Wood, fire, glass, metal, paint and canvas collide on theEastside as artists celebrate the 17th year of the city’s favourite arts festival. For one weekend in November, artists’ doors open wide to reveal the secrets of their craft. 3 days, 424 artists, 84 buildings. The public is invited to peer behind the scenes to see the artists at work and play, and visitors are welcome to purchase one-of-a-kind pieces on the spot.
The Eastside Culture Crawl officially began in 1997 with 45 artists in three Strathcona area studio buildings attracting a few hundred visitors. Today, the Crawl has evolved into a visual arts phenomenon. Covering the area bounded by Main Street and Victoria north of First Avenue, it draws over 20,000 visitors to 75 buildings, housing art from over 300 artists, including photographers, painters, glassblowers, jewelers, textile artists and more.
“The Crawl is excited to introduce some new events this year, including a Crawl Hunt contest and a public screening of the wonderful documentary film Herb & Dorothy at the Wilder Snail,” says Esther. “This year the Crawl is also unveiling an updated look, with a bright new logo design that reflects the creative energy of the festival. We look forward to introducing the Eastside CultureCrawl to new arts enthusiasts and surprising longtime Crawl-ers with new artists, designers and craftspeople.”
SOME OF THIS YEAR’S PARTICIPATING ARTISTS
Jane Wolsak
Returning once again to the Crawl, Wolsak has a diverse creative background that includes illustration, mural making, portraiture, and still life paintings. She has been an art educator for over 30 years and has been contracted by media outlets to illustrate high profile courtroom proceedings. Wolsak’s art focuses on capturing gestures and expressions seen through the artist’s eye.
Russel Hackney
With over 20 years of experience in the making of pottery, Hackney creates functional and decorative pieces, finding inspiration from nature and architectural details. He has had the pleasure of molding unique and exciting pieces, such as a figurative clock presented to Her Majesty the Queen. Hackney worked in the pottery industry in England before moving to Vancouver where he continues to provide design and mold-making services.
Kiku Hawkes
A graduate of the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, German-born Kiku has travelled extensively and studied in Nepal, India, Japan and Mexico. Now based in Vancouver, Kiku works in alternate-process, textile and photo-based media, and has won awards for her fine art and commercial photography.
Ben McLaughlin
McLaughlin is interested in the connections between cultures, interactions, emotions, and visual stimulation. He seeks to enrich the environment in a space by the means of acoustic sound, creating resonating furniture pieces that encourage interaction within a communal space. McLaughlin’s drums have received attention from numerous publications and have been exhibited in International Galleries.
Jeina Morosoff
Jeina’s work has appeared in exhibitions in Canada and abroad, including the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia and the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo. Taking inspiration from natural, organic forms, Jeina forms blown glass and iron into works that are simultaneously familiar and alien.
Ken Claude Lambert
Living in the heart of East Vancouver, Lambert has been exposed to a diverse customer base, allowing him to create unique and fashionable adornments for his clients for the last 10 years. He draws inspiration from all areas of his community, creating collections that are edgy and interesting, elegant and timeless.
Eastside Culture Crawl 2013
Dates: November 15, 16 and 17
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