Here Today is the title of my exhibition coming up in August. In this exhibit, I am reflecting on landmarks and establishments connected to the Italian community in the Commercial Drive area (my neighbourhood) and beyond. Commercial Drive used to be called Little Italy but this name does not apply any longer since The Drive (as it is often referred to) has evolved to a multi-cultural neighbourhood.
The Drive has undergone many changes. Establishments have come and gone since I first arrived in the early 1980s. I remember an Italian cafe where I played pool one evening with a friend and our Maltese design teacher from Langara College where I first started my fine arts studies. All I remember is the dark wood and the small tile work of the spacious interior…but the name escapes me. That place became part of my history holding the memory of that special evening.
La Rocca on Commercial Drive, established 1986.
Small businesses on The Drive are finding these challenging times. This month, one establishment–La Rocca–left its premises only to be replaced by something that I guess won’t last long–it advertises all meals at $4.95 and already it’s got bad reviews. La Rocca on the other hand was an Italian restaurant established in 1986. That’s 26 years in business! That’s evidence of a business started by a local and dedicated to the neighbourhood.
La Rocca is one of the etablishments featured in my exhibition. This is a mixed-media photographic project shown through pocket mirrors as souvenirs.
The exhibition runs from August 1st to the 30th.
Opening reception: August 1st, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Here Today (2 person show)
Britannia Art Gallery
1661 Napier Street (in the library) Vancouver, see on map
In conjuction to the exhibition, I will be offering a *free* workshop funded by Britannia Gallery:
August 4th, 1 to 4pm
Image Transfer Pocket Mirror Workshop
Britannia Community Centre
More info coming soon.