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together, offering novice artists the chance to connect with veterans of the scene. Born out of a desire to foster community, founder Liam Greenlaw wanted to break down the “stark blank page” of a gallery wall.

“Showcasing art in a vibrant noisy environment is key,” Greenlaw says. “I wanted to create an interactive gallery where people can step out of their comfort zone.”

Although its inaugural event spotlighted three artists, Greenlaw assembled seven artists for its second event, and more are getting involved all the time. And as it gives people the opportunity not only to sell their art but to also make connections with other creatives, it’s easy to see why this grassroots event is already gaining so much traction.

“What makes Gastown7 so refreshing is the ambience,” explains Andrelle Jingco, one of the first “Gastown Sevens.” For her, the conversation is as important as the art: “The language is poetic, intelligent, and often the people who come believe in a vagabond, free spirit way of living.”

Gastown7’s bohemian, fluid social dynamic can be difficult to find in Vancouver. While there are many interesting, and innovative events, the creative scene is dominated by static stage-and-audience performances that don’t encourage meeting new people. You sit, you see the show, you leave, usually right after the show ends, all without venturing outside your own friendship group. And there are even fewer events for visual artists to meet their peers. For newcomers and fledgling creators, such evenings make it hard to break into the community—and they certainly don’t offer many creative opportunities.

That’s something Greenlaw wants to combat. Hailing from the UK, when he first arrived here Greenlaw found Vancouver to be “pretty segmented,” but he created Gastown7 so that people can make connections beyond their social cliques.

“This event enables all the different creative cultures to come together and they seem to get on really well,” he says.

Jingco, who says she’s had difficulties finding her niche in the Vancouver art scene, finds Gastown7 “invigorating” by

“The best part is you’ll never know who you’re going to bump into,” she says.

This approach has already proved its effectiveness. Two young artists have found mentors at Gastown7, which Greenlaw calls encouraging. Most creatives know the importance of support from their peers, especially when they’re starting out. Greenlaw wants to help

“It’s about building confidence,” he says.

“Sometimes you need somebody who’s been there before to point you in the right direction, or just tell you ‘you can do this.’ ”

Greenlaw wanted to provide a space where artists could tell their stories, and for Silouan Hainsworth, this was immensely helpful.

“I sold nearly everything I brought, which I take as a great testament to the importance of conversation,” they say. Much of Hainsworth’s art is inspired by their unique experiences with gender nonconformity. “Allowing people to get to know me in person seems more honest to my work, as it is absolutely an extension of my being, my heart, my voice and my passion.”

Of course, making it as an artist isn’t just about social opportunities and mutual support. The biggest barrier many new artists face is financial, because getting their art out there often has a large price tag attached.

“There’s not a lot of money going around,” says Greenlaw, “so it’s important to keep Gastown7 open and free.”

In a town where space, quite literally, is at a premium, it can feel like the creative community is fighting for room to breathe. But with more events that promote connection and offer artists a cheap and easy way to present their work, the artistic community will not only survive, but thrive.

Or at least, that’s what Jingo thinks.

“Gastown7 shines a spotlight on our beloved neighbourhood’s art community that once was, I believe, so strong,” she says. Over time, it “scattered and wilted, but is now being revived through art events like this.”

In the future, Greenlaw hopes that Gastown7 will only grow, and start to perpetuate itself.

“I don’t know how long I’ll run it,” he says. “What I’m hoping is that it goes by itself. I just like hanging out with the artists and hearing their stories.”

Although he’s focusing on visual art for the moment, Greenlaw envisions Gastown7 expanding into other mediums.

“I hope it develops into poetry or jazz… all of that is on the table, it’s the vibe.” GS

Gastown7 takes place every other Tuesday at Rosette (120 West Hastings). For updates, follow @gastown7official on Instagram.