Russel Hackney
[Russel Hackney, Mezzanine in Colour]

Wood, fire, glass, metal, paint and canvas will collide on the Eastside as artists celebrate the 17th Annual Eastside Culture Crawl, the city’s favourite arts festival. For one weekend in mid-November, artists’ doors open wide to reveal the secrets of their craft. The public is invited to peer behind the scenes to see the artists at work and play, and visitors are welcome to purchase one-of-a-kind pieces on the spot.

The Eastside Culture Crawl started in 1997 with 45 artists in three Strathcona area studio buildings attracting a few hundred visitors. Today, the Crawl has evolved into a visual arts phenomenon. Covering the area bounded by Main Street and Victoria north of First Avenue, it draws over 20,000 visitors to 75 buildings, housing art from over 300 artists, including photographers, painters, glassblowers, jewelers, textile artists and more.

Jane Wolsak
[Jane Wolsak]

The Crawl is excited to announce its new executive director, Esther Rausenberg. Esther is a photo-based artist that has participated in the Crawl since its inception. She is a well-known advocate for the arts in Vancouver and has worked and volunteered in the non-profit sector since 1979. 

“The Crawl is excited to introduce some new events this year, including a Crawl Hunt contest and a public screening of the wonderful documentary film Herb & Dorothy at the Wilder Snail,” says Esther. “This year the Crawl is also unveiling an updated look, with a bright new logo design that reflects the creative energy of the festival. We look forward to introducing the Eastside Culture Crawl to new arts enthusiasts and surprising longtime Crawl-ers with new artists, designers and craftspeople.”

A few of the many participating artists this year include:
Jane Wolsak

Returning once again to the Crawl, Wolsak has a diverse creative background that includes illustration, mural making, portraiture, and still life paintings. An art educator for over 30 years, Wolsak has been contracted by media outlets to illustrate high-profile courtroom proceedings, her art focusing on capturing gestures and expressions seen through the artist’s eye.

Russel Hackney

Russel Hackney creates functional and decorative pieces, finding inspiration from nature and architectural details. He’s had the pleasure of molding unique and exciting pieces, such as a figurative clock presented to Her Majesty the Queen. Hackney worked in the pottery industry in England before moving to Vancouver (where he continues to provide design and mold-making services).

Kiku Hawkes

A graduate of the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, German-born Kiku has travelled extensively and has studied in Nepal, India, Japan, and Mexico. Now based in Vancouver, Kiku works in alternate-process, textile and photo-based media, and has won awards for her fine art and commercial photography.

Ben McLaughlin

McLaughlin is interested in connections between cultures, interactions, emotions, and visual stimulation. He seeks to enrich the environment in a space by the means of acoustic sound, creating resonating furniture pieces that encourage interaction within a communal space. McLaughlin’s drums have received attention from numerous publications and have been exhibited in international galleries.

Jeina Morosoff
Jeina’s work has appeared in exhibitions in Canada and abroad, including the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia and the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo. Taking inspiration from natural, organic forms, Jeina forms blown glass and iron into works that are simultaneously familiar and alien.

Ken Claude Lambert
[Ken Claude Lambert, English rose pendant in sterling, vitreous enamel, with garnet]

Ken Claude Lambert

Living in the heart of East Vancouver, Lambert has been exposed to a diverse customer base, allowing him to create unique and fashionable accessories for his clients for the past 10 years. He draws inspiration from all areas of his community, creating collections that are edgy and interesting, elegant and timeless.

17th Annual Eastside Culture Crawl
Dates: November 15 to 17: Friday, 5 to 10 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm
Venues: Main Street and Victoria north of First Avenue, East Vancouver
Free event; wear comfortable walking shoes

About the Eastside Culture Crawl

Celebrating its 17th year, Vancouver’s Eastside Culture Crawl is a chance to obtain original artwork, view the workspaces of local artists, and learn about the creative process. Artists and craftspeople in wide array of media are featured, with works available for purchase. 
More information can be found online.

No Comments

No comments yet.

RSS feed for comments on this post.

Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.