Garden 1- Unity

I am a mixed media artist based in Vancouver. My art is rooted in my life on the west coast of British Columbia, but also draws on my travelling. experiences. Drawing on my background in environmental science, I create evocative and purposely imperfect paintings inspired by nature's patinas, patterns of plants and minerals and water reflections and colours of dusk. My art stands out and is unique because of its high texture, luminosity and the inclusion of both natural sustainable and upcycled materials not commonly used in art. I use up cycled man-made materials, and sustainable pigments found in plants and minerals.

Wood is an amazing medium with unlimited possibilities. No two pieces are truly alike. Through our art, we explore the intricacies of wood, to tell our story. We expose grain, knots and other imperfections of Mother Nature to create wonderful designs. Phil Dobson - Seek to display the unique grain and colour of native species. “Wood turner for 15+ years. Focus in BC coastal woods" Gee Souza - Creativity comes from within and we only need the courage to release it so learn a skill to express it. “Retired from a desk job several years ago. Always had some interest in woodworking in high school but never pursued it other than some handy work around the house. Discovered the Woodwork program in the West Van Senior Activity Centre (SAC) nine years ago. Everything took off from there. Volunteered as a supervisor in the shop a couple of years later. It's become my outlet for my creativity. I call my woodworking my therapy.” Steve Sziklai -- Reclaimed Woodwork - Studio 362 www.reclaimedwoodwork.ca “A part time hobby of woodworking has evolved into a passion to create unique pieces from ‘found’ wood materials. Source materials include castoff exotic hardwoods destined to the landfill from commercial enterprises; wood stored for years in basements; recently felled trees; and driftwood gathered on the local beaches. The materials dictate the end result and each piece is a ‘one of a kind’ work. It is the natural shape, colour, and character / grain that is much of the artistic component of the completed work. I finish the pieces to protect and highlight the natural beauty.” Margaret Good I have always loved wood, the feel, look and smell of it. The excitement at the sight of wood piled at the side of the road. The anticipation of cutting into a log to see what story it holds. The depth of focus while using the tools and equipment. The satisfaction of that final sand and coat of finish before it goes on display. It’s an addiction! Lucie O’Brien “14 1/2 years ago, out of curiosity, I walked in the woodworking room at the Senior Centre. It was on a woodcarving morning. There I found a really interesting group of people, very artistic and welcoming. I had never held a chisel in my hand but right away they suggested I register and join them. The next Thursday morning I showed up with no wood nor tools. I was invited to sit at Peter's table. He helped me find a piece of wood and an easy pattern, lend me his tools and explained how it was done. I made many mistakes but never regretted joining “The Carvers” and every week I look forward to Thursday morning! Since then, with help from the group, I’ve won a few awards in different shows.” Keith Gray “Since my retirement 30 years ago I have taught and encouraged wood carving at WVSC and also participated in numerous wood carving events across North America and Europe where I have been judged Advanced/Master carver. This was the result of the encouragement of friends/family/carvers to establish and confirm my skill level since I am self taught with no formal fine art training.” Ollie Bonham "Ollie Bonham has been woodcarving for over 30 years, across many genres and wood types. He has exhibited and won in judged shows in Niagara ON, Richmond and on Vancouver Island, including many Best of Divisions and a Best of Show. With very rare exceptions, all his carvings are completed, using hand tools only."

Dana is a mixed media artist living and working on the Northshore. In one body of work she focuses on vibrant abstract/semi-abstract painting. In her other body work she incorporates her photography of trees and forests into alcohol ink painting. Her abstract paintings are driven by expressive colours, mark-making and often intuitive flow while her photographic paintings are inspired by British Columbia’s beautiful natural landscapes. She also offers a collection of bags, pillows, coasters and accessories using her art

I am a mixed media artist based in Vancouver. My art is rooted in my life on the west coast of British Columbia, but also draws on my travelling. experiences. Drawing on my background in environmental science, I create evocative and purposely imperfect paintings inspired by nature's patinas, patterns of plants and minerals and water reflections and colours of dusk. My art stands out and is unique because of its high texture, luminosity and the inclusion of both natural sustainable and upcycled materials not commonly used in art. I use up cycled man-made materials, and sustainable pigments found in plants and minerals.

