Painting as Medicine

Inspiration in the Downtown East Side

3 minutes 35 seconds

By Leef Evans

Leef is an artist who used to live in shelters in the Downtown East Side.  Struggling with maintaining his mental health, Leef found painting as a tool for healing.  His amazing paintings reflect the neighbourhood he finds most inspiring.  He now lives in the Yaletown area, frequents the studio at Coast Mental Health, and diligently continues his art practice.

Finding Identity

Exploring cultural identity through art and community

3 minutes 17 seconds

By Karlene Harvey

Karlene is Chilcotin, Carrier and Okanagan First Nations.  She is an artist and illustrator and loves making zines.  Her work in the First Nations Community has influenced her art, as well as helping her find mentors to foster her own identity in Vancouver.  After living in almost every neighbourhood in Vancouver, she know lives downtown near Stanley Park and loves it.  Karlene also does roller derby!

The Drive

Finding her voice in Vancouver

3 minutes 19 seconds

By Chelsea Johnson

Chelsea lives on Commercial Drive.  She is a well known singer, often busking or performing shows at venues along the Drive.  Part of discovering her voice came from life on Commercial Drive, the people she has met and the places she has been.

The Columbia House

The bittersweet memories of a shared rental.

1 minutes 42 seconds

By J Peachy

J is the creator and producer of Sound Therapy Radio, a National Award winning Arts and Mental Health Radio show. He is an active community member with further work on Wild Salmon Activism and a member of the collective Gallery Gachet. J is also a painter and a stand up comedian and has the sweetest dog ever!
Originally collected for Riley Park Stories.

Joe and Sarah

Joe and Sarah and their dog, Kevin.

It all started in the cafeteria at UBC...
2 minutes 44 seconds


By Sarah Monahan and Joe Sales
Sarah, originally from Washington, is now a doctor and has her own practice.  Joe is a photographer from Vancouver.  They have three boys, Johnny, Patrick and Paul.  The family recently traveled to Japan, and enjoy camping and going to music festivals.  Joe says the first thing that drew him to Sarah was her voice, saying she sounded just like a "southern belle".  They moved to Vancouver together from the states earlier then they planned, saying that George Bush getting re-elected was a driving force in their move away from the USA!  They love Vancouver and are passionate about cooking, art, espresso and music.

Serendipity in the 70's

A case of being in the right place at the right time...

3 minutes 39 seconds

By Geoff McMurchy

Geoff, the Artistic Director of KickStart Arts - a non profit organization for disability arts and culture, arrived in Vancouver in the 70's. When he first moved to Vancouver from Alberta he lived near Dunbar and King Edward.  He now lives in Victoria, and is a noted choreographer, sculptor and dancer. 

You, Me and the Dog.

How dog walking can change your life!

3 minutes 40 seconds

By Sharon Kallis

Sharon is an eco artist living in the Downtown East Side.  Sharon works seasonally with whatever green materials she can use at the time. Her art ranges from woven coil structures out of invasive English Ivy to creating garments using materials such as hair, wool and leaves.  She has used her dog J.D's fur to create art pieces, such as a pair of shoes!  Her partner David is a member of the Legion of the Flying Monkeys, he creates instruments from plant materials.  Their lovely dog was responsible in bringing the two together.  It all started with David's notes to Sharon after walking J.D.

Class Distinctions

Farm life to a private school in the city
2 minutes 56 seconds

By Mary Holmes 
Even at a young age Mary was passionate about food security.  She has worked for numerous organizations, from artist advocacy to the UBC Aboriginal Garden, Mary's common thread has been to help improve peoples' lives.  She lives in the Commercial Drive area.

Vancouver Solidarity Era

Mass protests in Vancouver during the 1980's
2 minutes 34 seconds

By Henri Robideau
Henri is a photographer and has been teaching photography at Emily Carr University since the 80's.  He has lived at Fraser and 28th for 20 years, and before that on 3rd and Blenhiem for 17 years.  Henri was born in Connecticut and is of French, Irish and Mohawk roots. 
The series of photos (depicting the protests against the Social Credit Government ) in this video were exhibited at the National Centre of Photography in Paris, France in 1991.

The Power of Woman

A bittersweet tale of love, loss and resilience
3 minutes 1 second


By Daljit
Daljit bravely shares her story of separation and how hard it was to lose custody of her children, whom she now sees regularly.  She misses her kids and loves them very much.  Daljit has learned to be strong, independent and have faith.

My Life in Vancouver

Finding Independence in a new city
1 minute 49 seconds



By Amarjit
Amarjit moved to Vancouver in 1970 and raised her family here.  
She worked on a farm when she first arrived, and is proud to own her own home.

Walking With Stirling

A tale of searching for a good friend to explore one of Vancouver's very best neighbourhoods with.

1 minute 36 seconds


By Judy Newton 
Judy is a long time resident of the Mt Pleasant neighbourhood.  She volunteers at the Botanical Garden at UBC, after working there for many years.  She recently traveled to England on a garden tour.  Judy loves to meet friends for coffee, read, and visit with her children and grandchildren. 

Tailored Memories

Matt with his daughter, Anika

The appreciation of history from a Riley Park business owner.

2 minutes 45 seconds

By Matt Bishop

Matt Bishop lovingly opened Re-entry Espresso in 2006, it became a very popular coffee shop on Main.  Sadly it closed it's doors on February 27, 2011 and is missed by all.  Matt has stored one of the espresso machines in his basement; staff and regulars continue to beg him to throw coffee parties!  He has two lovely daughters and a wonderful wife, and has now moved onto a new job writing software for a local ecommerce company. 
Originally collected for Riley Park Stories