The residents of the ARC are an eclectic mix, so it’s no wonder the unique enclave’s annual art show features such a diversity of creative endeavor.
The building, also known as the Artist’s Resource Centre, is a live-work space for close to 80 artists at the corner of Commercial and Powell, who all share a communal woodworking and metal shop, a darkroom, library, pottery kiln, and rehearsal space.
This year’s show, titled Uncommon Boundaries, features all manner of artistic expression, including puppetry, performance art, photography exhibitions, sculpture, paintings, and music.
More than 20 artists are taking part in this year’s exhibition. Artists’ studios will be open to the public, allowing guests to venture through the building and visit the artists in their own environment, and witness their work and their creative process.
“It is a truly unique venue and we always have a wonderful show every year that maintains the community of the artist residents and gives the public insights into our lives as committed artist,” says event organizer and resident artist Karen Moe.
Moe, herself, will be presenting an installation/performance piece called “Vulnerable” that involves self-burial in her studio.
The annual show has been running since 2003, and Moe says that, in addition to providing an opportunity for ARC’s artists to exhibit their work, it also helps build community.
“In a regular apartment building, you don’t know your neighbours, but here, everyone knows everyone,” says Moe. “If I need something made or if I need help with something I’m working on, I can go ask one of my neighbours.”
The open house showcase runs all weekend, with an evening reception from 7pm to 12am this Friday and Saturday (June 13 and 14). The ARC’s gallery and resident studios will be open to the public from noon to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday (June 14 and 15).
Partial proceeds from the event go to Studio 101, an East Side Culture Crawl young artists’ initiative that brings school children into artists’ studios to work with a practicing artist.
Studio tour schedule
Saturday, June 15
Studio 601: International concert pianist Sarah Hagen will be performing in studio recitals 1 to 1:30pm, and 2 to 2:30pm. sarahhagen.com
Studio 203: Moth Orbit Object Theater Puppet Show Matinee at 4pm
Studio 703: Rena Del Pieve Gobbi's studio will be open all day for demonstrations of direct film cutting such as hand painting and negative cutting. rena.ca
Studio 610: Gideon Hay will be sculpting fantastic creatures all day.
Sunday, June 16
Studio 701: Karen Moe presents her performance/installation piece "Vulnerable" in her studio from 1 to 4 pm. karenmoe.net
Studio 703: Rena Del Pieve Gobbi's studio will be open all day for demonstrations of direct film cutting such as hand painting and negative cutting. rena.ca
Studio 610: Gideon Hay will be sculpting fantastic creatures all day.