Wood is an amazing medium with unlimited possibilities. No two pieces are truly alike. Through our art, we explore the intricacies of wood, to tell our story. We expose grain, knots and other imperfections of Mother Nature to create wonderful designs. Phil Dobson - Seek to display the unique grain and colour of native species. “Wood turner for 15+ years. Focus in BC coastal woods" Gee Souza - Creativity comes from within and we only need the courage to release it so learn a skill to express it. “Retired from a desk job several years ago. Always had some interest in woodworking in high school but never pursued it other than some handy work around the house. Discovered the Woodwork program in the West Van Senior Activity Centre (SAC) nine years ago. Everything took off from there. Volunteered as a supervisor in the shop a couple of years later. It's become my outlet for my creativity. I call my woodworking my therapy.” Steve Sziklai -- Reclaimed Woodwork - Studio 362 www.reclaimedwoodwork.ca “A part time hobby of woodworking has evolved into a passion to create unique pieces from ‘found’ wood materials. Source materials include castoff exotic hardwoods destined to the landfill from commercial enterprises; wood stored for years in basements; recently felled trees; and driftwood gathered on the local beaches. The materials dictate the end result and each piece is a ‘one of a kind’ work. It is the natural shape, colour, and character / grain that is much of the artistic component of the completed work. I finish the pieces to protect and highlight the natural beauty.” Margaret Good I have always loved wood, the feel, look and smell of it. The excitement at the sight of wood piled at the side of the road. The anticipation of cutting into a log to see what story it holds. The depth of focus while using the tools and equipment. The satisfaction of that final sand and coat of finish before it goes on display. It’s an addiction! Lucie O’Brien “14 1/2 years ago, out of curiosity, I walked in the woodworking room at the Senior Centre. It was on a woodcarving morning. There I found a really interesting group of people, very artistic and welcoming. I had never held a chisel in my hand but right away they suggested I register and join them. The next Thursday morning I showed up with no wood nor tools. I was invited to sit at Peter's table. He helped me find a piece of wood and an easy pattern, lend me his tools and explained how it was done. I made many mistakes but never regretted joining “The Carvers” and every week I look forward to Thursday morning! Since then, with help from the group, I’ve won a few awards in different shows.” Keith Gray “Since my retirement 30 years ago I have taught and encouraged wood carving at WVSC and also participated in numerous wood carving events across North America and Europe where I have been judged Advanced/Master carver. This was the result of the encouragement of friends/family/carvers to establish and confirm my skill level since I am self taught with no formal fine art training.” Ollie Bonham "Ollie Bonham has been woodcarving for over 30 years, across many genres and wood types. He has exhibited and won in judged shows in Niagara ON, Richmond and on Vancouver Island, including many Best of Divisions and a Best of Show. With very rare exceptions, all his carvings are completed, using hand tools only."

Dana is a mixed media artist living and working on the Northshore. In one body of work she focuses on vibrant abstract/semi-abstract painting. In her other body work she incorporates her photography of trees and forests into alcohol ink painting. Her abstract paintings are driven by expressive colours, mark-making and often intuitive flow while her photographic paintings are inspired by British Columbia’s beautiful natural landscapes. She also offers a collection of bags, pillows, coasters and accessories using her art

Ru Ha & Harmeet Kaur Virdee is a sax and bass duo that will transport you to a beautiful sonic space which explores the sounds of colours, nature, and emotions. The two met while playing in a high school band festival, and later became colleagues at the VSO School of Music as Teaching Assistants for a jazz camp. They’ve been playing and writing music together for over five years and nothing brings them greater joy than performing together.Notable performances include: Surrey’s Party for the Planet, White Rock Culture Crawl, Burnaby Sounds Like Summer, and many more. Ru and Harmeet also perform together as a quartet and have performed at Frankie's Jazz Club, Fort Langley Jazz Festival, and the Vancouver International Jazz Festival.

