88 Blocks: Art on Main
There is another wacky fun art initiative happening in Vancouver. The Main Street corridor is hosting a public art program which has been kicked off with A BRIGHT FUTURE by Instant Coffee, Vancouver/Toronto based artist collective that has been keeping me in the know for a few years now. The fun installations will be comprised of temporary works on display until April 30th with some permanent displays. Blanket Bus: Imagine a random number 3 trolley bus covered in bright afghan blanket patterns. Instant Coffee 500: Walk inside another trolley and see artworks commissioned by Instant Coffee from artists in North, Central, and South America as well as Europe, in the place of paid advertisements. You can use your preferred choice of media (text 604.779.0008 or online www.instantcoffee.org) and vote on your favorite piece. The winner will be announced at the event launch this Saturday, January 17th from 7-10PM at the launch’s co-host VIVO 1965 Main Street, and will get to grace the full exterior of a third number 3 bus.
Other works you will see adding some spice to Main Street is a bus shelter on Main and 20th suited with S.A.D. lights! I could use a little light therapy right now… (Instant Coffee Light Bar Bus Shelter installation). Say Nothing in Bright Colours will permanently adorn sandwich boards bearing hand painted slogans installed on the sidewalk at my old stomping grounds; Main and 22nd as well as Main and 20th.
afghan wrapped buses!
May contemporary art swell up in this city and invade a street corner or public transit device on a more frequent basis.
On my stove top: a pot of water boiling fresh ginger and turmeric with a few cardamon pods.
