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All text, photography and artwork is COPYRIGHT by GARY SIM unless noted otherwise.
SEPTEMBER 12: LEGACY OF ART AND VISION - UPCOMING FCA EVENT
This gala event is being held on two nights, October 29 and 30, both at Performance Works
on Granville Island. For more information, please visit the Federation of Canadian Artists website at
artists.ca, or scan the QR code in this image
I was invited to the VIP event on October 29 out of the blue, and accepted the invitation.
Once I saw that there was a live and silent auction I offered to donate one of my artworks.
The offer was accepted, and I delivered impression 8 / 30 of Big Bamboo
to the FCA Gallery.
AUGUST 22: MAUD REES SHERMAN PAINTING CONSIGNED TO HEFFEL ONLINE AUCTION
Maud Sherman design class exercise 1925-26. Photo Gary Sim.
Maud Rees Sherman painted this design class exercise in
1925-26, the first year of the Vancouver School of Art. She kept this painting until
her death in 1976, after which Maud's neice gave it to their neighbour Mrs. Joan Dendys.
Joan donated it to me in 1998 after which I framed it. The piece was exhibited in 2000
at the Emily Carr University 75th celebratory exhibition ART IS ALL OVER. It will be
available for purchase in the September 2025 on-line auction by the Heffel Gallery,
Vancouver (www.heffel.com). The auction will be held in respect of the University's
100th anniversary. The painting itself is on poster paper 24" high x 18" wide.
AUGUST 19: WATER, ROCK & ICE EXHIBITION NOW OVER
This multi-media exhibition is now over. Thank you to all of the people who came by to
look at the show. Over 70 flyers were taken during the event, and I sold a number of
artist cards and copies of The Summer Book. I spent three hours each Saturday during the
show talking to visitors, and also wandered through on a number of other days. This
was the first time that I have put together an exhibition that included a selection of
my film and digital photographs.
AUGUST 16: STUDIO VISIT BY DIRECTORS OF THE CANADIAN ART PRESERVATION FOUNDATION
I have been following with interest the creation and ongoing activities of the
Canadian Art Preservation Foundation (CAPF). I knew most of the Directors of the Foundation
when it was created, and have gotten to know two of them better since then. Kristin Krimmel
and Hans Christian Behm came to see my WATER ROCK & ICE exhibition at the West End Community Centre,
and then accepted my invitation to have lunch and a studio visit at my apartment.
We have been discussing possible donations that I might make to the CAPF, and this was a great
chance for them to see a lot of my artwork and photography in person. We had a tasty lunch and
looked at and discussed a lot of artwork. In emails afterward, we have tentatively agreed that they
will accept 10 of my limited edition relief prints. They prefer that the prints are thematically
similar, so I am proposing to give them a collection of my relief prints of local birds.
For further information about CAPF, please visit
Canadian Art Preservation Foundation.
The Foundation's mission statement on their website: "The Canadian Art Preservation Foundation
seeks to ensure merited artists works and their artifacts can be stored in archival manner so
that their legacy can be examined, catalogued, studied and exhibited."
JULY 30: WATER, ROCK & ICE EXHIBITION NOW ON DISPLAY
Installation view of part of the exhibition. Photo Gary Sim.
COASTAL DEFENSE
JULY 29: MIA JOHNSON PAINTING DONATED TO WEST END SENIORS' NETWORK
Acrylic painting on canvas TIGER LILY. Photo Gary Sim.
This large acrylic painting on canvas (36" high x 28" wide) was given to me over 40
years ago. It was painted by Mia Johnson and is dated 1982. I believe that it was exhibited
at the Bau-Xi Gallery in Vancouver in one of her solo exhibitions there. I have donated it
to the West End Seniors' Network to hang in Barclay Manor, 1447 Barclay Street. It will be
installed on a high wall above a landing on the stairs leading up to the second floor.
JULY 28: C.H. RAWSON WATERCOLOURS DONATED TO WEST END SENIORS' NETWORK
This is my second donation of artwork to the WEST END SENIORS' NETWORK,
a collection of four original historic watercolours by Charles Henry
Rawson. They include a view of the Empress of Japan figurehead in Stanley Park, a large watercolour
of Lost Lagoon dated 1943, an early view of Spanish Banks, and a 1924 painting of Prospect Point, First
Narrows. Thanks are due to Claudine Matlo, Executive Director of WESN, for facilitating this
donation.
Installation views of the four Rawson watercolours installed at Barclay Manor
Empress of Japan figurehead; Lost Lagoon (1943); Spanish Banks; Prospect Point, First Narrows (1924).
JUNE 29: GARY SIM ARTWORK DONATIONS TO WEST END SENIORS' NETWORK
I have been getting more involved with the WEST END SENIORS' NETWORK,
whose headquarters are in Barclay Manor, 1447 Barclay Street. So far I have given two talks at
their West End Living Library program (with another talk upcoming on August 8),
showed my artwork at the 2025 Strawberry Festival, and
somewhat belatedly joined the Society as a member. I've also attended a few of their events,
and donated a lot of books, CDs, DVDs, and clothing to their thrift store Clothing &
Collectables in the Denman Mall.
