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North Van Arts Garden 9

Garden 9 – Warm

Gardener: Ahbyah Baker
1983 Dunstone Place, North Vancouver

Welcome to our garden, where nature converges with the artistry of balancing color and texture. The front garden, originally designed by family friend and landscape architect Raoul Robillard in 1978, underwent a revitalization in 2018. We chose to breathe new life into the garden and reimagine its charm. The once-dominant Cotoneaster horizontalis and Azalea shrubs gracefully yielded to a tapestry of perennials and grasses, embracing a ‘Cottage Garden’ aesthetic. This transformation not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also reflects our commitment to biodiversity and ever-changing seasonal interest.

As you venture further into our sanctuary, the back garden unveils three distinct areas: the poolside retreat, the main garden with its central path leading to the shade garden adorned with an array of native species. Our metamorphosis began in 2018 as we bid farewell to over 20 imposing cedar hedge trees, liberating the garden from shadow. The removal of four towering spruce trees transformed the once heavily shaded garden into a more airy and open space.

Over the past five years, our dedication to cultivating a diverse garden focused on an interplay of foliage, texture, and color has resulted in a curated garden that hopefully captivates the senses in every season. Join us on this journey of horticultural delight, where every corner reveals a story of growth, renewal, and the timeless beauty of nature.

Accessibility

The driveway can handle eight cars parked two by two. The driveway is a cul-du-sac and there typically is a fair amount of street parking. Please remember to leave parking closest to the garden entrance available for those who need accessible parking.The Seymour/Phibbs Exchange 211 bus stops in front of the garden, and the 214 bus stops about a ten minute walk away.There is a path and set of stairs with a railing that leads to the backyard. There is a paved area near the pool immediately upon entering the garden, and narrow unpaved paths leading through the rest of the garden.

Visual Artists

Wobbles and Bobbles
Carved Wood, Welded Steel, Sculpture
READ MORE
Robert, a North Vancouver native, embarked on his artistic journey by earning a studio art diploma from Capilano University. He entered the film industry as a sculptor, contributing to diverse sets alongside professionals from rich artistic backgrounds. After a hiatus from film, Robert pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree at the Alberta University of the Arts, excelling in large-scale installations. Following a brief return to the film industry, he established his own studio practice in collaboration with fellow artists. Currently, Robert focuses on crafting welded art, carving, and public art. He collaborates with renowned artists and assists students in bringing design concepts to life at UBC in the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture.In 2023, Ahbyah Baker and Robert Turriff joined forces to create Wobbles & Bobbles—a testament to their shared commitment to artistic creativity and craftsmanship. Rob, with over 20 years of experience as a sculptor and metal fabricator and Ahbyah, an artist and garden enthusiast with two decades of artistic background, adding her unique design perspective. The idea of collaborating sparked when Rob began using leftover metal scraps from other projects to craft intriguing sculptural elements for their garden.
    Allison Burns Joseph
    she/her
    Weaving Demonstration
    Coast Salish Wool Weaving, Beadwork, Dreamcatchers, Salves, Bath Soaks
    READ MORE
    Allison works closely with her sister Jacqueline, connecting to their Squamish culture. While Alison focuses on Weaving , Jacqueline focuses on plant, solves and soaks. They both work with beads and create beautiful pendants and earrings.
      Natasha Nitschke
      she/her
      Weaving and knitting demonstration
      Textiles, Ceramics, Sculpture
      READ MORE
      Natasha Nitschke lives in Vancouver, on the unceded Coast Salish territories of the xwməθkwəyə̓m, Sḵwxw̱ ú7mesh and səl íh lwətaʔɬ peoples, born from generations of immigrants from China, the Philippines, Mexico, and Germany. Known for her reflections on nature, Natasha experiments with organic and found materials through textile, sculptural, and design-based processes, to explore the relationship between nature and human interaction. Natasha is currently part of Langara College’s Fine Arts Diploma Program in Vancouver, BC, and has participated in various exhibitions in the school’s Buffalo Lounge since enrolling in the fall of 2020.Growing up surrounded by the forests of Burnaby Mountain, Natasha Nitschke has formed a deep connection and awareness with nature. She continues the exploration of an environmentally focused practice through sculpture, ceramics, textiles, and performance. She prefers to work directly with found or locally sourced materials to form 3D artworks, to communicate the relationship between nature and human interaction. Through her work, Natasha brings awareness to the effects of human interaction within nature, through processes that clean up and benefit the environment.

