The Art Gallery at Evergreen located in Coquitlam at 1205 Pinetree Way #1 is showcasing the artistic and crafty works of artists, Grace Han and Gloria Jue-Youn Han in an exhibition called Han-Soom. The exhibition features the intricately designed ceramic vessels and clay objects that have rich Korean roots. With a combination of the extensive training that the artists have gone through and the teachings of their elders, this exhibition displays multiple layers of culture and skill. There are few galleries that connect people with the artists and their creative processes and the Art Gallery at Evergreen is one of them.

Grace Han is well-versed in the world of ceramics. At a Korean University, she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts, where she specialized in traditional Korean ceramic techniques. She also worked for several years for one of Korea’s largest ceramic companies. Her knowledge and skills in the world of ceramics allows her to use clay as a medium to share her story with audiences. On top of being a talented, crafty artist, she’s a teacher at the University of Manitoba’s School of Art.

Gloria Jue-Youn is an artist that delves into cultural traditions of her Korean roots and her Canadian exposure. Her work is inspired by her experience as a first generation Korean Canadian and the traditions ingrained in her culture. She looks at pottery as a way for her to communicate to the audiences her emotions of care, intimacy and love. All of which is a part that plays behind the creative process to create her work. Han is a teacher at Langara College where she continues to inspire people.

Both artists share many similarities in their art and in their lives. They have a Korean influence in their art and upbringing and they’re both teachers. The Art Gallery at Evergreen is the perfect opportunity to understand and appreciate the delicate process behind creating ceramic vessels and clay objects.

People who are fans of videogames and tv shows are in for a treat as the popular game, “The Last of Us” is now a TV series that HBO has come out with. The game came out in 2013 and the second part of the game came out in 2020. The game was so popular because of the storyline and the concept. HBO have taken their time to select the perfect cast and production elements to resemble the characters and storyline of the game. Although this isn’t the first time a game is made into a tv show or movie, this show has all the right components to make it a special one.

In previous instances where tv shows are based off a game, there have been some elements that make the tv show seem worse than the game but the attention to detail is clear in the first episode of the new show. The game and tv show try to portray a vision of the world where a deadly virus takes control of people and humanity is slowly fading away. The main characters are Joel and Ellie. They are both reliant on each other for their survival and the show aims to be as authentic as the game.

The characters who play Joel and Ellie are Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey. Both actors are well known for their acting skills. Pedro Pascal has appeared in a few high rated tv shows like the Game of Thrones and Narcos. Bella Ramsey has also appeared in Game of Thrones and other shows and movies. Fans of entertainment recognize these names and are interested in how they bring their characters to life in the Last of Us. The new series has only released an episode so far with more weekly episodes to come. Fans are eagerly waiting every Sunday to watch how the story progresses.

There’s a time and place where people feel the need to share a luxurious meal with their loved ones. With Valentine’s Day coming up next month, people look to find a place that have an intimate setting to satisfy their cravings for a delicious meal with their loved ones. Sometimes the price is not worth the meal but in other situations (the best kind), you get what you paid for and then some. One of the spots in Vancouver that aims to satisfy people who love to try different types of food, is the Elephant. It is located at 1879 Powell Street. This restaurant provides one of the most unique fine-dining experiences that a person can have.

There is limited seating in the place which can be a good or bad thing depending on whether you are able to make a reservation at a suitable time. This North American, contemporary style of restaurant is run by Chef Justin Song Ell (Lee). It’s a small restaurant and wine bar that can only seat 18 people in it. They offer a unique Omakase experience through a five-course meal that changes weekly. It showcases the restaurants versatility and commitment to use fresh and seasonal produce from the province. All the plates and portions are small, the flavours and variety adds up in the end. It gives customers the chance to experience different creations by the chef.

If you are considering experiencing what the Elephant offers, you should be warned that you must make a reservation in advance. Their bookings open in one month blocks and it starts at the start of the month. The restaurants setting is small but it gives the feeling that you’re at the chef’s home when they’re making your food. The Elephant was awarded Vancouver’s Best New Restaurants by Vancouver Magazine’s Annual Restaurant Awards in 2022 and it also happens to be a Michelin Recommendation.

The Amazing Brentwood is going to be packed in March when people from all age ranges are counting down the days for the release of a massive interactive exhibition. The exhibition is called the Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. (Scientific Training and Tactical Intelligence Operative Network) The exhibition will feature all the superheroes from Marvel’s Avengers. Fans of the superhero movie genre are well-versed in the stories and movies about their favorite superheroes and this interactive exhibition gives them the opportunity to explore their hobbies in a fun way. People from all age ranges will be able to connect with others who have mutual interests as them.

