Some of the finest galleries in North America are in B.C.

There’s no place else on earth like Granville Island; a feast for the senses where art and fine food intersect. Granville Island is one of Vancouver’s greatest attractions and has earned a great deal of recognition. What was once a dilapidated industrial area in the 1960s was almost magically converted into a bustling, thriving arts center and gathering place.

The transformation of this area has been enormously successful and brought a new energy to revitalize a dying area. Locals and visitors flock to Granville Island to enjoy shopping in the many art galleries and shops. The Public Market offers fresh produce, homemade jams and jellies, baked goods, and delicious ethnic treats. 

Granville Island is full of life and energy, is a happening place, and a hub of activity. With over 10 million visitors and locals visiting annually, be sure to arrive early to find a parking spot on the weekend. On a sunny day, enjoy outdoor seating on the waterfront deck and watch colorful adorable toy-like water taxis shuttle passengers back and forth to the island.

There’s tons to do on Granville Island and it’s easy to spend an entire day here. Eat your way around the world class Public Market. Shoppers will need lots of time to check out 57 artists’ studios and galleries. Catch a live performance at one of the six performing art venues or at over a dozen theatre and festival production companies.

Allow a minimum of four hours to get a good overview. If you’re in the mood for pastries, fresh salmon, pot pie, soup, exotic teas, ice cream, then start your tour in the Public Market. Perfect produce displayed beautifully like a still life composition, hand-dipped chocolates, artisan cheeses are just some of the goodies awaiting you en route to the ethnic food area. Stop at Edible British Columbia and check out their upscale gourmet products from B.C. and for a free taste of some of their regional specialties.

After a nosh in the Public Market, it’s time to do some serious shopping and gallery hopping (hint: allow enough time to browse and make your lunch/snack selection as the choices are overwhelming). If you’re craving an art fix, you’re in luck. Granville Island is one of the premier art districts and has some of the finest galleries in North America. There nothing cutesy about the galleries and you won’t find any tchotchkes here.

Watch artists at work and see the creative process in motion as art comes to life in their studios. Sophisticated high caliber crafts and real art are showcased in the nearly 60 top notch galleries and studio space offering everything from photography, paintings, sculpture, ceramics, wood crafts, mixed media, fine wearable art, paintings, to First Nations art. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as this is a pedestrian friendly area.

Some of B.C.’s premier artists are represented at two terrific galleries: Circle Craft and Crafthouse Shop and Gallery. These galleries offer an excellent assortment of outstanding crafts like hand-painted silks, ceramics, handmade dolls, jewelry, hand-woven baskets, metal work, and jewelry. Circle Craft is first class all the way and is known for showcasing some of the finest contemporary and edgy Canadian artists’ work.

For wearable art I especially like Funk Shui. Jessica De Haas’ unique felted shawls, ponchos, jackets, and scarves are feather light and in gorgeous hand-dyed colors. Perfect for San Antonio winters without being heavy, bulky or cumbersome. Jessica’s creations are felted wool over a base of chiffon and very comfy to wear.

Frommer’s Guide to Vancouver listed Alarte Silks as the number one attraction on Granville Island. Izabela Sauer’s hand-painted silk scarves are a feast for the eyes. The designer also specializes in shibori dyed silks and scarves. Shibori is an ancient traditional Japanese textile dyeing and pleating process which adds a sculptural three dimensional element to her silks.

Amity Design Studio features Jelena Corak’s hand dyed sheer silks that seem to float in a luscious array of rich colors. Ponchos, wraps and scarves made of shimmering silk and chiffon look good on any figure type and can be slipped over all black and you have a smashing ensemble. Easy to wear and pack make this a “must have” travel accessory.

Maiwa Handprints offers urban ethnic clothing created from fine hand printed silk and cotton fabrics created in India, Indonesia, and other countries in addition to jewelry, accessories, and scarves. Embroidered, block printed, hand-woven, and naturally dyed textiles are featured at Maiwa Handprints. “Maiwa works directly with craftspeople to help create livelihoods and to sustain the voice of handcraft,” proudly claims owner Charlotte Kwon. Textile junkies have been gravitating to this upscale boutique featuring jackets, tops, scarves and yardage for years.

In addition, there is also Maiwa Supply offering a full array of exquisite designer yarns, fiber arts supplies like natural dyes, handmade Japanese brushes, and instructional books. Hard to find dyes like indigo and cochineal are available. Maiwa holds a series of workshops every year taught by world class artisans and every other year hosts a textile symposium with international guest speakers.

For more information, visit www.tourismvancouver.com.

Photography by Michelle Newman

Michelle Newman is a designer, writer and photographer focusing on art, craft, design, fashion, and cultural destinations. She has written for Better Homes and Gardens, Womans Day, Belle Armoire and Expressions. Based in San Antonio, Texas, she can be reached at michellenewmandesigns@hotmail.com.