We acknowledge that we are on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), səl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Nation). We recognize and respect them as nations in this territory, as well as their historic connection to the lands and waters around us since time immemorial.

Mission

The West Vancouver Art Museum builds awareness of diverse forms of contemporary and historical art, architecture, and design, engaging audiences with issues and ideas central to the community and the world beyond.

Organization

The West Vancouver Art Museum is operated by the District of West Vancouver through Parks, Culture & Community Services and staffed by:

Isaac Vanderhorst, Education Coordinator

Alison Powell, Acting Administrator/Curator

Clara Lam, Curatorial Assistant

Carol Howie, Collections Assistant

Elmira Sarreshtehdari, Program Facilitator

Song Xianjun, Program Facilitator

Anna Markulin, Program Facilitator

Marina Ross, Program Facilitator

Art Museum Advisory Panel

Staff are assisted by the Art Museum Advisory Panel (AMAP), a community-based advisory panel that works with District staff on the Art Museum’s public programs and services and is established as an advisory panel to staff of the Parks, Culture, & Community Services Division to guide short and long-term planning, and to enhance and build community pride through the Art Museum’s programs and services. Click to view the AMAP terms of reference.

Staff Representative:

Alison Powell, Acting Administrator/Curator, West Vancouver Art Museum
[email protected]
(604) 925-7296

Documents:

Documents related to the Art Museum Advisory Panel, including agendas and meeting notes, are available upon request. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

Exhibition proposals 

The West Vancouver Art Museum does not develop its exhibition programming from unsolicited submissions. 

History of the Gertrude Lawson House

The West Vancouver Art Museum is located in the historic Gertrude Lawson house. In 1929, local teacher Gertrude Lawson purchased two lots of land at 17th Street and Esquimalt Avenue, and the house was completed in 1939. She is thought to be among the first women in B.C. to have a mortgage in her own name. In designing her home, Lawson was influenced by a trip to Scotland, during which she toured a number of stone castles. Lawson’s home became a social hub for her friends and family. She hosted teas, traditional Scottish dances, and weddings at the house throughout her life. Lawson died on January 22, 1989, at the age of 96. The House was acquired by the District of West Vancouver in 1994 and became a museum. 

To learn more about the history of the Gertrude Lawson house, please click here.