The exhibition will feature many rooms where fans can explore things like Iron Man’s “Hall of Armour,” Captain America’s infamous shield, Bruce Banner’s (The Hulk’s) lab, the high-tech weapons that Black Widow uses and many other cool things that will be featured in the exhibition. There have been other cities around the world that have already experienced this exhibition and there is a common thing about all of them. Everyone who attended the exhibitions, absolutely loved the experience. Vancouver is going to be the next location where people can vicariously live in the Marvel world. The access to props and suits from Marvel Studios will be on display for fans to admire.

The official launch of the exhibition is on March 3^rd, people can already book their tickets to experience this rare opportunity to explore their favorite interests. Marvel fans have a wide age-range and it’s going to be interesting to see how many people from different demographics are going to experience this exhibition. Getting a ticket for a friend or loved one who is obsessed with Marvel would be the most thoughtful gift to give them. The exhibition will approximately take 45 to an hour to complete and the best part is, once you enter, you can stay for as long as you’d like, that is until they close.

Vancouver has plenty of restaurants and bars that people visit to enjoy a nice drink or meal. Whether it is during the week or on the weekends, people like to share the beautiful experience of enjoying someone’s company over a nice meal or drink. People often explore different restaurants and bars to find a spot that is different from the regular places that they’ve been to before. One place that is unlike any other spot in Vancouver to get a nice drink is at 4362 Main Street. The Shameful Tiki Room is a cocktail bar that stands out from all the other bars in Vancouver because of its environment, theme and most importantly, their drinks!

The Shameful Tiki Room creates an environment that helps customers escape from their daily worries and struggles. The bar is a dimly lit place with no windows that show the outside. Somedays there is live music that people can enjoy without having their conversations being interrupted. People that visit the bar are often surprised by the unique design of the place. There’s imported cloth, carvings, ornaments and artworks that people can admire and experience only at this place.

The inspiration behind the creation of The Shameful Tiki Room comes from the vision of what it would have been like to visit a mid-century Tiki establishment. The atmosphere, music and illustrations are the bar’s attempt at reviving the spirit of a Tiki establishment. Not many places are able to represent this, but The Shameful Tiki Room does this by creating a space where people can “escape.”

The Shameful Tiki Room is celebrating their ten-year anniversary this March and they are celebrating for a whole month! Joining their celebration is the perfect way to bring in the third month of the year. If March is too long a wait, their weekly Waikiki Wednesdays is the best event to visit with people who are looking to explore new bars and create new experiences.

Looking to find the new spot to hang out with friends? There’s a secret cocktail bar that is tucked behind a burger place that will impress all your friends. The spot is called “The Stock Room” and its in Yaletown. The address is 1144 Homer Street. It’s been open for less than a year and people are slowly starting to catch on. Their selection of cocktails that are crafted with expertise and style is the reason why they’re getting the notoriety that they deserve. Unlike other speakeasy’s, there is no secret password to know to enter this place. There is an arched doorway at the right-side entrance of the burger and beer bar called “Hundy.” Once you take this entrance, there is a sign of The Stock Room that will guide you through a narrow hallway that looks like it’s part of a storage room. At the entrance of the speakeasy, there is a sign that says “Private” on it and behind that door, you can find the Stock Room.

Finding the Stock Room isn’t too challenging but once you get there, it certainly gives you an idea of what it must have been like to actually visit a speakeasy back when there was prohibition and people had to resort to going to secret locations to get a drink. Now, visiting a speakeasy is not that scary because drinking alcohol or selling it isn’t illegal. You can enjoy a cocktail or two at the Stock Room without being paranoid about doing something wrong. The speakeasy doesn’t serve food but the neighboring burger joint is a quick solution for people that want a delicious meal to go along with their drink. They specialize in making their own cocktails like the Count Sheet and the Castaway but they also make classic cocktails for people that like the comfort of familiarity.

The Vancouver Biennale Art is an Open Air Museum that is located at 290 W 3^rd Avenue. They showcase amazing art in a public setting. They encourage learning about different culture and art, engagement with community, interaction and social action. The Vancouver Biennale is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to make public art accessible, motivate and inspire people in the community. Their exhibitions feature different style of art that include sculptures, film, music and performance. The museum has a welcoming, lively atmosphere where people feel connected to the art and to the people in the community. They do a great job of bringing an artistic approach to a culturally significant space.

One of the upcoming exhibitions called “Threads Through Time” is rooted in cultural significance. People who visit the Vancouver Biennale have the opportunity to educate themselves whilst enjoying the touring exhibition. This project is an extension of a previous exhibition called “Weaving Cultural Identities.” Threads Through Time displays 10 small-scale prayer rugs that are made by artists from Indigenous and Islamic communities. These Indigenous and Muslim artists draw inspiration from their land, experiences and ancestors to weave the prayer rugs that honour their history and way of life.

