ARTISTS IN OUR MIDST
Our Story
Artists in Our Midst is the longest continuously running artists collective in Vancouver. It was founded in 1993 by two artists, Anne Adams and Pnina Granirer.
While living in Paris, Granirer was inspired by le Genie de la Bastille, wherein, each spring, artists in the Bastille area opened their studio doors to the public. So inspired by this event, she worked with Anne Adams to design a similar opportunity in her community in Vancouver. Now each spring, studio doors are open to the public providing a unique opportunity for the public to connect directly with artists living in their midst.
Artists in Our Midst (AiOM) is a Vancouver-based nonprofit arts organization that fosters connection between local artists and the community. Best known for organizing the annual West of Main Art Walk, AiOM invites the public into artists’ homes, studios, and community centres to experience art firsthand. Through exhibitions, community events, and artist-led initiatives, AiOM supports artistic expression, accessibility, and engagement across diverse disciplines. We are proud to support arts education through our partnership with Lord Byng Secondary School, offering an annual bursary to a graduating visual arts student. Our work is made possible through the support of local merchants, sponsors, and the vibrant community that participates in our events.
West of Main Art Walk Open Studio Tour & Sale
From Point Grey to Main Street and from Granville Island to 41st Avenue in Vancouver - explore and engage with artists in their individual studios over one weekend in spring. Be sure to visit our satellite studios - Kits Neighborhood House, St Philips Church, the City Centre Motel, and St Helens Church where you’ll find multiple artists showing and demonstrating in a group setting. See Map for details.
More about the West of Main Art Walk…
Art for all - fundraiser
We are looking forward to our fourth year in 2023 with artworks donated by many of our artists. During the preview exhibition, we showcase a fundraising event on an Art For All wall. Proceeds from the sales of these donated pieces go directly to help Coast Mental Health provide art supplies for their free art programs in downtown Vancouver.
More about Art for All Fundraiser…
Merchants in Our Midst
Local merchants welcome artwork by Artists in Our Midst members into their stores and businesses. Over 65 participating merchants display artwork during the spring month leading up the Roundhouse Exhibition and West of Main Art Walk. It is a pleasure to be able to display work at the community level, where it can be viewed every day.