‘CROSSING PATHS’ VAN MURAL FEST x WEST END BIA - 2023
Lively, exciting, and playful colours transform this blank surface into an area of imagination by enticing the passerby to observe and interact with their urban surroundings.
This palette samples the ocean and skyline while embodying the colours from the sunset that English Bay is so commonly known for. The forms used in this composition reflect the cyclical patterns of surrounding pedestrian movements.
‘Crossing Paths’ intends to bring joy and a sense of play that will inspire the community and the viewer to pause, reflect, and connect to the city they inhabit.
Thank You's:
Vancouver Mural Fest (Organizers)
Drew Young (Curator)
West End BIA (Client)
Mavreen David (Project Manager)
Drip & Roll (Paint Team)
photos by David Geary
Location:
1800 Davie St
Davie & Denman
English Bay - Vancouver
ASTRO ALLEY MURAL JAM - 2023
Astro Alley, a new festival addition, is taking place on the grounds behind Astro Studio, where VMF was partly founded. Astro Studio has grown to be an artist collective of 20, primarily VMF alumni.
A hotbed for street art and graffiti mural production, Astro Alley has historically been one of the last spots in the city where artists can create murals and street art unhindered, uninterrupted, without outside influence. It has long been used as a testing ground for this collective and friends, and will now be completely repainted for the public.
Situated between Columbia and Manitoba, this block is a bubble of creative freedom at the heart of a rapidly changing neighbourhood.
Thank You's:
Drew Young
Brother Jopa
Laura Jane Klassen
Vancouver Mural Fest
Location:
163 W 4th Ave (back alley) - Vancouver
100 AMIGOS EXHIBITION - 2023
After a two-year hiatus, the legendary 100 Amigos Exhibition returns, featuring 100 12”x12” artworks. The collection aims to celebrate and uncover some of Vancouver’s most exciting visual artists from a full spectrum of disciplines.The artists are curated on skill and motive — not marketability — 100 Amigos provides artists the opportunity to create without bounds.
The joined forces of curators Pablo Zamudio, Drew Young, and Douglas Coupland make this edition of 100 Amigos particularly unique. Each artist has had major influence on the city’s culture of fashion, design, and public art through their own distinct lenses.
Show Runs: Jan 27th - Feb 19th / 1021 West Hastings / Entrance through 355 Burrard
view full catalog here 100 Amigos Catalog
Thank You's:
Drew Young
Pablo Zamudio
Douglas Coupland
‘LOOKING FORWARD’ SOLO EXHIBITION - 2022
This will be a Full Catalog of Jake's work, showing pieces created over the last 5 years. His approach is extremely meticulous, and has evolved from his roots in Graffiti, which are foundational to his compositions.
From hand drafted concepts, to hand assembly, Jake has been evolving his process and adding new dynamics and dimensionality to his work. Blending his 15+ years of practicing, this show gives you a peek into what's ahead for his distinct assemblage style.
Opening Night - Oct 15th 6 - 10
Meet & Greet - Oct 22 3 - 6
Closing Event - Oct 29 6 -9
bookable viewings: Tues-Thurs & Saturday - Oct 18th- 27th
photos by Brother Jopa
VANCOUVER MURAL FEST x ROYAL CENTRE - 2022
Thank You to Drew Young & Van Mural Fest for putting me on the roster, to Royal Centre for supporting local Artists, to Britany Lawrence for the calm demeanour and being the go to for all questions that need answers, Dulux Paints for the flawless swatch matches, and last but not least all the Artists that took part. It was great to meet all of you, see your process, and talk shop/troubleshooting
Thank You's:
Vancouver Mural Fest
Drew Young
Dulux Paint
Royal Centre
Location:
Royal Centre - Vancouver
OUTSIDE THE LINES COURT MURAL VIDEO - 2021
My ‘Outside the Lines’ Basketball Court Mural for We the West Fest shot & edited by Meg Cuthbert
Thank You's:
We the West Fest
Sherwin Williams
Megan Cuthbert
City of Langford
Location:
Veteran's Memorial Park - Langford
OUTSIDE THE LINES COURT MURAL PROJECT - 2021
A Mashup of Sport meets Art. Witness powerful and awe-inspiring works of visual art unfold, as artists and muralists reimagine what a basketball court can look like. Ten courts throughout the Capital Region will be transformed like never before, breathing new life, new conversations, and new possibilities into these important public spaces.
Thank You's:
We the West Fest for being so supportive and for bringing me onboard, such a lovely team front to back.
