Lynn Valley has been home to artists of countless genres for well over a century.
Lynn Valley Artists: Then and Now
Lynn Valley has a rich history of artists. Pioneer historian Walter Draycott was one of Canada’s only military topographers and sketchers during the First World War, while Frederick Varley, a member of Canada’s famed Group of Seven (and a WWI war artist) lived in a rented shack up on Rice Lake Road from 1934 to 1937. There he painted works such as Bridge Over Lynn Canyon and was said to have been visited by fellow painter Emily Carr. (source: https://evelazarus.com/blog/)
In more recent years, Lynn Valley was childhood home to the young rocker Bryan Adams, many members of the Spirit of the West and Paperboys bands, actor Jason Priestly, hip-hopper Kyprios (David Cole), international ballet dancer Danielle Gould, and numerous actors, writers, artists and musicians of all description.
There are many ways to become involved in the Lynn Valley arts scene, either as a participant or supporter. Our Events Calendar features some local art groups and programs along with the Events Board located outside of the Lynn Valley library building or on their website.
You can also visit this page of the Arts Office website for a downloadable guide to public art features in Lynn Valley, and a video clip featuring the artists behind the stacked books outside of the Archives building, and our infamous Walter Draycott statue!
Events and Attractions
One of North Van’s newest art galleries is also one of its most accessible –the District Library Gallery is located on the second floor of the Lynn Valley Library. Gallery exhibitions facilitated by the North Vancouver Community Arts Council change regularly and allow book-borrowers to witness the range of talent in the local visual arts field. Each new bi-monthly exhibition features a Public Opening Reception hosted by the “Friends of the Library,” with the artist in attendance.
Info: http://www.nvartscouncil.ca/ or 604-988-6844
Lynn Valley Village is also home to the popular Live & Local Concerts & Culture Series that runs most Friday evenings in the summertime from 7 to 9 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or join the impromptu dancers as you enjoy tunes ranging from blues to Beatles and everything in between. Details will be on our Events Calendar as soon as the season’s performances are finalized.
Live music is occasionally on the menu at Waves Coffee House at 3050 Mountain Hwy., across from Lynn Valley Village. See in store for details. You can also visit the Lynn Valley branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, which welcomes members, guests, and neighbors to their afternoon music sessions held on the last Sunday of each month. To learn more, call 604-987-2050 or send your contact information to [email protected] to join their mailing list.
Lynn Valley Arts Groups
The Lynn Valley Black Bear Band is an adult concert band that plays concerts throughout the community. Even if you haven’t picked up your instrument for a while, you’ll get a warm welcome at the rehearsals, held on Monday evenings at Argyle Secondary School. Contact: www.blackbearband.ca
The North Shore Celtic Ensemble was founded by Lynn Valley’s own Jay Knutson and Claude Giguere. The ensemble has grown to encompass several groups of young musicians, the most advanced of which tour internationally. The musicians use strings, percussion and wind instruments to perform lively, original compositions and arrangements of Celtic orchestral-based music. Info: www.nsce.ca
St. Clement’s Church is home to the Harmony Mountain Singers, an adult choir with a varied repertoire that encompasses jazz, Latin, African, pop and more. The Artistic Director, Kathryn Nicholson, and accompanist Diane Lines hold weekly in-person rehearsals and typically two concerts yearly. Contact: hms.karlamundy.com
If you like to jam with fellow musicians, bring your guitar, harmonica or fiddle to one of Mollie Nye House’s informal music sessions. If you prefer a different rhythm, the Mollie Nye House also hosts a drumming program on the first Monday of each month from 3 to 4 PM. Contact: Helen at Mollie Nye House, 604-987-5720 or [email protected]
RNB Dance and Theatre Arts at 3355 Mountain Hwy is a non-profit dance school with a long history on the North Shore. It offers classes in a variety of dance styles, for preschoolers through adults, and students can be seen performing at many community events, as well as at annual RNB recitals at the Centennial Theatre. Info: 604-980-3040 or www.rnbdance.ca
Municipal Support for the Arts
North Van Arts, founded in 1969, is a bi-municipal agency of the City and District of North Vancouver that supports arts and cultural activities on the North Shore by offering courses, workshops, seminars, camps, and in-school programming. The Lynn Valley Library is part of the Art in the Community Programme facilitated by North Van Arts in partnership with the Friends of the Library. This program allows emerging and professional artists to build connections with the community by displaying their artwork on the second floor of Lynn Valley Library.
