Lumière is an annual art event that's been going on since 2016, although this is the first year I…read morehad heard of it. It consists of several interactive light up art installations, as well as various performances, and it's all absolutely free! This year Lumière runs from November 1 to 3, from 5pm to 10pm at four different locations -- šxnq Xwtl'e7én Square behind the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Jim Deva Plaza on Davie Street, Morton Park at English Bay, and Lot 19 on Hornby Street (near the Salvador Dali Space Venus sculpture). There is also a free shuttle to take people between the locations which depart approximately every 15 minutes. I went with Nancy H. last night, and had a great (and inexpensive!) time. We took advantage of the free shuttle, which were trolleys from the Vancouver Trolley Company, and it took us just under two hours to make the rounds. We started off at the art gallery, where we saw the following installations: -Steely T: a large light-up, flame spewing turtle that people could enter or climb up top -Daisy: a large solar powered tricycle (unfortunately we didn't see it in action) -Alternity: a branching sculpture that lit up in different patterns when people interacted with it (it was one of my favourite pieces, probably because it reminded me of an organic molecule) -Sandscapes: sand, which people could sculpt, with different colored lights shining on to it in different patterns, evoking images of alien lands -Segmentium: a large orb with a diameter of 7 feet and 24 segments that lit up -Orchidelirium: giant orchids In additions to the above art pieces, at šxnq Xwtl'e7én Square, there was also a small exhibit, Neon at the Post, about neon signs in Vancouver. I immediately recognize the large, neon R from the Ridge movie theater. The next stop was at Jim Deva Plaza where we saw: -Tetra Velo: a large pyramid that people could walk through -Chromatic Shadows: a screen on which people's shadows were projected -Visitor: a blob-shaped structure that lit up in different colors and patterns, depending on how people interacted and controlled it -Woven: large, inflatable, illuminated arches that people could pass through on to their way to the beer garden (which also provided free water) Our third stop was English Bay. When we arrived, there was a fire show happening, although it was difficult to see, with the large crowd. The exhibits were: -Brood: an interesting metal spider, whose body served as a heat lamp -Stanley: a Great Blue Heron made up of 10,320 lights -Davie: a 24 foot tall grizzly bear -Luna: an orca made of over 6000 lights -Eugenia: a tree with lights that change color (my favourite exhibit at Lumière). It's not an exhibit of just any tree, but the oak tree that was atop of the Eugenia Place condo on Beach Avenue, that was installed in 1987 and died in 2017. *Note: Stanley, Luna, and Eugenia will remain on display until February 2020. The fourth, and last stop, was at Lot 19. There, we saw: -Telefunkin' Shadow Stage: another exhibit that involves displaying people's silhouettes on a screen -The Beating Heart: a nine-foot-high fiberglass human heart sculpture that was originally displayed at Burning Man. It beats to the rhythm of a person who places their hand on a sensor. (Note: the sensor is clearly not designed for people who don't have large man hands!) -Key to My Heart: two giant antique keys and a lock that also has a sensor to detect people's heartbeat. -Lux Memoriae: cool, geometric lanterns -Chrysafly: a large butterfly, although it was still being assembled when we were there. It was a fun night, and if you have a chance to check it out today or tomorrow, go! Lumière will be on my calendar next year. [Yelp collections: Public Art; Cheap Thrills; Being a tourist in my own city]

Lumière is an annual event of various art installations held in early November each year. Last…read morenight (Nov. 1) was opening night, and I went with Jasmine (a fellow Yelpie!), and we had a terrific time. It seems this event gets bigger and better with each passing year, and because there's been more advance promoting and advertising for this "light festival", and because the weather last night was stellar (clear and warm, considering it's November), there were fairly large crowds in attendance. And you definitely cannot beat the price. It's free! This year Lumière was held in four separate locations: two in the West End (Morton Square, at Davie and Denman, and Jim Deva Plaza, at Davie and Bute), and two downtown (the Van Art Gallery square on Georgia, and Lot 19 at the northern end of Hornby at Coal Harbor). There were free shuttles driving us attendees to each of the various sites. The buses left every 10-15 minutes, and the "tour guides" on the bus briefly described the highlighted works at the next location. There were 5-10 light-art installations at each site, and most were interactive in some way. Some, you could climb on. Some projected your image on screens in various ways. Some detected your pulse when you placed your hand on sensors and they flashed lights in various configurations. All were very photogenic and led most attendees to take selfies, and pictures of their kids or partners or dogs among the illuminated, colored backdrops. (Note: this is a very family-friendly event). As my kids would comment: this was an Instagram-friendly photoshoot-friendly kind of event. Some locales had performers who worked with lights and/or fire in some way. The fire performers at Davie and Denman had such a large audience circling them, it was hard for me to see the action (but I was glad that there was such a great turn-out for the event, so I happily checked out the other illuminated works at this site). There were neon-lit walkers on stilts at Jim Deva Plaza, too. At the Butte and Davie site, there was a makeshift tent set up for folks 19+, with a beer garden inside, bistro tables and chairs and a dj playing disco music, with disco lights and a floor for dancing! Cool! Seriously, it's hard to believe that this type of expansive exhibition, encompassing four separate sites in the city, is totally free of charge. I really recommend checking it out.