Sherwin Williams for the heavy duty paint, ArmourSeal TreadPlex WaterBased Acrylic
Megan Cuthbert for the documentation and photography
The City of Langford for getting us the court, such a great park to work in
Location: Veteran's Memorial Park - Langford
2TRACK ENTERTAINMENT MURAL - 2021
Max and I met in Victoria over a decade ago, back when my Art was mostly Graffiti, he is now producing music in Vancouver on the same block where I have a studio space. These days I am creating abstract geometric assemblages based in the realm of graffiti futurism. This Mural is designed to be a melding of how I was creating back then, in the form of what I am making now. An "old meets new" homage to our time as friends, and a nod to his current music practice.
Thank You’s:
The City of Vancouver for the supply budget / Dulux for the paint
Layout Art Supply for the aerosol / 2Track Entertainment for the wall
& Max Dishaw for giving me full creative reign on this design
VANCOUVER MURAL FEST DIGITAL GROUP SHOW - 2020
In the five years since the festival’s inception, VMF has produced 300+ public art projects, celebrated hundreds of local and international creatives and caught the public eye. In VMF tradition, this exhibition plans to be more ambitious than ever, with 100+ original and reproduction works from alumni and other powerful talents from the Lower Mainland.
This collection of artists represents not only the legacy of VMF over the past five years but also those who share the same artistic and cultural values. The spectrum of artists is, as always, culturally and stylistically diverse. VMF proudly celebrates diversification, giving those marginalized a platform, a canvas, and a place to be seen. This ideology is at the centre of our ethos, and Year 5 will be an extension of this – a dais for equal representation and celebration of art.
All original 12"x12" works of art are available for sale, along with limited print reproductions.
‘EQUIDISTANT’ VIDEO - 2020
My first video documenting the completion of my Latest and Largest piece to date entitled 'Equidistant'
I purchased a Sony a6000 at the end of 2019 and have been feasting on how to videos learning about the camera and Premiere Pro, I can immediately tell that Videography is a new found passion that will be with me for the rest of my days.
Here is a video I shot/edited with my thus far minimal knowledge.
THE RETURN OF 100 AMIGOS AT EL KARTEL - 2019
El Kartel and Drew Young are proud to invite you to the comeback of this legendary 100+ works exhibition after an eight year hiatus. Our aim: Celebrate and uncover some of the city’s most exciting visual artists from a full spectrum of traditional mediums.
Since 2003, El Kartel has been a staple when it comes to accessing the alternative and emerging arts community. Pablo Zamudio and his team have exhibited thousands of works, hosted countless attendees and, most importantly, continue to carve out space for artists in a city where brick and mortar has nearly become a fantasy.
MADE FROM SCRAPS X CRAFTED VANCOUVER - 2019
My Sundial Piece for the Made From Scraps Vol.1 Wood Series Finale
Hosted by Patrick Christie - Presented by Vancouver Art Community - Powered by Space
Made From Scraps brings artists and designers of all type together to find practical and creative uses for a featured “scrap” material. Artists participating in Made from Scraps: Volume 1 represent a variety of backgrounds and practices, and converge around a common material: WOOD. This series sparks a new conversation about sustainability, as the artists and designers innovate products and applications that provide practical solutions to design and objects of value, sentimentality, beauty, and longevity.
SWITZERCULT SHOWROOM EXHIBITION - 2019
At SwitzerCultCreative™ our mission is the discovery, promotion, marketing and development of modern, original designs for living.
Through our extensive network of designer showrooms in Canada and the United States we provide the opportunity for a carefully curated grouping of original designer Brands to increase brand recognition and develop their market.
In our new Vancouver Showroom and Gallery we are passionate about showcasing both established Brands and new innovative collections of furniture, lighting, accessories and textiles. Our vision for our flagship showroom is to provide the opportunity for designer Brands new to Vancouver and western Canada to flourish and grow.
