 sculpture exhibit in the Burnaby Blooms festival, and 2 large scale projects through the ArtStarts program as an Artist in the Classroom grant recipient.

Nicole Parekh

Nicole Parekh

Nicole (Nix Nax) is a self-taught multidisciplinary artist and expressive arts practitioner who lives, works, and plays in East Vancouver. Nicole believes that art-making and creativity are part of a healthy lifestyle, and enjoys experimenting with most creative art forms. Painting, drawing, mixed media sculpture, textile arts, photography, writing, casual crafting, singing, and guitar playing are currently their favoured mediums. The arts have been a lifeline to Nicole throughout the ebbs and flows of life. Art contains multitudes, and Nicole believes deeply in the power of the arts to support people in connecting more deeply and authentically with themselves and with the world around them. With a curiosity-driven, process-based, intuitive, and spiritual approach to art making, one of Nicole’s favourite questions to muse upon is: “What is art?” Nicole had a life-changing experience in 2014 while visiting “Collection De L’Art Brut”, an outsider art museum located in Lausanne, Switzerland. Realizing that this was the kind of art that she had been making her whole life, Nicole began to embrace an identity as an outsider artist. Nicole is thrilled to be part of this year’s Outsider Art Festival and share their art within the context of this amazing and inclusive community.

Rowan Wright

Rowan Wright

Rowan Wright is a graphic designer living with ADHD. In 2021, he moved to Vancouver, BC, to attend Emily Carr University School of Art + Design. He graduated in May 2023 with his Bachelor of Design with a major in communication design. As a teenager, Rowan had trouble understanding the world around him, especially “social norms” and relationships to people, until he was diagnosed with ADHD in April 2019. While this helped him identify his perplexing behaviors, he noticed that other people had a difficult time making sense of the condition. This revelation sparked his journey in addressing how people with ADHD live with the condition. His goal is to help them not feel isolated. Rowan creates using digital software such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, as well as Procreate, then prints his work using a Risograph, a specialized printer that utilizes highly pigmented inks. Currently, he is promoting his work Visualize, a book that explores ADHD using empathy through experience.

Sandra Yuen

After developing a form of schizophrenia at age 15, Sandra earned a Fine Arts Diploma from Langara College and a bachelor’s degree from the University of British Columbia in art history. She is the recipient of the Courage to Come Back Award and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for overcoming severe adversity and giving back to the community. Under the pen name, Sandra Yuen MacKay, she is the author of My Schizophrenic Life: The Road to Recovery from Mental Illness, Chop Shtick and From New York to Vancouver: Stories on the Fly co-written with James D. Young. Currently, she is a drummer in a band named Beautiful Losers and exhibits locally. She has worked as an artist for over 15 years, residing in Vancouver, BC. Her work is in collections in North America. Currently, she is working on a book of poetry.

Email:smackay849@gmail.com

Shamsah Mohamed

Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, it was common to see tourists walking in town with their cameras. I first became excited to “shoot” pictures myself when my older brother got his first camera, but he wouldn’t let me use it because he was scared that I would damage it. When I look back at my childhood pictures in Kenya, I am impressed by the moment that has been captured forever and this is what I enjoy most about photography. Well, life moved on, my family and I immigrated to Toronto, Canada in 1974 after the Ugandan exodus but we returned to Nairobi, two years later. Again, those tourists and their cameras were everywhere! We immigrated to Canada once again in 1981, this time to beautiful Vancouver! Growing up in Kenya, it was easy to be drawn to the local landscape; the wildlife that flourished on the savannah, as well as the varied plants that thrived along the sunny equator. Hence my interest in biology grew and that led to my BSc. in Biology from the University of British Columbia. I hope one day to return to Kenya to take pictures of the wildlife, including the beautiful Baobab trees; Hibiscus in bloom, huge Aloe Vera plants, and yes even the amazing, huge 7 feet high ant hills! Well, interests change, after some traveling around the world and walking around Vancouver, I started to notice more and more and miss more and more the old style of architecture. With the advent of skyscrapers dominating the skyline of every major city, I began to take particular notice of the heritage buildings. No matter how often I walk by Sinclair Centre, the Dominion building or the Altamira, I am intrigued and inspired by their architecture. This interest in historical architecture followed me to my trip to India. I shot a lot of photographs of the beautiful historical architecture in India. This showing of photographs highlights some of the beautiful buildings of India in particular, the world-famous Taj Mahal (Agra), Qutb Minar (Delhi), and the Delhi Jama Masjid. The Muslim rulers built the largest mosque in Delhi in red limestone. They then built Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb in a combination of red limestone and white marble. After this, Shah Jahan built the famous Taj Mahal in white marble quarried from surrounding Agra and precious stones from around India. This combination of photographs gives the viewer a small glimpse into the vast and varied architectural styles one can find in India, not only in these monuments but even in other historical buildings around India that have survived to this day. One can only be mesmerized by the intricate hand work of the artists as well as the multi-faceted colour and design of the historical sites. My hope is that the viewer will be inspired to visit these and other heritage sites in India, and around the world, in order to appreciate and admire the architectural wonders created by past generations.

