With the help of the Gastown Business Improvement Society and the Vancouver archives you can now learn about each building in Gastown through the Gastown Blog Building History Series. Enjoy and keep posted for more history from the Gastown Blog.

In this week’s addition, we are profiling Holland Block, home to  One of a Few, Two of a Few, and Shine Nightclub. Check out our previous Building History posts on the Hotel Europe, the Landing, Leckie Building and Hotel Dominion.

The Holland Block – 354 Water Street
Built: 1891-1892
Architectural Style: Victoria Italianate

The Holland block is a flatiron Victorian Italianate masonry building constructed in 1891-92 for James M. Holland, a Vancouver real estate developer.

It is built on a triangular lot at the junction of Water and Cordova streets. This unusual lot shape was created when the subdivisions adjacent to the original 1870 Granville Townsite were created. Until the north side of Water Street was filled in at the turn of the nineteenth century, the Holland block would have faced the waterfront across the street. The wedge-shaped lot allows street-level retail stores access to two street frontages, both Water and Cordova Street.

The repetitive bay windows of the Holland Block provided increased light and space and are evidence of the influence American architecture had on Vancouver. In the case of the Holland Block, the bay windows were derived from buildings in San Francisco.

Ground floor cast iron columns, manufactured by B.C. Ironworks enabled large storefront windows which maximized merchandising display space and also took advantage of natural light.

With the help of the Gastown Business Improvement Society and the Vancouver archives you can now learn about each building in Gastown through the Gastown Blog Building History Series. Enjoy and keep posted for more history from the Gastown Blog.

In this week's addition, we are profiling Hotel Dominion, home to the Lamplighter, Planet Claire, Mandula and Jules. Check out our previous Building History posts on the Hotel Europe, the Landing and Leckie Building.

Dominion Hotel – 92 Water Street

Built: 1900 - 1901
Architect: Emil Guenther
Architectural Style: Victorian Italianate

Built in 1900, the Dominion Hotel is an attractive Victorian design with rhythmic arched windows that run the length of the Abbott and Water Street facades. Originally built as the Sherdahl Block by merchant Swain Sherdahl, the hotel shared the building with Rubinowitz’s ground floor department store. The Dominion was the first hotel in Vancouver to offer motor bus service.

In 1925, the Lamplighter, which received Vancouver’s first pub license, took over the ground floor. The pub is called the Lamplighter after John Clough, who was Vancouver’s one and only lamplighter. In 1887 John used to light the coal oil street lamps of Gastown until the same year the city introduced electric lights and John’s nightly patrols became part of history. The Lamplighter was the first establishment to serve ladies with ‘intoxicating refreshment’- although they were supposed to be escorted by men!

With so much creativity and diversity, it’s no secret that Gastown is known as a hub for unique and edgy art shows. Starting this Friday, January 22, Nouvelle Nouvelle is having their annual art show titled "Celestial Visions".

This show will presents an exciting exhibition of selectively chosen contemporary art intended to inspire and further the aspirations of local artists. Working together with curator Lief Hall, the show will feature Joanna Bean, Stuart Hughes, Karina Irvine ,Les Ramsay, Quinne Rodgers, Jonathan Syme, and Sarah Van Snellenberg.

The opening will start at 8pm - 11pm, definitely don't miss out on this great event!

With the help of the Gastown Business Improvement Society and the Vancouver archives you can now learn about each building in Gastown through the Gastown Blog Building History Series. Enjoy and keep posted for more history from the Gastown Blog.

In part three we are profiling the Leckie building. Located opposite Water St Cafe, the Leckie building is now home to John Casablancas, Pourhouse, and Delane Canada. Check out our previous Buidling History posts on the Hotel Europe and the Landing.

The Leckie  – 164 Water Street
Built: 1908 – 1913
Architect: Dalton & Eveleigh
Architectural Style: Edwardian Commercial
Renovated: 1991

Built in two sections, the west section in 1908 and the eastern addition added in 1913, the Leckie building was built for the J. Leckie Company, a leading manufacturer of boots and shoes.  It is an excellent example of heavy timber construction, typically used in early Gastown buildings.