Artists: Jake Johnston, David Ullock, Pablo Zamudio - Selected by: Pat Christie & Renee Switzer
SKOOKUM ARTIST PAVILION RECAP - 2018
It took Michael Bock and Drew Young about a year to get the Visual Arts Program here and it managed to go off without a "major" hitch. Big thanks to @gnwsshop for the builds and Matakana Scaffolding for the structures, Tim Rolls who has developed some very exciting LED programming software, and huge thanks to all the artists involved in the Art Pavilion, Sarah Delaney @scottsueme @ghostmeadow @brotherjopa @tierneymilne Ilya V Art @qwasen Zac George, Ali Bruce, @badbloodclub @jaketiktokjohnston @7h3m3 James Acrow and @ms_nahanee
Props to Nick Pound and Adrian Sinclair for all your support. BRAND LIVE we all had a blast
Video by Brother Jopa
SKOOKUM MUSIC FESTIVAL - 2018
Framed by the shoreline forests of Vancouver’s iconic Stanley Park, SKOOKUM features an eclectic mix of contemporary music, food, and art – just minutes from the centre of British Columbia’s largest city. Alongside a music lineup of legends and new favourites, you’ll discover live art and multimedia installations by local artists, complemented by a taste-tripping selection of culinary experiences – from cool food trucks to remarkable dishes from some of Vancouver’s most notable chefs and restaurateurs.
OPUS ART SUPPLIES LIVE PAINT AT VMF - 2018
Opus Art Supplies live painted Skate Decks & Raffle at Vancouver Mural Festival 2018, Artists include: Alison Woodward, Jenn Brisson, & Lauren Elms
VANCOUVER MURAL FEST BUS - 2017
Create Vancouver Society and the Mount Pleasant BIA is excited to announce the Vancouver Mural Festival Street Party on Saturday, August 12th from 12pm–6pm. With 10 blocks in Mount Pleasant closed to traffic including Main St between E 12th & E 7th Ave. and the alley between Main + Quebec St.
Up to 100,000 people are expected to visit the area to view the completed murals and take in live art.
Bus provided by Hyak Rafting Co
TAKING IT GLOBAL WISH 150 - 2017
OPENING RECEPTION: Tuesday August 1st ,7-9pm
Opening by Cease Wyss, Artist talks, Poetry with Mitchell Touchie and Justin Bige, Dance performance with Vidya Kotamraju, Musical performance with Familiar Wild, and DJ set with Erica Dee
TakingITGlobal presents the Wish150 A Long Way Home exhibit featuring the Vancouver Mosaic. The project brings together wood pieces painted by 9 different artists from British Columbia, to form a diverse mosaic. These emerging artists have the opportunity to creatively express their identity, the aesthetic of their community, and their wish for Canada in the next 150 years.
Artwork by ADELE MASKWA ISKWEW ARSENEAU, ANDREW TAVUKCIYAN, JAKE TIKTOK JOHNSTON, BRODERICK WONG, CAITLIN McDONAGH, CHANDA STALLMAN, KIM VILLAGANTE, SANDEEP JOHAL, TANIA OROZCO, EMMA HASSENCAHL, CARSEN GRAY.
'METICULOUS' SOLO SHOW - 2017
Jake Johnston, also known as ‘TikTok’, is an Abstract Geometric Artist currently working out of Slice of Life Gallery & Studios in Vancouver, BC. His youthful mischievousness would initially enter him into the world of Art via the avenue of Graffiti, teaching him the tools and techniques that are currently used in his paintings today. In 2010, a 2 year Graphic Design course taken at The Pacific Design Academy in Victoria BC would forever alter his approach to configuration, and give him new means by which to produce, promote, and capture his work. After achieving his diploma, TikTok would take the leap from his home town and make the move to Montreal QC, which would prove to be an exceptionally formative experience for him. In 2014 TikTok would return to the West Coast and call Vancouver home. If Montreal was a place of revelation, then Vancouver would become the hallmark of commitment to his craft with the focus of turning a hobby into a career. Using masking techniques and spray paint to form his compositions, usually over stained wood grain panels, his approach to execution shows a disciplined workmanship that mirrors his ‘everything in its right place’ habits. TikTok’s striking assemblage and finite execution can be summarized as nothing short of meticulous.
