West Vancouver, B.C.— The Bricktacular West Coast Modern Show, a partnership between the West Vancouver Art Museum and the West Vancouver Memorial Library as part of West Coast Modern Week, opens at the Library on Friday, May 5 with a Grand Opening from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Featuring small-scale models of eight iconic homes and buildings, this exhibit captures the essence of West Coast Modern style with stunning LEGO® creations.
Developed between 1941 and 1988, the West Coast Modern style of design defies the steep terrain and ocean-fronted cliffs of the West Coast to create extraordinary homes which bring the outdoors in, challenge materials traditionally used in construction, and situate the building appropriately on each site. This distinct architectural style has deep roots in West Vancouver—and all but one of the original buildings featured in this exhibition are in West Vancouver.
WVAM Curator Hilary Letwin says, “The West Coast Modern history of residential design encapsulated in West Vancouver is an incredibly important legacy, and we have offered numerous programs and exhibitions on this subject over the last 15 years—though this is the first one to feature LEGO®! If this exhibit is your first time seeing these buildings, we hope that you will seek out further information about the local history that they represent.”
The artist, Paul Hetherington, has been developing his craft over the last 20 years. “Whether I am building historical or futuristic pieces, almost all of my creations are rooted in my love of architecture,” he says. “From recreating the façade of the Villa Maris (‘The Pink Palace’), to re-creating the complex angles of the Merrick House, there have been many challenges along the way to bring the homes in this exhibit into brick form.”
LEGO® lovers, architecture enthusiasts, West Van residents, and all those in between are invited to attend the Grand Opening on May 5 and explore the exhibit until July 31, and at Harmony Arts Festival August 4 – 13. Patrons of all ages can enjoy free events at the Library, from LEGO® ping-pong bowling or stop-motion animation for kids, to an artist talk on Tuesday, May 9 from 7 to 9 p.m. with artist Paul Hetherington in Conversation with Hilary Letwin. Adults can let their imaginations run wild at Brick Builders: LEGO® for Adults on Sunday, May 28 and newcomers are invited to a family-friendly build and learn program to practise their English while playing with LEGO® at the Language Builders program. With more than 20 events, there is something for everyone.