When cousins Tessa Nickel and Chris Siemens brought together a group of artists through each other's art communities, they decided three years ago they wanted to show and sell their creations, and they knew a traditional art show wasn't for them.
This kind of art isn't necessarily made just to be bought and quietly admired, but is more often a reflection of the artists' active lives - so they took a different approach, one that's a bit unorthodox, but also friendlier and informal.
That was in 2011, and this weekend, the third annual We Have So Much to Give art show once again takes over an entire cul-de-sac on 44th Avenue, not far from Delta Hospital.
Artfully-inspired skimboards, jewelry from thrifted and recycled materials, paintings, photographs, and more will be among the exhibits for show and sale.
"Some might think it strange for an art show to take over a whole neighbourhood, but right from the start, we've had great support and encouragement from all the neighbours," says Nickel.
"There's a relaxed vibe and a diversity to our show that makes it successful to many different people from all walks of life. The success of our first two shows has come from attracting the kind of people who want to see things like the skateboard and graphic illustrations by Jon Janzen, and skimboards by Nick Niebuhr and Chris Siemens of Hanzane Skimboards. They all have open minds, and are interested in new ideas. It's not stuffy and inaccessible like a gallery and instead welcomes any person, artistic or not, to be a part of this unique thing that we have created together.
The concept seems to be working - can't believe we're already on our third show."
The third annual We Have So Much To Give Art Show runs this weekend (July 13 and 14) at 5580-44th Avenue in Ladner from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day, rain or shine. Admission is free.
Artists: . Tessa Nickel - Art creations and White Moth Goods creator - Jewelry and accessories
. Christopher Siemens - Art creations and co-creator at Hanzane Skimboards
. Nick Niebuhr - Handmade wood works and co-creator at Hanzane Skimboards
. Jon Janzen - Art creations and skateboards . Britneyemma Zacher - Art creations . Danielle Osborne - Art creations . Kylie Kornelsen - Art creations . Catherine Bennington - Art creations and handmade jewelry
. Casey Wladichuk - Art creations and handmade jewelry
. Laura Klassen - Art creations
