Papergirl 2013

Today cyclists will be wheeling around Stanley Park, giving away works of art to random strangers. Today is the Papergirl ride-out, which combines my two favourite things: art and kindness! If you aren't familiar with the Papergirl project, visit their website here to find out more about this fantastic yearly event. Below are the photos from my visit to the Papergirl exhibit at The Roundhouse Community Centre this week. 

Gabe with his fave piece, the Piranha.

My friend Sam being strangled by his daughter. Kids.

So much goodness!

Art by my lovely friend Ginger!

This piece says "You are Magnificent!"

My contribution to the show

All these amazing pieces are now rolled up and on their way to finding a new home. I just had to finish with this quote from the Papergirl website:

WHY WE DO ITWe view this simple act as a significant performance, where the individual artworks become part of a larger community-engaged project. The gifting of art takes Papergirl participants and strangers outside of their everyday experience of the traditional market economy that identifies art consumers by socio-economic class and education. When an artist gives their work as a gift, they build a relationship with the recipient and with others affected by their creativity and this act of kindness. Papergirl brings art back to its identity as true creativity: a 'pure gift' that builds community through sharing. 

In 2012, the Vancouver Foundation came out with some solid research on the number one problem faced by Vancouverites:  one quarter of our population suffers from isolation and loneliness, and a majority of people complain on some level about the difficulty of meeting new people, and a lack of community. Papergirl Vancouver is taking steps to combat this problem by using art as a vehicle for social change.

That just fills my heart with so much happiness! Thank you to the amazing team of volunteers who are out today creating community through art!