On the last three weekends of April, artists who live and work on the westside of the Vancouver are once again inviting people into their homes and studios as part of the popular Artists in our Midst program. Point Grey artist, Pnina Granirer organized the first event twelve years ago, inspired by an artists' walk she had encountered on a trip to Paris. It has since become an annual spring tradition in the Point Grey, Dunbar, Kerrisdale, and Kitsilano neighbourhoods. Regardless of the weather, traffic on side streets becomes busier. People armed with maps travel from block to block, and it is not unusual to hear gleeful whoops, and squeals of recognition as they rediscover studios and artists they have not seen since last year. Pnina refers to Artists in our Midst as "an offering to the community", allowing those who might otherwise never visit a gallery the "opportunity to develop personal relationships with art and artists."

Over seventy artists will be participating this year. Aside from the obvious marketing benefits it generates, Janet Lee, coordinator for the Point Grey weekend, explains that Artists in our Midst provides plenty of opportunities for networking and mentorship. "It's a great way for locals to get to know artists who are living just down the street?and for artists to meet other artists who work in the same neighbourhood," says Janet.

It is also a great way to view art. The shows begin on April 16th with a Friday night opening in Dunbar/Kerrisdale, at Saint Philips Anglican Church, 3737 West 27th Avenue; on April 23rd, in West Point Grey at the Aberthau Community Centre, 4397 West 2nd Avenue; and on April 30th, in Kitsilano at the Vancouver Museum, 1100 Chestnut Street. This year, there will be something new to look for. In honour of the visit of the Dalai Lama to Vancouver, each member of Artists in our Midst will create a "prayer flag" with the words, "peace, compassion, and universal responsibility" to be flown outside the neighbourhood venues. As Pnina says, "it is a way to show that we as artists care about the world." The artists in the different areas will open their studios and homes to the public on the Saturday and Sunday following each Friday night opening.

For more information, check their website: www.artistsinourmidst.com

Contributed by Aubin van Berckel
aubin@opusframing.com