A Word from our Executive Director,
Eric Rhys Miller
Eric Rhys Miller speaking at the VOAF 2019 Opening Reception. Photo by edzy edzed.
For three days this past weekend, VOAF 2019 overflowed the Roundhouse Exhibition Hall with visual art and performances, workshops, artist talks, and community art activities. It is so gratifying to see and hear it all come together after months of behind the scenes work. Highlights for me included convincing a first-time group show exhibitor to sell his first piece of art, then see his bright eyes and wide smile floating around the room for the rest of the day, as he talked with other artists and soaked it all in. One artist said it was the first time someone had read his performance idea and said ‘Yes,' bringing a new collaboration into being. That warm feeling of being welcomed, validated, and supported in your creative work is intangible, a very real and very important element of the festival. It’s also important that we can distribute 100% of the art sales, and pay fees to every participating performing artist and organization.
Members of the DTES Writer's Collective at the Saturday Performance Showcase. Photo by edzy edzed.
Acrylic Pouring Workshop presented by Opus Art Supplies. Photo by Valerie Smaller.
There was a steady supply of coffee and food sustaining us all through the long days, and regular raffle prizes, all thanks to our President Valerie Smaller and the sponsors she enlisted. A reporter from News 1130 came for a quick community announcement and stayed for 3 hours…reporting to me that she was incredibly moved by the artists' stories. This festival wears its many bright colours proudly and shares its stories bravely. My sincere thanks, on behalf of Community Arts Council of Vancouver, to the staff, funders, sponsors, partners, audience, volunteers, and artists who all came together to make a truly beautiful thing happen in our city.
Attendees appreciate the art at VOAF 2019. Photo by Valerie Smaller.
VOAF 2019 Attendee Map. Photo by Eric Rhys Miller.
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