Over the last few years there’s been a boom in Vancouver’s public art — aside from the bears, eagles, or orcas in the city campaigns. While the city has long-standing sculptures, fountains and statues, events such as the Vancouver Biennale and even the 2010 Winter Games have introduced a contemporary and colourful splash of public works throughout our communities.
The following images have been contributed to the Miss604 Flickr group and I’ve chosen to display some that are classic, modern, unconventional and that truly represent Vancouver. Please be sure to click on the images to see more work from each of the photographers.
Photo credit:
kwazy on Flickr
Although a few of these are independent projects, you may visit the City of Vancouver’s Public Art website to learn more about various campaigns and download maps. There is also information about a current call for artists and proposals.
The third annual West End Dog Show takes place tomorrow at the Nelson Dog Park.
When: Saturday August 21, 2010 from 10:00am until 3:00pm
Where: Bute and Nelson at the off-leash area of the park
More info: Facebook Event
The West End Dog Show is free and all dog are welcome. Activities will include a doggie fashion show, a charity dog wash, treat samples, pet shop booths, a tail-wagging contest and more.
All proceeds from the event will be donated to the BC Guide Dog Services. Owners are kindly reminded to bring leashes and baggies to scoop up anything their dog may leave behind.
The following has been contributed by Brian Wawryshyn, owner of the BC Lions fan blog BCLionsDen.ca
The bye week is upon the BC Lions and the timing probably couldn’t be better for fans and players alike. The Lions are off to a 1-6 start and struggling to find their winning ways. With a young roster and some injury issues, they’ll be using this week off to try and right the ship.
Despite their record to date, there are some great reasons to get out and see the BC Lions in action – and no bigger one than the experience of Empire Field. Even casual sports fans are having a great time on the site where the Lions played until 1982. The great summer weather has made for a few beautiful nights watching football in the environment it was meant to be played – outdoors.
The Lions and the PNE have allowed for a great game day atmosphere. The pregame tailgate parties fill the parking lot with the aroma of barbequed goodies and allow hardcore Lions fans to mingle prior to the game. The sounds of live bands can be heard from the Lions Street Party, held two hours before each game. The Felions dance team is on hand along with Leo the Lion and activities for kids.
The game atmosphere itself is completely different than what recent generations of Lions fans have experienced at cavernous BC Place stadium. The configuration of the temporary stadium has fans right on top of the action. It hasn’t taken Lions fans long to figure out that metal bleachers make a lot of noise when you stomp your feet and “Orange Thunder†has been filling the air when the opposing teams have the ball on offence.
The club has also done a good job of celebrating the past, bringing out such alumni players as Norm Fieldgate, Al Wilson, Tyrone Crews as well as former coach Vic Rapp among others.
If only the Lions could give the fans more to cheer about. The 1-6 start is the worst ever under the Wally Buono regime and the team has really struggled on offence with problems on the offensive line as well as injuries and inconsistent play at the quarterback position. Fans and media have been quick to point the finger at the coaches, but it’s been all of the above that has contributed to the slow start.
The break will see some new players brought in to try and stop the bleeding (such as 3 time all-star defensive lineman Jonathon Brown, formerly of the Toronto Argonauts) but, for the most part, it will be up to existing team members to turn things around and get the first win at Empire Field and try and get back into the playoff race.
If you haven’t been to a game, make sure you check one out. It’s great fun for the whole family, and with the PNE and Playland within a stone’s throw of the stadium, it’s easy to make a day of it.
The next BC Lions game is Friday August 27th at 7:30pm against the first place Calgary Stampeders. The PNE is in full swing on that day, so plan your time and transportation accordingly.
Brian Wawryshyn is the owner of the BC Lions fan blog BCLionsDen.ca and can be followed on Twitter as @BCLionsDen.
Miss604.com has two tickets to give away for the next BC Lions game vs the Calgary Stampeders, Friday August 27th. Here’s how to enter to win:
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Copy/paste the following on Twitter (1 entry)
One winner will be drawn from all entries August 24th at 9:00am. Follow @BCLions on Twitter for updates and team news.
Update The winner of the Lions tickets is Natalie – have fun at the game!
The 2010 Vancouver Zombiewalk is this Saturday as hundreds of “undead” will take to the streets of Vancouver.
All willing zombies are to meet at the Vancouver Art Gallery at 4:30pm for the annual walk around downtown. The route will take the procession down Robson to Denman, toward Beach, right up Davie then end at the Seawall, “where the Zombies can decompress, decompose, and continue to frolic … and of course, take lots of pictures!”
I have read on several sites that it is important to remember to not vandalize property — no smearing excessive “blood” or knocking things over. This is to be a peaceful zombie march.
Show up early at 3:30pm to learn the moves you’ll need to be a part of this year’s Thrill The World in October. Vancouver is a part of this annual worldwide simultaneous Thriller Dance and its zombie numbers are growing each year. In 2009, 242 zombies danced at the Yaletown Roundhouse and raised over $4,500 for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.
You don’t need to have a dance background or experience but you will need to learn how to dance to Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Fortunately there are rehearsal dates and meetups such as the one this Saturday ahead of the Zombiewalk.
One of the most memorable moments during the Vancouver 2010 Olympics and Paralympics was walking down a pedestrian-only Robson or Granville at any hour and being able to high-five almost everyone you passed. Now, Paralympic silver medallist Josh Dueck is leading the Raise Your Hand for the Record campaign with WorkSafeBC to see if he can set the world record for most high-fives in a 24-hour period.
The goal is to increase young workers’ awareness and understanding of their safety rights and how to stay safe at work. Dueck said in the Raise Your Hand press release that, “It’s about making workplaces safer for everyone, but especially young workers. Life is full of choices. So, raise your hand and know your rights.” Young workers experience the greatest number of time-loss claims due to being struck by objects, overexertion, and falls.
The high-five marathon will begin August 27th at Empire Field during the BC Lions game, then it will move on to the Kaboom Plaza, then the PNE grounds. The event will wrap-up August 28th at the PNE’s Celebration Plaza.
Should the marathon be a success, hopefully more will be aware of WorkSafeBC’s campaign and Dueck (along with thousands of high-fiving Vancouverites) will earn a spot in the Guinness World Record book.
How you can help:
Come down to Empire Field August 27th and August 28th to show your support and get your hand slapped for the record
Spread the message and follow @ryhmovement on Twitter or share on Facebook
Raise Your Hand will have a presence throughout the PNE as well as an info station at the Live at Squamish music festival.
Update Josh did it! 9,307 high-fives. He is now a world record-holder thanks to everyone that participated.
