genesis g 80

Art World Expo: Artists in Cars-Carolyn Bruce Designs

by Monika Blichar

Humble. Shy. Sweet. Thoughtful. Courteous. Generous. Hidden Gem.

When I think of Carolyn Bruce, these are the words that first come to my mind. She is not only a wonderful soul who beats to her own drum in the Vancouver arts scene, she is truly one of the nicest, most thoughtful and caring people you will meet. I remember when she first came to my old studio on Pemberton Avenue in North Vancouver in 2013 or so to show me her work to be juried for the Art World Expo. She lugged this big black trunk looking luggage case up the stairs and was so quiet and reserved. She was so still and her accent reminded me of a sweet aunt growing up-perhaps Mary Poppins kind of too. When she opened her case, I was stunned. (Literally, I think my jaw hit the floor with a thud as I set my gaze on her wondrous, magical and other-worldly creations.) I had to look back at her a few times because I couldn’t grasp that this sweet lady who was so polite and courteous could make these wild designs, over the top trinkets and fancy contraptions. It was like seeing the work of Mr. Hyde while Dr. Jekyll was presenting..not sure if that’s the right order for those guys, but I think you know what I mean!

Since then, I’ve grown fond of working with Carolyn. She is one of those rare people who is so generous with her time, resources and work it restores your faith back into humanity. Carolyn has participated in our event for four years now and each year, she supports our event by telling others to attend or participate, donating works to the auctions, baking cookies for volunteer meetings and even making dog treats for our dogs. She knows we are busy and doesn’t want to leave the dogs feeling unloved when we are crazy! It’s truly just amazing how much she thinks of others and making sure that everyone feels good in her presence.

One day Carolyn, I know you will be a big eclectic creative billionaire right up there with Louis Vuitton and Lady Gaga! You’re one person that I know truly deserves it not only because you’re ferociously creative (often lacking sleep making beautiful things for clients and shows) but also one genuine person in the Art World. Stay that way forever! XO

Enjoy our interview together in this Genesis Richmond G-80 Sport courtesy of Genesis Richmond’s Jennifer Friesen. Thank you Project Her Inc. for supporting our community of artists.

teainfuser carolynbruce DVPX4982

Art World Expo-Artists in Cars with Sarah, Lynn, Aidan and Pampadour the Giraffe

by Monika Blichar

Interviewing people in the Genesis G-80 the last couple of weeks has been incredible. Not only did I have the opportunity to learn more about the people who are participating in Art World Expo more, I also enjoyed riding around in a sweet luxury ride for two weeks! Boy did heads turn-people just seem to love the look of this car and haven’t been afraid to ask questions about what it is! It’s been really great and not just because of the whole new luxury car thing, it’s been really special because of the relationships that these video interviews have nurtured.

Today I caught up with Sarah, Lynn and Aidan who have been painting in my studio for a few years. During the spring last year, Sarah brought in an image of Pampadour from the Vancouver Zoo. I investigated a little more and found the original article from The Province which is headlined “The Fight Against Animal Extinction”. Though the argument to have or not to have zoos has been a hot topic for many years, the article explains that habitat loss and population decline have placed giraffes as ‘vulnerable’ on the International Union for the Conservation of the Nature’s (IUCN) official watch list.

pampadour pampadoursarah

This year, our event theme is “Eco-Sustainability” is at the forefront of our efforts to raise awareness for our environment and nature through the arts. As mentioned earlier, Sarah has been painting in our space for a few years now and I have always known her to paint meaningful works. Animals have been mostly what she has worked on with us. Together, we are going to host a painting party in the summer hopefully at the zoo as well as sell some merchandise featuring Pampadour. Proceeds will not only support conservation efforts via the zoo but also support a local artist with a vision and message about supporting wildlife and animals. Check out the latest Artists in Cars video to hear more from her as well as Lynn and Aidan who also paint with us and who are as equally as talented and supportive of each other’s works.

To help support Pampadour, order a card featuring Sarah’s painting via our boutique website here. You can also order capris and a beanie too! To be placed on our Pampadour Painting Party wait list, please register to be notified here.

To learn more about the Greater Vancouver Conservation efforts visit their website. To learn more about the Genesis G-80, get in touch with our Genesis Experience Manager Jennifer Friesen. Thank you to Project Her for supporting this project. Tickets to the 8th annual Art World Expo are available here. Be sure to attend and dress in Eco-Friendly attire or makeyour own upcycled outfit!

Artists in Cars: Our Latest Interviews

I’ve been having a great time with these video interviews in this luxury Genesis G-80 over the last couple of weeks! Here are the latest interviews with Patrick Parenteau, photographer and Francoise Boise, body painter. Enjoy and be sure to get your tickets to our 8th annual Art World Expo today! Our event theme this year is “Eco Sustainability” and we are looking forward to seeing all your DIY, upcycled and recycled creations at the event! Tickets are available here.