March brings a reviving creative energy well worth coming out of hibernation for! This month brings plenty of artistic variety to shake off the last gasp of winter. Traditional Indigenous storytelling through comic art at Bill Reid Gallery, a collection of 700 700 LP record covers that make up a historical painting at Polygon, or a family-friendly evening where visitors can learn to make fibre art with braiding techniques at Surrey Art Gallery— if you’re curious to learn more then you’re in the right spot!
Vancouver
Bill Reid Gallery
February 7 – May 19
XIÁM combines traditional storytelling and the contemporary medium of comics through the work of 5 Indigenous artists, Jordanna George (T’sou-ke), Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas (Haida), Gord Hill (Kwakwaka’wakw), Whess Harman (Carrier Wit’at), and Cole Pauls (Tahltan).
Get there on transit: From Vancouver City Centre Canada Line stop, it’s only a 5-minute walk East along Georgia Street.
Vancouver’s North Shore
The Polygon Gallery
March 9-July 14
Dani Gal’s epic work, Historical Records (2005-ongoing) comprises over 700 commercially issued vinyl LPs, which the artist has collected since the beginning of this century. Installed in a dense grid on a wall, the array of LP covers can be understood visually as an alternative ‘history painting’; albeit one that refuses to serve a dominant narrative.
Get there on transit: SeaBus – 1-minute walk from the SeaBus at Lonsdale Quay.
Langley
Think Outside the Vase
Sage and Solace Farm
March 9
This unique class invites you to embrace the beauty of dried flowers and the charm of upcycled vessels.
From egg baskets to loaf pans, you will be learning how to create one-of-a-kind floral arrangements using various materials and secrets of the trade.
Surrey
Surrey Art Gallery
March 10
Be inspired by the artworks in the current exhibit, un/tangling, un/ covering, un/doing and make art with friends and family! Create your own fibre-art using braiding techniques, engage in poetry, and participate in drawing activities designed and led by Gallery artist educators.
Get there on transit: From King George Skytrain Station, take the R1 Newton Exchange bus to 88th Ave. It’s about a 5-minute walk from there!
Burnaby
Shadbolt Centre for the Arts
March 17
When Wendell discovers that his wife Tilda and their beloved tree have vanished from the backyard, he must venture into the nearby forest to bring them home. Confronted with shifting landscapes, unusual creatures, and a mysterious lurking presence, Wendell soon learns that the key to finding Tilda is to first unlock the mystery of The Wilds. Charming and profoundly touching, this wordless award-winning show features WONDERHEADS’ signature masks, whimsical puppetry, and enchanting music, and moves its audiences to both laughter and tears.
Get there by Transit: From Metrotown Station, take the #144 SFU bus to Rowan Ave, it’s a 5-minute walk from there!
Whistler
Maury Young Arts Centre
March 26 – April 27, 2024
Instead of directly buying a work of art, people can purchase a spot in a tier that dictates when they can choose their favourite piece off the gallery wall. While the mediums range from 3D glass to ironwork to oil on canvas, each piece is created to fit 8×8-inch dimensions. And the artists range from professionals to those putting their work on display for the very first time.
New Westminster
Anvil Centre
March 1 – March 3
Dancers of Damelahamid present the 17th annual Coastal Dance Festival, honouring Indigenous stories, song, and dance from across Canada and around the world. Highlights include the exclusive short preview of Dancers of Damelahamid’s upcoming full-length work, Raven Mother, created in honour of the late Elder Margaret Harris, co-founder of Dancers of Damelahamid. The three-day festival will also showcase a dynamic lineup of regional artists, including audience favourites: Chinook Song Catchers, Dakhká Khwáan Dancers, and Rainbow Creek Dancers, among many others.
Get there on transit: Steps away from the New Westminster SkyTrain Station.