New West is a true home of the arts, and has a vibrant and thriving cultural scene. The city has galleries, theatres, studios and retail shops that help artisans get their products to market, and offer unique opportunities to both shop and support local. The great news is you don’t have to wait for artist markets or culture crawls to snap up locally-made creations; when you’re in New West art is happening all the time, right around you. Here are some highlights:
Paula Godden and her husband Joel are the owners and creators of The Pirate & The Gypsy. Their unique and beautiful jewelry is created in their studio, located in downtown New Westminster. This wearable art is created from ethically sourced natural stones and hypoallergenic metals, such as gold, silver and platinum. The designs are influenced by their vast imaginations, their worldly travels, and the oceans and mountains right here in beautiful B.C.
While exploring down 6th Street, you must pop into the colourful shop that is Hand & Sew. Whether you’re a leather artist, or looking for a custom-made leather goods, this is the perfect place to be. They have an incredible collection of sumptuous Italian leather in all colours, that can be transformed into your dream bag, satchel, wallet or keychain.
Dana Keli’s pottery is inspired by the natural beauty of British Columbia. (We really do live in such an inspiring and scenic province.) Her work includes beautiful mugs that will have you eagerly awaiting your morning coffee while daydreaming of mountain travels. You can order a piece from Dana’s collection online, or sign up for her newsletter to find out which markets she will have her hand-thrown goods available to peruse.
Victoria Klassen is an abstract painter who works in acrylic and mixed media. Her love of British Columbia’s natural beauty inspires her abstract creations. Her art brings together her memories of the landscapes and nature that surround her and her imagination. Victoria and her work can be found at the Studio at the Gallery in Queen’s Park.
The River Market is home to Jolene’s Natural Handmade Soaps and One Thing Message Lockets. At Jolene’s, you’ll find beautifully handcrafted soaps, and if you’re looking to get crafty this summer, they also stock soap-making supplies. One Thing Message Lockets are gorgeous jewelry with a message. The notes hidden within their lockets are meant to support mental health journeys by encouraging conversation and connection, and fighting isolation. Partial proceeds of sales go to programs that help moms with postpartum depression, and “other isolated communities who need our love.”
This is just a small selection of artisans who create meaningful and unique art within New West. Check out our blog post For the Home to learn about other great artists creating amazing decor in New West. You can also find local and BC handcrafted creations at select New West retailers, including Found Boutique, Good Omen, and Mila + Paige.
To learn more, and help continue to support New West’s thriving art scene, check out the Look Book, visit Summer Craft Summer Market at Tipperary Park, and sign up with Arts Council of New Westminster to stay in the know about upcoming events and shows.
When you shop local you can also enter to win $1000 to spend local! Visit www.ReDiscoverNewWest.ca for all the contest details and a listing of more great New West shops. The contest runs until June 30, 2021.