With the shorter days of winter arriving throughout November, there’s even more reason to brighten up the forecast with a splash of colour! This month’s arts calendar brings all kinds of vibrant inspiration, whether it’s interactive light installations around Gastown, an artisanal market of Japanese-inspired gifts in Burnaby, or one of Metro YVR’s most anticipated yearly culture crawls. So don’t get bogged down by the winter blues! There’s a far broader spectrum of shades for you to experience, you just have to know where to look!
A Studio Quivering in Readiness, September 13-November 24
Burnaby Art Gallery
A Studio Quivering in Readiness explores a breadth of West Coast art sustained through the friendships and collecting practices of lifetime supporter and patron of the arts, Harry Locke. Representing some of the province’s most significant artists, this exhibition brings together vibrant works on paper from the City of Burnaby Permanent Art Collection, offering a radiating vantage into life in the studio and the relationships that sustain an artist’s way of being and creating.
The Woman in Black, October 24 – November 3
Anvil Theatre, New Westminster
Surrey Arts Centre & Anvil Theatre Royal Canadian Theatre Company presents Woman in Black Written by Stephan Malatratt Based on the novel by Susan Hill Directed by Nicole DesLauriers Arthur Kipps engages a skeptical young actor to help him tell his terrifying story and exorcise the fear that grips his soul. As the two men reach further into Kipp’s darkest memories, the borders between make-believe and reality begin to blur and the flesh begins to creep.
Lumiere YVR, November 7-10
Various locations around Downtown Vancouver
A series of interactive art installations light up Vancouver this November. Scattered throughout Downtown from the West End to Gastown, light installations in public spaces will brighten the parks and plazas and bring wonder to the winter during the early dark night of winter.
Eastside Culture Crawl, November 14-17
Various locations around Downtown Vancouver
Each November artists in Vancouver’s Eastside open their studios to the public as part of the Eastside Culture Crawl Visual Arts, Design & Craft Festival. Step inside the creative spaces of painters, jewelers, sculptors, furniture makers, weavers, potters, printmakers, photographers, glassblowers, and more.
Nikkei Craft Fair 2024, November 16-17
Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, Burnaby
Find one-of-a-kind Japanese-inspired gifts at the Nikkei Craft Fair. This beloved event showcases the creativity and talent of local artisans, offering a diverse selection of handcrafted goods.
Adult Workshop: Winter Greenery Hanging Basket, November 24
Cedar Rim Nursery Ltd, Glover Road, Langley Township
Brighten up the winter months with a beautifully crafted hanging basket. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll design a lush, winter-themed basket using a mix of evergreens and seasonal accents. Perfect for adding charm to your outdoor space or giving as a unique gift, this project will bring a bit of nature’s beauty to the cold season.
Anonymous Art Show, November 28 – December 15
Vancouver’s North Shore
North Van Arts’ annual festive fundraising runs every November and December. CityScape Community ArtSpace is transformed into a kaleidoscopic world of wonderment composed of hundreds of small 8” x 8” canvases, come and find the one that speaks to you! The proceeds from this fundraiser provide significant support to ongoing North Van Arts’ programmes and projects while also showcasing local artists in the community. Once a painting is purchased, it is removed from the wall and replaced with a sold tag, revealing the artist’s name.
Arts Whistler Holiday Market, November 30 – December 1
The Westin Resort & Spa Whistler (4090 Whistler Way)
The Arts Whistler Holiday Market returns with two days of hand-baked, hand-made goodness. With curated vendors from the Sea to Sky region and across BC and the young entrepreneurs of Bratz Biz, Whistler’s largest artisan market draws visitors from far and wide. Returning for its 33rd year, Arts Whistler Holiday Market presents an incredible opportunity for creatives to showcase their work and attendees to purchase handcrafted gifts for everyone on their ‘nice’ list.
There are many ways to get to these by transit. Visit TransLink’s Trip Planner to find your way.