In the lead up to ROVE the Mount Pleasant art walk coming up on September 30th we are going to introduce to you to some of the artists, galleries and curated spaces that will be taking part! Today we are excited to share what to expect at Gene Studios during ROVE that will make it a must visit stop on the art walk.
Ever wondered what was above Gene Coffee Bar on Main Street? The answer is art studios! We are excited to share that artists Rebecca Chaperon, Donna Giraud, Mira Song and THRIVE Studio will be opening up their studios to visitors on the night of ROVE. As a special treat Mira Song has also invited Sarah Gee Miller to show work in her space as well. You can view work by all of these talented artists at 2414 Main Street on the night of ROVE.
Sarah Gee Miller
Mira Song
Donna Giraud
Below we are sharing our conversation with artist Rebecca Chaperon who has opened her studio at Gene Studios up to ROVE for many years now and is a must visit stop on the ROVE art walk.
Tell us about Gene Studios.
Gene Studios is such a great place, I love my space and feel really fortunate to have found it! My neighbours in the building are amazing and we are located on a triangular block that is often referred to as "the wedge" but I prefer "the bermuda triangle of Mount Pleasant". Oh and did I mention that there is an art supply shop right downstairs? I literally don't have to cross the street when I run out of paint.
What are you excited to show off at ROVE?
It's a surprise! As in I haven't decided yet - but I always like to mix it up a bit so that no two ROVE's are the same : ) I'll have some small works on paper as well as larger paintings of icebergs, crystals, cave dwelling witches and work from my new series Imprint and some special new works I call my Goth Fauve Paintings.
You have been with ROVE for many years now, how has it grown? Why is it important to your art practice and/or the community?
ROVE allows people to be introduced to art in a way that is casual and fun...I think many people get comfortable with the idea of what kind of art they personally like and then they can purchase confidently. That's important to me! I don't know the number of people who attend each event but it seems to get busier and busier as the word spreads about the event. Also, as I mentioned I spend so much time (usually alone) working in the studio - it feels really nice (mentally healthy!) to tidy it up and hang some work and bring people in to see it a couple of times a year. Also the people who come out to ROVE are so positive, insightful and enthusiastic! I love them.
In your opinion how does ROVE help make Vancouver awesome?
In my opinion, what's awesome about Rove is that visitors and residents of Vancouver can get an insider look at the art studios located in Vancouver and artists are often available to talk to about their work. Some cities have a MONTHLY artwalk (Seattle and neighbouring cities) which would be amazing but who does all that work? When a beautiful smarty-pants like Jamie Smith steps forward to make an event like this happen twice a year it truly is an amazing benefit to the city and the community. She works so hard and being an artist herself she really understands how to meet the artist's needs for this event. Also it's nice to view art in a gallery but I think it's a complimentary experience to also be able to view art in the artist's studio....it can give people a different sense of the process: who makes the art and where they create it.
Where is your favourite place to eat, shop and drink along Main Street?
Shop - Dandelion / Nineteen Ten - love both these shops and the people who own them! I like to get coffee at Our Town and Gene because they are both also located in the Bermuda Triangle of Main Street. Nuba is my favourite restaurant off Main street on 3rd because the food is fresh and the cocktails are so cold & delicious!
The most important question of them all… will you be there to boogie with us at the Projection Room?
Can I just be enigmatic and say: " Maybe"? *wink*
Rebecca Chaperon
Rebecca Chaperon
Rebecca Chaperon
Stay connected to ROVE by finding us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
ROVE with us on Friday, September 30th from 6pm to 10pm and then party with us at the ROVE after party at the The Projection Room starting at 10pm until late! RSVP here