The Leckie family is one of Vancouver’s pioneer heritage families.  Mr. John Leckie, the founder of the J. Leckie Co., and two of his children, Robert and William moved to Vancouver in the late 1800’s.  They set up a shoe factory after purchasing a small shoe factory in Nanaimo and moving it to Vancouver.  Leckie became synonymous with good shoes and boots – ‘Leckies’ were a must and were worn by both loggers and the fashion-conscious. The J. Leckie Company was major supplier of boots to the Canadian Armed Forces serving in both the First and Second World wars.

The building was renovated in 1991 and won a City of Vancouver Heritage Award for the structural upgrading.  The steel rods, which run diagonally from the ground floor windows to the top storey, are part of the innovative seismic upgrading system.  They are tied to anchors which extend 90 feet into the ground.

In this second part of the "Heritage Building Series", the Gastown Blog team is excited to feature one of Gastown's most beautiful and unique buildings. With the help of the Gastown Business Improvement Society and the Vancouver archives you can now learn about each building in Gastown through the Gastown Blog Building History Series. Enjoy and keep posted for more history from the Gastown Blog.

Hotel Europe - 41 Powell Street

Built: 1908-1909
Architect: Parr & Fee
Architectural Style: Edwardian Commercial

Angelo Colari built the Europe on this triangular-shaped lot near the steamship docks that used to be located at the foot of Columbia and Carrall Streets. Colari was born in Italy in 1861 and immigrated to British Columbia in 1882 when he was 21 years old.  He spent four years in Victoria before coming to Vancouver in 1886.

He built the first Hotel Europe at #14 Alexander Street soon after the great fire of June 13^th, 1886. In 1908 Colari commissioned the architectural firm of J.E. Parr & T.A. Fee to design a wedge shaped building to be built right beside the original hotel.  The architects copied the design from New York’s Flatiron building. The earlier Hotel Europe was converted into an annex of the new building.

This was the earliest reinforced concrete structure in Vancouver and said to be the first fireproof hotel in Western Canada.  It is noted for its well-proportioned brick façade, sweeping classical cornice and crystal-cut glass windows.  The Europe was one of Vancouver’s finest hotels.  The basement housed one of the city’s most popular bars and it was here that much of the business of early Vancouver was conducted. In 1983, the building was converted into low income housing units.  The lobby retains its original tile, marble and brass fittings.

Ever wanted to know more about the buildings that make Gastown such a beautiful neighborhood? We did too. With the help of the Gastown Business Improvement Society and the Vancouver archives you can now learn about each building in Gastown. The Landing is the first in a long Building History series to be profiled. Enjoy and keep posted for more history from the Gastown Blog.

The Landing - 375 Water Street

Built: 1905
Architect: W.T. Whiteway
Architectural Style: Edwardian Commercial
Renovated: 1988

This warehouse building, originally known as the Kelly Douglas Building, characterizes the general history of wholesaling in Gastown.  In 1896, Frank Douglas and Robert Kelly started a wholesale grocery business, known as the Kelly Douglas Company, to take advantage of the city’s importance as a distribution and shipping point between Europe, Eastern Canada and Asia.

Mr. Kelly was short, stocky, brusque and outspoken. With him business was business.  He met his obligations and demanded that others do likewise.  Mr. Douglas on the other hand was inclined to be easy going.  He was a good business man, keen and alert for opportunity but invariably cheerful and tactful.

The Kelly Douglas Co. prospered supplying prospectors with provisions during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898.  To meet the stiff competition of long established Seattle and Victoria merchants in the Yukon, Mr. Douglas decided to cover the gold mining centres himself.  Each summer he would travel north for several months.