Sheila Letwiniuk

Sheila Letwiniuk

Sheila Letwiniuk, a self-taught artist born in Toronto, Ontario, currently resides in Vancouver, BC, where she finds inspiration in the beauty of nature that truly captivates her heart. Cherished childhood memories spent at the cottage beside Lake Matchedash shaped Sheila's profound appreciation for the natural world. The sights and sounds of the forest, with squirrels scampering, bullfrogs croaking, and crickets chirping, remain vivid in Sheila's mind. From the enchanting melody of the Whippoorwill to the hoot of the owl that serenaded the night, these memories continue to fuel her artistic passion. Driven by a love for nature, Sheila embarked on memorable camping and hiking journeys along the British Columbia coast, through California, the interior of BC, and the Sunshine Coast. She seeks to capture the essence of both calm and stormy landscapes, evoking a range of emotions that people experience when immersed in the natural world. In her art, Sheila skillfully portrays serene scenes where gentle breezes sway wildflowers and the sun casts a warm, comforting glow. She also captures the raw power and intensity of storms, with dramatic skies. Through her brushstrokes and mixed media techniques, she invites viewers to feel the tranquility, excitement, and introspection that nature evokes. Sheila's talent and unique artistic perspective were showcased at the prestigious Outsiders Festival in 2019, where her captivating pieces garnered attention and admiration. Her art was also displayed at Christ Church, providing her with the opportunity to share her artistic insights through interviews with fellow artists. Additionally, Sheila has demonstrated her special techniques and insights at the renowned Blooms Festival held at Deer Lake. Sheila Letwiniuk's landscape mixed media artistry invites viewers to embrace the full spectrum of emotions that nature elicits, from serene tranquility to the powerful energy of storms. Her mixed media masterpieces serve as a visual and emotional journey, fostering a deeper connection between people and the natural world.

Tim Varro

Tim Varro

The foundation of my artistic background began when I was a young boy, naturally curious and observing -- learning as an apprentice within my family of 10 uncles and aunts, many of whom were skilled artists, builders and designers. Growing up and maturing in a creative environment enhanced and informed my understanding of the arts in life – and in my life. I will always remember August 16th 1977, as a day when my ride took a sharp turn with a life-changing car accident, and which coincidentally was also the day when “The King” Elvis Presley died. My spinal cord was damaged, presenting me with new physical and emotional challenges, limiting my energy and ultimately my spirit and mobility. The ensuing years of surgeries, countless medical procedures and treatments served to provide me with opportunities to look at my life through stages, and different lenses; the primary one being the lens of pain and discomfort that seems to be the one that clouds over the judgement lens, increasing the irritating, frustration lens and then the destructive lens of spiralling into self-doubt, loss and defeat. If I knew then what I know now, it wouldn't have been hard to figure out what I would have changed. I would have invested in better ‘lenses’. I find that my pain is the very thing that ignites my drive and feeds my desire to understand my life and tell people my story – my truth. Pain has played a huge role in my development by offering me possibilities to better understand what is important in life, how to live and fully appreciate a variety of experiences, and when to be grateful and know that I am blessed. I love this crazy life, but sometimes, I wish it were a smoother ride.

Tom Moody

Tom Moody

Recovering biochemist, longtime musical theatre enthusiast, late-blooming performer, Tom was the Leftist Marching Band's original first chair kazoo, or would've been, had the band employed chairs. In A Series of Unfortunate Events, you can catch Neil Patrick Harris think, "Name-dropper!" as he stares at Tom for a nanosecond. Since joining the Art Therapy Group at STEPS, Tom has veered towards such visual arts as painting, but it isn't their fault that he still draws less well than James Thurber ever did.

