Since 1995, the City of Vancouver's Artist Studio Award Program has supported local artists by providing studios for them and their work.
One of this year's recipients is Naomi Grace, a multisensory artist and founder of Melanin Rising.
Grace's work is "centred around reclaiming sacred medicine in its many forms, which she expresses through painting, mixed media, music, text, culinary arts and sculpture," reads her biography on the city's award recipients page.
"I'm really grateful to have access to this space," Grace tells Vancouver Is Awesome via phone.
She plans on using the studio as a workspace for projects, community arts integrated workshops, pop-ups and events, and intimate concerts and talks. The space will also serve as an order pickup location for her brand.
Grace is also hosting a zero-proof pop-up sale event on Saturday, Aug. 20.
The event will be alcohol-free for several reasons, partially inspired by Grace's own transition to an alcohol-free lifestyle.
"People don't drink for a number of different reasons. Sometimes it's because people are pregnant. Sometimes they have friends who just don't like the feeling of alcohol. Some people are allergic to alcohol. For some people, it's for religious or cultural reasons. Sometimes people are in recovery," she tells V.I.A.
Aside from the non-alcoholic lemonade cocktail bar, attendees can also shop the Melanin Rising pop-up sale.
Zero-Proof Open Studio Pop-Up
When: Aug. 20 and 21 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Naomi Grace Studio - 1573 West 6th Ave.
Cost: Free
Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated Naomi Grace was the first Black artist to receive the Artist Studio Award in Vancouver and that the event is taking place to celebrate receiving the award.