In August 1901, after two months in Dawson City, he started back to Vancouver with his order book full.  He sailed on the ‘Islander’ and on August 15^th, 1901, at 2:00am, six miles northwest of Juneau in Lynn Canal, the ship struck a submerged iceberg.  Forty of the passengers drowned including Frank Douglas. Stories were current at the time of his death that between $50,000 and $60,000 was lost with him.  It was related that he had secured the gold in his clothing before he drowned.  His brother Edward succeeded him in the firm.

One of Vancouver biggest and most legendary rooms has been revitalized and re-born as Fabric Nightclub. Located in the heart of historic Gastown, Fabric plays host to some of the biggest name DJ's in the world. With a 500+ person capacity including the unique "Attic Room" for private groups up to 80 people with full service bar, couches, DJ booth and features a VIP Balcony section that overlooks a massive dance floor.

Time
December 31. 9:00 pm to 4:00 am

Tickets
All $45 and $55 Early birds have already been sold out!  Limited tickets at the $65 price are going fast.  Get these now before prices increase once again. The event is hosted by Koo Party Entertainment, in collaboration with 9Life Entertainment, Double Down Entertainment, and Envy Entertainment.

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CELEBRATE New Year's Eve and bid farewell to 2009 at the ultra hip Canvas Lounge!

There will be no better chance to CELEBRATE New Year's Eve than at Paris Lounge. JetSet Crew has joined forces with title sponsor Mot & Chandon to create the ultimate New Year's Eve party an exceptional night of world class celebration featuring the best of France: champagne, hors d'oeuvres, hand crafted cocktails, and of course all the right people.

This flow-through party, with exclusive use of the Lounge and Gallery, plus an impressive line-up of talent featuring DJ Leanne, DJ Dickey Doo, DJ Ecos and live percussionist, will make this an evening that few insiders will forget! Valet Parking available at Canvas. You can also pick these tickets at Ishara!

"Red Carpet" Moet arrival portraits available from The Collective You.

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Ring in the New Year in proper Blarney Stone style!

Get ready for a night to be remembered with live music by Kilarney and DJ Nick!

And to help get the party started everyone will receive a complimentary mini bottle of champagne and party pack!

General Admission Tickets are $40.00 and for just $10.00 more, enjoy any dinner entree from our menu with our Dinner Package @ $50.00.

And by popular demand a very limited number of VIP/Table Service Packages are available for the first time ever at The Blarney Stone. Don't miss out on your opportunity to do New Years in style this year.

New Years at The Blarney Stone SELLS OUT FAST every year so call them now for details at 604.687.4322. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

ACCESS Gallery is holding their Worker's Party this coming Saturday, December 12th. Starting from 7 pm till midnight, the party is held to celebrate the endless hardwork that everyone has given for ACCESS. ACCESS is a non-profit organization dedicated to emergent contemporary art practices. It provide points of access for artists and audiences alike by supporting presentations of diverse views and creative practices of local, national and international artists, curators and cultural practitioners. ACCESS strives to spark critical conversations about contemporary art through experimentation and risk-taking within the gallery space and beyond

(from vaarc.ca)
Come EAT!  Holiday Feast!

DRINK!   mulled wine, hot apple cider with rum, and other libations!

DANCE!   to Weekend Leisure Club’s karaoke performance!

BE MERRY!  hang out at Artist-in-Residence Kate Sansom’s post-apocalyptic cocktail lounge!

There will be music, Bad Santa, SURPRISE AUCTION, raffles for cool prizes!

This holiday event honours and celebrates hard working artists, curators, writers, and other cultural producers who have given so much to ACCESS, yet ask little in return. This event is made possible by the work of 100 volunteers.

Admission is free for ACCESS volunteers and members.

Or you can become a member at the door!

Bring your friends, and party with us!

Starting December 5th until December 31st, Marion Scott Gallery is holding their annual winter collection of unique and distinct artworks. With Vancouver's cold weather and clear skies, this event ties in perfectly with the winter season. Checkout the details below!

