Recognized Vancouver Gallery Curator Sets Sight on Art! Vancouver

    VANCOUVER, BC, September 17, 2014 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Modelled after internationally renowned art conventions such as Europe's Art Basel, Art Vancouver's inaugural year in 2015 will feature dozens of artists from across Vancouver's Lower Mainland and around the world.

After visiting Art Toronto, Lisa Wolfin, curator for Hollyburn Country Club in West Vancouver, knew that Vancouver was missing what many other major cities have an event where the public can view the work of hundreds of top artists at one location.

"Art Basel is a famous week-long event. People come from around the world," says Wolfin about her inspiration.

Like Art Vancouver, Art Basel showcases museum-quality pieces by proven masters alongside the work of emerging artists. Similar art shows run in Hong Kong, Miami Beach and other cities.

Art Vancouver will be held at the Vancouver Convention Centre from May 21st to May 24th, 2015.

"There are countless artists on the North Shore and Vancouver. I'm always discovering another great one," says Wolfin on a tour of Hollyburn Country Club, where the extensive walls act as a gallery for club members and the public.

Paintings of bold flowers by Anne Gudrun, a North Van-based artist, hang at the front of the club. Farther down, Deep Cove's Tansy Sverre, known for her vivid colours, is joined by other artists from the North Shore, Bowen Island, elsewhere in the Lower Mainland and Alberta.

With this curatorial experience, Wolfin has her eye on Vancouver's art scene and is seeking artists who want to be part of the show.

"We're looking for 200 artists who want to join, and every day we are getting closer to our goal. It's a great opportunity for them to expose their work to a large number of people," says Wolfin, adding art will be selected in a juried application process.

Galleries are also invited to apply.

"I travelled to Art Toronto and when I was there, I realized this could work in Vancouver," says Wolfin, who is working with fellow artist Lori McPhee.

The 14th annual Art Toronto, which took place in October, had 19,000 visitors over four days. Collectors, curators, gallerists, artists, museum directors and 40 cultural and professional groups attended.

Europe has also provided influence for Wolfin.

Art Basel, held annually on the border of Switzerland, France and Germany is know as the "Olympics of the Arts World" with 4,000 artists exhibiting in every medium.

"Vancouver is the perfect city for this kind of event and we will have it in just one year," says Wolfin.

Art Vancouver's opening night gala on May 21st includes an art-inspired runway show and the chance to mingle with locals and international artists.

For more information or to exhibit at the event, visit www.artvancouver.net.

Article provided by Michaela Garstin at www.northshoreoutlook.com.

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