If you haven't checked out the new community space at Columbia Square yet, there's no better time than this week.
The I Heart New West space is hosting a New West Artists exhibition until April 30 — and there's a reception set for this Thursday, April 13, from 5 to 8 p.m.
The show features the work of 26 artists: Hannah-Barbara Berwid, Catherine Booth, James Dailey, Alicja Draganska, Selena Drake, Katrina Ewanchuk, Alannah Haynes, Candice James, Kevin Jordan, Robert Jost, Janet Kvammen, Lavana La Brey, Queensagem, Therese Mah, Millie McKinnon, Aidan Michael, Stefan Muresan, Donald Sands, Julia Schoennagel, Kirstin, Robbin Sheriland, Carolyn Sullivan, Glenn Wootton, Wenyan Xu and Valeriya Zhmak.
At Thursday's reception, two of the artists also share their musical talents: Catherine Booth on vocals and James Dailey on guitar.
Plus, the City of New Westminster's poet laureate, Elliott Slinn, will be on hand writing personalized poems on his typewriter.
You can meet-and-greet with the artists, enjoy the art and enter for door prizes including a $100 Opus Art Supplies gift card.
Poetic Justice explores 'before and after' in April
Lovers of the literary arts will also find a home in the space this coming weekend.
The Royal City Literary Arts Society is hosting Almost On the Other Side: Writing Before and After, a special edition of Poetic Justice featuring poets Jónína Kirton, Kevin Spenst and Alan Hill.
Sienna Campbell is the guest host for the April 16 event, which also includes an open mic.
“So much has changed globally and certainly personally four years after our 2018 reading with these three poets that we thought it would be interesting to bring them back together again for another reading,” explains a press release from the group. “This special event will revisit work read then and compare it to newer works.”
There will be a panel discussion with audience Q&A, and people will be able to win door prizes (poetry books, of course).
Light refreshments will also be on offer.
It runs from 2:30 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 16.
Where is I Heart New West?
The I Heart New West space is in Unit 103 at 78 10th St. in Columbia Square (where the dollar store used to be, opposite Cockney Kings).
Follow Julie MacLellan on Twitter @juliemaclellan.
Email Julie, [email protected]