We are deeply grateful for the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations who have continued to inhabit and steward these lands every day since time immemorial. We are also grateful for the contributions of Urban Indigenous community members – past, present and future – in shaping where we live, work and play. We hope that throughout the year you will finds ways of celebrating the rich and diverse cultures, voices, unique traditions, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people.  

“It’s the little things that make such a difference. That’s what Fariba showed me today,” said Ada, a student participating in the Acrylic Painting Class that Fariba teaches every Thursday from 9:30am – 12:30pm. “My painting looked flat, then Fariba showed me how a little shading and blending creates depth. I’m so pleased with what I learned today.”

“If you can move, you can dance,” an over-confident friend once said to me as I balked at the idea of joining her on the dance floor. Dancing, especially line dancing, as she was trying to persuade me to do, used to terrify me. Instead of connecting with the music, I focused on my feet. Both left. I could hardly wait for the song to end.

“I think it’s great fun for kids to explore different aspects of art,” said Anouk Kluyskens, Visual Art Instructor at Lions Gate Community Centre. “I encourage participants to think and design while considering light and the environment as they create.”

An artist brimming with colour

Meet art teacher Barbara Martel

Barbara Martel combines an extensive background in art and early childhood education with a passion for teaching little ones. For over 24 years, she has taught art to children in Metro Vancouver and on the East Coast of United States. 

Free music workshops 

Andrea “Super” Superstein will be bringing her vast creative talent to our community with two upcoming music workshops. The workshops are free but advance registration is required as there is a maximum of 10 participants. Register early!

After a 35-year career as a clinical and research psychiatrist, Pierre Leichner became a full-time artist. Incorporating a fascination with both science and art, he bridges the two in innovative ways, from painted doors that study gravitational forces to art installations that reuse waste materials. A passionate social activist, he also facilitates engaged art in the community. Read on for Pierre’s free workshops in North Vancouver this fall! 

As I entered the Presentation House Theatre and checked in for my scheduled entry, I felt giddy. I was inside a theatre again! 

More recently, that love is on display figuratively and literally with a collaborative community art installation at the Lynn Valley Library.  The Lynn Valley Community Healing Project, supported by the North Vancouver District Pubic Library(NVDPL)  and North Vancouver Recreation and Culture (NVRC) provided a unique opportunity for individuals to express their love by cross-stitching a felt “X” on fabric squares that have been joined together to form the giant letters L O V E now on display across from the entrance to the Lynn Valley Library.