Trevor Buddin

Trevor Buddin

Trevor Buddin took a keen interest in art commencing in elementary school and while in high school started to sketch and do acrylyic painting. In April of 2009 he decided to fulfill his passion for art and enrolled in part-time studies at Emily Carr College of Art but had a life altering accident the weekend prior to the start of his classes. This accident resulted in Trevor sustaining a traumatic brain injury, partial vision and hearing loss. It was a long and painful journey from being in a coma to spending almost a year in the hospital and rehab having to relearn everything. He never forgot his passion for art and in 2015 he enrolled in part-time art courses at the Shadbolt Centre for Fine Arts and was proud to complete a painting which was placed on exhibition there. Throughout his recovery, Trevor has continued to turn to art for self-expression and healing and at the same time inspire others living with a disability. In addition, it has been a coping mechanism for his mental health illness. Although his vision doesn't allow him to sketch and paint as he once did, he hasn't given up his love of acrylic painting and now does abstract art. His artwork has been displayed at numerous coffee shops and art shows around Vancouver.

Email:t-bone51@live.ca.

Vee CR

Vee CR

Vee CR (@v.chorabik) is a Polish-Canadian artist living and working in Vancouver, the unceded homelands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm (Musqueam), sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səl ̓ ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-waututh) Nations. They were assigned female at birth (AFAB) and identify as Queer: non-binary, gender fluid, k!nky, pansexual, and polyamorous. Also, white, (dis)abled, and neurodivergent. Vee uses their positionality as an outsider in various contexts to understand a more nuanced experience of humanity, especially as a neurodivergent queer. They are a TRANSdisciplinary Artist & Educator with an MFA from Emily Carr University of Art + Design, 2021. Their practice includes installation, collage, drawing, painting, collaboration, research, writing, fun, and play. They use whatever medium best suits the conceptual and aesthetic nature of the project. Their work has been exhibited throughout North America. Their work was part of Yoko Ono’s Growing Freedom at the Vancouver Art Gallery 2022, they started their own artist collective The JAM Studios in 2022, and are exhibiting their solo show The Pursuit of PLAYsure at the Slice of Life Gallery November 23, 2023. Much of their work explores the complexities of romantic, platonic, community, and self-love with a particular focus on queerness and polyamory. Using art and education they aim to create a more LGBTQ+ and (dis)ability friendly world.

Performing Artists

Argel Monte de Ramos

Argel Monte de Ramos

Argel Monte de Ramos also known as Argel MDR is a Filipino-Canadian singer/songwriter from Surrey, Canada. He was one of the Top 10 finalists of CBC's Toyota Searchlight 2021 and the Music Category winner of Surrey Board of Trade's 2022 Surrey Art and Business Awards. When he was 15 years old, he moved to Canada from the Philippines with his family to seek a better life and opportunities. With Sam Smith, One Republic, and Original Pinoy Music (OPM) as his music influences, Argel wants to use the power of storytelling to inspire Filipino youth and other immigrants through his music and theatrical performances. In addition, he is an advocate of representation, anti-racism work, and inclusion. Argel's most recent single, 'Sail Away' was featured in Spotify editorial playlists, including Fresh Finds Philippines. Argel recently received a Pop Artist of the Year Nomination and an Excellence Award by a BIPOC artist from Fraser Valley Music Awards 2021 by CIVL radio 101.7 FM.

Cèsar Contreras

Cèsar Contreras

From South America, Vene C has been always involved with ancestral music, progressive ethno, whose trance inducing creations fuse ancestral and natural soundscapes with the design and aesthetics of our modern times.

Co-Creating Love

Co-Creating Love

Welcome to Co-Creating Love, a magical and transformative sound bath experience designed to promote healing, relaxation, and inner peace. Led by our skilled sound healers, Corus & Rhythm, our sound bath incorporates a variety of instruments carefully chosen to create a harmonious and immersive experience. Our sound bath features a beautiful blend of soundscapes, including the ethereal sounds of the Native American flute, the soothing vibrations of singing bowls, the enchanting tones of the handpan, and the earthy and angelic vocals of our sound healers. We also incorporate the healing power of nature sounds, adding an extra layer of depth and immersion to the experience. At Co-Creating Love, we believe in the power of sound and vibration to promote healing and transformation. Our sound healers are passionate about helping people connect with their inner selves, releasing stress and tension, and unlocking their body's natural healing potential through the power of sound. We invite you to join us on a journey into the heart of sound and vibration, and discover the transformative power of Co-Creating Love. Whether you are new to sound healing or an experienced practitioner, our sound bath offers a unique and powerful experience that will leave you feeling rejuvenated, refreshed, and connected. Visit our website, cocreatinglove.com, for more information and to book your spot at one of our upcoming events.

