Artwork by Andrea Alcaraz
By Rachel Rosenberg
If you’ve never been to the Eastside Culture Crawl, you are missing out on a perfect opportunity to discover the work of some of Vancouver’s most talented and unique artists. It can be a dizzying experience — 471 artists, featuring various forms of arts, design and crafts. Along with viewing their work in the space where it’s created, you have the opportunity to meet the people themselves. Set across 67 buildings located in the Commercial-Sunrise Hastings area, it is a maze of talent.
You can access the program online, and the page also gives a map of pick up locations for print copies. For more information about the festival, which is from November 14-17, visit their site.
Below, I’ve chosen five artists that you should definitely drop in on.
Andrea Alcaraz
Alcaraz is an illustrator who has worked on a number of short films and just recently illustrated Nancy Matthews’ Aunt Happy’s Garden. Her online shop gives options for customized people and pet portraits, and paper dolls of luchadors, alebrije-rabbits and one of Frida Kahlo. Visit her at Gore Studio – Kim Heng Noodles (Map Code: B8), 617 Gore Ave.
David T. Cho
David T. Cho
Cho was born in South Korea and now lives in Vancouver. He is a graduate of Emily Carr and his paintings are inspired by his pop culture interests and the local landscape. Visit him at Parker Street Studios (Map Code: D3), 1000 Parker St. studio #324.
Serena Chu
Serena Chu
Chu is the creator of Chu-Chu ceramics. Originally from Toronto, she now lives in Vancouver and teaches workshops on painting, knitting, crocheting and jewelry-making. She creates gorgeous black-and-white tableware. Visit her at Octopus Studios (Map Code: A6), 393 Powell St.
Eri Ishii
Three Small by Eri Ishii
Ishii is an award-winning painter, and her work touch on themes of “psychological spaces, identity, and relationships”, according to her bio. Originally from Tokyo, she now lives in Vancouver and has previously toured across Canada in solo and group exhibitions. You can find more info about her paintings and drawings on her site; or, by visiting her at Portside Studios (Map Code: E10), 150 McLean Dr.
Laleh Javaheri
Laleh Javaheri
Javaheri is a talented textile artist, self-taught, and her work is bright and joyous to look at. Inspired by Persian literature, she creates felt mosaics and other fiber art. Visit her at Arts Factory (Map Code: D2), 281 Industrial Ave.
Rachel Rosenberg is a writer and library technician who is a proud member of the LGBTQ2+ community. She writes for Book Riot and can be found on Twitter @LibraryRachelR
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