Artist studios and sacred spaces among the stops at this year’s Doors Open Richmond

The 18th annual edition of the wide-ranging event builds thriving community by emphasizing historical and cultural diversity

By Isabelle Dina

Work by Gina Page.

The Richmond Museum presents Doors Open Richmond at various venues on June 7 and 8

GINA PAGE, AN artist and long-time participant in Doors Open Richmond, loves taking part in the event because of the effect her art has on those who view it.

“I meet people who used to do artwork a long time ago or went to art school but haven't done anything, and they seem to get all inspired, so that’s always great,” Page says.

She is participating in the 18th annual edition of Doors Open Richmond, presented by the Richmond Museum and taking place over two days in June at more than 50 sites, in celebration of heritage and culture.

Page will be presenting artist books that combine poetry, handmade paper, and illustrations, alongside framed artwork, etchings and cards, highlighting British Columbia’s coastal charm. She says that because her showcase occurs in her home studio, she has in the past held paper-making demonstrations on the back porch.

“I’ve been an artist for a long time—since I could hold a pencil, I was always drawing,” notes Page, who studied printmaking at UBC and paper-making, book-binding, and letterpress printing at Emily Carr University of Art + Design. “I often combine all three in my work,” she says. 

Doors Open highlights community, emphasizing the work of local artists and businesses, as well as historic and cultural locations throughout Richmond, such as the Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site and the Richmond Jamia Masjid (Sunni Muslim Mosque).

Although much of the event is self-guided, there will also be several bus tours, showing visitors venues across the city. The Sacred Spaces tour allows people to get a taste of the religious diversity of the city as it stops at various places of worship on No. 5 Road, or the “Highway to Heaven”.

Another tour, called Discover Doors Open, will take visitors to three partner sites on June 7 and 8. Saturday’s tour will involve the Sharing Farm, Effat Mirnia Art Studio, and Nanaksar Gurdwara Gursikh Temple, while on Sunday, tour attendees will see the Athiana Acres, Lulu Island Winery, and FT Art Studio.

Page describes how Doors Open Richmond inspires connection. “It’s just a great way to get people out into the community and learning about their neighbours and what they do,” she says.

The Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site during Doors Open Richmond.

Visitors at Nanaksar Gurdwara Gursikh Temple. Photos courtesy City of Richmond

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