The first words upon entering this art gallery usually include "Wow!" This is because you're not…read moreexpecting to be completely surrounded by art the moment you walk in. From the outside, it's an attractive house on a residential street. The home happens to belong to gallery owner Trudy Van Dop, who has created a commercial art gallery that ranges throughout the rooms of her modern yet personal space. It's an example of living with visual art in all its forms. Paintings hang everywhere, shelves and counters house ceramics and woodwork and carving, jewelry hangs near a corner window to catch the light. Even the washrooms are put to use as display space. There is also a beautiful garden at the side of the house that visitors can relax in. I loved being able to wander from room to room taking it all in, though I kept wondering to myself how one lives here without breaking valuable pieces on a daily basis. The other thing to note, as I treaded carefully, is the eclectic, hand-picked nature of the collection. Van Dop selects pieces from artists from across Canada, and even internationally, so you can find First Nations art, folk art, and contemporary art for your home here. She also publishes the Van Dop Arts and Cultural guide, so is also a very knowledgeable source on BC's art scene. Located in a residential neighbourhood, with little signage out front, you probably wouldn't know the Van Dop is here unless you're looking for it. They are generally open on Saturdays from 11 to 6, and at other times by appointment. But if you're interested in art and you're in the neighbourhood, don't be afraid to knock on the door in order to see the facets of this amazing hidden gem.

Womp Womp. Touting this place as a gallery is a bit of stretch. It's her home, filled to the brim…read morewith chachkis and paintings. Overwhelming really and difficult to appreciate the few interesting works there. Not quite the gallery it promises to be, more like an art hoarder house with a great maid. Hey, well at least she saves money on commercial real-estate.

I discovered Native Art Renaissance Gallery through their painting workshop program…read more Upon entering the gallery, the heigh ceiling and bright space welcomes you. Big and small paintings with bright vivid rich colors complete their walls. They feature work by multiple Indigenous artists and offer a variety of goods. In addition to the paintings (in canvas and more), prints, and wooden sculptures, they also have fashion items such as shirts, shoes, scarves, hats, and even jewelry pieces. There are plenty of parking (street and parkade) options around the area. Although most street parking has a 2 hour maximum, there is a parkade at the back (enter from Victoria) that allows for longer parking. If you're in the area, it's worthwhile stop for art enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Love this place it's a native art galley ran by actual natives very cool they have canvas paintings…read morewood carvings soapstone carvings be work you name it It is a nonprofit set up to get the artist 100% of the proceeds while being a meeting place for cultural exchange Come and check it out right close to the skytrain downtown new Westminster

This review is for the PoMo Arts Center, right in the heart of Port Moody (NOT for the entire city…read moreof Port Moody, as the earlier reviewer was somehow under the impression). And the POMOarts Center and organization in general is pretty darn fabulous. I was only recently introduced to PomoArts by an awesome friend of mine who is an artist and recently exhibited some of her artwork here (check out the PoMo "Art4Life" website for info about this awesome exhibition showcasing over 20 artists. The show is on for a month, admission is free, and it's super cool, with a diverse variety of local artists' works in many different mediums). This art organization is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year! The PoMo building here is beautiful, in an old "heritage building", reminiscent of some of the traditional, historic buildings in Fort Langley and elsewhere in the province. And I really liked the whole philosophy behind this arts-focused organization, how they aim to make art available to everyone. In that vein, admission to their art shows are open to the public, and they encourage all to come, to be involved, to participate. They offer a gazillion programs for everyone from toddlers to teenagers to adults of all ages, like a real community center with programs for all. I really like that. If I lived closer, I'd definitely enroll in some of these programs. This building not only has rooms for gallery art shows and classes, but they also have a super gift shop where you can purchase artsy items made by local artists and artisans (see my review for the Blackberry Gift Shop). Port Moody, you are so lucky to have such a fabulous art organization!

HAHAHA you can review the entire city of Port Moody now?!?…read more I grew up in this city for most of my formative years, and of the suburbs in the lower mainland I would say it's the most scenic. The entire city is based around the inlet, which stops at a beautiful and massive park in the center of the city. Most of the services and neighborhoods of this city are also based around this area, and it's the primary outdoor recreational spot here. There's been some huge developments in the central neighborhoods of Port Moody, with new condos springing up constantly. To the north of this neighborhood are the very rich, to the west the very poor. St Johns and the street behind are made up of mom and pop businesses that make up in authenticity what they lack in profit. Except for the pubs, which have always made a killing on college-aged locals. A lot of people I grew up with never left Port moody, instead opting to move several blocks away and keep in touch with their families. I personally thought it was a terrible place to grow up (bored suburban teenager) but would move back in a decade no problem. They really need a renewed focus on "the arts" The fact that I can review this city on Yelp is hilarious! Thanks Bridget S!

Great option for watching and/or producing programs. The James Cowan Theater seats 285 and has…read moregreat sight lines. The small Studio Theater is more intimate. This is an older building, but well-kept. The grounds are beautiful, as is the newer atrium annex.

À beautiful place to take any sort of art lessons!…read more The place has multiple theatres and studios asking with a ton of classes to choose from. All the work displayed on the walls are from students and is routinely changed so there is always something inspiring to look at! Really love this place I honestly thought that it was a much newer building than it actually is! Good design transcends time. The amount of talent that comes out of here is amazing

Believe it or not, I found this place by looking around our hotel on Google Maps. It turned out to…read morebe a bit more fun than I had expected, but TBH I did not have high expectations. We had some time to kill during our trip, so I booked a time for my group to come in. It is a pretty small spot, but it is well thought out "gallery" to take fun or silly photos with your group (or date). It's like different backdrops for you to take your own photos. Plan to spend at least 30-45 minutes, so that you are not in a rush. You'll want to try different poses and angles for each space/scene/exhibit. My fave was probably the anti-gravity room, the optical illusion space (the one where each side makes a person look super big/tall and the other side shrinks the person, like Alice in Wonderland). Don't miss the mirrored room towards the back. Reservations are a must, at least currently, they don't take walk ins.

Fantastic place! If you like taking photos while doinh silly poses and being part of 3d art, this…read moreis right up your alley. You will probably end up spending a good 45 minutes to an hour in the gallery. Definitely good for datenight or even a girls' night. Remember to take a lot of photos and get your posing/acting skills on!