“Colour is a power which directly influences the soul” – Wassily Kandinsky
Winter is coming, but that doesn’t mean that we wont stop looking on the bright side. Ever.
One of the things that we love most about our community is that every inch of it boasts an unprecedented mix of colour and culture. While we thrive ourselves on the diversity within, Gastown is also heavily rooted and united by it’s dedication to its timelessness.
Never stop exploring #OurGastown and come paint this town with your own stroke of colour.
Food + Drink
As we have officially waved goodbye to Patiotown, our businesses kindly welcome you into their safe spaces. Warm yourself with a glass of something strong and watch the world go by or take your favourite eats home. Besides, it’s hard to not get happy with the many coulourful facelifts some of these restaurants and bars have undergone recently (we’re looking at our beloved cocktail lounge, The Diamond and award-winning The Greek by Anatoli).
It’s no secret that the hospitality industry has seen the impacts of the pandemic. What’s amazing is to see what some of our restaurants are doing to help support their own. Check out L’abbatoir and Pourhouse to see how they are helping organizations, such as The BC Hospitality Foundation and Mind the Bar with their next-level cocktail programs and bi-weekly tasting series.
Style
Gastown comes in all colours, hues and shades. This vibrant neighbourhood is Vancouver’s bright spot. Shop the entire ROYGBIV line.
(Hover mouse over images for full effects)
Arts + Culture
Vancouver Mural Festival (VMF) has done it again! Local artist Priscilla Yu took over the east-facing wall of The Cambie (160 West Cordova Street) to paint the new 2,700-sq-ft mural.
The recently completed mural, titled Bloom Inward II, is meant to be a reflection of the previous storefront campaign as well as “a reinforcement of personal and community strength, creativity, resilience, and growth.” All things which we believe Gastown stands for.
The mural was completed in partnership with VMF, the Gastown BIA and Lululemon. Thanks Van Mural Festival for your continued dedication to bringing colour to Gastown and all of our neighbouring communities.
Business
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnjOoXifJGU
East Cordova is a microcosm of everything that makes Gastown, well, Gastown.
The old-fashioned charm of a heritage barbershop, the style and class of a well-made suit, the rockus fun of a funky hole-in-the wall bar, and all the vibrancy of a bouquet of flowers.
In recent months, East Cordova has welcomed newcomers to the community, thanked the old guard for keeping the vibe alive, and awaited hidden gems to be discovered.
If you’re not careful, you’ll miss out on this treasure trove.
Check out the full article here
People
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzK9pJPRuIk&t=2s
Liquid Amber Tattoo & Art Collective is the brainchild of actor/director Luvia Petersen and veteran artist Justina Kervel.
During a fortuitous trip to Paris, the artistic duo happened upon Kaplan Art Studio, run by female tattoo artist Phillipine.
This was the spark that ignited these self proclaimed sci-fi nerds to take on the male dominated tattoo industry.
Liquid Amber got their start in Kitsilano, but has now found a home at 62 Powell Street, surrounded by artists of a feather.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4YaDfnwSzE
Sara Moshurchak of Mosh Framemakers is an artisan in the truest sense of the word.
Not only is Sara the one and only maker of handcrafted eyewear in Canada, but is also one of three female framemakers in the world.
Sara is known for her work creating unique, custom styles of eyewear for TV and film, including A Series of Unfortunate Events, Deadpool 2, and many, many more.
Mosh evolved into its final form once they moved into the neighborhood, joining the ranks of many artisans that call Gastown home.