Eastside Exposure

The WoodWorks Gallery, opening March 16 in the heart of Vancouver's vibrant Commercial Drive shopping area, will showcase the diversity and craftship of value-created wood products made in British Columbia.

In addition to "big-ticket" items such as furniture, the gallery on Grant Street will feature a wide range of wood objects from carvings, turned toys, bowls, boxes, and home and garden accessories.

In an interview with VCR, owner Greg Wheeler explained, "It's a gallery of very high-end work, the very best that is out there, and not a 'gift' shop but a gallery where people will be able to buy a $50 piece or a $10,000 to $6,000 piece."

The inaugural exhibition at the WoodWorks Gallery will feature 10 furniture pieces from the workshop of John Bird, a native of Vancouver and graduate of Parnham College, Dorset, England. John incorporates second-generation materials to create a contemporary and original West Coast aesthetic. The pieces on display range from small side tables ($375) made from mahogany reclaimed from the Bank of Nova Scotia at Granville and Davie to a "wineboy" ($2,700), a wine rack for up to 45 bottles made from second-generation Douglas-fir flooring.

As with traditional galleries, the WoodWorks Gallery operates on a consignment basis and charges the artists a commission of 35 per cent for items sold. The producer determines the retail price. The gallery provides retail space, promotion and advertising, and acts as a point-of-sale contact on behalf of the producer. The gallery will host new exhibits and openings on a regular three- to four-week schedule.

Visitors may drop by any day (except Monday) to view and buy some of BC's best.