Eva Cho

Eva Cho

Eva Cho is a dancer and musical performer. She enjoys dance and singing since when she was 7 years old. She has been a traditional Chinese Dance performer since her younge age. She moved to Vancouver in 2010 from Regina where she taught teens and adults Chinese Folk Dance. Eva volunteers at Carnegie Centre to teach seniors Chinese Folk Dance. She joined Woment Rock at Carnegie and performs in various DTES venues.

Fairything

Fairything

Alex K. Masse, AKA Fairything, is a synthy, sapphic, singer-songwriter solo act (and probable changeling) making tunes to watch the sky to. Music is a longtime love of theirs, and they’ve been everywhere from Broadway Records crossovers to online multimedia collectives, from Vancouver Pride to working with the incomparable Penelope Scott. Much of their musical inspiration comes from In Love With A Ghost, The Scary Jokes, Tikkle Me, and the video games & cartoons they grew up on. These influences shine through in their unique melodies, poetic lyricism, and the dreamy, synthy sounds of their Suzuki Omnichord. When not making music, Alex is probably writing, working on their degree, or spreading magic in the local arts scene. They’re also a neurodivergent nonbinary lesbian, which greatly affects their process.

Hampton G

Hampton G

Hampton (they/them) is a composer, multi-instrumentalist, rapper, and multidisciplinary artist who has been making music their entire life. Their voice has been described as a cross between Moses Sumney and Brittney Howard and their music is predominantly composed on a Loop pedal using whatever instruments (or objects!) they can find. Their art is informed by their experiences living as a mixed, Black, trans, neurodivergent, disabled person and speaks to the oppressive violence enacted in our current colonial and capitalist social systems. The work is based in a constant critique of themselves, their community, and society at large.

Jerry LaFaery & Leef Evans

Jerry LaFaery & Leef Evans

We are building Pinatas. We are building Pantomimes. We have built a hollow creature, made from paper and plastic. We know nothing about our creature other than the way it looks; the way it seems. We, then, fill the creature with narrative candy we’ve seen fit to dump in its head. We think we are right but we may, just as easily, be wrong. We have also stitched a story from campfires, smart phones and urinal walls. We have endeavoured to Frankenstein the creature from hints and assumptions of cumulative gossip. The scissoring of flesh and tendon is guesswork at its best. But the product is compelling. And we’ve come to adore it like a blind and incontinent pet. We are generating receptacles for story and whimsy and purpose. We are building ghosts from cardboard and toilet paper, PVC and zap straps! We are then dumping salt-water taffy and broken parables into our phantoms with all the hieroglyphs, runes, candy and lint that we find in our pockets. We then set it to motion to see what words leak out. PENNYFARTHING. SANCTIMONY. CALUMNY. BANJO. SPANNER. We are, also, constructing votive piles, driven into silt to hang sour memories, to cure them in the wind and whispers and eat the resultant jerky. We tell stories that are made of wood and wire and string. We hang things on it and look for meaning. If we find no meaning we settle for sound. As sounds touch each other new thoughts tumble from the contact. Tumbled things touch other tumbled things and a soft shell is formed; a narrative calcium takes hold. It informs itself and fills its own holes and begins to be seen and to assume merit. Beowulf was once two bones touching in the fire. Jesus was once a clamshell. We laugh at the nonsense. We are puzzled by incongruity and ashamed of our thoughts. We think language is cemented happenstance. As such, we frolic in the absurd sand and say silly things and wear our nonsense like a codpiece. We are, obviously, pretentious! But pretentions are the province of the Artist Statement.

Joe Joe Johnson

Joe Joe Johnson

Joe Joe Johnson founded the original three-piece band, the J-C Band in the 60s, playing on the same stage as Jimi Hendrix. The J-C Band played in various clubs in Vancouver and surroundings, including the Smilin' Buddah. After the J-C Band broke up, J.C. continued writing songs, got air play on CBC and the local co-op station, and finally formed the band now known as the Jay Sea Band.

