Kids and creativity go hand in hand and Erin Boniferro, the artistic brains behind kids' art studio Collage Collage, has created the perfect space for both. This crafty little East Van locale offers art programming for kids, hosts drop-in classes and birthday parties, and stocks lovely art supplies, toys and dolls made by local artists, and cool craft kits and books for kids.
In addition to their kids' offerings, Collage Collage also acts as a gallery showcasing local artists, hosts super-fun adult craft nights and carries a carefully curated selection of unique art books that attract the local art and design crowd. “The biggest compliment of all is when a book maker buys their books at our store,” says Erin from her perch at the huge, custom-made communal table made by a friend from distinctive, blue-veined pine-beetle pine. “This table is truly the heart of the store,” Erin explains. “Stain after stain and scratch after scratch, this table is evidence of all the art making that takes place here.”
And that art making is influenced by a philosophy that values process over product, as art at Collage Collage is not prescriptive. Instead Erin describes it as “honouring each maker's creativity.”
At any given day in the studio you'll find families taking part in classes (the perfect solution for what to do with kids on a rainy day!), as well as artists, designers and DIYers looking for supplies and inspiration.
