East Vancouver arts space – BLIM – turns 10!

If you could compare Blim to a children’s tale, it could be called ‘Blim – the little arts space that could’. For the past decade, Blim has quietly grown into one of Vancouver’s indie arts bastions, providing countless learning and exhibit opportunities sans corporate or government funding.

Blim specializes in offering workshops, events, drop-in times/supplies and gallery space to artists (experienced or budding). This December Blim turns 10.

On December 7, Yuriko Iga, Blim’s founder will host a 10 year anniversary party at VIVO. Local artists, djs and performers such as DJ Ultimate Lover, Darwin Meyers, Jonothan and Sean Orr and Lee Hutzulak will party alongside Iga and others at VIVO on Main Street. The party goes from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. and entry is by donation.

For many Blim lovers, the art gallery-come-store-come-classroom is a spot to create a variety of art mediums in an open, practical and welcoming space. It helps that Blim supplies much of the tools and materials needed to learn specific skills and are included in workshop/drop in prices.

Blim opened its doors in 2003 in a penthouse space in Chinatown before locating to just off Main Street before settling back to Chinatown in it’s current abode at 115 East Pender Street. Iga and her fellow artists teach a range of workshops from Introduction to Screen printing to moccasin making to shibori tie dye techniques.

When asked what show or workshop has been the highlight over the past decade, Iga is modest. She says there have just been too many to list.

“I thank everyone who has supported Blim and or contributed on some level over the past 10 years. I thank independent thinkers, creatives, and activists.”

In the last few years Blim also started holding monthly markets in Chinatown or Mount Pleasant. The next Blim Market takes place at the Chinese Cultural Centre at Pender and Carrall Streets from 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. on December 14.

For information on future Blim happenings visit their events or workshop pages.

Article source: http://www.insidevancouver.ca/2013/12/04/east-vancouver-arts-space-blim-turns-10/