        Visual Artists

        Wobbles and Bobbles
        Carved Wood, Welded Steel, Sculpture
        READ MORE
        Robert, a North Vancouver native, embarked on his artistic journey by earning a studio art diploma from Capilano University. He entered the film industry as a sculptor, contributing to diverse sets alongside professionals from rich artistic backgrounds. After a hiatus from film, Robert pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree at the Alberta University of the Arts, excelling in large-scale installations. Following a brief return to the film industry, he established his own studio practice in collaboration with fellow artists. Currently, Robert focuses on crafting welded art, carving, and public art. He collaborates with renowned artists and assists students in bringing design concepts to life at UBC in the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture.In 2023, Ahbyah Baker and Robert Turriff joined forces to create Wobbles & Bobbles—a testament to their shared commitment to artistic creativity and craftsmanship. Rob, with over 20 years of experience as a sculptor and metal fabricator and Ahbyah, an artist and garden enthusiast with two decades of artistic background, adding her unique design perspective. The idea of collaborating sparked when Rob began using leftover metal scraps from other projects to craft intriguing sculptural elements for their garden.
          Allison Burns Joseph
          she/her
          Weaving Demonstration
          Coast Salish Wool Weaving, Beadwork, Dreamcatchers, Salves, Bath Soaks
          READ MORE
          Allison works closely with her sister Jacqueline, connecting to their Squamish culture. While Alison focuses on Weaving , Jacqueline focuses on plant, solves and soaks. They both work with beads and create beautiful pendants and earrings.
            Natasha Nitschke
            she/her
            Weaving and knitting demonstration
            Textiles, Ceramics, Sculpture
            READ MORE
            Natasha Nitschke lives in Vancouver, on the unceded Coast Salish territories of the xwməθkwəyə̓m, Sḵwxw̱ ú7mesh and səl íh lwətaʔɬ peoples, born from generations of immigrants from China, the Philippines, Mexico, and Germany. Known for her reflections on nature, Natasha experiments with organic and found materials through textile, sculptural, and design-based processes, to explore the relationship between nature and human interaction. Natasha is currently part of Langara College’s Fine Arts Diploma Program in Vancouver, BC, and has participated in various exhibitions in the school’s Buffalo Lounge since enrolling in the fall of 2020.Growing up surrounded by the forests of Burnaby Mountain, Natasha Nitschke has formed a deep connection and awareness with nature. She continues the exploration of an environmentally focused practice through sculpture, ceramics, textiles, and performance. She prefers to work directly with found or locally sourced materials to form 3D artworks, to communicate the relationship between nature and human interaction. Through her work, Natasha brings awareness to the effects of human interaction within nature, through processes that clean up and benefit the environment.

              MUSICIANS

              Ricardo
              Pop, Indie Rock, Alternative
              Saturday 11:00am - 1:00pm | Sunday 11:30am - 1:15pm
              READ MORE

              Ricardo’s music is deeply personal and honest at the core. Whilst writing in the pop genre, he strives to challenge the preconceived conventions of radio pop music by: modulating chord structure, and tearing down conventional songwriting.

              Ricardo’s music is influenced by his experience as a composer, producing for hip-hop, afro beat, and R&B clients, and his work composing and performing in choirs. Ricardo has an eclectic sensibility as you’ll hear through his library of music.

              Francis Baptiste
              he/him
              Indie Folk
              Both days, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
              READ MORE

              In 2022, Indigenous songwriter Francis Baptiste released his debut album, Sneqsilx (Family), an album that features songs sung in his native language Nsyilxcən [nah-silk-sen], the endangered language of the Syilx [see-ilks] people. The 10-song album was his effort to preserve and connect with his heritage. The chance to reconnect with his roots helped him through turbulent times.

              Following the release, Baptiste performed for Talking Stick Festival, Vancouver Jazz Fest, Music Waste Festival,Rogue Arts Festival, Barnside Harvest Festival, Shipyards Festival, Khatsahlano Festival, and the PNE. Singles from Sneqsilx (Family) were played on CBC Radio, SiriusXM, and college radio stations across the country. The album received press in Exclaim Magazine, the Vancouver Sun, Discorder Magazine, the Times Chronicle, and several music blogs.

                MUSICIANS

                Ricardo
                Pop, Indie Rock, Alternative
                Saturday 11:00am - 1:00pm | Sunday 11:30am - 1:15pm
                READ MORE

                Ricardo’s music is deeply personal and honest at the core. Whilst writing in the pop genre, he strives to challenge the preconceived conventions of radio pop music by: modulating chord structure, and tearing down conventional songwriting.

                Ricardo’s music is influenced by his experience as a composer, producing for hip-hop, afro beat, and R&B clients, and his work composing and performing in choirs. Ricardo has an eclectic sensibility as you’ll hear through his library of music.

                Francis Baptiste
                he/him
                Indie Folk
                Both days, 1:30pm - 3:30pm
                READ MORE

                In 2022, Indigenous songwriter Francis Baptiste released his debut album, Sneqsilx (Family), an album that features songs sung in his native language Nsyilxcən [nah-silk-sen], the endangered language of the Syilx [see-ilks] people. The 10-song album was his effort to preserve and connect with his heritage. The chance to reconnect with his roots helped him through turbulent times.

                Following the release, Baptiste performed for Talking Stick Festival, Vancouver Jazz Fest, Music Waste Festival,Rogue Arts Festival, Barnside Harvest Festival, Shipyards Festival, Khatsahlano Festival, and the PNE. Singles from Sneqsilx (Family) were played on CBC Radio, SiriusXM, and college radio stations across the country. The album received press in Exclaim Magazine, the Vancouver Sun, Discorder Magazine, the Times Chronicle, and several music blogs.