A childhood passion for creating and sharing art with others blossomed into a lifelong pursuit for Pnina, who is one of the co-founders of Artists in Our Midst, now known as the West of Main Art Walk – a community event designed to showcase the work of local artists. This year she says she is “elated” to be celebrating the 31^st annual event.

Pnina, who recently moved to Tapestry at Wesbrook Village, visited our sister Vancouver location, Tapestry at Arbutus Walk, to share the history of how the event came to be and to enjoy the artwork of Tapestry residents on display at their own, in-house Art Walk.

Speaking to a large group of interested residents and employees, Pnina shared that she first had the idea for Artists in Our Midst after a 1993 visit to Paris where she experienced a week-long event during which artists had opened their studios to the public for viewing.

“When I came back to Vancouver, I realized we had nothing like this,” Pnina says. “I talked to my friend Anne Adams – who in addition to having her PhD also played piano and was a painter – and said, ‘Why don’t we try to do something like this in Vancouver?’”

Thanks to the two women’s efforts and strong support from the Vancouver Courier newspaper, the first Artists in Our Midst was held in 1993 and was the first event of its kind in Vancouver. Artwork was displayed at the Point Grey Community Centre, followed by a weekend of artists’ open studios. Some artists even invited people to visit their home-based studios, a tradition that continues to this day.

According to the West of Main Art Walk web site: “Artists include painters, potters, sculptors, fabric artists, photographers, and more. Visitors can enjoy art at their own pace without any rush or pressure. There’s time for conversation to learn about their artwork and art processes. Establishing relationships between the artists and those who appreciate their work is the most rewarding part of the art walk. The experience goes beyond a gallery visit.”

Soon, Pnina says, interest from artists in neighbouring communities created a demand for more participation (the work is non-juried which makes the event open to a broader group of artists). Pnina and her committee decided to expand to three events in three communities on the west side, adding the Kitsilano and Dunbar-Kerrisdale community centres to the Point Grey location.

After a few years the main event opening was moved to Lord Byng Secondary School, which Pnina says has a strong art program and offered more and better viewing space. As a result of the move, “a lot of young people came to the event to ask questions and discuss art,” she says. “That was quite exciting, really.”

Throughout her presentation, Pnina shared images of artifacts from the early years of the event, including posters, photos and newspaper clippings. When asked where her own passion for art came from, Pnina admits that she was not only artistic as a child but also somewhat of an entrepreneur, selling her own hand-coloured sketches at school when she was about eight years old.

Asked about her favourite memories associated with Artists in Our Midst, Pnina says, “I really enjoyed the surprise and delight of the people coming in to see the art.”

Pnina has now put away her art supplies, exchanging painting for writing. She has published poems and several books, including a memoir, and continues to promote art appreciation from her new home at Tapestry.

Mirroring the variety of the West of Main Art Walk, Tapestry’s in-house Art Walk event included 24 residents displaying artwork in many media, from painting to needle art to woodworking, along with photography and even Chinese knotting.

Pamela says she developed her passion for needle arts such as knitting, crochet and embroidery under the guidance of her “remarkable” seamstress mother.

Since moving to Tapestry just over two years ago, Pamela challenged herself to try Bargello embroidery, a type of needlepoint consisting of upright flat stitches laid in a mathematical pattern to create motifs. When asked what inspired her to try this new technique, Pamela says, “I’m the sort of person who doesn’t like to give up. I can’t stop until I’ve found the solution, and that gives me satisfaction.”

John, who took up wood carving about six months ago after he moved into Tapestry, says he always enjoyed “DIY” woodworking and made small furniture pieces in his shed when he lived in Wales.

Now, John says, he is “thoroughly enjoying this more artistic side of woodworking” by taking on the finer work of wood carving. He has a small set of tools and has built himself a work tray and other accessories so he can practice his craft in his suite.

Rachel has been an artist since a very young age, and works in various media including pencil, ink, watercolour and acrylic. While she did not pursue art professionally, it has evolved into a lifelong hobby, and she has shared her work with family and friends as gifts.

Rachel says she was surprised to see how many artists participated in the Tapestry Art Walk. Before moving into Tapestry last year, “I did my painting and hung it on the wall and nobody saw it,” she adds.

At Tapestry, there are multiple activities coordinated every day by our Wellness Team with opportunities to learn and to share your talents. There is also ample private time in your own suite to pursue your individual interests. If you’re looking to make more time for those passions you really enjoy or want to explore new interests and activities with friends and neighbours, please contact us. We would be pleased to host you for a complimentary lunch and a tour.