The Oppenheimer Park Community Art Show

The Oppenheimer Park Community Art Show began in 2008 in anticipation of the changes, challenges and loss in a pre-Olympic city. It presented an opportunity to recognize the existing neighbourhood, and its residents and members who play important and active roles in creating community and who draw on their histories despite challenges and struggles.

Oppenheimer Park is one of the few green spaces in the area and one of the oldest surviving parks in the heart of the city. It is often referred to as “the Backyard of the Downtown Eastside” and is also one of the few inclusive spaces left for people who are homeless, or living without adequate and safe housing. The Park hosts many programs, festivals and special events, and is the busiest park, per capita in the city. Today a resolute community of people uphold the Park’s vision as a place for art, culture, education, recreation, health and healing, providing a sense of family and safety by being a place where everyone is welcome.

Each year a celebration of this creative and resilient community is presented in an exhibition at Gallery Gachet.