Kandy Roar

Kandy Roar

KANDY ROAR (they/them) is an indigenous, Cree, non-binary musician, who is a proud member of Peguis First Nations. Their debut EP, Demon Blues, has been funded in part by Creative BC, the Province of British Columbia, FACTOR Canada, and Canada's Private Radio Broadcasters. Their persona is an amalgamation of inspirations gathered from old school rock and roll, the early stages of blues, and their affinity for the strange. As an advocate for mental health awareness, they draw on their own struggles with mental illness and oppressive systems for lyrical wisdom, and believe in breaking down the stigma surrounding these topics. Fusing early 70s glam rock, and blues from the Great Depression era, their sound is both unique and nostalgic, with added oddities straight from their subconscious. Focusing on theatrical and engaging performances, Kandy Roar live is a powerful display of glam rock aesthetics infused with their own brand of gritty cathartic blues, embodying the likes of Elvis Presley, David Bowie, and Janis Joplin. Demon Blues is a concept album, intended to be listened to from start to finish, conveying a human journey that is part fact, part fiction, and part metaphor. Through a somewhat cynical view on what it takes to make it in this world, it reflects on how many are born with the odds stacked against them, leading up to the desperate predicaments some are found in while trying to cheat the failed system, and the overall consequences those negative ideals have. In the end, acceptance is forged through the misery, guiding the lost to the road ahead. The story of Demon Blues is inspired by the Faustian bargain, particularly the mythos surrounding blues legend Robert Johnson.

Mako Fujimoto

Mako Fujimoto

Originally from Japan, Mako moved to Vancouver in 2019 to pursue her professional acting career. Since then, she has made Vancouver her home. Mako initially turned to acting as a means of self-expression and protection. However, her passion for the craft has grown over time, and she now genuinely enjoys the art of acting itself. Mako strives to tell authentic stories through her characters, using her entire being—body, face, eyes, and voice. Acting, for her, is a mission to bring characters to life in the present moment and convey truth to audiences. She sees this as a lifelong endeavour. Mako specializes in classical and contemporary performing arts. Mako holds a diploma from the New Image College Acting Conservatory in Vancouver. While Mako had participated in numerous theatre performances in Japan, her official debut in TV and film came after she moved to Vancouver. In 2021, she successfully auditioned for the upcoming TV series "Shogun," produced by FX, securing a recurring guest star role as "Shizu No Kata." Mako has also worked in commercials, short films, and feature films in Vancouver. Her theatre credits span both Japan and Vancouver, and she is a new member of the Vancouver local idol production "Shooting Star Media." Recently graduating from NIC, Mako is thrilled to embark on her new journey. In addition to her performance at VOAF, she will be appearing in the IOCO player's latest musical concert-style performance, "Lullaby to Broadway," this summer. Outside of acting, Mako is a designer and owns her own design brand, participating in various local vendor market events. She also finds joy in burlesque dance and Japanese traditional dance, having showcased her talents in these areas as well. At the festival, Mako will present an original one-woman performance play. This experience is both exciting and challenging for her, as it marks her first solo performance. She is grateful for the opportunity to share this performance and express her appreciation as an “outsider” to the community of Vancouver.

Niki Kennedy

Niki Kennedy

Born and raised in Aotearoa New Zealand, Niki Kennedy is a vocalist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Blurring genre lines in self-defined 'Nostalgia Pop', her aim is to create music that makes you feel good whether you’re in the mood to dance or cry. Niki’s recent releases have landed her multiple appearances on television and radio. In 2021, Niki participated in SOCAN Foundation’s TD Incubator for Creative Entrepreneurship, a program “designed to identify, celebrate, and support the next generation of music creators that have demonstrated extraordinary potential.” She was named a semi-finalist in the 2021 International Songwriting Competition, the 2022 Unsigned Only Music Competition, long-listed for the 2022 Faith Nolan Music Award, and won a Finalist Award in the 2021 John Lennon Songwriting Contest. She is excited to be a participant in the 2023 Equity X Production Mentorship program. Niki hopes that by sharing honestly and vulnerably, listeners will feel seen, heard, and a little less alone. A reminder that it is okay to not be okay as she tries to give the world a hug, one song at a time.

Pickle Spears

Pickle Spears

Pickle Spears (he/him) is a newcomer to the “Vancouver” drag scene. He is a self described drag clown that loves to be campy and creative in his performances. Pickle is a transgender man that loves to break the barriers of what people think trans masculine people should look like, in and out of drag. You can catch Pickle Spears in any smoke pit at a drag show. Joining Pickle will be 2 other local drag artists, Ultra Violet Estradiol and Son of A Butch, to bring you the ultimate gender euphoria showcase.

