Artists in Our Midst is an organization of artists dedicated to promoting the visual arts by creating a network of artist who create exhibitions and other events on the west side of Vancouver, B.C. It is a grassroots organization run by the participating artists. It is the first of such groups in Vancouver.

Every spring, Artists in Our Midst hosts an Art Walk of artist venues and studios that is open to the public. The event begins with a much anticipated Opening Night Exhibition of new works by participating artists, typically followed by a two day Art Walk. This popular and well attended community event is an opportunity to meet local artists and other art patrons.

History

18 Years of West Side Artists in the Community

It all started at the end of January 1993: inspired by the huge open studio event of ‘Le genie de la Bastille’ in Paris, artists Pnina Granirer and Anne Adams put out a call to artists living in their community to participate in a weekend of open studios.

Thus ‘Artists in our Midst.’(AIOM) came into being. The first year, about 30 artists signed up, but word spread and numbers grew. Local merchants included art works in their window displays and generously supported AIOM. Artists were commissioned to design street banners. Local media contributed to the prominence of the event. Its success encouraged other artist groups in and around the city to follow suit. We formed a community partnership with Lord Byng Secondary School, where local artists participated in and supported some of the school’s Fine Arts Program’s curriculum.

Seventeen years later, the formula was due for a change. We became a non profit organization. Through a transparent selection process, we intend to attract more professional artists. By allowing artists from all West Side regions to participate, we enlarged our territory and chose the Roundhouse as the venue for the opening night.  Every year, we publish a catalogue.

As a result, AIOM is developing into a year-round artist organization that coordinates, facilitates and promotes art events.

This organization is all about sharing resources, talent and good work, as well as giving something back to the neighbourhood, not in the least by direct and non-intimidating contact between artists and their communities. Over the years, our list of sponsors, supporters and volunteers has grown steadily. We are thankful for the generosity of all the merchants and our local media that help us to advertise our events. This support has been crucial in building a West Side community that appreciates the arts; a community that will continue to grow together with the artists in its midst.