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At THIS, our mission is to curate and showcase exceptional contemporary art that inspires and enriches the community. We are passionately dedicated to supporting both emerging and established artists, with a special emphasis on those who are under-recognized. By providing a dynamic space for creative expression, we strive to amplify diverse voices and perspectives within the art world.

Through thoughtful curation and engaging exhibitions, we aim to shed light on hidden talents, fostering a community that values and uplifts artists who, for whatever reason, may not have received the recognition they deserve. Our commitment is to contribute to the cultural landscape, creating a platform for all artists to thrive and for art enthusiasts to discover unique and meaningful works.

THIS Gallery History

THIS Gallery was started online by Vancouver artist/designer/curator Shannon Pawliw and artist Barbara Bryn Klare (Columbus, OH) in 2020 during the pandemic. It was begun as a project to fill the ‘cultural gap’ during lockdown. It has since moved operations entirely to its physical Vancouver location in Vancouver. In addition, Bryn-Klare has stepped away from her role at the gallery.

The physical location opened in November of 2021. In its first year as a brick-and-mortar space, the gallery hosted 10 in-person exhibitions. Prior to the opening of the physical space, THIS hosted two online-only exhibitions, which featured artists from around the world.

The gallery has also hosted several poetry readings and workshops as well as an event called October Open Studio where the community was invited to make art (all materials supplied) in the studio with an exhibition as a result. All events have been well attended.

2022

57 artists showed their work at THIS in 2022. There were 7 solo exhibitions, 3 poetry readings, 4 workshops and 3 group exhibitions. 300+ works of art were exhibited. Among the artists exhibited were Katherine Duclos, Leon Phillips, Devon Gifford and Nicholas Demers.

2023

Programming for 2023 included solo shows by artists Mengya Zhao, Emiko Mizukami, Jeremy Isao-Speier, Meghan Shaw, Laura Rosengren, and Kerry Vaughn Erickson.

2024

2024 featured solo exhibitions by first-time exhibitors and seasoned pros alike. Including Nicole Young, Donna Seto, Katie So, Cara Bain, Laura Clark, Amy J Dyck, Laura Krick, Kirk Gower and Lam Wong.

2025

Another year of stellar programming including solo exhibitions by Odera Igbokwe, Aiden Kirkegaard, Carol Kong, Mahsa Farzi, Solange Adum Abdala and many more.

Your donation helps us to keep the lights on, regardless of sales. This allows us to keep showing experimental art and continue to focus on hosting first-time solo exhibitions of emerging artists.