For thousands of art lovers across the Lower Mainland (140,000 and counting), it's one of the most highly anticipated summer festivals on the North Shore.
For 10 days, from August 4 to 13, the family-friendly Harmony Arts Festival will transform the area in West Vancouver from John Lawson Park to the Ferry Building landing, and through Argyle Avenue along the waterfront between 14th and 16th Streets, into an epic celebration of the arts and of community.
Presented by Odlum Brown, the festival showcases an eclectic mix of established and up-and-coming artists, artisans, and musicians.
"The Harmony Arts Festival is where long-time locals mingle with their neighbours, art enthusiasts meet enthusiastic novices, and generations come together on the waterfront, which is a stunning place to spend a summer evening," says Christie Rosta, cultural services manager, District of West Vancouver.
"Everyone's welcome, and it's a great opportunity to explore the arts, whether it's through workshops, exhibitions, or music."
Visual arts and art market
The festival dedicates significant attention to visual arts by hosting exhibitions, displays, and activities, enabling you to explore different artistic mediums and styles.
The Ferry Building Gallery features Anomaly, an exhibition by artist Desirée Patterson, highlighting the alarming loss of one-third of the Hindu Kush and Himalayan glaciers by 2100.
The 2023 festival featured artist Martha Sturdy presents One World, which invites us to recognize that we share a single world and, as such, to nurture and safeguard it. This large art installation will be present throughout the festival.
Explore the Harmony Group Exhibition of waterfront galleries and open-air tents that feature multimedia works submitted by local artists, and stroll the Fresh St. Art Market and Bespoke Mid-Week Market along Argyle Avenue for interesting new designs and handmade creations from a wide range of artists and artisans, including jewellery, clothing, and ceramics, among others.
Don't miss The Bricktacular West Coast Modern Show: Paul Hetherington at West Vancouver Art Museum; the models featured in this exhibition are made from LEGO®.
Take in other festival highlights including: Indigenous Artists & Carvers Studio, with Squamish Nation artist Xwalacktun and other talented carvers; ARTSPEAKS, a series of artist talks, demos, and hands-on classes; Grand Prix Plein Air Challenge; and For the Love of Art: Youth and Children's Art Exhibition.
Culinary delights and entertainment
Best of the West is back at Grosvenor Ambleside - Galleria Plaza, featuring the Lower Mainland's best restaurants paired with B.C. wineries for a culinary arts event and competition. Purchase your ticket to vote for your favourite duo. New this year: Thierry Chocolaterie and Water St. Cafe | 2nd Floor Gastown.
Dine al fresco at Park Royal Beachside Patio, or enjoy food truck offerings from Dos Amigos, Baba's House, Chouchou Breton crêpes, and more.
Two venues at Millennium Park, the Re/Max Garden Stage and PARC Retirement Living West Stage present an impressive musical roster, with The Paperboys headlining August 4. West Vancouver favourite, She Stole My Beer, performs mid-week, and Side One closes the festival on August 13.
WAVE 98.3FM hosts evening concerts onsite: Bobby Bruce's Nearly Neil & The Solitary Band, Gabriel Mark Hasselbach, and Laila Biali.
"By showcasing local talent and offering a diverse range of events and activities, we create an enriching experience that fosters community engagement, inspires creativity, and promotes appreciation for the arts," reveals Rosta.
"It's a must-attend event for those who seek an immersive and unforgettable cultural experience in a location that captures the essence of West Vancouver's coastal charm."
For more information, visit harmonyarts.ca.
