16th Annual Oppenheimer Community Art Show
The 16th Annual Oppenheimer Park Community Art Show
Running September 29, 2023 to November 10, 2023
Opening Event September 29, 7pm-9pm
Kara Ashkewe, Daniel Batkin, Nicole Baxter, Xavier Breaker, Cameron Carr, Grace Chan, Rosa Chan, Tilly Charlie, Eva Cho, Randy Crossan, Frederick Cummings, Nicole DesRosiers, James Lee Diamond, Angel Gaeta, Wendy Gaspard, Zaagaasiye Giizis, Debbie Gleason, Tommy Goose, Isaiah Harewood, Lorelei Hawkins, Marek Hirny, Gary Humchitt, Joanna Huo, Lily Huo, Richard E. Kobzey, Carol Larson, Gladys Lee, Gisele Lemire, May Li, Bonnie Low, Chris Mackenzie, Mike McNeeley, Leperd Cloz Mpus, Michael Edward Nardachioni, Roberta Naziel, Teresa Ng, Dustin Paul, James Paul, Rudolf Penner, Lezlie Prutton, Dale Ranville, Edgar Rossetti, Misha Sample, Ryan Smith, Amber Trook, Lawrence Tung, Priscillia Mays Tait, Richard Vanderwal, Bruce Walther, Jin Ying (Mimi) Wang, Jin Wang (Jasper), Yigi Yang, Swallow YP Zhou, Tonia Jo Zinger
The Oppenheimer Park Community Art Show features artwork and insight of artists and community leaders connected to or displaced from Oppenheimer Park, the green space known as Lek'lekí, the Powell Street Grounds, Paureu gai, the backyard of the Downtown Eastside; the unceded land of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples. For some artists, participating in the show is an annual tradition, while others are contributing for the first time.
The artwork in this exhibition offers compelling insight into the state of cultural production in the DTES, and the diverse residents of the DTES visualized through multiple perspectives and viewpoints that each speak to their individual state of being.
Olumoroti George
Artistic Director
We are delighted to announce the upcoming book launch event for the publication of the 16th Annual Oppenheimer Park Community Art Show catalogue. Join us as we celebrate the culmination of this endeavour and honour voices, stories, and experiences from the Downtown Eastside.
The catalogue features an array of compelling works from both exhibiting artists and contributors from within the DTES community. The publication not only showcases artistic expression but also delves into the critical issues facing the DTES community. Here is a glimpse of what you can expect to find within its pages:
Welcome by Mary Point
Preface by Demi London and Olumoroti George
The 16th Annual Oppenheimer Park Community Art Show contributions by 56 local artists
Conversation About the Budzey Project with Raven-Wing Lorelai Hawkins, Manuel Axel Strain & Luca Cara Seccafien
The Users’ Code by Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users
Threads of Resistance Within Our Shared Tapestry by Ruby Smith Díaz & Yarrow Society
Learn Your ABC’s: Defund the VPD (Excerpt) by Erika Masuskapoe & Meenakshi Mannoe
Stop the Sweeps by Ryan Sudd
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the artists, writers, and community leaders who have contributed to this project. Special thanks to the Oppenheimer Park team, The Budzey Building, and the Expressive Arts workshop facilitators, Indigo and Katherine, for their invaluable support.
Featured Artists:
Kara Ashkewe, Daniel Batkin, Nicole Baxter, Xavier Breaker, Elaine Briere, Cameron Carr, Grace Chan, Rosa Chan, Tilly Charlie, Eva Cho, Kate Cowell, Randy Crossan, Frederick Cummings, Nicole DesRosiers, James Lee Diamond, Ruby Smith Díaz, Angel Gaeta, Wendy Gaspard, Zaagaasiye Giizis, Debbie Gleason, Tommy Goose, Isaiah Harewood, Lorelei Hawkins, Marek Hirny, Gary Humchitt, Joanna Huo, Lily Huo, Alger Ji-Liang, Parker Johnson, Richard E. Kobzey, Carol Larson, Gladys Lee, Gisele Lemire, May Li, Bonnie Low, Chris Mackenzie, Meenakshi Mannoe, Erika Masuskapoe, Mike McNeeley, Leperd Cloz Mpus, Michael Edward Nardachioni, Roberta Naziel, Teresa Ng, Dustin Paul, James Paul, Rudolf Penner, Lezlie Prutton, Dale Ranville, Edgar Rossetti, Misha Sample, Ryan Smith, Ryan Sudd, Amber Trook, Lawrence Tung, Priscillia Mays Tait, Richard Vanderwal, Bruce Walther, Jin Ying (Mimi) Wang, Jin Wang (Jasper), Yigi Yang, Swallow YP Zhou, Tonia Jo Zinger.
