About Vancouver
Washington’s oldest city may sometimes be overshadowed by Portland, its neighbor across the Columbia River, and even confused with its Canadian namesake. But there’s so much to love about the USA’s own version of Vancouver that it’s easy to see why it’s a city on the rise.
Natural beauty may be its headlining feature, but look a little closer and you’ll also find a rich history, a laid-back atmosphere, and some excellent microbreweries. And with Vancouver also boasting a real hip, eclectic, and artsy feel, you’ll also find plenty of cultural attractions worth exploring.
So if you’re hosting a gallery opening in Vancouver, here’s how to make it an event to remember.
Gallery Options in Vancouver
Once you’ve found the perfect Vancouver gallery space to showcase your work to the world, there’s much more you need to consider before the big opening. The good news is that Vancouver’s best event businesses can help make the occasion one to remember.
- Equipment Rentals
If you’re lucky, the Vancouver exhibition space you choose will feature everything you need. If not, a trusted equipment rental service can offer everything from decor and linens to lighting and sound equipment to get the space looking just right.
- Caterers
Want some elegant and delicious appetizers for the A-list crowd to enjoy while they admire your art? Compare Vancouver’s best caterers to find the cuisine and menu package that suits your needs and budget.
- Event Planners
If you’re struggling to find the time to plan your exhibition opening all by yourself, an experienced event planner can help. Whether you need advice on choosing a Vancouver gallery space and liaising with vendors or just ensuring everything runs smoothly on the night, a planner can take the stress out of the planning process.
Gallery Companies in Vancouver
If you need some expert assistance to help make your exhibition a memorable occasion, here are just a few of the local businesses you might like to consider.
- WE Plan It
An award-winning event planning consultancy that serves southwest Washington and areas further afield, WE Plan It specializes in sophisticated and elegant events. Founded in 2011, WE Plan It operates on the philosophy that every event has a story to tell.
- The Mad Hatter Caterer
The Mad Hatter is a boutique Vancouver catering service for Washington and the Portland metro area. With themed menus to suit any occasion, the company can provide the perfect passed and stationed hors d'oeuvres for your event.
- LGS Events and Party Rental
If you need extra equipment or supplies to transform your Vancouver gallery space into the venue you want, LGS Events and Party Rental can help. Its inventory includes tables, flatware, linens, AV equipment, lighting, and more, so start browsing the catalog today.
Pros and Cons of Galleries in Vancouver
Hosting an exhibition in Vancouver? Keep these pros and cons in mind throughout the planning process.
Advantages
- Artsy vibe
Take a wander around Vancouver and you’ll immediately notice that there’s a real artistic, eclectic feel in some neighborhoods — so it’s a place where many artists will feel right at home.
- Good food
There’s an increasingly diverse restaurant scene on offer in Vancouver, so you shouldn’t have any trouble sourcing quality cuisine for your event.
- Wide range of options
It may not be the biggest city going around, but Vancouver combines small-town charm with all the amenities you’d expect in a big city. This means there’s plenty of options to choose from when planning a gallery opening.
- Growing city
As Vancouver’s population continues to grow, the size of the potential audience to attend your exhibition (and hopefully buy an artwork piece or two) is increasing.
- Friendly atmosphere
Vancouver has a well-earned reputation as being a much friendlier and more welcoming destination than many larger cities. So if you’re looking for somewhere you can showcase your work in a supportive environment, you’re in the right place.
Disadvantages
- Traffic
Traffic congestion can be a problem when traveling to or around Vancouver, so keep ease of access in mind when choosing a Vancouver gallery space.
- Rain
It rains in Vancouver more than 160 days a year. While all that precipitation ensures that the area is naturally beautiful, it can be quite difficult to entice people out to a gallery opening on a cold, wet night.
- Increasingly expensive
The cost of living in Vancouver is on the rise, so organizing an art exhibition in the city might cost more than you expect.
- Crime
Crime can be an issue in some areas of the city, so be sure to choose a Vancouver gallery space in a safe neighborhood.
- Limited public transport
The public transport system in Vancouver is quite limited, so remember to consider how attendees will get to and from your venue when choosing a gallery space.
Famous Locations in Vancouver
- Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
The site of one of the earliest permanent settlements on this side of the Rocky Mountains, the 190-plus-acre Fort Vancouver is a must-see for any history buff. It sits on the north bank of the mighty Columbia River and has a history as a fur trading post as well as a military barracks.
- Vancouver Lake Regional Park
If you’re keen to enjoy some outdoor recreation, make sure you check out what this 190-acre regional park has to offer. Stretching along 2.5 miles of the lake’s western shoreline, it’s a popular spot for kayaking, canoeing, and other watersports.
- Esther Short Park
The oldest public square in Washington and Vancouver’s most-loved park, Esther Short Park. Whether you’re letting the kids enjoy the awesome playground or just soaking up some sunshine, there’s much to enjoy here.