KEYS TO THE STREETS PIANO - 2016
Keys to the Streets brings delight and surprise to Vancouver’s public spaces by providing vibrantly painted pianos for everyone to play. The pianos offer a space for improvisational gatherings, spontaneous connections, and celebrations of music. Our pianos are painted by local artists and placed in an outdoor public space, where community stewards look after them for the summer months. These pianos aim to create a space that makes Vancouver a more vibrant, engaged, and interactive city. The pianos provided help to address the issue of social isolation in Vancouver by providing spaces that allow and encourage connections between many demographics, all levels of musical skill, and those that simply listen. Keys to the Streets started as a CityStudio student idea in the spring of 2013 and once launched, spurred a flurry of media and community praise. It has since been identified as one the most engaging and accessible projects in Vancouver by community members, media, tourists and music makers of all types. With the blessing and support of CityStudio, Keys to the Streets is transitioning into its own entity, keeping true to its roots as a student project that took a chance, put a piano in a park, and sat back to watch the magic happen. Onwards and Upwards! - Aaron Tilston-Redican & Becky Till
CANADA RUGBY 7'S BALL - 2016
Artists Curated by Drew Young
SQUAMISH VALLEY MUSIC FESTIVAL - 2015
Brandlive and Livenation present the inaugural year of Squamish Valley Music Festival’s Visual Arts Program. The organizers have teamed up with local artist/curator Drew Young, to produce a robust site-wide program. The instalations were produced by 40+ locally/internationally celebrated artists, specializing in a wide spectrum artistic disciplines. Festival-goers engage immediately with 100’+ of sculptural works at main gates. Their course continues by installations including a massive rendition of this year’s Poly Bear mascot and ultimately arrive at the VA Program’s mecca - The Art Pavilion. The Pavilion is a 3-tiered arts castle; providing attendees a constantly evolving day/night arts experience and incredible vantage points for performances. The structure is wrapped in 20 live-painting murals and houses one of the world’s largest mechanized kaleidoscopes. At night it’s look is illuminated by an incredible light/laser display and a 40’ one-of-a-kind psychedelic interactive animation wall. This festival has become the playground the West Coast art community deserves. Executive Producer: Paul Runnels Creative Director/Curator: Drew Young Project Manager: Jackie Sakaguchi Site Director: Isaac Kinakin Lighting: Jason McKinnon POLY BEAR Concept: Drew Young Fabrication: Aaron Gullmes Animation/VJ: Jonny Ostrem Bear Design: Jeremiah Shaw Schematics: Drew Young, Jonny Ostrem REACTIVE WALL Concept: Jonny Ostrem Animation/VJ: Jonny Ostrem KALEIDOSCOPE Concept: Drew Young Design: Brayden Eshuis, Christian Honetschlager Fabrication: Christian Honetschlager ART PAVILION Concept: Drew Young Layout: Drew Young Managers: Lucy Cameron, Nick Pound Muralists: Ilya Viryachev Drew Young Tierney Milne Shannon Elliott James Knight ISREK Peter Ricq Alison Woodward Ali Bruce Lauren Coutts Brent clowater Colin Moore Ben Knight Mark Illing TIKTOK Lucy Cameron Karston Smith Taka Sudo Ben Tour Mandy Tsung Russell Alton Dylan Humphreys GATES Design: Drew Young Fabrication: Aaron Gullmes Murals: Colin Moore, James Knight, Brayden Eshuis Schematics: Drew Young Signage: James Knight, Eidan Gidon VIDEO Camera: Joe Klymkiw, JOI Productions Edit: Drew Young Music: Runnin - GANG SIGNS (STINT Remix)
EL KARTEL GROWLER SHOW - 2015
Local art scene meets craft beer. An UnTapped Craft Imports & El Kartel collaboration night of awesome one of a kind growler art, dj's, dancing, tasty Oregon craft beer from Worthy Brewing & a whole lotta fun.
ION MAGAZINE INTERVIEW ISSUE #93 - 2014
“Now that my cigarettes, lighter, cell phone, note pad, and water bottle are placed beside me, properly spaced with perfect parallels, and the music volume is just right, let’s get started.”
FRESH PAINT GALLERY INSTALLATION - 2014
"So far, my top of the top has got to be my exhibition at Fresh Paint Gallery in Montreal. The show came at a great time, when I was very creatively charged and ready to invest in a big project. It was great to meet and work alongside a lot of awesome people" - excerpt from Ion Magazine interview
As an exhibition, education and events hub, Fresh Paint Gallery aims to balance cultural and formative elements with the objective of promoting and encouraging the practices of Graffiti and Street Art.
BEAUX DEGAT ART BATTLE #13 - 2013
Beaux Degats exists for the simple reason of bringing back what has been too long forgotten or ignored by commercial and private art institutions. These battles bring us back to the reality of the artists, graffiti writers, street artists, which is that of community, accessibility, sharing, and the acceptance that, by nature, everything which is created is ephemeral. During two hours, six teams of artists, coming from different backgrounds, compete on a large scale format based on two imposed thematics. While street artists, graffiti writers, and visual artists work on their creation, the public votes for their favourite mural.
CRUDESSENCE MURAL - 2013
Mural done for Crudessence
Videography & Editing by Shane Day