reviewvancouver: Van Dop Gallery

Mmmm! As I entered the Van Dop Gallery on Saturday, I was greeted with warm hospitality, offered a mug of homemade apple cider and delicious Christmas goodies. I was surrounded by a festive atmosphere and original art work was displayed on all the walls of the gracious interior of the gallery.

There were handmade holiday decorations, hand blown glass ornaments, pottery, original paintings and beautifully handmade jewellery by Joanna Lovet. The artist was in attendance, but unfortunately I didn’t have a chance to meet with her.Trudy Van Drop has been operating the gallery for 15 years with her husband. This big older home with fine architecture and select interior designing is impressive. There is beautiful handmade glass in the doors and and every possible space is filled with art -- bathroom, kitchen, hallways, office and living rooms.

More than 100 of Canada’s contemporary artists are represented at The Van Dop Gallery. Carol Arnston is one of the gallery’s fine artists. Arnston’s wonderful romantic flower impressionist oil canvases hang on many of the walls of the gallery.The Van Dop Gallery has to be one of the most unique and beautiful galleries in the Greater Vancouver area.

Even the bathroom has wonderful caricature sculptures as well as more original paintings. The paintings which vary in style are impressionist, realist, abstract and fun colourful collages.

The Van Dop is a the perfect place this holiday season to start looking for that special gift of glassware, pottery, jewellery and especially original paintings. The staff will show you warm hospitality and take your for a tour through the house.