WHO WE ARE
WHAT IS THE ART SHOP?
The Art Shop (TAS) is a platform for the representation of artists without pretense, an inviting space for experimentation and participation. Reinventing the traditional model of an art gallery, TAS blurs the separated genres of art and affordability. Presenting local young creatives, TAS aims to catalyze a connection between emerging artists and those who are aesthetically driven and interested in art but find art galleries too pretentious or academic, educating viewers to trust in what they respond to and helping bridge the distance between viewer and art.
The mission of TAS is to contribute to the artistic culture of Vancouver as an identity recognized for representing artists in a novel way and for providing diverse opportunities for people to relate to art and artists. We acknowledge that our events are situated on the stolen traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
A space of experimentation and interpersonal communication, young, vibrant, and community-focused, the intention of TAS is for people to feel comfortable and welcomed, and for artists to feel represented in a positive and fair way.
OUR STORY
TAS started from a desire to establish a new way for people to relate to contemporary art. Galleries today are places where most people feel intimidated and excluded by. The relationship between artists and people is obstructed as art dealers create a defining distance with a distinct manner of exhibition. For artists to be supported, their artworks need to be sold - for people to buy art, they have to understand it, relate to it, and desire it.
Everyone should be made to feel welcome, respected and understood. Contemporary art should be accessible to everyone.
The art world is constituted by sectors that promote art as an unreachable commodity and luxury, either by classifying art within a celebrity culture through the mystification of artists, or by prestigious academic claims that further disparate art and people. TAS hopes to reverse the order in which art has become unattainable by presenting artists that create work for the people, creating a space of no pretense, and reaching a relationship with others through our shows, which allow us to create events that promote a personal and intimate connection with art. Focusing on creating a local impact, working with local artists and providing the people of Vancouver all that TAS has to offer.
our founder
Mariana Rivera (she/her) has worked in the art world for more than 10 years and has always been in the search for the best way to support artists, recognizing a need for a new kind of relationship between people and art. There’s nothing more exciting for Mariana than helping connect the artwork of emerging artists to their new collector, and seeing a work of art go from an artist studio to its new home.
Her experience in multiple artworld sectors, from commercial galleries, to cultural institutions, and public and private art consultancies, has furthered her expertise and influenced her desire to create a supportive and novel environment for artists and the public.
At our shows, you may meet her mom, or partner, or brother, or dachshund Apollo, who are her constant support system and inspiration. Mariana is a true believer that nothing in this life is ever accomplished alone.
TAS COORDINATOR
Ysabel Gana (they/them) is a multidisciplinary artist who is enthusiastic about community development and fostering accessible art spaces. As a recent graduate, they are excited to be a part of TAS’ mission in supporting emerging artists and in encouraging new ways to experience and connect with art. You can probably find them at the shop on weekends, or otherwise dog-watching at the park/ scrounging around town for objects to tinker around with.
TAS GRAPHIC DESINGER
Montserrat Mercado (she/her) is an incredibly gifted graphic designer based in Baja California Sur in Mexico. She developed the brand for TAS to signify everything that we stand for. From the logo, to the brand strategy, to Artist Features and the visuals for each Pop Up, Montserrat is so successful at bringing ideas to life. Being a young female entrepreneur herself, she continues to thrive in the graphic design industry helping young establishments through her design studio ‘Mercado Taller Grafico’. Follow them at @mercado.taller.grafico
