Opus is committed to assisting community revitalization plans of the Vancouver Downtown Eastside (DTES) by supporting local visual arts projects. This past year, Opus donated in kind supplies to a local social enterprise that was looking to showcase a moving photo installation within its café.

The Potluck Café Society grew out of a ?youth-at-risk? employment initiative in 2000. In 2001, the Portland Hotel Society offered to build a café on its premises that would be operated by the non-profit ?Potluck Café?. The goal was to provide nutritious meals to DTES residents and a relaxing, comfortable place to enjoy them. In April 2001, the Potluck Café staff began serving meals to hotel residents and has now expanded the service to residents outside the Portland Hotel through successful partnerships. They are now outreaching to the community at large to utilize their subsidized meal program and to enjoy the atmosphere of the Café.

Potluck is located in the heart of the DTES and they pride themselves on creating an atmosphere within the café that celebrates the unique culture of this community. Elizabeth Lougheed Green, Potluck Executive Director, comments ?Although many of the residents are experiencing extreme hardships, they still have something that cannot be lost-creative spirit and the ability to express themselves through the use of visual arts.? Potluck celebrates local artists by showcasing their art within the café and promotes other locations doing the same.

Last year, Potluck celebrated its 3rd birthday by partnering with a local, up and coming artist and Opus Framing & Art Supplies. Rod Preston?s DTES photo installation was identified as the best fit with Potluck because the photos captured the spirit of those that call the DTES their home.

When asked to describe his feelings towards his installation, Rod comments,?One of the things I appreciate the most about the DTES is that it lacks much of the pretense with which most of us surround ourselves. This honesty contributes to a genuine sense of community, that makes it a refreshing place to work and take photographs.?

?The common thread among the subjects of the photos is that they are all members of the DTES community. I wanted the photos to focus on the simple beauty of each individual rather than their presence in a disadvantaged community.?

Potluck is always looking for new partners, volunteers, and donations to help feed those in the neighborhood. You can learn more about them by visiting their website at www.potluckcatering.com, ordering their catering, and visiting their café at 30 West Hastings in Vancouver.