Painting by Susan Patterson, showing at 1310 William Street, part of Eastside Culture Crawl 2009

Every year, the Vancouver Eastside Culture Crawl—a free three-day visual arts festival—offers art lovers a chance to see up-and-coming Vancouver artists and a chance to buy their amazing works.

Basically, the Crawl is a simultaneous showing of artists’ work at studios and buildings from Main Street to Commercial Drive, just east of downtown Vancouver.

Map of Eastside Culture Crawl 2009

Painters, jewelers, sculptors, furniture makers, potters, photographers, glassblowers—the number and array of artists showing at this year’s Culture Crawl is truly staggering. How can anyone see that many artists in just three days?

Bracelet by Contexture Design, showing at 930 Station Street during Eastside Culture Crawl 2009

To me, the best strategy is to spend time at the Eastside Culture Crawl website browsing the artists’ pages and image galleries, so you can choose your destinations based on the work that most interests you.

Of course, another plan is to simply pick a geographical area—say, Union between Princess and Campbell—and work the hell out of it.

Whatever you do, don’t miss the Echo Chamber After Hours Party, a fusion of music, film, visual and performing arts (with a cash bar) at Chapel Arts, 304 Dunlevy. Tickets are available at the Crawl Info Booth at 601 Keefer Street during Crawl hours.

The 2009 Eastside Culture Crawl happens November 20 – 22, 2009. The Echo Chamber After Hours Party is on November 20 – 21, 2009.