In the border that contains these rugs, there is a poem that is weaved into the fabric that pays respect and conceptualizes the Muslim migrant experience of life in Canada. The poem is by a Muslim poet named Efemeral. The poem is in Arabic, but it translates to:

 “They were exiled from mosques

And in their mosques martyred

So in the expanse of their exile and martyrdom

They built a mosque.”

There is a painful history behind the lives of these artists and their expression of it in their art is powerful. It allows people from similar backgrounds to connect with the art and at the same time, it educates people who are unfamiliar of this history of the cultural significance behind this exhibition.

A special art exhibition that is showcased at the Vancouver Art Gallery called “SPOTLIGHT” is a collaboration between the Gallery and a non-profit program created and operated by the Gallery called Arts Rentals & Sales program. The purpose of the program was to help support up-and -coming artists based in British Columbia. The collaboration between the Gallery and program is incredible because the Gallery invites an artist from the program to showcase the skill and creativity by creating a mural on a feature wall that can be found at the Gallery’s lobby. The purpose of the project is to provide budding artists with the opportunity to express and introduce themselves to people entering the lobby of the Gallery.

SPOTLIGHT features the work of an artist named KC Hall, whose style is a modern touch on indigenous art. Hall’s style is formed by his experience in handwriting, lettering and graffiti skills that he has developed over the years. KC Hall is from Bella Bella, in Heiltsuk Nation territory on the Central Coast of BC. He is a descendant of the well-known Heiltsuk artist, Chief Robert Bell. The inspiration of his indigenous heritage can be seen in his work.

KC is recognized for his exceptional skills as an artist as he was awarded the Crabtree McLennan Emerging Artist Award by the BC Achievement Foundation. His unique ability to combine traditional Northwest Coast design elements with his own style brings a refreshing modern feel to his art. The mural that Hall has designed showcases the distinctness in his art and proves his potential to create intriguing art. The exhibition is sure to gain a lot of attention because the Gallery is displaying it for nearly a year. The last opportunity to experience the emerging artists’ work is on October 15^th. Art by KC Hall is a free form of expression that can inspire people from different walks of life.

An incredible exhibition that combines photography, videography and installation is currently being showcased at the Vancouver Art Gallery. The body of art that has taken over a decade to come to fruition explores several themes that resonate with people from different walks of life. The exhibition called “About Time” by Jin-Me Yoon connects art and identity with relation to history, memory, land and ocean. This exhibition comes from a personal side of lived experiences by the Korean born and Vancouver based artist. Her work has a special way of connecting tourism, militarism and colonialism that come from her experience of migrating.

Yoon’s work sparks the thought of our existence in a world that is being affected by climate-crisis and living on the unceded, ancestral lands of Indigenous People. Her ability to capture moments which provoke emotions and thought through photos, films and installations is a skill that she has used to tell stories. Jin-Me Yoon has been artist for over three decades and her work has been recognized on an international level. She inspires other artists by teaching at Simon Fraser University’s School for the Contemporary Arts. In 2022, she was awarded the coveted Scotiabank Photography Award.

The About Time exhibition connects people, space and time in a fashion that provokes thought and expression. Many of the themes in her art relate to the world in a realistic way that is so unique. The visual and intricate details in her work have many layers that are relatable to experiences of people from a similar upbringing as Yoon. The Gallery is going to display Yoon’s work till March 5^th. There is an ample amount of time to visit the gallery and explore Yoon’s work as well as the themes that are attached to it. Her work has an ability to inspire creative thinking with relation to our place in the world.

The Vancouver Art Gallery on 750 Hornby Street is showcasing the art work by Guud San Glans Robert Davidson in an exhibition called, “A Line That Bends But Does Not Break” till April 16^th. The exhibition is significant because it revives the Haida culture, tradition and art. “Guud San Glans” is Robert Davison’s Haida name which means “Eagle of the Dawn.” For over 50 years, Davidson has expressed himself and his culture through his art. This exhibition showcases several graphic works from Davidson and paintings from other local private collections that serve as evidence of Davidson’s creativity to express Haida culture in inventive ways.

Davidson’s deep connection with his Haida culture is inspirational in many ways. His legacy of being a vessel of knowledge to educate people on Haida culture through his incredible art is one of a kind. At the age of 22 he was the person to carve and raise the first totem pole in his hometown of Massett in nearly 90 years. His passion and motivation were to be able to provide his elders with the chance celebrate their culture in a way that they were not able to before.

Davidson is inspired by his familial roots that are responsible for internationally spreading the Haida culture through art as his great grandfather was also an artist who was renowned for his work by the Haida community before the government cruelly silenced them. Davidson’s father and grandfather were also well-respected carvers, and their influence has clearly inspired his work in many ways. Through his years as an advocate for Haida art culture, Davidson has been awarded with numerous honors by the art community in Canada. The body of work that Davidson has provided us with will be admired and studied for a very long time. His passionate and amazingly creative art brings joy and inspiration to many people.