Top 6 Reasons to Attend Art Vancouver

Are you somebody who searches for fun activities to do in Vancouver in Spring? Look no further! We have an entertaining and unique experience for you, full of creative and interactive activities.

Read on to discover why you’ll love visiting Art Vancouver International Art Fair, taking place at the Vancouver Convention Centre on May 4 - 7, 2023.

Enjoyment

Art Vancouver is the perfect place to meet and greet art enthusiasts in a fun-filled environment. Experience a variety of different art with over 100 exhibitors from all over the world. Take yourself out and come alone or bring your friends, loved ones and family!

Inspiration

Viewing art sparks creativity in all of us. It doesn't matter if you’re “not an artist”; it can and will inspire you in your daily life, too. Viewing art is also a great way to relax and de-stress.

Meet the artists. If you have questions, go ahead and ask the exhibitor all about their work - trust us, many are more than happy to share what inspires them and their creative process. This is a great place to grow your creative community. Mingle, interact and learn from others, both visitors and exhibitors.

Entertainment

There are many unique facets to Art Vancouver. Our full program will be released shortly, so make sure you follow us on social media to stay on top of the updates. One of the most distinctive features is our Face of Art Runway Show. Put a face to the name and art as you watch a variety of exhibitors show off their favourite pieces on an actual runway with music.

Art Masters is another entertaining aspect to the Art Vancouver art fair. It involves eight artists who compete against each other and the clock. Their challenge is to paint an original piece with a surprise theme and box of supplies. As part of the crowd, you cast a vote for your favourite. The artist with the most votes, wins!

Throughout the fair, there are also live paintings in progress. A great way to learn, observe and talk to the artists while they create a unique piece of art at the event.

Education

You can do much of your own learning from several aspects of Art Vancouver but one sure way to gain insight and be entertained is to attend a Panel Talk. Hear from experts discussing trending topics in the world of art. This year, the main topic is Art created through artificial intelligence (AI). The panel will explore the subject of AI in art and its many controversial elements.

Guided Tours. Led by an art aficionado, join us for a guided tour and hear more about the exhibiting artists and galleries. Questions and curiosity are encouraged! Limited spaces available. Here, you can learn all about what inspires them, how they got started in their career, their process of creating art, and more as the host asks them engaging questions

Interactive

There are many ways to go one step further at Art Vancouver and get your hands dirty - literally! Get interactive with our hands-on art classes, which are a great way to relax, express yourself and have fun. We’re offering several classes at Art Vancouver that are open to all levels, with all materials supplied and no experience necessary. More will be added soon, so keep an eye out on our events page.

Pretty in Pink is a class all about acrylic flower painting. You will be guided through a step-by-step process to create a beautiful floral painting using colour mixing and layering. In the class, you’ll learn about technique and how to use different brush strokes to create depth and movement.

Neurographic art is “intuitive art in an abstract form.” Participants do not paint anything specific. Instead, each person enters without expectation and allows themselves to move paint across the canvas without worrying about the result, because there is truly no wrong way to do it. To learn more about neurographic art read our blog here.

Wild Mixed Media So many art supplies! So little time! This class is for the adventurous creative person. Use many different materials to create this abstract impressionist piece including gold leaf (Dutch Leaf), mineral-based paint, texture paste, glazes and acrylic paint. FUN FUN FUN, just bring your paint clothes and get wild and crazy while learning how to use new materials!

Relief Printmaking (without a press) Using the theme “Secret Garden” as inspiration, try experimenting with relief printmaking techniques from monoprints to "easy cut" to lino. You will have the opportunity to complete a multi layered print, an edition of one coloured print and to see the possibilities for everything from fine art prints; collaged multi layered prints; one of a kind prints; greeting cards and postcards. All you need is enthusiasm and willingness to try various printmaking possibilities.

The Vancouver Visual Art Foundation organizes art classes all year round. Checkout our current offerings here.

Diversity

Art Vancouver is Western Canada’s largest international art fair. Here at the Vancouver Visual Art Foundation, we value and promote diversity, so we curate the Art Vancouver art fair to bring you variety in the best way. There will be a variation of mediums, techniques and price points, with absolutely no pressure to buy - this is an exhibition!

Art Vancouver encourages submissions of multiple types of contemporary art, including paintings, photography, sculptures and drawing. Installations can include anything, such as ceramic, stone, glass, wood, fiber and more.

So come along and support the artists who’ve spent countless hours honing their pieces while having a great time yourself.

Buy your tickets here.

Written by Wendy Cooper & Michelle Day