Steveston Grand Prix of Art: the Insider’s Guide

Artists and art fans will be flocking to shoreline Steveston Village on the weekend of July 27 for what may be Metro Vancouver’s coolest cultural happening. The 14th annual Grand Prix of Art will see 150 creative-types of all ages and skill levels unpacking their easels at designated outdoor spots—then painting whatever they see in front of them in an exciting three-hour race against the clock.

Like last year, this summer’s event includes a family-friendly festival vibe, complete with live music, food trucks and a pop-up market brimming with artsy vendors and crafty demonstrations. But the main attraction for most visitors is to wander between the artists and peruse their creative processes as they aim for glory in the event’s Masters, Open and Youth categories.

Once the fevered contest concludes, all the works will be gathered together and displayed at a free-entry art show that also runs throughout the day on July 28. During this exhibition, viewers can cast their votes for the People’s Choice Award––and even consider buying a newly created painting they would love to take home.

What time should I get to Steveston?

The artists will be arriving with their paints and equipment from 8:30am on July 27. A random draw will then be made to determine where each of them will be painting––they will be in position and ready to start at 10:00am. Spectators are then invited to watch the artists in action anytime between 10:00am and the deadline three hours later. At 1:00pm, it will be time to down brushes and the works will be collected for the event’s exhibition and contest-judging phase.

Where exactly will the artists be?

Each of the artists will be randomly divided into small groups and sent to one of 40 different outdoor locations throughout the village. These are situated along a three-kilometre waterfront stretch between Garry Point Park and London Farm. Spectators are encouraged to stroll or bike between the artists, with each location marked on this handy Google map. 

What kind of artists will be competing?

Around 150 artists will be competing in 2024, covering a wide array of ages and skill levels. Look out for up-and-comers in the Youth category (ages eight to 18) plus many intriguing beginners, intermediates and working artists in the highly diverse Open category. The hotly contested Masters category includes experienced and celebrated professional painters from around the Pacific Northwest.

Is there anything else to see?

Yes! Historic Steveston is a beautiful spot to visit at any time of year, of course. But during the Grand Prix of Art, there will also be a fun festival feel throughout the village. This includes live music from popular performers Crabgrass, Blue Dirt Girl and The Blue Hawks on July 27––plus Murphy and the Cats, who will be performing during the event’s exhibition day on July 28.

In addition, there will be food trucks to check out on day one of the event, alongside the village’s full menu of excellent cafes and restaurants. And don’t forget that Steveston’s regular attractions––from the Steveston Tram to the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site and from Steveston Museum to the Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site––will also be open.

Tell me more about the arts and artisan market

Located in the Festival Field area of the Britannia Shipyards site, the event’s special outdoor market on July 27 will run from noon to 4:30pm. Expanded for 2024, it will include 30 or so carefully curated local vendors and demonstrators. Give yourself plenty of time to peruse everything from hand-sewn hats to wood-turned bowls and from intricate jewellery to artisan glass creations. The market’s demonstrations and interactive activities will include calligraphy, relief printmaking and face painting for kids and adults.

Can I just look at the finished paintings?

Of course! You can get your first glance at all the works from 3:00pm to 5:30pm on July 27 at the free-entry Penta Builders Group Artist Exhibition inside the Seine Net Loft Building at the Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site. The winners in all three categories will have been decided, and this will be your chance to check them out alongside all the other creations. This art show will also be open from 10:00am to 4:00pm on July 28, when (at 3:30pm) the winner of the People’s Choice Award will be announced.

Can I buy the paintings?

You certainly can. Once the event’s exhibition phase kicks off, all the works will be available for sale on a first-come-first-served basis. You can then pick up your unique purchase when the art show closes at 4:00pm on July 28. Tip: if you have your heart set on a specific work, arrive early for a chance to buy it.

How do I get to the event?

There will be limited parking available around Steveston Village on Grand Prix day; it’s much better to arrive on transit (use the handy Translink trip planner tool) or hop aboard Richmond’s free Discovery Shuttle bus.

Even better, why not hop on your bike? Steveston can be reached via some great cycling routes and your bike is a great way to zip between the artists on the big day. There will also be two free Bike Lock Valet services available during the event plus an additional Bike Valet available at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery, if you want to use pedal power to get here and then explore the village and the festival site on foot.

EVENT DETAILS

Grand Prix of Art
Date: July 27-28, 2024
Location: Various locations throughout Steveston Village
Admission: Free

Last Updated on August 19, 2024 by Tourism Richmond