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Gumballs, paintbrushes and art students, oh my!

The only hard thing about writing this post was choosing the title - for some reason, "3 Art & Design themed things to do with your kids in Vancouver" didn't feel right ...

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The only hard thing about writing this post was choosing the title - for some reason, "3 Art & Design themed things to do with your kids in Vancouver" didn't feel right ... The "things" on the other hand are an easy sell, and I do hope to see you out there, telling your kids to take a gumball, paint a bird and probably not touch that sculpture...

In all seriousness, these events are a fantastic and fun introduction to the art & design community in Vancouver, which I can tell you first hand (after 6 years at Emily Carr) is thriving. If you do happen to come across me and my boys, say hello!

(Image above: ME walking the Foundation Show at Emily Carr University)

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(A still image from "These Roads", a film by ECUAD Animation graduate, Desirae Witte)

THE SHOW

First up, because I am graduating from the Master of Design program this Saturday, is The Show at Emily Carr University: New Adventures in Design, Media + Visual Arts. Featuring more than 300 works from this year's Design, Media and Visual Arts graduates, The Show highlights student creativity and innovation.

I can personally vouch for this one, as I have been setting up my exhibit for the past week, and even had my kids come in for some manual labour on Monday (finally a Pro-D day that came in handy). If/when you come by, make sure to check out the design exhibits in the South Building (the concrete one with the big staircase) because that's where all the magic happens.

May 3 -17, 2015 | M-F 10am-8pm | S-Su 10am-6pm

Opening Reception | Saturday, May 2, 2015, 5-10pm

1399/1400 Johnston Street, Vancouver (Granville Island)

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THE HAPPY SHOW

Next we have The Happy Show, at the Museum of Vancouver, which I can also vouch for because I was able to attend the opening last week (and fawn over Sagmeister) ... if you aren't familiar with the show, you must not be on Instagram, because I swear every other picture in my feed is the one above or a variation of it (and thankfully it's Thursday today because I can #TBT a shot of me on the bike).

Feel free to see the show now, but don't feel too bad if you are busy at Emily Carr, because coming up on May 23rd is the Happy Hoopla Family Festival! Kids come FREE* to this day of music, activities and entertainment inspired by the show. Enjoy performances by ventriloquist Kelly Haines, explore the interactive exhibition, get your face-painted, and try your hand at making your own Happy buttons. Plus, enjoy food from local vendors and win memberships and other great prizes.

Date: Saturday, May 23, 2015

Time: 10:00am-5:00pm

Admission includes admission to Stefan Sagmeister: The Happy Show: Adult $14 | Seniors & Students $11 | Children & Youth Free* | MOV Members Free!

Get Tickets: https://happyhoopla.eventbrite.ca

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(Image: Carol Lafave, Judges 1st Place Selection in the Adult (19+) Category, Opus Downtown Vancouver, OPC 2014)

The Opus Outdoor Painting Challenge

Last, but not least, it's the Opus Outdoor Painting Challenge! Last year's Opus Outdoor Painting Challenge (OPC) saw a spectacular turn out, with 739 artist painting and drawing both nature and city life at Opus locations across BC.

This special event welcomes all ages and levels of skill, and encourages participants to try something new, whether that be working outdoors for the first time, or simply within the limitations of the challenge rules. Each location has a designated "painting zone" with a variety of subject matter to choose from. Try a cityscape, a waterfront view, the flora and fauna around you, or even the picture in your mind that the day inspires.

This year’s jury will be awarding $6000 in Opus Gift Cards. Contact the Opus Store you'd like to participate at, or visit the online sign up page, and register today!

Opus Granville Island |1360 Johnston St., Vancouver, 604-736-7028 |On Granville Island, across from Emily Carr University of Art + Design | Opus Downtown Vancouver | 100-207 W. Hastings St., Vancouver, 604-678-5889 | In the Dominion Building, across from Victory Square

peaks-and-harbours Bree Galbraith is the co-founder of Peaks and Harbours, a Vancouver “not just for moms” blog that showcases everything our city has to offer the younger crowd. @breegalbraith