(from Marion Scott Gallery)
Every December, the Marion Scott Gallery presents a collection of rare and intriguing sculptures from the Canadian North. Carefully assembled over the course of the year, these unique collections feature a combination of early historical works along with contemporary examples that highlight new trends in northern art. This year’s edition includes exceptional works by such masters as John Pangnark (1920-1980), Lucy Tasseor (b. 1934), Elizabeth Nutaraluk (1914-1998) and Abraham Etungat (1911-1999). The exhibition also features a number of functional works (or works with connotations of function), bringing into focus continuities as well as differences between the early art of the 1950s and 1960s and current expressions.

In addition, the 2009 edition includes a number of rare and important works from the collection of the Honourable Mark M. deWeerdt (1928-2003). An esteemed defense lawyer and later Supreme Court Justice of the Northwest Territories based in Yellowknife, DeWeerdt collected Inuit art in the 1950s and 1960s when it was just beginning to gain widespread recognition. With a rare sensitivity for expressive form, DeWeerdt acquired the majority of his pieces directly from the artists, some of whom he got to know fairly well as a member of the travelling northern circuit court. Included in the exhibition are early works by Latcholassie Akesuk (1919-2000) and Mannumi Shaqu, along with several images by unidentified artists.

There has been a lot of hype about the new Woodwards building and the different business that will be part of it. One of those businesses is London Drugs. Founded in 1945, London Drugs stared as a small 1000 sq feet community drug store located on Main st.

Now with 72 stores nation wide, London Drugs has grown into a large-scale drug store selling everything from cosmetics, candy and electronics. The newest addition, London Drugs Woodwards, had a fantastic courtyard with a basketball court and large picture depicting the Gastown riots of 1971. See pictures below.

Nesters Food Market is the next scheduled business to open. Keep posted to the blog for pictures and more information.

Follow London Drugs on Twitter. @londondrugs

Dirt Starling Press is having a book launch party this weekend. This Gastown-based independent publishing company is releasing their brand new novel with the title: DIE, FAMOUS! There will be food and drinks, live music by Nick Fletcher + the Ballet Academy, and readings by the author, R. Daniel Lester. The event will start this Saturday, November 21st from 8pm till finish at The Greedy Pig. Checkout the details below

When: Saturday, November 21st
Where: 307 Cordova Street West
Time: 8pm till finish

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(from dirtstarling.com)

DIE, FAMOUS! is a satirical skewer through the shrunken heart of reality TV. A story of love and hate and paying the ultimate price for fame.

So come celebrate the launch of this debut novel from R.Daniel Lester and Dirt Starling Press

There's ll be reading, live music (a killer acoustic set by Nick Fletcher of Nick Fletcher + the Ballet Academy), and of course, The Greedy Pig's well-stocked bar/kitchen.

If there's one word to describe Gastown, it's livability. With its funky New York style lofts, heritage aesthetics, vibrant shopping community, and a stone's throw away from the SkyTrain and new Canada Line, Gastown is easily one of the most livable and unique spaces in Vancouver. In this week's addition, the Gastown Blog team showcases loft style living in Vancouver's most historic community.

Checkout this great video of Koret Lofts by Networkofcondos.com

With its 14′ ceilings, beautiful exposed original brick wall, fir beams and polished concrete floors, this space is a stark reminder of New York living in Vancouver. For more information on this luxury space click here.

"This community is changing," Ian Watt, a local realtor tells us. "More and more young professionals are moving into Gastown. It's a great time to buy with some very cool developments available."

Opening the door on loft 408 on 1 East Cordova, the GastownBlog team was pleasantly surprised at the space. It was warm, inviting, with lots of natural sunlight from its 16 ft. floor-to-ceiling windows. Checkout the photos below and see the amazing space for yourself.

Also, check out the latest article from the Globe and Mail about the Gastown community. Gastown Revs Up.

If you would like more information, click here to be directed to Ian Watt's website.