A view of the donated prints on the wall at Barclay Manor. Photo Gary Sim.
I recently suggested to the Society's Executive Director Claudine Matlo that I donate some
artwork to the society, and she agreed. I selected a few of my own original limited edition prints,
and some early historical artworks by Charles Henry Rawson. I installed
the first group of three artworks on June 28 in their computer lab.
The Spinner was a large spider and its web that I saw in Barclay Park, the Owl and the
Merlin were both seen at Lost Lagoon, Stanley Park. The next step in my donations is to
install some early Rawson watercolours of Stanley Park, Lost Lagoon, and Spanish Banks. A large
canvas of a Tiger Lily by Mia Johnson is proposed for a wall adjacent to the stairs. I
have also offered to donate a number of copies of The Summer Book, and another artwork
to an upcoming event that includes a silent auction.
Gary Sim, photograph by WESN social media.
After I finished hanging the three prints, I was swarmed by social media ... well, one
woman who wanted images to post on the WESN social media pages. Although I am not a
member of any social media, I was able to find one photo that she took before I was locked out. There
were already a number of "likes" and "comments" attached to the image, but I have no idea what
was said or who posted a "like" ...
I really appreciate the photo shoot and the social media postings. My Sim Publishing
website address was also posted. Thank you.
JUNE 14: 2025 STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL AT BARCLAY MANOR
A friend suggested that I should be able to show my artwork in the upcoming
STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL, held annually at Barclay Manor, 1400-block Barclay Street.
I asked about doing that, and was invited to join the Barclay Visual Art Group in
their tent at the Festival.
A view of the festival in full swing. Photo Gary Sim.
The event ran from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on June 14, and was worth visiting. Not only was there
strawberry shortcake and whipped cream to eat, but a number of West End Seniors Network
groups presented their work. This included the Yarn Artisans, and the Barclay Art Group.
There was also a roster of musical performances during the day.
In preparation for the event I updated my portfolio of artist cards,
which are always popular. I also had a selection of recent limited edition prints.
MAY 12: PRINT INFORMATION SHEETS POSTED
LIMITED EDITION PRINT INFORMATION SHEETS
MAY 9: ART IN THE CITY REVIEW
A view of the Gary Sim booth.
Well, the 2025 ART IN THE CITY event is over, and the dust is settling. This was my
fifth display in this event, starting with the first one in 2006. Over the years it has
become easier to set up for this three-day event, in particular with more inventory. I
showed limited edition prints and etchings, original drawings, and a selection of artist
cards. I also showed eight matted and framed watercolours by historic artist
C.H. Rawson as a fundraiser for the Vancouver Historical Society,
and was happy to sell one to a friend. Despite my doubts about doing well with sales this year,
I actually grossed about twice as much money as I did in any of the previous four events. I also
handed out quite a few business cards, flyers, and BC Artists bookmarks,
so there is hope for future sales. Many thanks to all of the visitors, and especially those who
purchased artwork from me.
Another view of the Gary Sim booth, with display of historic watercolours by
C.H. Rawson in the foreground.
Artist, historian, and well-known writer Michael Kluckner is all set up beside my booth.
Artist Ken Pattern (in grey with back to photographer) working the room.
MAY 2: ART IN THE CITY MAY 2 - 3 - 4 AT WEST END COMMUNITY CENTRE
APRIL 28: HEDY FRY WANTED POSTER
A friend pointed out this "wanted" poster to me in passing. It is posted on a garbage bin
located in Barclay Park, in the 1400-block Barclay Street. I am writing this comment on the
actual day of the Canadian Federal election (to be posted
tommorow after the dust has settled). Ms. Fry is the
Liberal candidate in this riding. In all the years that Ms. Fry has been voted in, I
cannot remember anything that she has done for us, other than ride in the Pride parade once
a year. Apparently she now lives in Toronto, according to a reporter who seemed to know.
Bizarrely, I actually DID see Ms. Fry campaigning in Vancouver, to my great surprise. I was
crossing Robson Street at Denman a few weeks ago and was accosted by a couple of youngsters waving Liberal
election material. I swatted them away, and cut diagonally left to avoid what seemed like the
epicenter of their activities ... Ms. Fry herself! Crikey, a little old lady with very spindly
legs in shiny black hot pants, working the corner. It is time to retire!
On the same topic, I met friends for lunch at the Denman Mall a few weeks ago, and when I
arrived they asked if I had been accosted by a couple of men in the lobby who were claiming
to be collecting 100 signatures so that Ms. Fry could actually be nominated. My friends thought
that this was suspicious (since the election had already been called),
although the men were standing outside Fry's constituency office
(closed at the time, it being Sunday). I hadn't seen them, but later asked a friend who had been helping with
the campaign. They said that it was true, and that Ms. Fry's office was so disorganized that
they were collecting the required signatures, cough, quite late.
