What connects you to nature?
NVRC Artist-in-Residence Sophia Longo is celebrating North Vancouver’s diversity by creating a “Global Garden” of nature-inspired watercolour paintings and pencil drawings.
Your story could help bring this art to life! Whether it’s something from your childhood, your family’s history or cherished folklore from your culture, your personal tales and memories will help Sophia capture the richness of our community.
Sophia’s artwork, alongside the stories shared by community members, will be displayed at Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre later this year. Together, they will create a natural mosaic that reflects our diverse neighbourhoods and inspires North Vancouver residents connect — or reconnect — with their own memories of nature, shaped by their personal histories, stories and cultural heritage.
All participants will be invited to attend the artist’s Global Garden project showcase event on November 27, 2025, from 7-8pm at Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre.
How to participate in this community art project
Share your nature story with us (one page or less — approx. 250-300 words) by October 31, 2025. Be sure to include some details about the culture or place your story is inspired by! We would also love to hear how old you are and how long you’ve lived in North Vancouver, if you feel comfortable sharing.
There are two ways to share your story:
1. Write a letter and drop it off at the front desk of any NVRC centre. Your hardcopy letter will be displayed in the final exhibit, so if you wish to sign it, please do so with your first name only. Please also paperclip a separate slip of paper to your letter with your full name, email, and phone number so we can contact you about the project showcase event!
2. Send your story via email to info@sophialongo.com (include “Global Garden Story” as the subject line). Your story will be printed and displayed in the final exhibit.
Project terms and conditions apply. Please email Artist-Residencies@nvrc.ca if you would like a copy of the terms and conditions.
See our Artist-in-Residence in action!
Sophia is hosting open studio times on October 7 & 9. Drop in to the Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre Youth Lounge to ask about her NVRC artist residency project, Global Garden, learn more about her process and check out her beautiful artwork.
Dates & times
- Tuesday, October 7 | 10am-2pm
- Thursday, October 9 | 10am-2pm
Learn more about open studio opportunities
You can also follow Sophia on Instagram @sophialongo or check out her website at sophialongo.com.
Let’s grow a Global Garden, together!
