We say “cheese” and celebrate the official opening of the Polygon Gallery at the foot of Lonsdale this week. In the realm of photographic arts, Polygon (and its predecessor the Presentation House Gallery) is world class.
That’s something we can boast about. Now, after a long, long wait, the gallery has a home as grand as its reputation.
Just steps along the Spirit Trail from the SeaBus and Lonsdale Quay, as well as the burgeoning Shipyards project and a new North Vancouver Museum, it’s one of the critical pieces in the puzzle that’s coming together, making Lower Lonsdale and our waterfront precinct the envy of other municipalities.
The City of North Vancouver put up $2.5 million as well as the land, of which we remain the owners. The feds and the province also put up $2.5 million each. The rest came from the gallery’s own fundraising, including $4 million from Michael Audain.
Not everyone loves the building’s design by Patkau Architects but we find ourselves beholding a beauty. With so much of our skyline ceded to condos put up by profit-motivated and risk-averse developers, we feel Polygon will serve as a striking focal point on our waterfront – a far cry better than the parking lot once there. We only hope the new gallery’s design isn’t such a statement that it overshadows the art it holds inside.
The inaugural exhibition features the work of acclaimed local photographers showcasing the intersection of North Vancouver’s industrial and natural worlds. We absolutely encourage everyone to attend.
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