The Beaumont Studios
316 5th Avenue West, Vancouver, BC, V5Y 1J5
778-371-9629
Catch a play, shop the gallery and support talented local artists.
Category:
Performing Arts Location
What:
| Performing Arts Venue | | Theatre |
Where:
| Neighbourhood | | Vancouver Lower Mainland |
| Getting There | | bus 15 |
| Cross Street | | Alberta |
Profile Last Updated: January 08, 2009
Creating a Collective
A decrepit dental lab is hardly an inspiring place, but to Jude Kusnierz, an artist and entrepreneur, it had raw potential. With help from devoted friends, Kusnierz spent three months in renovation overdrive re-hauling the lab to create a multidisciplinary space for artists. Tucked away east of the Cambie bridge, the studios have a view of the downtown skyline etched against the North Shore mountains, hence the name Beaumont. Opened in 2004, the facility incorporates 16 studios of varying sizes, a gallery with monthly art shows and the intimate 60-seat Beaumont Playhouse.
Multifunctional Space
The studios’ front entrance leads into the long gallery space displaying a changing roster of local artists. A petite bar offers refreshments for gallery openings or early theatre-goers. Adjacent to the gallery sits the black box theatre. In its little lobby space, forgotten umbrellas on bungee cords decorate the ceiling so audience members can take orphan umbrellas home through the rain. The theatre hosts original, locally written productions from in-house group Evolving Arts Co., in addition to drama and comedy productions from local artists renting the space. Also on the main floor is Miss Molly’s, a consignment and vintage clothing store named for Kusnierz’s adorable cat. The store sells clothes from local designers, organizes fashion shows and provides hair, make-up and wardrobe assistance for models and photographers.
Artists of All Stripes
On the second floor, a U-shaped corridor showcases works of art and lets visitors peek into the windowed studios. Among the twenty plus resident businesses are a vocal coach, acting coach, designer, graphic artist, photographer, music producer, writer, videographer and multiple jewellery designers and painters. As the founder of a glass painting company, With a Twist Designs, Kusnierz knows the challenges facing artists. She’s building a resource centre to provide a knowledge base that will help artists take their businesses or work to the next level. Kusnierz envisions the studios as a community and support system of artists who can share contacts, ideas and experience with fledgling artists.
A decrepit dental lab is hardly an inspiring place, but to Jude Kusnierz, an artist and entrepreneur, it had raw potential. With help from devoted friends, Kusnierz spent three months in renovation overdrive re-hauling the lab to create a multidisciplinary space for artists. Tucked away east of the Cambie bridge, the studios have a view of the downtown skyline etched against the North Shore mountains, hence the name Beaumont. Opened in 2004, the facility incorporates 16 studios of varying sizes, a gallery with monthly art shows and the intimate 60-seat Beaumont Playhouse.
Multifunctional Space
The studios’ front entrance leads into the long gallery space displaying a changing roster of local artists. A petite bar offers refreshments for gallery openings or early theatre-goers. Adjacent to the gallery sits the black box theatre. In its little lobby space, forgotten umbrellas on bungee cords decorate the ceiling so audience members can take orphan umbrellas home through the rain. The theatre hosts original, locally written productions from in-house group Evolving Arts Co., in addition to drama and comedy productions from local artists renting the space. Also on the main floor is Miss Molly’s, a consignment and vintage clothing store named for Kusnierz’s adorable cat. The store sells clothes from local designers, organizes fashion shows and provides hair, make-up and wardrobe assistance for models and photographers.
Artists of All Stripes
On the second floor, a U-shaped corridor showcases works of art and lets visitors peek into the windowed studios. Among the twenty plus resident businesses are a vocal coach, acting coach, designer, graphic artist, photographer, music producer, writer, videographer and multiple jewellery designers and painters. As the founder of a glass painting company, With a Twist Designs, Kusnierz knows the challenges facing artists. She’s building a resource centre to provide a knowledge base that will help artists take their businesses or work to the next level. Kusnierz envisions the studios as a community and support system of artists who can share contacts, ideas and experience with fledgling artists.