Art enthusiasts, get ready for a new face in Gastown! Baron Gallery is having their opening reception this Thursday, November 12th 2009 from 7pm to 9pm at 293 Columbia Street. The event is open to the public and admission is free, so make sure you come down and check it out. Baron Gallery will be featuring the work of the multi-talented artist Jacob Benaroch titled Woman's Spirit, from November 12th, 2009 - January 23rd, 2010. The GastownBlog team was able to catch them during the installation process. Checkout the pictures below to see more.

When: Thursday, November 12 2009
Where: 293 Columbia Street, Vancouver BC
Time: 7pm - 9 pm

Woman's Spirit by Jacob Benaroch
Since time, immemorial woman was kept in the shadow of man and society. She was at the center of life, and yet far from the light.

The Woman’s Spirit collection is a celebration of the strength, beauty, sensuality and power that is, and always was, within the female spirit. Using bold colours and expressive brush strokes, I wanted to create a pictorial expression of a mythical woman that evokes and displays her power, explores whether she is oppressed by society or the corporate elite, celebrates her womanhood, and allows her to express her true self. This woman at the center of the composition is peering at the world with a look that is mysterious and enigmatic—one eye in the shadows hiding access to her soul. Life is too precious to remain unexamined. This exhibit is one more candle shining a light on the spirit of woman.

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Baron Gallery

293 Columbia Street
Vancouver, BC
Phone: 604 682 1114
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

BARON GALLERY is a new gallery, studio and workspace located in the heritage Koret Building in the heart of Gastown, the oldest heritage district in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia. The Gallery, studio, and workspace will be completely devoted to the community at large engaging children, teens, adults, and wise elders in the whole schemata of the arts.

Visitors to the Gallery space will enjoy a cornucopia of experiences:  group art; installations; performance art; experimental and traditional music including casual jams; poetry readings; literature: salon style discussions with authors, film; photography and much more! Gallery owner, Rosemary Baron Swingle's philosophy is that the acquisition of knowledge from the arts opens yet another venue of understanding and pleasure from which the participant may enhance their own creativity in life's journey.

Very early in childhood Baron's appreciation of art and architecture had been formed by unusual opportunities, which further influenced her wide spectrum of the cultural arts beyond traditional boundaries and her heartening love and devotion for the  arts. Growing up in New York within a family of artists and artisans influenced her education and career development in the arts. It is Baron's intention to break the tenet that cultural arts are for the few, but rather arts are for the entire community and should be available to all. New ways will be achieved to bind the connection between the exhibiting artist and the audience. There will no longer be the cool void of walking into the gallery space searching for the black binder to find information about the artist. The artist will offer lectures and hands-on workshops and some may remain in residence while their work is being displayed in the Gallery. Baron hopes the direct connection with the artist will create intimacy and great understanding of the art and the exhibiting artist.

This week, the GastownBlog team had the opportunity to turn one of its members into a full fledged vampire. Up to the task was creative editor Tony Insua while Sarah Norris-Jones, a recent grad from John Casablanca, would be doing the makeup. "I have a general vision in mind, but today I'm just going with the flow and seeing where the look takes me", Sarah told me as I sat down in-front of a mirror at the special effects studio at JCI.

Sarah graduated last March from the Unlimited Make-up program at JCI. Currently, she does freelance makeup artistry and special effects, working everywhere from movie sets to weddings to everything in-between. "I really enjoy doing freelance work because it gives me the opportunity to work in all aspects of makeup artistry."

This cryptic, and seemingly satisfied vampire walks the streets of Gastown in disguise. Full from his last victim, he waits and yearns for the anticipation of feeding on yet another seduced victim of the streets. No more savory blood for now, but be weary of his presence. He walks amongst the creatives, and professionals of Gastown while thoughts of his next victims brew in his mind.

Check out the quick video below to see the makeup process.

Did you like the vampire look? Contact Sarah Norris-Jones at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , whether your looking for halloween touch ups or complete make-overs.

