The Eastside Arts District will come alive with celebration of the area’s creativity. The annual Eastside Arts Festival runs from Friday (July 17) to next Sunday (July 26), culminating in a free concert in MacLean Park (710 Keefer Street). It features sultry singer-songwriter and pianist Mizz Lisa, Lyndsay Wills & the No Frills String Band, and the self-described jukebox heroine, Sinéad X Sanders.
“What makes the Eastside so special is the density of creativity that exists here—artist studios, community spaces, and longstanding cultural histories all existing side by side,” Eastside Arts Society programs and development manager Sierra MacTavish says. “At its heart, the festival is about creating opportunities for people to move through the neighbourhood differently, encounter moments of wonder, and connect more deeply with the artists, spaces, and communities that continue to shape Vancouver’s cultural landscape.”
One of the marquee events is The Dance Deck. Belle Spirale Dance Projects will feature dancer-choreographers Jacalyn Tatro, Vidya Kotamraju, and Connor McLeary, as well as dancers Devon McLean and Sophia Makarenko and choreographer Will Jessup. Here’s the kicker: it all takes place in the back yard of the home of Bell Spirale’s artistic directors Sylvain Senez and Alexis Fletcher from 4 to 6 p.m. on July 18, 19, 25, and 26.
Organizers urging people to purchase tickets online because they can only accommodate a limited audience in their yard at 1745 Napier Street. They wouldn’t want people to travel all the way there and be turned away because it’s sold-out.
Eastside artist lead workshops
The Eastside Arts Festival also includes a soundwalk at 6 p.m. on Friday led by Jorma Kujala. His interdisciplinary practice also includes painting, mixed media, collage, and drawing. According to Kujala’s profile, his work “investigates perceptions of truth, repetition, re-creation and re-enactment, as well as the bodily interplay between the senses, the individual, and environments”.
Moreover, there are plenty of artist-led workshops on everything from glass fusing to watercolours to indigo dyeing. The latter is offered by Naomi Yamamoto—a festival regular—at 10 a.m. on Sunday (July 19), 7 p.m. on Wednesday (July 22), and 7 p.m. on Thursday (July 23).
At this festival, it’s possible to make your own espresso set with porcelain slip casting with help from Dima Gurevich. Candice Weber offers an introduction to goldwork embroidery and Christina Radvak will show the way to print a tote.
There are also public art tours led by artists Pilar Mehlis and Kate MacDonald, and photographer Wendy D. In addition, Heritage Vancouver and Hogan’s Alley will offer tours celebrating architecture and history.
So drop by Strathcona Park or various beverage-making sites—such as Odd Society Spirits, Superflux Beer Company, or Luppolo Brewing Co.—and take in the fun. The full schedule of events is available on the Eastside Arts Festival website.
The Eastside Arts Society presents the Eastside Arts Festival from Friday (July 17) to next Sunday (July 26) at various locations.
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