Explore & Create Saturday Art Program
Families with children ages 5 – 12 are invited to join us on Saturdays from 1 – 3pm for drop-in art activities inspired by works in the Gordon Smith Gallery’s current exhibition.
Participation is free, donations are welcome. Parent or guardian supervision is required. For additional assistance or accommodation, please contact coordinator@smithfoundation.ca.
Spring 2025 Schedule Coming Soon
Art Education, for Life
This ground-breaking Speaker Series initiative is poised to weave the threads of creativity into the fabric of diverse career and life paths. The series serves as a nexus, gathering luminaries from various fields—renowned artists, scientists, thought leaders, and business powerhouses—to illuminate the profound impact of art education on their journeys.
Delve into the intimate narratives of accomplished individuals who credit art education as a catalyst for their success and personal growth. From celebrated artists who’ve shaped cultural landscapes, to scientists who find inspiration in the artistic process, to business leaders who understand the strategic value of a creative mind, each speaker brings a unique perspective on the enduring value of art education.
Art Education, for Life transcends traditional boundaries, fostering interdisciplinary conversations that underscore the universal relevance of creative thinking. As speakers share their stories, the series aims to inspire, challenge perspectives, and highlight the transformative power of artistic learning not just in the studio but as a life-long companion.
Art Education, for Life is generously supported by The Audain Foundation, Polygon Homes, Anthem Properties, and the North Vancouver Recreation and Culture Commission, with additional support provided by the North Vancouver School District and Artists for Kids.
All ages are welcome to attend. Admission is by donation. Underground parking is available.
Past Events
November 23, 2024 — Artful Minds, Scientific Insights
Dr. Maiya Geddes in conversation with Dr. Randy McIntosh
Dr. Maiya Geddes, assistant professor in the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery at McGill University will be in conversation with Dr. Randy McIntosh, Professor at SFU and Director of the Institute for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, exploring the intricate relationship between art and neuroscience. Geddes will delve into the neural mechanisms shaping creativity and aesthetic experiences, unraveling the mysteries of the mind at the crossroads of artistic expression and cognitive processes. Video by Erik Andersen Studios
November 4, 2024 — A Lens for Discovery: Altered States, Transcendence and Belief
Jeremy Shaw in conversation with Andrew Booth, Vancouver Art Blog founder
North Vancouver-born and Berlin-based artist Jeremy Shaw sits down with Andrew Booth to delve into the role that early exposure to quality art education had in building alternative perspectives on visual media from a young age. A former student of Artists for Kids, Shaw now works in a variety of media to create a post-documentary space to dissect and assemble disparate belief systems and counter-histories.
Video by Erik Andersen Studios
October 19, 2024 — Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Cultural Identity in Contemporary Art
Lauren Brevner, James Nexw’Kalus-Xwalacktun Harry, and Xwalacktun in conversation with Jenn Jackson, Director/Curator of Or Gallery
Delve into the intersection of family lineages, traditional Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw knowledge, and contemporary art education to explore how these elements shape cultural identity. Highlighting the importance of intergenerational wisdom and family as vehicles for learning, Lauren Brevner, James Nexw’Kalus-Xwalacktun Harry, and Order of British Columbia recipient, Xwalacktun, share valuable perspectives on blending Indigenous traditions with modern artistic practices and cross-cultural influences.
Video by Erik Andersen Studios
June 13, 2024 — Designing Canada, then and now: Greg Durrell in conversation with Tyler Quarles
Explore the evolution of Canadian design, from its historical roots to modern innovations. Highlights include clips from Durrell’s acclaimed film Design Canada and a thought-provoking discussion on the past, present, and future of Canadian design. Engage with these experts and discover how design shapes Canada’s cultural and national identity.Video by Erik Andersen Studios
May 9, 2024 — Art Education Unveiled: Perspectives from Prevailing Landscapes
Featuring artists and educators Stan Douglas, Ian Wallace and Karen Zalamea, and facilitated by Vancouver Art Blog founder Andrew Booth, this conversation provides a compelling exploration of the intricate relationship between art and education. The first installment of our ‘Art Education, for Life’ Speaker Series offers a rare glimpse into the minds of artists who are shaping the landscapes of contemporary art and molding the future of artistic expression through their roles as educators.
Video by Erik Andersen Studios
Music at the Smith
Music at the Smith returns for a winter concert with preeminent BC musicians at the Gordon Smith Gallery.
December 5, 2024 — Artie Shaw and his Gramercy Five
One of the most popular and intriguing big band leaders of the Swing era, Artie Shaw took jazz clarinet to a new level of artistry and celebrity. On occasion, Shaw would tour with a smaller group, his “Gramercy Five,” which became one of the fixtures of small group swing. Come and enjoy a rare performance of this melodic and jubilant music featuring James Danderfer, clarinet; Bill Coon, guitar; Sharon Minemoto, piano; Atley King, vibraphone; Jodi Proznick, bass; and Joe Poole, drums.
Tickets: $20 at the door
Doors open: 7:00pm
Performance begins: 7:30pm
For additional assistance or accommodation, please contact coordinator@smithfoundation.ca.
The Smith Foundation is honoured to be the proud owner of a 100 year old Steinway & Sons baby grand piano, donated by Kathryn Allison in memory of her mother Barbara Allison, a friend and student of Gordon Smith.
The donation of the Steinway piano is in memory of my mother, Barbara Allison. She trained as an opera singer, but when she became a single parent, she went back to school to become a teacher. She met Gordon Smith when she took his Fine Arts Teaching Methods course at UBC. They became great pals and he encouraged her to nurture every child’s creativity, not just the prodigies. Gordon Smith inspired my mother’s teaching practice, and made it possible for me to paint murals all over my bedroom walls. She relented, only because he approved!
Lixia Li plays the 100-year-old Steinway & Sons baby grand piano gifted to the Gordon & Marion Smith Foundation by Kathryn Allison. Photo by Cindy Goodman.