Rocky & the Gems

Rocky & the Gems

Unforgettable vintage jazz experience; showcasing the best musical talents and serving charisma, style, and bite. Rocky Riobó is bold, controlled, and born for the stage. Presenting Jazz Standards of the American Music Tradition and originals of the same style, her clear as day vocals evoke a rich, golden-age nostalgia paired with a Funny Girl bite. Speakeasy, anyone? The Gems are handpicked from the outstanding roster of talented musicians from Vancouver to Fraser Valley.

Son of a Butch - Performing with Pickle Spears

Son of a Butch - Performing with Pickle Spears

Son of a Butch (he/him) is a Drag King first, and a Drag Monster second. He is the beauty in gore, and the sexiness in butch. He debuted last year, has since competed in VNDS, and gone to participate in the Austin International Drag Festival. He comes from the depths of your desires, the shadowed corners of your mind, and the hollowed cavities of your chest. Son of a Butch will tell you a story, and give you a glimpse of what it means, for him, to be Butch.

Ultra Violet Estradiol - Performing with Pickle Spears

Ultra Violet Estradiol - Performing with Pickle Spears

Ultraviolet Estradiol (she/her), the purple drag clown princess, a costume designer with a love for a classic ballad.

Art Groups

ART & Justice

ART & Justice is a partnership between researchers at the University of British Columbia School of Nursing, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC), and a network of Indigenous Elders, Expert Artists with lived experience of incarceration, community building, and resurgence, and community activists and artists passionate about prison justice. Our mandate is to support the holistic mental health, wellbeing, and dignity of people in prison through arts-based, Indigenous-guided community building. We aim to explore ways to improve and sustain the positive impacts of visual art and creative writing for incarcerated peoples, remain responsive to artist and storyteller needs, and collaboratively imagining additional ways to harness the power of storytelling for social change. To date we have distributed over 800 kits of high-quality art and writing supplies to people in prison across BC, and invited resulting artwork to be shared across digital platforms and public art exhibitions within and beyond prison walls.

The Art Studios

The Art Studios was originally created as a program of the regional health authority Vancouver Coastal Health. Originally starting in 1992, the program was called "Fiddle Faddle Art Centre" until it was renamed "The Art Studios". Almost 29 years later, the program continues today under the umbrella of Mood Disorders Association of BC, a branch of Lookout Housing and Health Society. The Art Studios is an art-based program for people living with a mental health diagnosis. Through art and mutual support, individuals develop confidence and life skills. The Art Studios offers a safe environment and the sense of community that is so important for individuals who often struggle with isolation. The program consists of in-person and virtual classes and workshops, as well as art therapy. The Art Studios is pleased to continue offering a variety of mediums including: acrylic, watercolor, printmaking, photography, drawing, pottery, and more. We also provide opportunities for peers to mentor, assist, and instruct art sessions.

Gathering Place Community Centre

Gathering Place Community Centre

The Gathering Place Community Centre has been providing essential services and programs for the last 28 years at 609 Helmcken Street (downtown south on the border of Yaletown and Granville Street). While the community that frequents Gathering Place is very diverse, many also face a range of barriers in their daily lives, including but not limited to: poverty, drug and alcohol addiction, mental illness, physical disability, discrimination, and violence. Many of our regular patrons are under housed if not houseless and spend much of their time here in the centre each day. Apart from providing a sense of community and safety by being a place where “everyone is welcome”, the Gathering Place offers a range of services: showers, laundry, gym, library, below cost nutritious meals, overnight shelter, arts, recreational and cultural programming, as well as community special events. The Gathering Place staff strives to provide fun, safe, accessible and inclusive activities for our patrons year round. There are a variety of art and creative programs here at Gathering Place for everyone from folks who are serious about art to those with creative curiosity. Some of the programs that are offered on a weekly basis are: drawing, cartooning, painting, crafts, pottery, and more. They are all drop in and accessible, lead by qualified instructors. The program participants create space for everyone, they work together to support, promote and encourage the work that each of them are doing.

Neurodivergent Artist Collective

Funded by the Disability Alliance of BC, the Neurodivergent Artist Collective encourages neurodivergent artists to take space in a neurotypical world and work collaboratively to dismantle invisible inequities in contemporary art spaces. The collective consists of artists who are 19 years or older and self-identify as neurodivergent, and who have felt alienated from engaging in the arts due to a lack of access and other barriers. The collective is a safe space for folks who face socio-economic barriers, from differing cultural backgrounds, and folks from all sexual orientations and gender identities. In late 2023, the collective will work together to present a second visual arts exhibition in downtown Vancouver.

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