Have your heard of Project Space? No? Ok, here’s the low down: Project Space is a book shop, publisher, programming space, and studio based in the heart of Chinatown Vancouver. It’s a wonderful place where tons of creating things happen, from magazines to workshops. Now that you know what they’re all about – I’ll introduce you to Tracy, one of the founders of Project Space. Today she’s taking us for a ride around town so buckle up and enjoy. Take it away Tracy! [As per usual, the guest took the pictures with a disposable film camera given by The Artful Desperado – the results are a total surprise for both, the guest and the readers!]
WALK
The walking route to work follows the bike path along McLean Dr and then Union St, which is a pretty nice walking route. The retaining wall along McLean has a colourful mural and the flowers and character houses on Union look particularly beautiful in the summer. I also pass by the Union Market, where you can get some pretty great picnic food to enjoy in McLean Park (some of my favourites being their homemade orzo salad, cod cakes and cheesecake, as well as the Cock ‘n Bull Ginger Beer).
EXPLORE
I recently moved from Strathcona to Grandview-Woodlands and was surprised at how nice Britannia’s grass field was for taking my pug Penelope to run around. There is a colourful mural of character houses and mountains, and a view of the North Shore mountains. The field is also on a hill, so it is raised up above McLean Street below, creating a unique atmosphere that is heightened at golden hour.
INDULGE
I had always been more of a wine drinker than a beer drinker, but a friend recently got me more into beer through Russell’s Blood Alley Bitter, which they serve at the Caffe Brixton. It’s right next to Project Space, where I spend most of my work days, so it’s a place where I and everyone else at 222 and 221A go for beers. Over the summer 221A is hosting free breakfasts (something different each week) every Saturday from 10am to 11:30am. There’s definitely a regular crowd of people from the studios and galleries in 222 and 221A (who have become a sort of family to me), but it is open to everyone and anyone. Regardless of whether you can make it to breakfast, I definitely recommend keeping in touch with 221A, Access Gallery and Project Space, as between us there is always an interesting project, exhibition, opening or event to check out.
CHILL
I work a lot, so I really don’t have much time to walk around or just hang out. Since I’ve moved, one of my favourite places to hang out and relax has been my balcony. It’s amazing to have outdoor living space! If I can actually spend some real time outside, my favourite place to go is Crab Park. It is an easy walk from each of the workplaces I may have spent my afternoon at, and I love the grass and city/ocean/North Shore view.
