A haven for creatives, New Westminster’s vibrant art scene is a hidden gem in the Royal City. Keep the inspiration and creativity flowing this summer with our guide to New West’s art markets, galleries and events!
Art in the Park
August 10th – 14th
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Looking for activities to keep teens busy? Art in the Park returns this week (August 10th – 14th)! Teens grade 9 – 11 can drop by from 2pm – 4pm for some fun, casual art lessons with local artist and art instructor Jason Wright! No registration required, for more information click here.
100 Braid Street Studios
August 14th & 20th
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Looking to improve your painting skills? Join 100 Braid Street Studios for their Virtual Paint classes! Tickets are $20 each or $45 for a ticket & a paint kit. Click here to find tickets.
Starting September 5th, Open Art Studios are making a comeback. Meet the local artists in their studios to learn all about their work and what goes into it. For more information on their events click here.
Plaskett Gallery
Now until August 15th
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Named after renowned New Westminster born artist Joseph Plaskett, the Plaskett Gallery shines a spotlight on local artists. Their current exhibit (which runs until August 15th), explores artist Kevin Stewart’s perspectives over the past two years and embodies the beauty of transformative experiences.
More of a music fan? The Plaskett Unlimited Musical Residences presented by Massey Theatre, features a series of musical residences in the intimate setting of the Plaskett Gallery. Check their website for the performance schedule and book a 30-minute slot to visit the gallery and watch a show or book your appointment by phone at 604-521-5050.
New West Craft at Tipperary Park
August 15th
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New West Craft is a handmade art market hosted by the Arts Council of New West at Tipperary Park every other Saturday from 11am-4pm. They aim to provide a welcoming environment for crafters, artisans and makers to share their work. They are always looking for new craftspeople to participate, so new vendors are always welcome.
Gallery on 12th Street
August 16th
On August 16th, Gallery on 12th Street is hosting the New West Artist Matinee with the Quayside Voices. While you’re there, check out the exhibition which features 21 local artists with many pieces available for purchase. Stayed tuned to their Facebook page for upcoming details, tickets will be limited.
Uptown Live
August 22nd
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TD Uptown Live is back and they are coming to you virtually! This eight-day music event is kicking off with a live stream on Saturday, August 22 at 6:00 pm through their website and Facebook page. Check out their website to find the full lineup of these top BC-based musical performers such as Krystle Dos Santos, Mazacote, Colleen Rennison, and more!
The Backyard Sessions
August 22nd & 29th
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VirtualFeast.ca is a new Indigenous-led online platform to highlight and support the streaming of a variety of contemporary Indigenous performances. Virtual Feast is a collaborative project with 2 Rivers Remix Society, Full Circle: First Nations’ Performance, Savage Production Society, and the Vine Arts Festival/Resilient Roots. Tune in on Saturdays in August to stream the Backyard Sessions live. Click here for more information.
Van Dop Gallery
Ongoing
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Located on Richmond Street is the Van Dop Gallery, Canada’s only home-gallery space. This gallery exemplifies the Art of the Living and has won multiple awards for its unique concept and emphasis on bringing those contemporary art pieces into your own home. Call 604-521-7887 to book an appointment to view the ongoing summer exhibition of Leanne M. Christie and other gallery artists.