morning glories is a modern folk trio known for their dreamy harmonies and intimate performances. All women, they create, perform, and record original music inspired by their experiences as mothers, daughters, sisters, and lovers, with their songwriting reflecting themes of intergenerational connectedness and womanhood. Like resilient morning glory, capable of blooming even in unforgiving corners, their music draws beauty from tough places. morning glories’ debut single “Orion” was released this spring. They perform primarily a cappella, showcasing the power of their bodies alone to entrance audiences with rich harmonies and heartfelt storytelling.

My name is Francis Baptiste. I'm an Indigenous songwriter who covers topics of cultural reclamation, addiction, and fatherhood. CBC has said "Francis Baptiste is unsparingly candid." That honesty is what brings his writing and performances to life.I have songs in English and Nsyilxcen (my Native language). I have two full length albums out currently on all platforms, with a third full length coming out in Summer 2025. The Georgia Straight has said of me: "Baptiste packs a lot of perspective into his music, sung in a mix of English and Nsyilxcən. His vulnerable folk rock songs about addiction and self-discovery are bluesy, bruised, and blossoming."

Nova Sol is a musical group founded by Jan Deny in 2011. The band has been performing since then at various venues and events and releasing two albums with a third one on the way. The initial format is duo with Jan on guitar/vocals accompanied by sax/flute, piano or female singer expandable to a full band. The music is of the bossa nova smooth jazz genre with pop/R&B/soul/funk influences and original compositions.

Ru Ha & Harmeet Kaur Virdee is a sax and bass duo that will transport you to a beautiful sonic space which explores the sounds of colours, nature, and emotions. The two met while playing in a high school band festival, and later became colleagues at the VSO School of Music as Teaching Assistants for a jazz camp. They’ve been playing and writing music together for over five years and nothing brings them greater joy than performing together.Notable performances include: Surrey’s Party for the Planet, White Rock Culture Crawl, Burnaby Sounds Like Summer, and many more. Ru and Harmeet also perform together as a quartet and have performed at Frankie's Jazz Club, Fort Langley Jazz Festival, and the Vancouver International Jazz Festival.

morning glories is a modern folk trio known for their dreamy harmonies and intimate performances. All women, they create, perform, and record original music inspired by their experiences as mothers, daughters, sisters, and lovers, with their songwriting reflecting themes of intergenerational connectedness and womanhood. Like resilient morning glory, capable of blooming even in unforgiving corners, their music draws beauty from tough places. morning glories’ debut single “Orion” was released this spring. They perform primarily a cappella, showcasing the power of their bodies alone to entrance audiences with rich harmonies and heartfelt storytelling.

My name is Francis Baptiste. I'm an Indigenous songwriter who covers topics of cultural reclamation, addiction, and fatherhood. CBC has said "Francis Baptiste is unsparingly candid." That honesty is what brings his writing and performances to life.I have songs in English and Nsyilxcen (my Native language). I have two full length albums out currently on all platforms, with a third full length coming out in Summer 2025. The Georgia Straight has said of me: "Baptiste packs a lot of perspective into his music, sung in a mix of English and Nsyilxcən. His vulnerable folk rock songs about addiction and self-discovery are bluesy, bruised, and blossoming."

My name is Francis Baptiste. I'm an Indigenous songwriter who covers topics of cultural reclamation, addiction, and fatherhood. CBC has said "Francis Baptiste is unsparingly candid." That honesty is what brings his writing and performances to life.I have songs in English and Nsyilxcen (my Native language). I have two full length albums out currently on all platforms, with a third full length coming out in Summer 2025. The Georgia Straight has said of me: "Baptiste packs a lot of perspective into his music, sung in a mix of English and Nsyilxcən. His vulnerable folk rock songs about addiction and self-discovery are bluesy, bruised, and blossoming."