Fall Arts Preview: 5 Stunning Visual Art Shows

Polygon Gallery opens its doors, Nordic design takes over the VAG and Culture Crawl returns for another year.

1. The Polygon Gallery

North Vancouver’s esteemed Presentation House Gallery—the region’s only large gallery devoted exclusively to photography and media art—closed its doors in July after 30 years and more than 300 exhibitions. But only because its ambitions and reputation had outgrown the space. Its much-anticipated Lower Lonsdale successor, the Polygon Gallery, is (barring construction delays) scheduled to officially open November 18 with N. Vancouver, a showcase of works from local and international artists that aims to “engage the social and geographic context of North Vancouver.” Those who can’t wait for the official opening can get a first glimpse of the gallery at an art auction chaired by world-renowned local photographer Stan Douglas on October 21 (tickets $300). thepolygon.ca

2. Heart of the City Festival

Now in its 14th year, this annual celebration of the Downtown Eastside’s artistic community showcases all manner of locally created artworks—from gallery exhibits to public installations—as well as theatre, dance, film, music and much more, while workshops and forums allow attendees to interact directly with creators. “Honouring Women of the Downtown Eastside” is this year’s theme. October 25 to November 5, various venues, heartofthecityfestival.com

3. True Nordic: How Scandinavia Influenced Design in Canada

The surge of creativity that swept the globe after the Second World War manifested in Northern Europe in the form of a radical design aesthetic—clean, minimalist, functional—whose influence can still be seen in everything from large-scale artworks to office furniture. This seven-decade-spanning exhibit features pieces from Niels Bendtsen, Bocci and many others. October 28 to January 28, Vancouver Art Gallery, vanartgallery.bc.ca

READ MORE5 Theatre Shows to Catch Before the Curtains Close

4. Stone and Sky: Canada’s Mountain Landscape

Few sights symbolize the country’s—or, at least, this corner of the country’s—history and majesty as effectively as our towering mountains and the unspoiled nature that surrounds them. In honour of Canada 150, Audain Art Museum has mounted this exhibit of works created by numerous Canadian artists between 1867 and now. November 11 to February 12, Audain Art Museum, audainartmuseum.com

5. Eastside Culture Crawl

Artist workspaces rarely receive visitors—distraction is the enemy of creative endeavour, after all. But for four days, more than 500 studios will open their doors to the public to peruse local (and often one-of-a-kind) canvas art, ceramics, glassware, furniture, clothing and jewellery, and more. November 16 to 19, various venues, culturecrawl.ca

Check back for more on the hottest comedy, music and theatre shows in Vancouver, part of our 2017 Fall Arts Preview!