APRIL 22: ILLUSTRATED VANCOUVER REFERENCES TO GARY SIM
I happened to look at the Illustrated Vancouver website this morning, and noticed one
article that had a "tag" with my name. So I clicked on it, and found that there are a number
of tagged articles that include references to me, and my lectures, events, and artwork. The
screen capture image shows one of the tagged articles for my Zoom lecture to the Alcuin Society.
Thank you very much!
MARCH 25: CHARLES HENRY RAWSON EXHIBITION & SALE IN PENTICTON
Photographs courtesy 4th Meridian, Penticton
The exhibition of historic watercolour paintings by Charles Henry
Rawson (1870 - 1948) is on display now at 4th Meridian in Penticton. The exhibition is
planned to be up for the next month. The people at 4M have done a wonderful job of matting
and framing the pictures and presenting them in an attractive curated space. See news item
below for address and email contact.
MARCH 1: UPCOMING CHARLES HENRY RAWSON EXHIBITION & SALE IN PENTICTON
This will be a very interesting exhibition of historic watercolour paintings by
Charles Henry Rawson (1870 - 1948). They are a
curated selection from a number of works that came directly from his family in
the United States. None of the paintings were framed, and
4th Meridian has been busy matting and framing them. They are dated from the 1920s to the 1940s,
and include scenes of Hope, the Hope-Princeton Highway, Similkameen, Penticton, Vernon, Kootenay
Lake, and a lovely early view of Crescent Beach in the summer.
FEBRUARY 28: HISTORIC WEST END ARTISTS ARTICLE POSTED IN WEST END JOURNAL
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The Editor of the West End Journal liked my article on historic artists of the West End of
Vancouver when it was posted by the Vancouver Historial Society in February. I offered to
write an expanded version of the article for the West End Review, they liked the idea, and
the article will be published on-line on March 1, 2025. |
|
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FEBRUARY 18: "WEST END WOMEN WHO BROKE BARRIERS, CHALLENGED NORMS AND SHAPED CULTURE"
Installation photo by Gary Sim
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"The West End is rich with history and interesting facts, but little is known about the women
who grew up in this neighbourhood over a hundred years ago and had the courage to break with
tradition and follow their passions. This display features Elsie MacGill (Aeronautical Engineer
and Feminist), Vancouver Amazons Women’s Hockey Team and Agnes Martin (Artist). All of these
women made major contributions to engineering, sports and art. We hope you enjoy reading their stories."
|
FEBRUARY 16: ART IN THE CITY 2025 NOW SCHEDULED
Art in the City returns to the West End Community Center on May 2 - 3 - 4, 2025. Friday May 2nd
will be the opening night reception, with the show also open for viewing on Saturday and Sunday
afternoons. This year the Sun Run is being held the week prior to Art in the City, so there will
be no road closures on Sunday, which considerably reduced the number of visitors last year.
I will be exhibiting new artwork created in the past year, as well as some "old favorites" from
previous work. Artist Ken Pattern will be returning again, and for the first time well-known
artist and author Michael Kluckner will also be attending. Hope to see you there!
FEBRUARY 15: HISTORIC WEST END ARTISTS NEWSLETTER ARTICLE
Screen capture from VHS newsletter
After I gave my talk for the West End Seniors Network at Barclay Manor on Jan. 10, it was
suggested that I write an article for the Vancouver Historical Society's newsletter. After
a bit of emailing back and forth, I produced an 800-word article, and provided a few images
for consideration. Happily, the Editor used all of the images. Please click on the link below
to access a pdf file of the newsletter:
JANUARY 10: HISTORIC WEST END ARTISTS
This was an interesting subject for a lecture, in fact there was so much information that
I kept adding and subtracting images and information to the powerpoint presentation. I ended
up with 120 slides, which resulted in a rather intensive talk. I also put together
a sheet of information for the attendees, which included a list of artists mentioned, a list of
buildings and addresses noted, and a list of online resources for further study.
Since almost all artists that I mentioned have a biography file in BC Artists, I also put
together a web page with links to those biographies for easier reference:
JANUARY 1: ANOTHER NEW YEAR
Solstice Spiral
Best wishes for a happy and successful New Year to all visitors to my website.
2025 will hopefully be a good year, including the following events:
West End Living Library - Historic Artists of the West End, January 10
Art In The City, West End Community Center, May 2 - 3 - 4
Solo exhibition at the West End Community Center, July - August
Alcuin Society Wayzgoose at Vancouver Public Library, October or November
2024 was another good year for my artwork, I created 12 limited edition prints, 6
large drawings, and 1 large digital print on canvas. I sold 39 artworks at events
including Art in the City and the exhibition of relief prints at Vancity Credit Union.
Lost Lagoon Frames at the Denman Mall is now representing my artwork,
and has made the first sale already!
I did an extensive amount of input into BC ARTISTS.
I will AGAIN try to finish LOOKING FOR MAUD, my biography of early Vancouver artist
Maud Rees Sherman and her family, her life, and times.
I have essentially been working on that since 1996, and I need to finish it. I made
good progress on it last year, not so much writing as an extensive amount of research.
Thanks to everyone who has helped with BC ARTISTS, and to everyone who purchased or
expressed interest in my artwork.
Continue to 2024
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