Exhibitions
The Library recognizes that the arts are a distinguishing characteristic of our community’s identity. To support our community’s creative talents, we offer spaces that showcase local artists in a setting that invites connection and reflection.
Our Art Gallery is a canvas for established and emerging artists who work in an exciting range of styles and media. Come experience this month’s exhibit and discover a new artist, perspective, and source of pleasure. Works are on display on the Main Floor.
In addition to our monthly exhibitions, over the years the Library has acquired a collection of fine art. Selected pieces are on display in the Library.
In the Art Gallery
FRAMED NARRATIVES: A Carol Shumas Retrospective
April 3 – May 4
The Ferry Building Gallery and the West Vancouver Memorial Library are proud to present a dual-location exhibition celebrating the life and work of this prolific artist. Known for her vibrant, narrative-driven paintings, Carol Shumas created hundreds of works throughout her lifetime. Inspired by musicals and theatre, her compositions resemble stage sets—flat yet dynamic, brimming with colourful characters frozen in moments of peak action.
This exhibit is presented in partnership with the Ferry Building Gallery and will be on display in both the library gallery space and at the Ferry Building Gallery located at 1414 Argyle Avenue, 5 blocks east of the library, along the waterfront.
ART TALKS: What is Outsider Art with Pierre Leichner
Thursday, May 1, 6 – 7 p.m.
WVML, Welsh Hall
Join Pierre Leichner, the founder of the Vancouver Outsider Art Festival (VOAF) on an exploration of the unique art style know as “Outsider Art”. Unlike other art movements (Cubism or Surrealism) whose work shares a similar style or goal, outsider art is produced outside of the mainstream art world, often by craftspeople with no formal art training. Outsider artists instead create for themselves, in order to make sense of their experiences, interests, and the world around them. Pierre will discuss works of some of the best known artist of this movement including the works of Carol Shumas, and explore some of the barriers outsider artists experience in Canada.
Register here.
Up Next
HAND DRAWN WEST VANCOUVER
Emma FitzGerald
May 7 – June 11
Explore the sidewalks, beaches, and charming corners of West Vancouver through the eyes of celebrated artist and illustrator Emma FitzGerald. Having spent most of her childhood in West Vancouver, FitzGerald developed a deep appreciation for art during her painting classes at the Silk Purse Arts Centre and her visits to the West Vancouver Library. Renowned for her unique line work and her talent for bringing everyday scenes to life, FitzGerald invites viewers to experience West Vancouver as she does—through an artist’s journal filled with depictions of people, architecture, and the area’s distinctive character.
This collection of sketches showcases the vibrant community and breathtaking natural surroundings of West Vancouver, all captured with FitzGerald’s signature charm and spontaneity.
Additionally, the exhibition features select images from FitzGerald’s previous book, Hand Drawn Vancouver: Sketches of the City’s Neighbourhoods, Buildings, and People, offering a broader perspective on the city we call home. These small hand-drawn impressions serve as a testament to the beauty of slow observation. Whether you are a longtime resident or a visitor, FitzGerald’s work encourages you to pause, reflect, and discover the beauty in the familiar.
Sketching Workshop with Emma FitzGerald
Sunday, May 25, 12 – 2 p.m.
Welsh Hall
Join celebrated author and illustrator, Emma FitzGerald (Hand Drawn Vancouver, Hand Drawn Halifax) for a creative sketching workshop. You will receive instruction and feedback, learning how to sketch with pen and use watercolour to translate what you see on location into playful works of art. All supplies will be provided. This program is intended for those aged 18+.
Register here.
Call for Artists
WVML invites visual artists to submit work for our exhibit space. Submissions are open to emerging and professional artists that work across the Lower Mainland. Selected artists will be scheduled for a 6 to 8 week group exhibition of several artists.