Wood, fire, glass, metal, paint and canvas collide on Vancouver’s Eastside as artists celebrate the 17th year of the city’s favourite arts festival over the course of a weekend. From November 15-17, 2013, 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 officially began 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, jewellers, textile artists and more.
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 Crawlers with new artists, designers and craftspeople.”
Some of this year’s participating artists include: Jane Wolsak, Russel Hackney, Kiku Hawkes, Ben McLaughlin, Jeina Morosoff and Ken Claude Lambert.
For more information, please visit www.eastsideculturecrawl.com.