1000 Parker Street in Vancouver, an Old Mattress Factory Converted into Artist’s Studios

1000 Parker Street in Vancouver is an old mattress factory converted into artist’s studios. In mid-November every year the building is open to all for the Eastside Culture Crawl.

The building is in two parts with an alley between. My new studio looks over this alley – it appears to be a favourite of the ‘visual arts’ industry as there is constant commotion from video and photo shoots just below me.Tissue paper collaged onto drawings the alley between the 1000 Parker Street studios. Inside the view from the windows is apocalyptic, especially in mid-November when the Culture Crawl is on. But if you don’t look out the windows the inside is buzzing with the creativity of 250 plus artists in one space. You’re supposed to ask permission before taking photos of artworks but the rest of the interior is quite photogenic as well.
There are lots of firehoses as to be expected in an old wooden building.
Tools are on display everywhere.Not an artwork but a leather artist’s cutting board.Even the floors are artsy in places.And the rare chance that the sun comes out, the shadows outside can be artsy too.I’m so excited to be in this year’s Eastside Culture Crawl, in Studio 218 in 1000 Parker Street – Elizabeth Gallery! The only problem is that I won’t get a chance to go around crawling like I usually do….