VMF2021 Neighbourhood: Strathcona

Sitji Cou painting their mural in Strathcona

With over 400 businesses, Strathcona is a diverse community of makers and doers, continuing to sustain the neighbourhood’s longstanding history of perseverance and resilience. As with the rest of Vancouver, the Burrard Inlet was home to many Indigenous communities prior to the eventual settlement of a largely European, Asian, and African working-class population. The neighbourhood developed in part due to its connection to the Hastings Mill in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many of the original heritage builds from that period still stand, and can be seen throughout the more residential parts of the area.

Strathcona has an unexpectedly vibrant arts scene and is one of the city’s key gallery districts. Some of the most prolific and renowned Vancouver based galleries such as Catriona Jeffries and Monte Clarke call the Strathcona neighbourhood their home. During May and June of 2021, Strathcona launched a self led Art Walk with six of the neighbouring galleries, placing a focus on contemporary art from Indigenous and Canadian artists. This walk can be explored by visitors all summer long, and is a good chance to check out some of Vancouver’s best gallery based artists - while enjoying our public murals to boot!

Benjamin T. Stone’s mural in progress at Container Brewing — In response to the recently discovered mass graves of First Nation peoples in Canada, artists Jerry Whitehead and Take5 came together to create a mural titled *Remember Us.* Located off of East Hastings, both artists hope their work will “start community conversations about the path of reconciliation, and develop meaningful relationships in [their] communities.” Another poignant piece painted in Strathcona this year is *Ripple* by artist Sitji Chou, a Chinese-Canadian Vancouver based animator and illustrator. Chou’s mural is facing a senior’s home, and as such, was created in the hopes to bring joy to those who will see it the most - the residents. With waves, lilies, and koi mingly inbetween, Chou hopes to instill a sense of tranquility and whimsy within the onlookers.
If you’re one to pair a mural tour with beer tasting, Benjamin T. Stone is adding his artistic flair to the entrance wall to Container Brewing. His piece, *No Arrival*, will be painted with “elegant Art Deco graphic elements, juxtaposed with a flowing and dynamic protagonist.” To find more murals on a brewery walk, check out our Strathcona Beer and Mural Tour Collection on the free VMF App with Benjamin’s mural as the newest addition to the list.

ENTER TO WIN THE STRATHCONA PRIZE GIVEAWAY:

Discover Vancouver’s diverse neighbourhoods while having a chance to win some incredible prizes! This summer, participating neighbourhoods are generously providing gift packs curated from local businesses in their area. Download the VMF App and use the interactive map to help you find this year’s new murals and more across Vancouver!

Enter to WIN the Strathcona prize giveaway that includes coffee beans from Prototype Coffee, a beautiful mug from The Garden Strathcona, chocolate from Living Lotus, $75 Gift Card to Makerlabs and Gift Card to Strathcona Beer Company.