Unfortunately, there are only a few days a year that we can get dressed up as our favourite movie character, pop-star, or superhero and not be looked at as a nutcase. Luckily one of those days is tomorrow, Halloween.

There are many different ways to celebrate Halloween; however, there is no better place to celebrate than in Gastown, Vancouver's oldest neighborhood. Almost every building in Gastown has at least one ghost story. Take the Old Spaghetti Factory, for example. The restaurant has numerous encounters with ghosts and even has a picture of one on the legendary tram.

Check out the exciting events happening in Gastown tomorrow, and make sure you send us some pictures of your ghostly adventures.

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Halloween 'Howler' Club Crawl

The Student Tours Halloween 'Howler' Club Crawl is back for 2009. This is the one...the only... the original... Canada's biggest & best, most notorious Halloween party of the year! This year we expect to host thousands upon thousands of party people from across Canada on ONE single day.

Friday October 30th:
Blarney Stone- Buses depart at 7:00pm SHARP! Doors open at 6:00pm

Saturday October 31st:
Blarney Stone and Fabric - Buses depart at 3:00pm SHARP! Doors open at 2:00pm
Shine - Buses depart at 5:00pm SHARP! Doors open at 4:00pm

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Your 2009 Halloween Club Crawl Pass will include:

• FOUR of the hottest downtown clubs
• Party bus transportation between clubs
• Exclusive VIP Access (No waiting-in-line and no paying cover)
• Molson Canadian and Bacardi drink specials
• Prizes, contests and tons of free giveaways
• Costume Prizes
• Exclusive access to the largest 'Halloween' costume party on the face of the planet!
• COSTUMES MANDATORY!

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Steamworks Brewing Halloween

Come for a very special, very sexy, very HAUNTED Halloween at Steamworks Brewing Company in Vancouver!

Every Halloween at Steamworks Vancouver is more CHILLING than the next, and this going to be one Halloween party for the books! Have a GHASTLY time in Gastown this Halloween. This is where you want to be when celebrating Halloween in Vancouver. Featuring live music and entertainment, DJs spinning the hottest dance, Top 40, classic hits and more, there will be nothing like celebrating Halloween at Steamworks in Gastown.

The MADNESS begins at 8pm this Saturday, October 31st. Get the tickets here

Halloween is arguably the best night of the year. With so much anticipation and excitement for this year's Hallows' Eve, the GastownBlog team hit the streets asking people what they're going to be this year. Boy, did we get some great ideas!

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"I'm going to be Alice in Wonderland for this year"

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"I plan to be Powathan..... you know, Pocahontas' Father?"

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"I'm going to be a 90's raver"

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"I'm going to be a cop.."

"Convict!" (Laughing)

GastownBlog: Are you guys going together?
Girl: No, he's my brother. It just happened to turn out that way"

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"I'm going to be Lady Gaga"

That has to be the best character we've heard yet. Awesome!

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"It's Betty from Betty & Veronica"

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Let us know what you're going to wear for Halloween. Feel free to put down your comment below

Gallery Gachet, located on 88 Cordova Street in Gastown, is exhibiting a collection of art entitled "SPOILAGE | RE/DIS/COVERY" by female artists Bernadine Fox, Julie Pharrell and Shannon Rayne. The GastownBlog team visited the gallery to checkout their latest exhibit.

The collection (shown in two parts) explores similar themes around addictions, and the relationships they affect. Featuring three diverse female artists and a broad range of disciplines, the exhibit serves as a platform for both Bernadine Fox to speak out for children of drug addicts using artistic means, and for performance poets/writers, Julie and Shannon to translate their written discourse into a progressive multidisciplinary art exhibition.

For more information about the artists and the exhibit, visit the Gallery Gatchet website.

Let us know what you think about the collection. Post your comments below.

