THE ARTS IN VANCOUVER

" Hitch your wagon to a star "

The mystique of our coastal air coupled with the free spirited attitudes of Westcoasters seems to have a magical influence on our arts community. With a slight irreverence towards mainstream art, Shakespeare is majestically performed on the sandy shores of English Bay. The Vancouver Symphony resonates from mountain top to valley below as the orchestra performs atop Grouse Mountain. At a time where other cities scramble to fill seats for special events, Vancouverites flock to the Vancouver International Film Festival and Folk Festival. Alternate dance festivals, art galleries and film flourish. More traditional art forms are also available, from the works presented in major art galleries in the city to the Broadway plays at the Ford Centre for the Performing Arts. All of the 'staples of High Art' are yours to enjoy in this inspiring westcoast city. For information on events, happenings, and galleries, call the ARTS HOTLINE, open 24 hours a day at 604 684 ARTS.

A complete listing of what's currently playing in the city can be found in the weekly free newspaper, The Georgia Straight found all over town. Pick one up when you arrive. Guests of Arbutus House Bed and Breakfast will have a current copy in their room.

ART GALLERIES

Vancouver has a thriving art community with too many art galleries to list. Here are but a few of the many interesting galleries in the city

• Bau-Xi Art Gallery: specializing in Canadian artists; 3045 Granville St
• Buschler- Mowatt Gallery: international contemporary art; 111-1445 W. Georgia Street
• Diane Farris Gallery: features young artists; 1565 W. 7th Avenue;

• Equinox Gallery: important North American artists; 2321 Granville Street;
• Heffel Gallery:specializes in works by the Group of Seven; 2247 Granville Street;
• Images for a Canadian Heritage:Features Northwest Coast native wood carvings; 164 Water Street; 7046
• John Ramsey Contemporary Art: well respected collection of contemporary artists; 1065 Cambie Street;
• Lattimer Gallery: Houses an impressive collection of Northwest Coast Indian art; 1590 W. 2nd Avenue;
• Marion Scott Gallery: specializing in Inuit art; 481 Howe St.,
• Presentation House: Specializing in photographic art; 333 Chesterman Avenue, North Vancouver;
• The Vancouver Art Gallery: Designed in 1907 as the provincial courthouse, the Vancouver Art Gallery has been transformed into a spacious interior housing a permanent group of Canadian, European and North American artists. 750 Hornby Street,

LIVE THEATRE

• The Arts Club; 2780 Granville Street,
• Chan Center for the Performing Arts UBC
  
• Firehall Arts Centre; 280 E. Cordova Street,
• The Centre In Vancouver For Performing Arts ; 777 Homer Street,
• Metro Theatre Centre; 1370 SW Marine Drive,
• Shadbolt Centre for the Arts; 6450 Deer Lake Avenue,
• Surrey Arts Centre Theatre; 13750-88 Avenue, Surrey;
• Theatre Sports League
• Vancouver East Cultural Centre; 1895 Veneables Street,
• VANCOUVER CIVIC THEATRES:
  • Orpheum
  • Vancouver Playhouse
  • Queen Elizabeth Theatre
    Events Info, call 604 299 9000

MUSIC

• Coastal Jazz and Blues Society; Du Maurier Jazz Festival;
• Friends of Chamber Music;
• Music in the Morning Concert Series;
• The Vancouver Bach Choir;
• The Vancouver Symphony
• Vancouver New Music Society;
• Vancouver Recital Society;
• Opera:
  • Vancouver Opera Association;