Events + Exhibitions

SPOILAGE | RE/DIS/COVERY : Bernadine Fox | Julia Pharrell + Shannon Rayne
October 9th to November 1st, 2009
www.gachet.org

This is a Guest post by @allan_cole. See his previous post for the GastownBlog.

To see more of his work visit Allan’s photoblog and Flickr photostream. If you would like to write a guest post for the GastownBlog, send us an email to info[at]gastownblog.com

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Gastown is a photography-lover's haven. But if you're hunting for a specific theme, sometimes it’s a pain in the you-know-what to settle on only one thing. Where do you begin in such a diverse region such as Gastown?

That was part of the fun with this weeks post for GastownBlog. In order to solve this nice-to-have dilemma, I hit up my good‘ol pals (Facebook and Twitter) and I asked the question “What three words come to mind when you think of Gastown?”

As you may expect, the answers were extremely varied. But! One theme continuously popped up in the feedback: Cobbled Streets and Sidewalks.

So, with a sigh of relief that very few people mentioned “Steam Clock”, I had my topic for the post. While it was encouraging to know what people thought about and presumably wanted to see, the difficult part was the pick itself. How the heck do you take pictures of the ground and make it worth viewing?

Off I went to roll around on the streets of Gastown. I figured that there’s enough bizarre occurrences in this region that me rolling around taking pictures of the ground wouldn’t make anyone bat an eye. Maybe a few tourists but this type of behaviour would surely be overlooked and virtually ignored by a local.

While taking the pictures though, I came to the conclusion that all the people who answered the question with Cobbled Streets and Sidewalks were spot on. This uniquely-Gastown feature is an awesome fixture in the area.

It’s seldom that by simply looking at the ground, you immediately know where you are. Can you think of another region like that? I certainly can’t, especially in Vancouver. With that in mind, the evolution of this region’s character may have shifted and adjusted to the times over the years, but it’s cool to think that starting from the ground, the foundation of the region’s look has held true since the beginning.

So, here’s my ode to all things Cobbled in the streets of Gastown!

Rocket Repro has been printing the headshots of local and international celebrities for over 20 years. When you walk inside the Rocket Repro lab, you will be amazed at the number of stars Rocket Repro has served. Local celebs Ryan Reynolds, Seth Rogen, Eric McCormack and many more have all gotten their first head shots printed at Rocket Repro. You can find Sarah Chalke's first headshot, on the Rocket Repro wall of fame, before she got her role on Rosanne and now lead female role on Scrubs.

"Kevin Costner visited the lab when he was shooting 3000 Miles to Graceland. He had these big sideburn chops down his face and our receptionist didn't recognize him until you had gone." -Martin Mavko (Owner)

Not only does Rocket Repro print the highest quality and best priced headshots in the city, they also provide premium printing services for wide format art photography. For those of you who have those fantastic digital pictures sitting around on you computer, Rocket Repro will turn them into high-quality professional prints. For more information visit www.rocketrepro.com

RocketRepro

403 West Cordova Street
Vancouver BC
Telephone: 604 682 6000
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

This week, another great event is taking place in Gastown. The event is called SWARM, an annual two-day festival showcasing artist-run centers featuring such venues as Access, Artspeak and Gallery Gachet plus a host of other galleries bordering the Gastown area. Initiated by PAARC (The Pacific Association of Artist Run Centres), SWARM is a unique event showcasing local Vancouver talent.

The event will take place this Friday (September 10, 2009), so don't forget to mark your calendars!

To see more info about the event, visit SWARM's website

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What is SWARM?

Initiated by PAARC (Pacific Association of Artist Run Centres) in 1999, SWARM began as an event to mark the launch of Vancouver's artist-run centre programming season, bringing together events from some of the city's most vital and innovative contemporary art spaces on a single frenetic evenings. SWARM soon grew as a multi-night event, incorporating more and more of the city's ephemeral artist-run initiatives: small DIY spaces, studios-turned-galleries, roaming public projects, artist collectives, and hybrid projects.